Full text of Monthly Labor Review : March 1932, Volume 34, Number 3

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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
W. N. DOAK, Secretary

BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
ETHELBERT STEWART, Commissioner

KALAMAZOO PUBLIC UBKAKY

MONTHLY;* 2- 1932

LABOR
NUMBER 3

VOLUME 34

MARCH, 1932

UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 1932

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C. Price 15 Cents per Copy
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C E R T IFIC A T E
This publication is issued pursuant to the
provisions o f the sundry civil act (41 Stats.
1430) approved M arch 4, 1921.

C o n te n ts
Special articles:
Displacement of Morse operators in commercial telegraph offices— *
Fluctuation of employment in Ohio in 1930, and comparisons with
previous years, by Frederick E. Croxton and Fred C. Croxton----Employment conditions;
Made work for clerical workers---------------------------------------------------Unemployment in foreign countries---------------------------------------------Canada— Recreation centers for the unemployed in Montreal---------Great Britain—
Studies of unemployed and of persons insured against unem­
ployment_______________________________________________
Movement of workers from uninsured to insured occupations—
Insurance and benefit plans:
Wisconsin unemployment insurance law--------------------------------------Recommendations of Interstate Commission on Unemployment
Insurance-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Unemployment insurance and savings plan of J. I. Case Co-----------Great Britain—
Extension of health insurance for unemployed persons-------------Expenditures on public social services-----------------------------------Spain— Unemployment insurance law put into operation---------------Productivity of labor and industry:
Use of loading equipment in the bituminous-coal industry in 1930___
Industrial and labor conditions:
Canada— Revival of French Canadian handicrafts in Quebec---------Mexico— Labor cost on irrigated land in Nuevo Laredo district and
in Coahuila__________________________________________________
Palestine— Economic and social conditions-----------------------------------Child labor:
New York—Child-labor trends---------------------------------------------------Health and industrial hygiene:
Health of insured wage earners during 1931---------------------------------Industrial accidents and safety:
New safety code for elevators-----------------------------------------------------Coal-mine fatalities in the United States in 1929--------------------------Metal-mine accidents in the United States, 1929---------------------------Accidents at metallurgical works in the United States in 1929--------Cooperation:
Directory of consumers’ cooperative societies-------------------------------Establishment of first international cooperative factory-----------------Labor laws and court decisions:
Railroad held not liable for injury caused by porter handling mail
sacks_______________________________________________________
New York provision as to determination of fact by State board
upheld______________________________________________________
Constitutionality of Federal longshoremen’s and harbor workers’
compensation act upheld-------------------------------------------------------Illinois prevailing-wage law declared unconstitutional--------------------
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C O N TE N T S

labor laws and court decisions—Continued.
Page
Member of religious order denied claim under workmen’s compensa­
tion law---------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------583
Colorado— Law establishing wage-claims court------------------------------584
China— Inquiry into applicability of factory act__________________
586
Germany— Decree of December 8, 1931, reducing prices, wages, etc_
588
Morocco— Legislation regulating hours of work in the Spanish zone__
593
Workmen’s compensation:
Recent compensation reports—
Oregon____________________________________________________
594
United States and District of Columbia______________________
594
Workers’ education and training:
Fitting jobs to mental capacity---------------------------------------------------599
Emergency unit training courses in New York City_______________
600
Wisconsin’s itinerant vocational-instructor system_________________
603
Industrial disputes:
Strikes and lockouts in the United States in January, 1932------------605
Conciliation work of the Department of Labor in January, 1932____
607
Labor agreements, awards, and decisions:
Agreements—
612
Railroad labor agreements of February 1, 1932_______________
Awards and decisions—
Recent decisions of Industrial Commission of Colorado________
618
Rousing:
Building permits in principal cities of the United States, January,
1932________________________________________________________
620
Building permits in principal cities, 1931: General summary_______
636
Wages and hours of labor:
Hours and earnings in the furniture industry, 1931________________
644
Farm wage and labor situation in January, 1932__________________
649
Wage-rate changes in manufacturing industries, January, 1932_____
650
Recent wage changes reported by trade-unions____________________
652
Wages of seamen, 1931_________________________________________
654
New York— Average weekly earnings in factories, 1918 to 1931____
657
657
Alaska— Wages and labor conditions, 1930-31____________________
Germany—
Actual earnings in the woodworking industry in March, 1931__
659
Actual earnings in the confectionery, baking, and pastry trades
in March, 1931__________________________________________
660
Great Britain-—Cut in dock workers’ wage rates__________________
662
Austria— General survey of wages_______________________________
663
Greece— General survey of wages, 1931__________________________
681
Switzerland— General survey of wages, 1930 and 1931_____________
688
Trend of employment:
Summary for January, 1932_____________________________________
696
Employment in selected manufacturing industries in January, 1932__
698
Employment in nonmanufacturing industries in January, 1932_____
710
Trend of employment in January, 1932, by States_________________
712
Employment and pay rolls in January, 1932, in cities of over
500,000 population___________________________________________
718
Employees in executive civil service of the United States, January,
1932_______
719

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CO N TE N T S

Trend of employment—Continued.
Employment in building construction in January, 1932------------------Employment on Class I steam railroads in the United States---------Wholesale and retail prices:
F,etail prices of food in January, 1932------------------------------------------Retail prices of coal in January, 1932------------------------------------------Index numbers of wholesale prices in January, 1932----------------------Decline in wholesale prices in various foreign countries since 1926----Cost of living:
Decline in cost of living and food in various countries since 1926------Immigration and emigration:
Statistics of immigration for December and year, 1931------------------Bibliography:
Public old-age pensions in the United States: References, 1929 to
1931, compiled by Edna L. Stone---------------------------------------------Publications relating to labor:
Official—United States--------------------------------------------------------------Official— Foreign countries----------------------------------------------Unofficial----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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T h is I s s u e in B r ie f

