Lee's Funnies

                                                     

                          Labor Laws

Do you ever feel overworked, over-regulated, under-leisured 
and under-benefited? Take heart, this notice was found in the 
ruins of a London office building. It was dated 1852:

1. This firm has reduced the hours of work, and the clerical 
staff will now only have to be present between the hours of 
6 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays.

2. Clothing must be of sober nature. The clerical staff will 
not disport themselves in raiment of bright colors, nor will 
they wear hose unless in good repair.

3. Overshoes and topcoats may not be worn in the office, but 
neck scarves and head wear may be worn in inclement weather.

4. A stove is provided for the benefit of the clerical 
staff. Coal and wood must be kept in the locker. It is 
recommended that each member of the clerical staff bring 
four pounds of coal each day during the cold weather.

5. No member of the clerical staff may leave the room 
without permission from the supervisor.

6. No talking is allowed during business hours.

7. The craving for tobacco, wine, or spirits is a human 
weakness, and as such is forbidden to all members of the 
clerical staff.

8. Now that the hours of business have been drastically 
reduced, the partaking of food is allowed between 11:30 and 
noon, but work will not on any account cease!!!.

9. Members of the clerical staff will provide their own 
pens. A new sharpener is available on application to the 
supervisor.

10. The supervisor will nominate a senior clerk to be 
responsible for the cleanliness of the main office and the 
supervisor's private office. All boys and juniors will 
report to him 40 minutes before prayers and will remain 
after closing hours for similar work. Brushes, brooms, 
scrubbers, and soap are provided by the owners.

11. The owners recognize the generosity of the new labor 
laws, but will expect a great rise in output of work to 
compensate for these near Utopian conditions.


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