Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-09-02

A somewhat novel form of industrial partner.
ship is on trial in New York in the extensive
carriage factory of Brewster & Co., of Broome
street. 1t differs from cooperation in that the
workmen have no voice in the management of
the business and no capital invested in it, nor
are they responsible for losses. 1t differs from
the English industrial partnerships in that the
workmen do not share in the losses of past
years, but are always sure of their proportions
of the profits of each year whether large or
small, and their percentage is reckoned on the
gross profits, with no deductions for interest on
capital or personal services of the partners
The agreement between the employers and
wOrkmen is thus Sketched by a reporter of the
New York World:
"The constitution determines the sum to he
divided among the employees to be 10 per cent
of the profits of the year. each year standing by
itself, and the members of the firm deducting
nothing for interest on capital or services from
the sum to be divided. A "board of governors"
was elected for the shop at large, and aboard
of control" for each department There were
seven departments, consisting of the various
trades employed in the factory. The boards of
control consisted of three members elected by
each department. They were charged with the
enforcement of all the rules and regulations
made by the governors, and the chairman of
the boards were required 10 report monthly the
working condition of their respective depart
ments. The board of governors consisted of
the chairmcn of the boards of control. They as
sembled once a month"; or oftener if required
their secretary receives a salary; they
choose the president of the asso-
citation from the firm of Brewster
& Co., and they have power to make rules for
the government of the shop. Every measure
must be presented TO the president for approval;
if disapprovcd it can be passed over his veto by
a two-thirds vote of all its members. The board
of governors also elect Il representative of the
shop at large. The eleventh article protects the
proprietary interests of the firm, declaring that
the association has no rights over the manage
ment of the business or interest in it, and that
the wages paid by the firm is to be held full
compensation for all services rendered by it.
The association may be dissolved at the close of
each fiscal year either by Brewster & Co. or by
a two-thirds vote. Provision is made for the
share of profits accruing to persons who leave or
are discharged from the employment of Brew
ster & Co. The other articles of the constitution
are intended to regulate the internal working of
the association, and are not of special public in
tereSt."
Mr.. Briton of the firm of Brewster Co., the
originator of this scheme, is the present presi-
dent of the ASSOCIATION. He says that
it works well so far. Its original pur-
pose was to cultivate pleasant relations
between the Office and the shop. 1t has
not yet proved a pecUniary advantage TO the
firm, though they are confident it will eventual
| ly become so; but it has been productive of an
| increased mutual confidence. The dividend adds
to the yearly income of each workman about
four perc The scheme was regarded by the
workmen at first with some dstrust, but there
is now every appearance of a desire to facilitate
its working. The men prove to be more strict
in discipline than their employees would ven
ture to be and will not tolerate any negligence,
irregularity, or sighting of work. The work
men are satisfied, but the trade organizations do
not approve of the system. 1t is an interesting
effort towards the solution of the labor problem.