The 'printer telegraph has reduced the proportion of Morse telegraphers
in commercial telegraph offices to 21.5 per cent of all operators, according
to a study by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. By 1931
printer circuits accounted for nearly 90 per cent of all commercial
message handlings of one large company. The proportion of male
operators has been reduced from about 80 per cent to about 40
per cent of all operators. In the principal telegraph offices the pro­
ductivity of printer operators averages about twice that of Morse
operators, with a resulting technological displacement amounting to
about 50 per cent. Page 501.
Fluctuations in employment in Ohio in 1930 were greater among males
than among females in the wage-earning group but greater among
females in the clerical and sales groups. A complete analysis of the
employment fluctuations in the various industries in Ohio in 1930,
with comparisons with earlier years, is given in an article beginning
on page 516.
The first work-insurance law adopted by any American State was
enacted by the Wisconsin Legislature in January, 1932. A compulsory
act will become effective on July 1, 1933, unless prior to that time the
employers of the State shall have established some voluntary unem­
ployment-insurance plan approved by the State industrial commis­
sion. The act covers all employers employing 10 or more persons
for 4 or more months during the preceding calendar year, with
certain exceptions. The unemployment reserve fund is to be made
up of contributions by the employer at the rate of 2 per cent of his
annual pay roll, until a reserve amounting to $55 per employee has
been built up, and thereafter the rate of contribution is reduced to
1 per cent until the reserve amounts to $75. Subject to a waiting
period of two weeks, benefits are payable at the rate of $10 a week, or
50 per cent of the average weekly wage, whichever is lower, unless the
wage is less than $5 when a benefit of $5 is paid. The maximum
period of benefit in any one calendar year is limited to 10 weeks. The
act is to be administered by the State industrial commission. Page 540.
The establishment of state-wide systems of unemployment reserves,
supported by employer contributions of 2 per cent of pay roll, is
recommended in the report of the Interstate Commission on Unem­
ployment Insurance made up of representatives of the governors c>f
the States of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania,
Ohio, and Connecticut. Under the plan suggested the maximum
rate of benefit would not exceed $10 a week for a total of 10 weeks m
any 12 months and the reserves set up in any State would be held,
invested, and disbursed by the State. Page 552.
The unemployment insurance and savings plan of the J. I. Case Co.,
Racine, Wis., put into effect in November, 1931, covers all employees
on an hourly or piecework basis who have been employed by the
company continuously for a period of six months. The company
and the employees contribute equal amounts to the fund until a
reserve equivalent to one year’s average full-time earnings has been

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accumulated. Withdrawals from the fund are allowed only during
periods of business depression when the company can not furnish
sufficient employment and the employee is unable to secure employ­
ment elsewhere. Page 554.
Earnings per hour of workers in the furniture industry in 1931 aver­
aged 41-1 cents and full-time earnings per week averaged $21.29, while
full-time working hours per week averaged 51.8, according to a study
made by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Hourly
earnings in 1931 were 7.9 cents lessThan in 1929 but 19.7 cents more
than in 1915, the date of the last similar study for this industry prior to
1929. Full-time weekly earnings in 1931 averaged $4.14 less than in
1929 and $9.05 more than in 1915. Average full-time working hours
were one-tenth of an hour less per week in 1931 than in 1929 and 5.6
hours less than in 1915. Page 644.
A deduction of 10 per cent from the pay check of each employee is
provided in the railroad labor agreement of January 31, 1932. The
agreement was signed by representatives of 20 of the railroad labor
unions and of more than 200 railroads. The wage deduction is to
continue for a period of one year beginning February 1, 1932, the
basic rates remaining unchanged. Page 612.
The mechanization of bituminous coal mining showed a sharp increase
in 1930. In that year the deep-mined bituminous coal produced by
means of loading machines, pit-car loaders, and hand-loaded convey­
ors, increased to 46,824,000 tons, or by 23.7 per cent as compared
with 1929. For the country as a whole, the total mechanically
loaded product in 1930 amounted to 10.5 per cent of the tonnage
produced; in the State of Montana to almost two-thirds of the total
tonnage; and in Wyoming and Illinois, to approximately one-half
of the total. Page 558.
The United States Supreme Court on February 23,1932, handed down
an opinion upholding the validity of the Federal longshoremen’’s and
harbor workers’ compensation act. The majority opinion declared that
the findings of the deputy commissioner as to jurisdictional facts such
as whether the relation of master and servant existed or whether the
injury occurred upon navigable waters of the United States, were not
binding on a district court. However, as to all issues of fact relating
to the details of the claim made by an injured employee or his depend­
ents under the act the majority opinion held that the findings of the
deputy commissioner were binding upon the court if they were not
arbitrary and were supported by substantial evidence. Page 577.


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MONTHLY

LABOR REVI EW
U. S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
VOL. 34, N O . 3

WASHINGTON

MARCH, 1932

D is p la c e m e n t o f M o rse O p era to rs in C o m m e r c ia l T eleg ra p h
O ffices

HE Bureau of Labor Statistics is making a study of the effects of
the printer telegraph (the teletypewriter or teletype) on the em­
ployment of operators. The most extensive but by no means the
only important phase of telegraphic communication may be described
as commercial message handling by the telegraph companies. Other
aspects, not covered by the present article, include ticker services,
especially for market quotations; handling of news by press agencies;
railroad telegraphy; and private-wire circuits.
A preliminary report on commercial message handling reveals
widely different effects of the printer telegraph in the larger offices
(classed as functional offices) as compared with branch offices and
other small offices. In the larger offices Morse operators have been
somewhat slowly but very largely displaced by operators of printer
telegraphs, and the productivity of printer operators is so great that
technological displacement approximates 50 per cent of the number
of operators who would be required under Morse manual operation.
In offices not classed as functional the per cent of technological
displacement is lower. In all offices combined the proportion of
male operators has been reduced from about 80 per cent to about
40 per cent of the total number, and the skill and training character­
istic of Morse operators are supplanted by ability simply to operate
a typewriter keyboard adapted to telegraphic purposes.

