Description

Sweated Industry and the Minimum Wage by A. Cree and W. H. Beveridge is a seminal work that delves into the harsh realities of early 20th-century labor conditions in Britain, focusing on the phenomenon of sweated industries—sectors characterized by low wages, long hours, and poor working environments, particularly for women and unskilled workers. Drawing on detailed investigations, personal testimonies, and statistical data, the authors expose the exploitation and poverty endured by workers in trades such as tailoring, box-making, and chain-making. The book critically examines the economic and social factors that perpetuate these conditions, including the lack of effective labor organization, the oversupply of labor, and the inadequacy of existing legal protections. Central to the book is the discussion of the minimum wage as a potential remedy for industrial sweating. The authors analyze the origins and development of the minimum wage movement, referencing contemporary legislative experiments in Australia and New Zealand, and assess the feasibility and potential impact of similar reforms in Britain. They explore the arguments for and against statutory wage regulation, considering its implications for employers, employees, and the broader economy. Through a combination of empirical research and policy analysis, Sweated Industry and the Minimum Wage advocates for state intervention to establish fair wages and improve working conditions, while also acknowledging the complexities and challenges involved in implementing such reforms. Rich in historical detail and social insight, the book provides a vivid portrait of the struggles faced by the working poor and the early efforts to secure economic justice through legislative action. It remains a valuable resource for understanding the origins of labor reform and the ongoing debates surrounding wage regulation and workers’ rights.