Summary - TST 33

TRANSPORTES, SERVICIOS Y TELECOMUNICACIONES


TST 33

Francisco de los COBOS ARTEAGA

Rediscovering the hidden jobs. Railway companies and the female workforce (1850-1900)

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Key Words: Female workforce, labour conditions, work organization, gender studies.

[ Abstract ]

This study focuses on the works done by women in the early stages of the Spanish railway, an important issue but almost ignored by those who have analysed this industry. The paper is based in documentary sources provided by the Spanish railway companies. But also on relevant French references, due to the headquarters of the Spanish companies were located in France, where labour relations were set. The main conclusion is that, from the late of the 19th century, railway companies incorporated whole families in lower jobs. Some of the services developed by women were not reflected in the accounting of the workforce of companies.