Typographers and the beginning of collective contracting in Portugal (I)

Abstract

In a previous article, serving as an introduction to the present one (see Análise Social, no. 64), the author described the origins of the contracting institution in Europe briefly, then discussing the introduction of collective contracting in Portugal, claimed by Salazar's corporativist regime. In the present study, the first part of which comprises the period between 1834 and 1904, the author analyses the founding and implantation of collective contracting in Portugal, concentrating his work in typographers' action, who developped a pioneer activity in that field in Portugal. This statement also tries to remark the prevailing influence that some members of the typographic class exercised over the Portuguese working class and the trade union movement for a long while, certainly contrasting the small weight of the typographic industry in economy and in the composition of the working class but in a curious accordance with the cultural and social weight of the book and newspaper production activity.