The Stretch-Out System
The southern textile industry grew dramatically during World War I due to government needs for war materials. Thousands of jobs were created and wages were at an all time high. However, this rise in employment and pay was short lived and soon mill owners searched for another way to cut costs.
The Loray Mill was the first to introduce a new management technique called “the stretch-out”. The stretch-out system doubled the mill workers load and increased working hours, while decreasing pay. Instead of buying new machines or technology, mill owners sped up existing machines so workers were forced to work faster and complete double their normal work load. This created an inadequate, dangerous working environment. Workers were paid barely enough to keep food on the table for their families. Since most mill workers at Loray were women, many children were left home alone to care for themselves during the long working day of their mothers. This technique, used to exploit workers, became widespread throughout southern mills. (Graham)
The Loray Mill was the first to introduce a new management technique called “the stretch-out”. The stretch-out system doubled the mill workers load and increased working hours, while decreasing pay. Instead of buying new machines or technology, mill owners sped up existing machines so workers were forced to work faster and complete double their normal work load. This created an inadequate, dangerous working environment. Workers were paid barely enough to keep food on the table for their families. Since most mill workers at Loray were women, many children were left home alone to care for themselves during the long working day of their mothers. This technique, used to exploit workers, became widespread throughout southern mills. (Graham)