T

Changing Methods
T he essential feature of Morse telegraphy, as everyone knows, is
the manual operation of a key for opening and closing an electrical
circuit. Varying lengths of the interval, with varying sequences of
short and long intervals, at first were recorded in the form of dots and
dashes of the Morse code at the receiving end on a tape recorder,
from which they were translated by the receiving operator into
ordinary letters, numbers, and words. It was soon discovered that
the operator could translate the signals by sound without troubling
to use the code signs on the tape recorder. Specialized “ sounders”
and “ resonators” were devised for accentuating the sound signals
and making their translation easier. The tape recorder was there­
after used only when for any reason a code record was desired. The
Morse transmitter was simplified and its operation made easier, one
result being a reduced frequency of a malady experienced by oper
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ators, a kind of partial paralysis known as “ glass arm.” Speed of
transmission depends, of course, on the speed of reception and tran­
scription. The general use of the typewriter for transcribing mes­
sages increased the speed of reception and, indirectly, the speed of
transmission.
The displacement of Morse operators resulted largely from efforts
to economize in the use of the wire plant. This meant increasing the
amount of traffic per unit of wire. The first important economies
were under Morse operation—the duplexing and quadruplexing of
wires. By duplexing, a message could be sent in each direction.
By combining two methods of duplexing, quadruplex operation was
possible, though the sending of two messages in each direction was
efficient only for limited uses.
Closely connected with economy in use of the wire plant were the
early efforts to supplant Morse manual operation by means of “ fast”
telegraphy, especially the Wheatstone system. The Morse characters
were punched by hand on a tape and this perforated tape was fed
through a transmitter. Only the actual transmission was automatic
in contrast with manual transmission by the Morse operator when he
pressed the key. Transmission by perforated tape, on good circuits
of not more than about 200 miles, was much more rapid than by
Morse manual operation—as high as 400 words a minute as against
about 25 words. But the Wheatstone system was limited to rela­
tively short distances having high-grade circuits. Much time was
required for punching the tape before transmission and for trans­
lating and transcribing the code from the recording tape at the receiv­
ing end. Automatic transmission had not only a speed but a mechan­
ical precision and monotony and inflexibility which the variable con­
ditions of the circuit failed to warrant. In manual transmission
the operator could modulate the speed in accordance not only with
the varying conditions of the circuit but with the varying nature of
the material transmitted—for example, words of similar nature, such
as “ protest” and “ protect.”
The final success of automatic transmission was to come not
through speedier transmission of a particular message (although
greater speed was possible) but through increasing the number
of messages sent simultaneously over the same wire. Effective
transmission by Morse manual operation, under ordinary condi­
tions, was limited to duplex operation, or the sending of one message
in each direction at the same time. The multiplex system, while
transmitting much more rapidly than is possible under Morse manual
operation, also economizes the wire plant by sending as many as eight
messages over one wire at the same time, and reduces operating costs
by utilizing relatively unskilled operators (typists) in place of Morse
manual operators. Furthermore, it economizes in the use of labor
by eliminating the process of punching the tape by hand and then
feeding it into the transmitter (the manual part of multiplex trans­
mission being confined to operating a typewriter keyboard), and also
by printing the message automatically at the receiving end in ordinary
characters instead of in code, thus doing away with the relatively
skilled operator who, in the Wheatstone system, translated and tran­
scribed the message.
Each key on a typewriter keyboard represents a character, and
the depressing of the key sets up an electrical contact which auto
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matically operates the corresponding key on a similar keyboard at
the receiving end. The contact may be established by direct key­
board action or by means of a perforated tape which is automatically
fed through a transmitter, each set of perforations composing a code
character corresponding to a character on the keyboard. At the
receiving end the keyboard which automatically prints the message
may be a tape-recording printer or a page printer. _ In either case
the messago is typed out not in code but in ordinary printed chai actors.
Several receiving machines may be operated on the same circuit b}
one transmitting machine.
Although it is commonly said that multiplex operation means the
sending of several messages over one wire at the same time, this is
literally not the case. What happens is a dividing of time on the
wire, so that the printers follow each other in rapid succession, one
5-unit impulse (one character) being sent by each printer in turn.
It is impossible for Morse operators thus to divide the time on the
line because an absolute synchronism of sending and receiving instru­
ments is necessary, and this can be obtained only by mechanical
means. The speed limit of the Morse operator, particularly of the
receiving operator, would also make a dividing of time on the line
relatively of little value.
.
Briefly, the device which enabled the printer telegraph to outrival
the Morse operator was the synchronized distributor for dividing or
distributing time on the wire, thus enabling one wire to bear a very
much heavier traffic burden than is possible by duplex manual opera­
tion. Multiplexing includes duplexing; that is, time on the wire in
both directions is divided by the synchronized distributors. The dis­
tributor is a motor, revolving on a segmented face plate. Ordinarily
there are four segments, each representing a channel of communica­
tion. As the distributor revolves, its brushes send and receive one
complete letter (or other character) from each of the four channels.
The distributor rotates so rapidly that the result is practically to
provide four circuits on one wire at the same time; and since duplex­
ing the wire makes possible its use in both ^directions at the same time,
the synchronized distributor of the multiplex system gives in effect
eight circuits or channels of communication on one wire.
The successful use of the multiplex system depends on a heavy
volume of traffic. Multiplex equipment is economical where the
traffic is too heavy for a duplex circuit and where the mileage is so
great that the cost of wire is greater than the cost of the multiplex
(terminal) equipment. In a word, multiplex operation is adapted
to main trunk lines but not to branch lines and trunk lines with light
traffic. For this reason the Morse manual system continued in ex­
tensive use after the introduction of multiplex ciicuits. The final
triumph of the printer telegraph over the Morse operator resulted
from the development of apparatus usually known as the simplex
system.
.
.
,
The term simplex is misleading, because simplex printers commonly
use duplex circuits. The term is used, however, in contrast with
multiplex, for the simplex printers do not divide the time on the
wire. In this matter they resemble the Morse manual instruments,
on the one hand, and, on the other hand, they are like the earliei
unsuccessful printers in use before the adoption of the multiplex sys­
tem. Obviously, their use on ordinary duplex circuits means that

