The Lost Code

Working in the Factory

Workers at the International Manufacturing Co. in Montréal

McCord Museum, Circa 1914–1918, MP-0000.2082.6

Most factory workers were French Canadian, but they were also joined by English-speaking Irish immigrants, who were also Catholic. Since they were poorly educated, they had to accept unskilled jobs. They worked an average of 10 to 12 hours a day, six days a week, for more than 60 hours a week. Factory workers often had to work even longer, since the scarcity of work and nonexistent job security made it difficult to refuse extra hours.

Workers could be fired without notice. If there was no work, they were simply sent home without pay. Their earnings were therefore irregular. Women also worked in factories under the same conditions as men, but for lower wages.

Factories were unsanitary. Dust, grime, and heat made work difficult. The machines were dangerous and injuries were common. If injured, workers simply went unpaid. If they became disabled, they faced poverty and destitution.