Southern Railway Fires 40 Clerks Who Refused to Punch Time Clocks In Accordance With Union Agreement, Dec. 3, 1919

From the Forest City Courier, Dec. 3, 1919. Today we'd say, "punch the time clock," but in 1919 it was called "checked."  

Clerks Discharged Because They Refused to Punch Time Clock Recently Installed

Spencer—Forty clerks employed in Southern Railway at Spencer were dismissed because they failed to “check” in on a time clock just installed by the authorities who notified the clerks they will be required to check. When the men took seats at their desks, they were asked if they had checked, and when the answer was given in the negative they were notified that their services would no longer be needed. The offices were vacated at once.

Inquiry was made of the leaders and the matter was termed a lock-out, pure and simple. It was stated that this is the only place on the Southern system where clerks have been required to check. It was also stated that the clerks through their union have contracted with the railroad administration, one article of which provides that they will not be required to do anything not formerly practiced. It was on this ground that they refused to check.