The railway men

Since its origins in the 19th century, the railway has contributed to the appearance of new professions, required by the railway activity. Thus, a new socio-professional class emerged, constituted by railway workers. These perform tasks such as supplying water and coal to locomotives, repair and maintenance of the permanent way, controlling traffic at stations and halts, signalling and operational safety. The degree of specialisation of qualified labour would include workers, train drivers, firemen, level crossing guards, shunters, station managers and guards, amongst many others. The group also includes administrators, doctors, architects, managers, telephone operators,
chemists, geologists and even sailors and early schoolteachers, who made their contribution to the working of the railway in Portugal.
These professions would be honoured at the Labour Parade held in Porto, on July 5, 1940, within the scope of the centenary celebrations of the Foundation and Restoration of the Portuguese Nation.This low-relief panel in coloured wood was part of the float of theCompanhia dos Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses included in this procession,representing the railway professions with their work tools. In the background,you can see a locomotive, a symbol of progress.