What is the difference between the PLA and the private dock companies’ staff?
The private dock companies (such as the ‘West India Dock Co’, or the ‘London & St Katharine’s Dock Co’.) started in the early 19th century as competing companies who each ran their own dock system. This system lasted until 1908. A salaried member of staff during this period would have been employed by a single dock company. In 1909 this system ended and all the docks were taken over in an act of Parliament by the Port of London Authority (PLA). After 1909, staff were no longer employed by a single dock company but by the PLA who managed the whole dock system right across London.