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they compete with Morse manual operators in the one field in com­
mercial telegraphy remaining after the adoption of the multiplex
system for trunk-line circuits.
How may the recent successful operation of printer telegraphs on
duplex circuits in competition with Morse be accounted for? (For
it will be remembered that the prolonged efforts in this direction before
the adoption of the multiplex system were unsuccessful.) There
seems to have been no one outstanding change. Increasing control
of conditions on the wire; the perfecting of the mechanism of the
printer to such an extent as to make its operation and maintenance
practicable in branch offices and customers’ offices with a minimum
of supervision; reduced cost of printers and of their operation and
maintenance—these are the more important changes contributing
to the success of simplex apparatus.
The perfecting of the wire plant and of the mechanism of the printer
made possible the synchronizing of sending and receiving ends by
means of the so-called start-stop ” method. There is a motor at
each end of the wire, the two motors running at synchronized speeds.
Signals or impulses for characters are made up, as in multiplex opera­
tion, by combinations or permutations of a 5-impulse code. But in
simplex operation, in addition to the five character impulses representmg_ each letter or figure^ sent over the wire, there is a start impulse
which releases the printing and transmitting mechanism and a stop
impulse which arrests the motor at each end of the circuit. By this
device, in contrast with the _synchronized distributor of multiplex
printers, the sending and receiving parts of the apparatus are kept in
synchronism. But since t impulses are required (5 character im­
pulses, 1 start impulse, and 1 stop impulse) for the printing of each
character, simplex operation requires seven-fifths of the time on the
wire that the multiplex requires, and, in addition, uses only duplex
circuits.
. Jf1 commercial telegraph offices multiplex printers generally use
indirect transmission; that is, when a key on the keyboard is depressed
it perforates a tape in code and the tape in turn is automatically fed
through a transmitter. _ Simplex printers, in commercial telegraph
offices, commonly use direct transmission—the depressing of the key
sends the character impulse directly over the wure.
With the perfecting of the printer telegraph and of the plant
equipment to such an extent as to make possible the economical use
of printers on duplex circuits between main offices and branch offices
and between company offices and customers’ offices, the end of Morse
manual operation for the handling of messages by the commercial
telegraph companies was in sight. By means of speed and flexibility
and low operating cost the printer telegraph has been able to prevail
also m some specialized industries, such as that of the news associa­
tions, and to compete with varying degrees of success in all industries
requiring telegraphic communication.
Transition to Printer Telegraph
I n f o r m a t i o n about the early stages of the transition to the printer
telegraph is fragmentary. The slight extent of its use by 1907 is
indicated by Table 1:


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D IS P L A C E M E N T O F M O RSE O PER A TO R S

T able 1.—M E T H O D S OF O PER A TIN G C O M M ERCIAL T E L E G R A PH SY STEM S, 1902 A N D
1907 »
1907

1902
Kinds of circuits

Miles of
circuit

Machine or automatic— ------- --------------------------------Total

-- ______________________

Miles of
circuit

Per cent
of total

Per cent
of total

816, 593
185, 048
294, 910
10, 495

62.5
14.2
22.6
0.8

1, 047, 458
239, 278
266, 337
24,888

66.4
15. 2
16.9
1.6

1, 307, 046

100.0

1, 577, 961

100.0

i Data are from U . S. Bureau of the Census, Telegraph systems, 1907, p. 14.

The table shows that in both years the wife mileage used for printer
telegraphy (0.8 per cent of the total in 1902 and 1.6 in 1907) was much
smaller than the per cent of traffic handled by the printers, for only
the busier circuits or trunk lines could then be economically con­
verted to printer operation.
It was not till the period of the World War that any considerable
proportion of the industry was converted to printer operation. In
1914 the annual report of one of the principal companies mentioned
a new development in “ what might be termed mechanical trans­
mission.” It was stated that “ there is now in daily use rapid trans­
mission apparatus which nearly, if not quite, quadruples the most
effective yet devised, and is giving great results on the trunk lines
where there is a concentrated business between large places.” Then
followed a hazardous forecast belied by the event: “ There is nothing
as yet, and not likely to be anything which will supersede the old key
transmission of a settled business distributed to many places on a
local line.”
,
,
Changes made by the end of 1918, as shown by the same company s
report for that year, were as follows:
T able 2 .—M ET H O D S OF M ESSAGE H A N D L IN G U SE D B Y A L E A D IN G C O M PA N Y IN 1918
Per cent of
business
Mode of transmission

jyjQj*g0 in «illual_____________________________
A »itnrnotie telPPTHTill
___________ Telephone
__- -- ----------

Begin­ End of
ning of year
year
62.0
35.5
2.5

47.0
49.0
4.0

The decline in the proportion of business handled by Morse oper­
ators from 62 per cent at the beginning of 1918 to 47 per cent at the
end of the year was not due entirely, it will be noted, to the use oi the
printer or “ automatic” telegraph. The use of the telephone was
increasing at a surprising rate, for before the perfecting of the simplex
printer the telephone began to be used extensively for handling te egrams between branch offices and main offices, to take the place ol
Morse manual transmission.
.
By the end of 1926, when simplex printers were being introduced,
the program of one of the leading companies of converting its trunk

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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

lines to multiplex operation had been virtually completed; by that
time, 66 per cent of the traffic was reported as being handled by
printers.
Another prominent company experimented extensively with printer
telegraphs, but adopted the multiplex printer somewhat later. Its
annual report announced in 1923 that printer operation except on
multiplex circuits, had proved to be uneconomical; that during 1922
its engineers had perfected a multiplex outfit suited to its needs; that
the apparatus had been installed in the New York and Chicago
offices; and that plans had been made for the rapid extension of
multiplex operation. Conversion of the principal circuits to multi­
plex printer operation continued till 1928, when the program was
merged with, and in a measure superseded by, the installing of simplex
printers.
The multiplex system, because of its relatively high cost in terminal
equipment, is adapted only to lines between larger centers with con­
stant and heavy traffic, calling for a number of channels of communi­
cation. Until 1926 the shorter circuits and branch lines connecting
with the trunk lines^ continued to be operated by the Morse manual
method. I t was in its annual report for 1926 that one of the leading
companies announced the successful use of the simplex printer on
circuits to branch offices, intracity circuits, and drop circuits adapted
to supplying more than one newspaper with the same news dispatches.
In 1927 simplex printers were “ in successful operation in 25 important
centers. ” In 1928 they were being installed not only in branch offices
but also in customers’ offices. By this arrangement a customer was
able to telegraph his message to the company’s office and have it
relayed almost^ instantaneously to its destination. Bor economizing
both office equipment and operating time there was introduced a socalled concentration unit. This is a selective device which chooses
automatically an idle printer in the central office, for receiving a
customer’s message or for sending a message to a customer. By 1931
about 90 per cent of the company’s commercial message handling
was by printer (including simplex and multiplex).
Beginning in 1927 another important company also carried out an
extensive program of replacing Morse operators with simplex printer
operators m branch offices and customers ’ offices. The traffic handled
by its printers (both multiplex and simplex) increased by 1931 to more
than 80 per cent of the total.
Effects of Technological Changes on Number of Operators
T h e effects of th e p rin te r telegraph (m ultiplex and sim plex) and
of o th er changes on em ploym ent in functional offices are radically
different from th eir effects m o th er offices. A functional telegraph
ounce is a larger adm inistrative and operating center, w ith trunk-line
circuits, ro u tin g facilities, repeaters, etc.

