Telegraphers Like New Nine Hour Workday

Council Bluffs, Iowa, 1908

Like New Nine Hour Law

Local Telegraphers Say it is "Fine Dope" to Get Off so Early

When asked how they like the new nine-hour law which recently went into effect, several Council Bluffs telegraphers expressed their sentiments in the two words "fine dope." They say it feels very strange to have to work only nine hours, but all agree that the sensation is delightful.

"It doesn't seem natural to work nine hours and then quit," said one man, "because we were so used to working until we could hardly stand up and keep our eyes open that it seems almost too good to be true."

"It makes a fellow feel like he is getting a square deal, and we certainly appreciate it," said another.

—The Daily Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, March 11, 1908, p. 1.

Professor in Rags Talks to Workers

1920--

Tells Clothing Shop Hands Perils of 40-hour Week

BOSTON, Mass., May 20. -- Exhibiting the tattered lining of his coat, Professor William D. Ripley of Harvard told the Amalgamated Clothing Workers' convention here that the public could not afford to buy clothing at present high prices. The workers had just pledged themselves to cut their working hours to forty a week at present wages.

"If you will look at the clothing of more than one-half of the people of the country today you will see that it is well worn, old, or made-over clothing," Professor Ripley said. "You have the problem to work out. Remember that if you ask large profits to divide up between you and forget us, the public will not buy, and there will be nothing to divide."

--The Saturday Blade, Chicago, May 22, 1920, page 4.