ABSTRACT
The cotton industry has been the subject of intensive investigation and the focus of contentious debate amongst social and economic historians of all orientations. This chapter aims to rescue some aspects of the social history of cotton finishing from anonymity and presents a rough-hewn overview, focusing on the experience of work and wages in the industry, and the evolution of trade unionism and industrial relations during the phase of industrial maturity. The experience and status of the craft artisans in the cotton finishing industry before World War One contrasted markedly with that of the mass of bleach and dye workers. Craftsmen exercised more discretion and authority at work; and they enjoyed relative job security, lighter work, and higher wages, and usually toiled in a less unhealthy work environment. The majority of employees in cotton finishing were male labourers or semi-skilled workers involved in the bleaching, dyeing, washing and cleaning the cloth.
