When at overtime they work from 8 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.
PROSPECTS.—The forewoman was at the bench once.
GENERAL.—"On the floor below," said my informant, "are litho girls—not the sort whom you could speak to. That is a very bad trade."
26. Printer's and Bookbinder's Firm in Leeds. Employer's Information.
I was shown over the factory. The rooms are all very large and lofty. Electric instead of steam power is used, and so the factory is far less noisy and cooler than most printing works.
One hundred and twenty girls of a very superior class are employed.
The conditions under which work is carried on here are evidently very good.
They print large advertisement posters, time-tables, magazines, novels, and make account books, cheque books, etc.
TRAINING.—Girls begin by feeding ruling machines, packing, etc., and the length of their "apprenticeship" depends entirely upon the girls themselves. They are put on piece work as soon as they are fit for it; they are taken on about fourteen without premium, and their wages begin at 4s. 6d. or, sometimes, 5s., and rise by degrees till they are paid piece work rates.
WAGES.—Folding and Sewing (piece work).—The pay ranges about 10s., 12s., 16s., up to 25s. per week.