From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
The experimental car chassis 32.EX, detailing work delays, hours spent, and French labour law impacts.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 91\2\ scan0217 | |
| Date | 5th August 1937 | |
| To Rolls-Royce Ltd. Derby............... Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Copy to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux} Châteauroux. Sr. is absent Levallois VAI/ET.5.8.37 Re: CHASSIS 32.EX - EXPERIMENTAL CAR With reference to copy of your Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}2/R.31.7.37 and copy of Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux}3/JAB.3.8.37, the contents of Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux}'s memo are the true facts. The following is our report: The new parts for the axle were handed to us at closing time of Thursday evening, July 22nd. Dessaigne, the fitter who attends to Phantom III rear axle jobs and who has had instruction on this particular work at Derby had a job in hand when the gears arrived, which absolutely had to be finished for the following day (Friday) at midday. He was ready to start on the gear job of 32.EX on time, when trouble developed on a new PhantomCodename for PHANTOM I III car, owing to steering pulling badly to one side; as this car was absolutely promised to the owner for the same evening, he had to attend to the brakes of this car. As several of our brake and axle men were on holiday, we were unfortunately right up against it, even though we had taken on extra men. The following show you the time spent in fitting up the new gears: Mon. 26 July. 8.30 to 12 - 1.30 to 4.30 (4.30 to 6 the fitter attended to a rear axle pinion bearing on a R.R. car) Tues. 27 " 8.30 to 12 - 1.30 to 6 Wed. 28 " 8.30 to 12 - 1.30 to 6 Thurs 29 " 8.30 to 11 Total working hours... 25. A certain amount of time was taken in reducing one of the adjusting washers. Although we were up against certain difficulties, we did the best we could. We always do the best we can for Châteauroux, and greatly appreciate the help which you continually give us. LABOUR REGULATIONS IN FRANCE. Owing to the new French laws passed a few months ago, the following is the position with regard to our, and similar, shops: 1. 40 hour week. 2. Overtime has been definitely abolished and we are now not allowed to work overtime. 3. The only time when we can work longer hours and which the law permits, is when a holiday falls during a | ||