Little was done about the matter at the time, but in 1883, when trade had temporarily improved, the master dyers banded together to fix what they considered to be fair prices for their work. The Bradford Observer (31 Dec 1883), which had no more reason to favour the dyers than any other branch of the worsted industry, declared the move to be "a wise and right step and one for which they are to be commended", which strongly suggests that there was some substance in the dyers' case.Over the next 15 years this dyers' combination persisted and ultimately gave birth, in 1898, to the Bradford Dyers' Association Ltd.

 

 

 

The move in the direction of combination, from an industry steeped in the ideals of 'free trade', was a reaction to the experiences of the Great Depression, when falling profits provided constant temptations for the customers of commission dyers and combers to press for lower charges.

Once French competition really began to be felt, the dyeing sector came in for considerable criticism from the rest of the industry. Dyeing was done on commission, and dyers retorted that any shortcomings on their part were mainly due to the poor payment they received for their work. The Bradford Observer in December 1875 aired a spirited controversy which followed a Chamber of Commerce meeting at which dyers were criticised.