After Work - Pay

Holeproof Drawing.jpg

A sketch of the new Holeproof Hosiery Bathurst plant. RC20350. Archives and Special Collections, Western Libraries, Western University.

Women who worked at Holeproof Hosiery and London Hosiery Mills received a wide wage range. However, from the lowest wage to the highest, the hourly rate at hosiery factories was low. Most female workers in the factory were also paid by piece work. This meant that they were paid an additional rate per a specific number of socks they produced, regardless of the time it took them to make the item. While the hourly wage was low, those who worked hard could make decent money with the piece work added. This extra wage contributed to the busy work environment as women tried to work as many machines as possible and produce the maximum number of good socks.

AFC 341-S8-I19 Luxite Textiles factory interior 2, 1920.jpg

In 1945, Holeproof Hosiery added a lingere factory to their growing operation in London. It was called Luxite and while it was originally part of the Bathurst plant, by the 1950s it moved to Talbot Street. This branch of Holeproof Hosiery made around thirty different items - including panties, gowns, pyjamas, and petticoats. AFC 341-S8-I19. Hines' Studio Collection, Archives and Special Collections, Western Libraries, Western University. 

AFC 341-S8-I18 Luxite Textiles factory interior 1, 1920.jpg

The interior of Luxite Textiles Factory! AFC 341-S8-I18. Hines' Studio Collection, Archives and Special Collections, Western Libraries, Western University. 

Van Buskirk describes how much she was paid during her time at Holeproof.

Stoddart describes what she was paid and explains piece-work.

Ward describes how much she was paid at Holeproof Hoisery.

After Work - Pay