After years of discussion and consideration, the Dutch diamond workers union ANDB and the employers agreed upon a general week's holiday in August 1910. The diamond industry in Amsterdam was closed for a week to enable its workers to enjoy an unpaid vacation.
Union president Henri Polak called on the members to really enjoy their week off, and not to go working to earn extra money. Many workers did follow his advice, judging by the many holiday cards sent to the union.
Here you can find a selection of these cards from the ANDB archive.
1. Noord-Holland
Zandvoort
Egmond a/Zee
Alkmaar
Zandvoort
2. Oost Nederland
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Oosterbeek
Lochem
Arnhem
3. Germany
Manderscheid
Schierke am Brocken
Koblenz
Text and selection: Jan Lucassen