ABSTRACT
The unions defended the rules by arguments based on the need to protect the health, comfort, or efficiency of the worker; in many cases they obtained the impartial support of experts in the field of industrial medicine and hygiene. The loss of productivity in the long run through the premature exhaustion of the workers by severe strain on high-speed machines, by the increase of accidents due to fatigue, by the decline in general health from working in ill-ventilated offices, and eating and drinking in unsanitary workrooms, can never be estimated. ‘Trade Agreement and negotiating commitments with Employers’ Federations and kindred unions on matters relating to demarcation issues and the daily application of Society rules and usages are beginning to really test to the limit the Society’s administrative structure which, whilst adequate to meet the demands of former years, is beginning to creak at the present moment.’.