Messages usually originate in branch offices; in other company
offices which, because of size or location, are not classed as func­
tional; m customers’ offices equipped with telegraph or telephone
circuits connected with company offices; and in railroad telegraph
offices. 1 he purpose of the functional office is not to originate mes­
sages (though there is frequently no telegraphic handling of messages
before they reach a functional office), but rather to transmit messages
received from the various tributary sources. Local offices may trans
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mit local messages without routing them through functional offices,
but their main purpose is the securing or originating of business;
they act as intermediaries between the public and the operating or
transmitting personnel in functional offices.
Messages originating outside of functional offices are transmitted
to them in various ways: By local telegraph circuits (formerly Morse,
now usually printer); by pneumatic tubes (from nearby branch offices
where the traffic is heavy); by messenger; and by telephone.
It is readily seen that in small offices, serving mainly as originators
of business, the productivity of operators will vary indefinitely with
several factors in addition to the mode of operation (Morse v. printer).
Productivity, in terms of messages handled by telegraph, will depend
especially on the number of messages received for transmission.
Whether business is brisk or slow, someone must be on duty to serve
such customers as may call for service. If an operator in a small
office is expected to attend to office routine or to solicit business, his
productivity as an operator, in terms of number of messages handled,
will be proportionately low.
In functional offices, on the other hand, there is a specialization
of work which limits operators to the actual work of transmitting
messages. Furthermore, there is ordinarily a sufficient volume of
business to enable the management to reduce or to increase the num­
ber of operators in accordance with fluctuations in the volume of
traffic. The productivity of operators and the effects of technolog­
ical changes on number of operators can therefore be measured in
functional offices much more adequately than in other offices.
Whenever the basic facts concerning units of output and units of
labor are available, it is desirable to estimate the technological dis­
placement of labor by means of a comparison of changes in number
of labor units on the one hand and in number of output units on
the other hand. In the case of commercial message handling by the
telegraph companies, this method, even in the case of functional
offices, fails to give adequate results, because of lack of comparable
data.
The principal unit of output of the telegraph industry is the mes­
sage. But messages vary indefinitely in length and in the propor­
tionate numbers of longer and shorter kinds of messages. New kinds
of messages have been introduced from time to time, as night letters,
night messages, day letters, etc., and the relative numbers and aver­
age lengths of the various types interpose difficulties in the way of
reducing them to a common denominator. Furthermore, as far as
actual transmission over the wire is concerned, some messages are
handled only once, while others are handled several times. A mes­
sage originating (for example) at the local office of the company in
Alexandria, Va., and directed to someone at the Waldorf-Astoria
Hotel in New York is handled six times: (1) Transmitted by the
Alexandria operator; (2) received and (3) transmitted by the func­
tional office operators in Washington, D. C.; (4) received and (5)
transmitted by the functional office operators in New York City ; and
(6) received by the branch-office operator at the hotel, for delivery
to the addressee.
The number of handlings, as well as the average length, of messages
is not continuously comparable over a period of years. This is due
to the fact that the facilities afforded by circuits, by repeater stations

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(formerly manual, now automatic), and by intermediate and terminal
offices are constantly undergoing changes. These changes frequently
result in economies in the routing of messages and reduction of the
number of handlings.
The principal telegraph companies are now “equating” their mes­
sages. An equated message consists of an arbitrary number of impulses
sent over the wire by the operator. Two short messages of 20 words
each would make approximately one and one-half equated messages.
One longer message of 55 words would make approximately two
equated messages.
By noting changes in the number of equated message handlings, it
is possible to measure the fluctuations in the volume of traffic and the
efficiency of operating plant and personnel. Equated message hand­
lings are not a true measure of output. They are partly a measure
of operating efficiency, especially in the economical routing and trans­
mission of the output. The ultimate unit of output is the character
(letter or figure or space) sent by the operator over the wire. The
word “ wire,” for instance, if included in a telegram, would require
the sending of five separate characters—each of the four letters in
the word and a space impulse for separating it from the word which
follows. But the use of such a unit for general statistical purposes
in correlation with units of labor is impossible for the obvious
reason that there are no records of the number of character impulses
transmitted.
Turning now to the problem of units of labor, we find that for the
entire industry there are no satisfactory records covering the period
of transition to the printer telegraph. Even for functional offices
the number of man-hours is not available in suitable form, nor indeed
in any form except for certain offices. For a majority of functional
offices, the total number of operators is available for the entire
period of rapid transition, but inferences drawn from the use of the
data would be decidedly inadequate.
A complete statistical picture of the productivity of labor in terms
of a comparison of changes in units of labor and units of output can
not be drawn because of the incompleteness of the basic data now
available. But fortunately there is an alternative mode of approach—
a method based on the comparative efficiency of Morse manual,
multiplex, and simplex operation. This method is applicable only
to functional offices, but in these offices it reveals approximately the
technological displacement of operators normally to be expected on
the basis of technological improvements already is use.
The efficiency of an operator as measured by the amount of traffic
handled depends in part on the speed at which he sends or receives
characters (letters, figures, etc.) over the wire while he is actually at
work, and in part on the proportion of his time that is devoted to
sending or receiving impulses over the wire. Quantity of output
depends, that is to say, on either increasing the speed or reducing the
idle time, or both. The printer telegraph outrivals the Morse manual
method in both of these essential factors of productivity.
The printer telegraph is geared at an automatically maintained
speed. The gearing is adjustable; the usual speed is 60 equated words
a minute, but on good multiplex circuits it is often higher. An
equated word consists of an arbitrary but supposedly average number
of letters or characters. The machine is geared to send impulses over

