The Changing Workplace

1. The Changing Workplace Chapter 8 – Section 4 (A)

2. Factories Change Work • In the early 19th century almost all clothing was produced in the home. • New manufacturing techniques shifted production from homes to factories. • Factory life split families, created new communities and changed the relationship between employers and workers.

3. Changes • Until the 1820s, most people farmed or worked at home in “cottage industry.” • The “revolution” started with power looms, which mechanized the textile process, cutting the cost of production, making cottage industries obsolete.

4. Early Factories • Eventually other areas of manufacturing also shifted to factories. • Interchangeable parts revolutionized production • Cut costs. • Allowed unskilled workers to perform more tasks.

5. From Farm to Factory • “Mill girls” provided the workforce at Lowell, Massachusetts. • Most were unmarried farm girls. • Lived in boarding houses under strict curfews • Closely monitored for behavior and church attendance • By 1825, these girls, most under 30 years old, made up 90% of the workforce.

6. Conditions at Lowell • Women paid less than men. • 5 AM to 7:30 PM workday • Rigid schedule controlled by bells. • Diseases due to poor conditions • Hot, dark, poor ventilation. • By the 1830s, the owners forced workers to work fast and shortened breaks.

7. Strikes • In 1834, the workers threatened to strike unless things went back to “normal.” • The company threatened to replace the strikers. • But the strikers got no public support so they agreed to return to work at reduced wages. • The mill owners fired the strike leaders.

8. Strikes – Take Two • When the company increased the charge for board (12.5% pay cut), the mill workers struck again. • Again, the company prevailed.

9. The Political Arena • In 1845, workers petitioned the MA state legislature for a 10 hour work day. • The proposed legislation failed to pass, but… • The Lowell Association was able to defeat the legislator who opposed the bill.