Apprentices Holiday Manchester Pantomimes

Handbill, paper, Apprentices Holiday Manchester Pantomimes, London & North Western Railway handbill advertising a cheap afternoon excursion train on Shrove Tuesday, 18 Feb. 1890 from Leeds to Manchester (Exchange). Printed by McCorquodale & Co. Document no. NED No. 30.

In the 19th and early 20th century it was common for railway companies to encourage their employees to engage in activities outside of work. This included encouraging the formation of societies such as rifle associations and bands. It also included putting on cheap excursions for their workers. These benefits were not available in other industries, making the railways seem more appealing. These activities also helped to build community within the rail industry and helped to raise the morale of workers.

However, initiatives like this were not entirely benevolent. Many of these actions doubled as anti-union measures. If workers were afraid to lose the benefits of a railway career, they would be less likely to strike. Additionally, companies believed that these activities would distract workers from their potential grievances.