LOCAL HISTORY: Memories of the workforce at McCann’s Bakery in Newry

​Over the decades, McCann’s Bakery was an important local employer, providing a range of job opportunities. In addition to bakers, storemen organised the raw ingredients, dispatch staff and delivery drivers ensured fresh bread was distributed around the district. Mechanics looked after the delivery vehicles, while office staff and clerks oversaw the company’s administration.

In the early days of the bakery, work was hard, with ingredients mixed and kneaded by hand. Baking was carried out at night, with shifts, often 12 to 16 hours per night. These poor conditions were eventually replaced with the implementation of day work. A letter signed by Thomas McCann, dated 18 August 1857, stated that day labour was to start at five o’clock every morning throughout the week (Sundays excepted, when bakers commenced work immediately after twelve o’clock on Sunday night) and the work continued until the business of the day was finished.

The McCann family were recognised as good employers. Staff were loyal, with many having years of long service in the company. A predominantly male enterprise, sons often followed their fathers into the business. During tough times staff worked over and above to ensure the future of the Bakery.

Staff were rewarded for their hard work. In their centenary year, employees were given two weeks holidays with full pay and an increase in their weekly wages. A celebratory evening was also held in Newry Town Hall. The Frontier Sentinel newspaper reporting on this event commented ‘This splendid triumph is due in no uncertain measure to the progressive spirit, tact and high sense of public responsibility of the Victoria Bakery’s proprietors, the McCann family . . .’

A bread strike affecting many bakeries in Northern Ireland in the spring of 1960 led to staff working around the clock to produce loaves. On this occasion, the night workers were given an additional week’s holiday with full pay and all members of staff received a gift of £5. In 1974 a pension scheme for all staff was introduced.

Staff and management enjoyed harmonious relations. Annual summer excursions were organised for staff, seaside towns such as Blackrock and Newcastle were popular destinations. In 1932 staff visited Dublin for the day. Provided with lunch and tea, they visited many places of interest and enjoyed a steamer trip around Dublin Bay.

The first annual staff reunion and dance took place in 1943. In 1946 the event in St. Colman’s Hall on Easter Monday paid tribute to the faithful service of Mr Harry (Henry) Butterfield who was in his golden jubilee year with the company.

Next week’s article will focus on the types of products made by McCann’s Bakery.

The new temporary exhibition, Slices of History: Memories of McCann’s Bakery, is open free of charge during Museum opening hours and runs until the end of August 2024. For further information on the exhibition please call 0330 137 4608/4308 or email [email protected]