Engaging dock labourers at the West India Docks.

Engaging dock labourers at the West India Docks. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: H4983

Description: The majority of workers in the docks during the 19th century were casual labourers taken on for the day. Sometimes the dockers would only be taken on for a few hours. Twice a day there was a 'call-on' at each of the docks when labour was hired for short periods. Only the lucky few would be selected, the rest would be sent home without reward.

Creator: 'Illustrated London News'

Date: 1886