Truck System

Truck System, THE, which prevailed largely in mining and manufacturing districts till forbidden by law, consisted in paying wages partly in goods instead of money. A master would open stores and either compel his men to take part of their pay in goods, or at least make it necessary for them to buy their goods at these stores. The objectionable features of the system were the facility it gave to the men to anticipate their wages and the temptation it gave the masters to supply inferior goods. However, any system of credit seems open to the same objection, and the true remedy would appear to be the establishment of co-operative stores, and this remedy is applied in very many places. The Truck Act of 1831 abolished the system so far as mines and factories were concerned, and an Act of 1887 extended its provisions to all workmen save agricultural or domestic servants. Mining tools, fuel, house-room, food prepared under the master's roof, and medical attendance may be provided, but otherwise wages must be paid in current coin.