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509

the wire at a fixed rate, and this rate, per minute, equals the number
of characters, including spaces, contained in 60 words of averagelength.
.
*
The speed of the Morse operator varies indefinitely. In commer­
cial telegraph offices it ranges around 25 words a minute.2 At the
receiving end there must also be an operator, concentrating on the
message, and transcribing it as it is ticked off by the “ sounder.”
The speed, of course, is fixed by the capacity of the slower of the two
operators.
In the case of the printer telegraph, the operator (typist) must keep
pace with the automatically geared machine, and if she is unable to
do so, she merely gives place to another. But her ability to maintain
such a speed is facilitated by the fact that she can alternate in the
work of sending and receiving. Reception relieves the tension of
rapid, monotonous pounding of a geared keyboard, because it con­
sists merely of taking the automatically typed message from the ma­
chine and preparing it for the belt conveyor or in other ways facili­
tating its ultimate delivery. The pasting of the printed tape to mes­
sage blanks may be monotonous, but at least it affords a change.
There is necessarily much loss of time in both Morse and printer
operation, and only during peak-load periods do the potential speeds
find full expression in actual messages handled. But the loss of time
from actual transmission or reception is likely to be greater by Morse
than by printer operators. If either the sending or the receiving
Morse operator is interrupted both will remain idle; while reception
by printer is automatic. Transmission by perforated tape (the usual
method on multiplex circuits) makes possible the accumulation of a
reserve of typed copy (in the form of perforations on the tape), and if
the operator (typist) is interrupted, the tape transmission continues
automatically a t the speed fixed by the gearing.
A number of other factors tend to reduce the idle time of printer
operators as compared with Morse operators. The most importantof these is probably the wire-concentration unit or concentrator.
This is a device not yet perfected but neverthelesss in extensive use
in functional offices, for handling, by simplex operators, the business
that originates or terminates in branch offices and customers offices
equipped with simplex printers. By an automatic signal system,
idle operators are chosen in such a sequence as to keep a minimum
number of operators busy. If business falls off, some of the operators
are automatically rendered idle and are transferred to a reserve force
or to another wire-concentration unit where traffic is increasing. In
one of these units, a 200-wire concentrator, to cite an example, 200
circuits from customers’ offices or branch offices are handled by 29
simplex printers, manned by a varying number of operators. There
are several advantages—a reduction of the number of printers ; a say­
ing of floor space; a speeding up of service; and finally, elasticity in
the number of operators. Adjustment of the number of operators to
the volume of traffic means that there is relatively little idle time and
therefore a relatively high productivity as measured by message hand­
lings. In the case of multiplex operators, this automatic adjustment
is not so essential, for multiplex operators handle trunk-line traffic
a For a discussion of the subject, see the article on the telegraph by Newcomb Carlton in the new edition
of the Encyclopedia Britannica.

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and there is usually on the trunk lines a volume of business large
enough to make relatively simple the adjustment of the operating
staff to traffic requirements.
The effects of these various factors appear in Table 3, which is
based on the comparative productivity of the three types of operation
(Morse manual, multiplex, and simplex).
T able 3 . —E FF E C T S OP IN T R O D U C T IO N OP P R IN T E R T E L E G R A P H ON E M P L O Y M E N T
O P PO R T U N IT IE S

FO R

OPERATORS

[Estimated on basis of comparative productivity of different types of operators in a majority of functional
offices in 1931]

Operators
Types of operation

Morse manual ___
M ultiplex_____
Simplex_______
Total__________

Number of Loss of employ­
ment opportuni­
Relative
Morse
Per cent produc­
ties for operators
manual
of busi­
tivity
operators
ness
(Morse necessary
handled m anual= to handle
E sti­
100)
99 per cent mated
Per cent
of business number

Number

Per cent
of total

1,792
4,177
2,491

21.2
49.4
29.4

10.5
62.3
26.2

8, 460

100.0

1 99. 0

100
255
180

1,792
10,651
4,483

6, 474
1,992

60.8
44.4

16,926

8,466

50.0

1 1 per cent of the business was handled by telephone.

. From Table 3 it appears that the productivity of Mnrse operators
in comparison with multiplex operators is in the ratio of 100 to 255;
and of Morse to simplex operators, in the ratio of 100 to 180. The
number of Morse operators necessary for handling the total functionaloffice traffic would be about twice the total number of operators in
service in 1931. The technological displacement (loss of employ­
ment opportunities) was therefore about 50 per cent.
. The conclusions embodied in Table 3 are subject to certain qualifica­
tions.
In the first place, the figures do not include the functional offices
of companies which have most recently introduced simplex printers.
But the functional offices included in. the table employ about 75 per
cent of all functional-office operators, and handle a larger per cent of
functional-office traffic^ It is probable that the working out of the
new system in all functional offices means not less than 10,000 fewer
employment opportunities than would be available under complete
Morse operation, in the functional offices only of the commercial
telegraph companies.
In the second place, the per cent of technological displacement may
be expected to rise as the proportion of traffic handled by printer
operators increases, and as the number of simplex operators becomes
more readily adaptable to changes in the volume of traffic. Increas­
ing elasticity of the labor force may be expected to result from the
progressive solution of the problems of transition to the new system,
and especially from the perfecting of the wire concentration unit
previously described.
A possible criticism of Table 3 is the fact that Morse operators
of to-day have specialized work to do. If they handled the entire
traffic to-day, would their efficiency in terms of average output per
operator be comparable to what it actually is with specialized work
rather than general traffic?


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511

This question raises in turn another: What was the efficiency of
Morse operators in terms of average output per operator before the
introduction of the printer, when they handled the entire traffic?
Fortunately, records are available of the number of operators on duty
and the number of messages actually sent and received in 22 principal
cities during April of the years 1907 and 1908. These records show
that the average number of messages sent and received per day per
operator in 1907 was 132.8 (16.6 per hour on an 8-hour basis); and
the number in April, 1908, was 140.3 (17.5 per hour on an 8-hour
b&sis) ^
These hourly rates afford a significant contrast with the record of
Morse operators at the present time in similar offices. During
August, 1931 (a period of depression adverse to high productivity),
Morse operators in a majority of functional offices handled an average
of 24 3 equated messages per hour. It is possible that the equated
message of August, 1931, was shorter than the average unequated
message of April, 1907 and 1908, but that there was any considerable
difference is quite unlikely.
, ,_
J
,, ,
The excellent average showirg made by Morse operators of to-day,
in functional offices, in comparison with those of the era before the
printer, is due largely to the fact that present-day Morse operators
have high-grade circuits for use in handling specialized work requiring
speed and flexibility, such as certain market quotations, ^brokerage
work, and sporting news. Old Morse operators are sometimes heard
to boast of the large number of messages they handled in the heyday
of Morse telegraphy. The number of messages which telegraphers
were inclined to regard as a fair day’s work was about 250. But
under the stimulus of the bonus system, experts were able, on good
circuits and under favorable conditions, to handle an average of 60
messages an hour. On the other hand, the speeding up not infrequently
resulted in breakdowns, or in the partial paralysis known as glass
arm.” Partly attributable to excessive speedy no doubt, were also
the traditional restlessness and roving disposition of Morse telegra­
phers. Their output, attributed to themselves m reminiscent moods,
is undoubtedly exceptional rather than characteristic.
.
On June 30, 1931, the total number of operators in functional tele­
graph offices was 11,524; and in other company offices, 5,533; total,
17 057
If all of the operators in offices not classed as functional had been
Morse operators, how many operators would have been required.
As has already been stated,4 the conditions prevailing m these offices
which are primarily feeders for the functional offices, prevent a lul
utilization of the possibilities of the printer telegraph for increasing
the output of operators. When there are no messages to be handled,
the greater speed of the printer is of no avail. The operating staff
(often limited to a single operator) may be utilized for office routine
and for soliciting business. The printer, by expediting the handling
of such messages as are filed, may^ increase the productivity ot the
operator by making possible more time for duties other than message
handling; and in offices where the volume of traffic is relatively large,
printer operation reduces the number of operators or makes unneces­
sary an expansion which would have been required under Morse
a Based on data in S. Doc. 725 (60th Cong., 2d sess.): Investigation of the Western Union and Postal
Telegraph-Cable Cos., pp. 68, 282, 283,


