vigilance man

plural vigilance men

1. historicalA person who investigates employers' treatment of workers on behalf of a trade union.

   In the event of these vigilance men failing to peacefully persuade a man or body of men to join the trade union, it is quite possible a strike could take place in a yard.

   1913, Great Britain. Industrial Council, Minutes of Evidence Taken Before the Industrial Council, page 87

   1 more example

   I have, personally, met some of these vigilance men, and this statement bears out my impression of their ability. If they had been placed in the position of our present officials during the past few years our society would have been in a sorry mess.

   1924, Woodworkers, Painters & Buildingworkers Journal, page 61