The Limerick Carpenters’ Union has presented a list of complaints regarding the significant number of apprentices and the use of foreign joinery and doors in the industry. A partial strike has begun, with the Union advocating for a ratio of one apprentice for every six employees, along with a ban on working with imported joinery and doors. This dispute highlights persistent challenges within the carpentry trade, as an abundance of low-cost, young labor has made it increasingly difficult for older, more skilled craftsmen to secure employment.
As part of their efforts to address these challenges, the Union has drafted a code of rules aimed at curtailing the unfavorable practices within the industry. One of these rules is to limit the number of apprentices, providing a more balanced workforce composition that could potentially create better opportunities for experienced workers.
Another rule targeting imported joinery and doors reflects the Union’s concerns over protecting local businesses and craftsmen’s interests from the competition posed by foreign products. Overall, the Union’s actions seek to establish a framework that ensures a more equitable and sustainable future for the carpentry trade, especially for those elderly and experienced craftsmen who have been adversely affected by the industry’s recent trends.
Sheffield Evening Telegraph – Monday 25 February 1901
