For Work / Against Work
Debates on the centrality of work

"Les Ouvriers Du Livre Devant L'innovation Technologique. Esquisse D'une Réflexion"

by Rebérioux, Madeleine (1986)

Abstract

[Cet article analyse, de façon problématique, les réactions des ouvriers du labeur et de la presse aux innovations technologiques qui ont depuis cent-cinquante ans transformé, voire bouleversé leur travail : presses mécaniques vers 1830, linotype au tournant du siècle, mutations complexes des dernières années. Sensibles au progrès technologique et forts d'une conscience collective qu'on peut dire de classe, ils ont chaque fois, non sans graves retards, été capables de faire front. La crise actuelle est de loin la plus difficile. La Fédération Française des Travailleurs du Livre, dont la représentativité reste solide malgré ses reculs, s'oriente vers l'élaboration d'une culture de branche professionnelle et d'entreprise. This paper addresses itself to the problem of how the workmen in the book and printing industries reacted to the technological innovations which in the last hundred and fifty years have caused transformations and maybe a real upheaval in their work, such as mechanical printing round 1830, linotyping at the turn of the century, and complex changes in the last years. Their awareness of technological progress and a very strong group, one might even say class-consciousness, allowed them to rise to the challenge on every occasion, despite serious delays. The present crisis is by far the most painful. The French Federation of the book industry workmen, still representative despite its loss of ground, aims at a professional and entrepreneurial culture.]

Keywords

Book, Printing Press, Book Industry, Labour Movement, Syndicalism, Technology, Machines, History, Historical Context, Social Class, Class Struggle

Themes

French History, History of Work

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