The Limerick United Trades and Labour Council, along with several affiliated societies, supported a resolution opposing the “Living-In System” during a meeting held on March 9, 1906. The resolution, passed by the Limerick Branch of the Irish Drapers’ Assistants’ Benefit and Protective Association, called for immediate action by parliamentary representatives to include a clause in the proposed Workingmen’s Bill. This clause would prohibit employers from making deductions from employees’ wages in lieu of board and lodgings, a practice seen as contrary to the Truck Act and a violation of workers’ rights and liberties.

The resolution was endorsed by various labour organizations affiliated with the Trades and Labour Council, including:

1. The Brick and Stone-Layers, with Daniel Flannery as President and James Flavin as Secretary.
2. Smiths and Fitters, represented by Mathew McInerney as President and James O’Donnell as Secretary.
3. Builders’ Labourers’ Society, led by F. McGrath as President and B. Kenny as Secretary.
4. Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, with John Glynn as President and P.J. Lee as Secretary.
5. Limerick Typographical Society, presided over by James J. O’Halloran, with John Christie as Secretary.
6. Amalgamated Society of Tailors, with J. O’Halloran as President and P. Hayes as Secretary.
7. Stonecutters’ Union of Ireland, represented by Joseph Clohessy as President and John O’Dowd as Secretary.
8. Amalgamated Bakers of Ireland (Limerick Branch), led by P.K. O’Sullivan as President and Timothy Kearney as Secretary.
9. Limerick Guild of House Painters, with Michael Anderson as President and Michael Gavin as Secretary.
10. Amalgamated Mill Sawyers, with P. Downey as President and Wm. McNamara as Secretary.
11. Amalgamated Society of Pork Butchers, presided over by Patrick Hogan, and Thomas B. Gough as Secretary.
12. Limerick United Trade and Labour Council, with M. Leaby as President and Mathew Harvey as Secretary.

This united stance against the “Living-In System” reflects the growing concern among labour organizations and their desire to protect workers’ rights and fair employment practices.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 26 June 1906