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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