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operation. ^ Statistical measurement is impossible, but in comparison
with the effects in functional offices, increased productivity and tech­
nological displacement in the nonfunctional offices are small.
Technological Displacement in Relation to Skill, Training, and Sex
T h e effects of change to printer operation are by no means limited
to a reduction _of the number of operators otherwise necessary.
Technological displacement includes, in this case, not only a decline
in number of opportunities for employment but other changes of
considerable social importance: (1) The passing of a historic type or
class (the Morse telegrapher); (2) the elimination of a long-established
technique requiring highly specialized skill and training; and (3) the
supplanting of men by women.
Table 4 indicates the displacement of Morse operators since 1915
in those offices for which classified figures are available.
Table 4 .—D IS P L A C E M E N T OF M ORSE O PERATORS B Y P R IN T E R O PERATORS IN A
M AJORITY OP T E L E G R A PH OFFICES, 1915 TO 1931
Functional offices
Morse
operators

Printer
operators

AverPer
age
num- cent
ber

Average
Per
num- cent
ber

4,815
4, 275
4,259
3, 019
1, 793

1, 231
4,949
4, 374
6,478
6, 670

Year

1915_____________
1921_____________
1925_____________
1929_____________
1931_____________

Other company offices

79.6
46.3
49.3
31,8
21.2

Morse
operators
Average
number

Per
cent

20.4
53.7
50. 7 1 2, 972
68. 2
1, 417
78.8
(2)

98.2
37.1

Printer
operators

Total
Morse
operators

Printer
operators
Average
Per
num- cent
ber

Average
number

Per
cent

Average
Per
num- cent
ber

153
2,402
2 3,125

1.8
62.9
100.0

7,231
4,436
1, 793

63. 1 4,227
33. 3 8, 880
15. 5 9; 795

36. 9
66. 7
84. 5

1 Average number, first quarter of 1926.
2 The number of Morse operators is now negligible and no separate classification is maintained.

The transition may be said to have begun about a decade and a
half ago. ^ Although 20.4 per cent of operators in the functional offices
included in Table 4 were already printer operators in 1915, most of
the printer telegraphs then in use had been recently installed. Until
the perfecting of the simplex printer after 1925, the number of Morse
operators, even in functional offices equipped with multiplex printers,
remained almost 50 per cent of the total number; while up to that
date printer operators were confined to functional offices. The tran­
sition to printer operation in functional offices was so gradual as to
create no very serious problem of displacement. But after 1925, the
decline of Morse telegraphy was so rapid that, in the offices included
in the table, Morse telegraphers declined in number from 7,231 to
1,793 and in proportion from 63.1 to 15.5 per cent.
For the offices not included in Table 4, information relating to earlier
years is not available. In general, these offices adopted the printer
system later, and indeed, in 1931, were still undergoing transition, in
consequence of which the number of operators was abnormally large.
At the end of June, 1931, in all of the commercial telegraph offices
of the major companies, there were 3,678 Morse manual operators,
or 21.5 per cent of the total; 5,127 multiplex printer operators, 30.1
per cent; and 8,249 simplex printer operators, 48.4 per cent.


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Many of the Morse operators now in service may be retained till
natural turnover (resignation, retirement, or death) removes them.
But the virtual abandonment of the Morse system, not only in com­
mercial telegraph offices but also in most of the other fields in which
it has long been used, is nearly everywhere taken for granted.
While Morse telegraphers have been confronting a rapid declme m
the demand for their services in commercial telegraph offices, they
have also encountered a decrease of opportunities for transfer to re­
lated fields (as railroad telegraphy). At the same time, they have
met several obstacles in the way of their becoming operators of printer
telegraphs. The principal obstacle has been the rivalry of young girls
expertly trained in the handling of the typewriter; for the printer
telegraph, as has been explained, is a typewriter adapted to the settmg
up of the electrical contacts required for the transmission of characters
over the telegraphic circuit. Younger Morse operators, especially
girls, found no difficulty in shifting from the Morse to the printer
system. But many found the change impossible and many others
were perhaps not unnaturally hindered by reluctance to exchange a
higher for a lower status.
.
A survey by the Bureau of the Census in 1902 recorded a total of
13 093 telegraph operators connected with commercial telegraph
systems. Of these, only 2,914, or 22.3 per cent, were females. The
average wage of female operators was 36.3 per cent less than the
average wage of male operators.5
. .
The first distinctive trend toward the substitution of_ women for
men seems to have been a result of the disturbed conditions of 190/
and 1908. Industrial depression, strikes, and the automatic tele­
graph combined to reduce the total number of operators, and to increase materially the comparative number of female operators in these
offices.
T able 5.—PR O PO R T IO N OP M A LE A N D F E M A L E T E L E G R A PH O PERATORS IN COMM ER O IA L T E L E G R A PH OFFICES OF 26 P R IN C IP A L CITIES, 1907 A N D 19081

Morse
manual

__________________
_________________

Females

Males

Year

1907
1Q08

Total

Females

Males

4,144
2,927

M a­ Morse
chine manual

21
32

859
884

Ma­
chine

N um ­
ber

52
117

4,165
2,959

Per
cent
82.1
74. 7

N um ­
ber
911
1,001

Per
cent
17.9
25. 3

i Based on data in S. Doc. 725 (60th Cong., 2d sess.): Investigation of Western Union and Postal Tele­
graph-Cable Cos., pp. 282, 283.

