Creation of Works Council

Works Councils consisting of a Central Council and Departmental Councils were established at the Cocoa Works in 1919 with both staff and management representatives. A branch of the National Union of General Workers was formally established at the factory in 1917. The Rowntrees wished to deal fairly with employees but there was some initial scepticism regarding the role of trade unions in representing the interests of working people, a view which was shared by Joseph. The objectives of the Works Councils were to ensure full utilisation of all practical knowledge; to deal with issues quickly and find a just resolution; and to raise the status of workers. In line with the Rowntree approach of offering opportunities to women as well as men, the works councils included female membership with voting rights.