Automated Bobbin-Changing Equipment Threatens Job Security of 9-Year-Olds
June 17th, 1833
LANCASHIRE—A grave threat to industrious youth! In this, the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty-three, the cheerful children of the textile mills face an unprecedented threat to their heretofore unchallenged role in the textile industry. This invention, cost-saving to factory owners to the detriment of children’s paychecks, was created by a Mr. Edward Spincraft.
“Yes, you have heard correctly,” Spincraft said at the unveiling of the contraption at a South Lancashire workhouse, “I have done it! I have created a wholly auto-matic bobbin-changing machine. Now there will be no need for children running about the factory, changing the bobbins themselves. Instead, my machine, which I dub ‘the Bobbin Changer,’ will do this arduous task for them. I hope that, instead of bothering our dignified workers with their youthful chatter and playful nature, these children will instead focus on a more age-appropriate way to use their shrill tone, like hawking fruits and vegetables on the street.”
“There’s no way one of those dastardly machines can replace one o’ us!” said Johnny Cross, a ten-year-old orphan in the workhouse. “I’ve got a special trick to changin’ out the bobbins that no piece of ‘quipment can compete with. ‘Sides, what am I gonna do next? Chimney sweep? A boy’s gotta provide for himself here! I’ve got to put bread on the table!”
We also spoke to Robert Weavemond, the head supervisor of a textile workhouse in Manchester. . “Look, everyone knows that kids belong out on the workhouse floor,” Weavemond said. “Can’t imagine what this place would be like without ‘em. No Jimmy’s and Sammy’s runnin’ about, causin’ trouble, making everyone laugh? Getting’ their fingers cut off by a machine, adding a bit o’ excitement to everyone’s day? Just hardworking adults, working alone all day, without children changin’ out their bobbins for them? I don’t think so. Next, they’re gonna try to get me to ‘give them something besides gruel’ and ‘let people leave the workhouse without permission.’ Ha. Not happening. We’ll find some use for the kids, even if it’s not bobbin changing. ”
In response to the “Bobbin Changer,” a child-led protest has formed at workhouses across the textile district in London. Children bearing signs that say “Bring back child labor!” and “Kids need money, too!” have been spotted at these protests. The majority of protestors, however, being illiterate, have taken to just shouting their demands.
