Women working at the manufacture of electrical machinery, 1904: film and text

The only significant early industrial films, before 1910, have been made available and show in detail the work conditions for women in heavy industry. These films show Westinghouse workers in 1904 fabricating parts for the rapidly growing electric industry. The literature of women workers from that time provides little insight into their conditions of work, which were different from those of textile, garment and cigar makers, which were better documented. The limited information on the background and work conditions of the workers is presented. The films clearly indicate the speed-up characteristics of the piecework pay system and the physical discomfort of the workers