Table 5, although based on limited data, indicates the trend
toward female operators. The per cent in 1907 was only 17.9,
while in 1908 it was 25.3. #
For a majority of functional offices, the trend toward the substi­
tution of women for men is shown in Table 6.
s U . S. Bureau of the Census. Telephones and telegraphs, 1902, p. 102.


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T able 6.—SH IFT FR OM M A LE TO FE M A L E T E L E G R A PH OPERATORS IN A M A JO R ITY
OF F U N C T IO N A L T E L E G R A PH OFFICES, 1915 TO 1931
Morse manual operators

Total
Num- Per Num- Per
ber cent ber cent
1915___
1921___
1925___
1929___
1931___

4,189
3,310
3, 441
2,426
1,485

87
77
81
80
83

626
965
818
593
308

13
23
19
20
17

Male

Female

Male

Female

Male

Year

Total

Operators of printer equipment

Total
Num- Per Num- Per
ber cent ber cent

317
4.815
4,275
630
4, 259
756
3,019 1, 113
1,793 1, 524

26
13
17
17
23

914
4,319
3, 618
5, 365
5, 146

74
87
83
83
77

1,231
4,949
4,374
6,478
6,670

Female
T otal

Num- Per Num- Per
ber cent ber cent
4, 506
3, 940
4, 197
3,539
3,009

75
43
49
37
36

1, 540
5, 284
4, 436
5, 958
5,454

6,046
9,224
8,633
9,497
8,463

25
57
51
63
64

I t will be seen from Table 6 that there has been a slight decline in
the proportion of males, even among Morse operators. The per cent
of male Morse operators in 1915 was 87; in 1931, 83. The recent
increase in the proportion of male printer operators from 17 per cent
of the total in 1929 to 23 per cent in 1931 is probably due to the
general installation of simplex printers, combined with the feeling on
the part of Morse operators that transfer to printer positions is neces­
sary in order to avoid unemployment. The total displacement of men
by women in these offices since 1915 is shown under the last heading
above as a decline from 75 per cent in 1915 to 36 per cent in 1931.
In regard to those functional offices which have most recently
changed to printer operation, and in regard to all offices not classed
as functional, there are no available records covering the earlier
years of transition to the new system. But for 1931, Table 7 exhibits
the comparative numbers of male and female operators, by classes,
in all offices of the principal commercial telegraph companies.
T able 7.—R E LA T IV E N U M B E R S OF M A LE A N D F E M A L E T E L E G R A PH OPERATORS
IN A LL O FFICES OF P R IN C IP A L C O M M ER C IA L T E L E G R A PH C O M PA N IE S, 1931

Class

Morse manual operators___________________________
M ultiplex printer operators________________________
Simplex printer operators____ _____________________
Total

...........................................................................

M ale operators

Female opera­
tors

Aver­
age
num­
ber

Aver­
age
num­
ber

Per
cent

Per
cent

Total

Aver­
age
num­
ber

Per
cent

3,087
841
2,756

83.9
16.4
33.4

591
4,286
5, 493

16.1
83.6
66.6

3, 678
5,127
8,249

21.5
30.1
48.4

6,684

39.2

10,370

60.8

17.054

100.0

Among Morse operators, men still predominate, numbering 3,087
in 1931, or 83.9 per cent. The proportion of Morse operators (21.5
per cent of the total in 1931) is probably destined to a further decline.
In many offices, the transition to printer was still under way in 1931.
Among multiplex operators (a total of 5,127, forming 30.1 per cent
of all operators in the offices of the principal companies) women pre­
dominated in virtually the same ratio as did men among Morse
operators (4,286, or 83.6 per cent). The number of simplex opera­
tors was 8,249, or 48.4 per cent of the total. Of these, almost exactly
a third (2,756) were men. The relatively rapid change from the

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DISPLACEMENT OF MORSE OPERATORS

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Morse system to the simplex printer on local circuits created, for the
Morse operators who had handled these circuits, a grave problem
aggravated by industrial depression and the decline of Morse teleg­
raphy in other fields, especially on railroads.
In attempting to meet the problem of the displacement of skilled
Morse operators, a leading telegraph company has facilitated trans­
fers to printer positions by maintaining temporary training schools.
The company’s policy is officially described as follows:
All Morse employees having any aptitude were given an opportunity to become
testing and regulating attendants, for which job a knowledge of Morse is essen­
tial. Other Morse operators were given an opportunity to learn the simplex
method of operation. In both instances the instruction in the new duties was
given on company’s time. As a rule, Morse operators do not make as good
simplex operators as do younger people directly trained for that service. Never­
theless, such Morse operators are retained at their old ratings even though
younger and better employees could be secured at the lower rating prevalent for
simplex operators.

At the end of July, 1931, the results of the company’s policy were
indicated by the fact that in the case of simplex operators in func­
tional offices, more than half of the male operators (58.8 per cent)
and a considerable proportion of female operators (17.3 per cent)
had been Morse telegraphers. Of the total number of simplex
operators in functional offices (2,491), 31.2 per cent had been Morse
operators.
In addition to the printer telegraphs in company offices, there are
many thousands of instruments in customers’ offices, connected by
their own leased-wire circuits with the offices of the telegraph com­
panies. There are also thousands of instruments in the offices of
large organizations, using leased-wire circuits not connected directly
with telegraph company offices but forming a part of the wire system
of the telephone companies. A recent innovation enables those who
have printer telegraphs to communicate directly with each other
without having their messages transmitted for them by operators in
the offices of the telegraph companies. In principle, the new meth­
od is similar to that of the telephone. A telephone company, in­
stead of transmitting a telephone message, merely furnishes facilities
by which any two subscribers transmit their own messages—that is,
carry on a conversation. Similarly, the new telegraph system en­
ables subscribers to do their own telegraphing.
The new arrangements were made effective late in 1931 by the
telegraph companies for customers having printer circuits connected
with their offices, and by the telephone companies for their patrons
with leased-wire printer circuits. There are two methods. One is
an automatic tape-perforating device for transferring customers’ mes­
sages from one circuit to another. The other method is a switch­
board resembling in function the telephone switchboard. That is, its
function is to establish a circuit between any two subscribers, so that
they may communicate directly with each other simply by the typing
of messages on the teletypes in their own offices.
Remarkable and rapid as have been the recent changes in employ­
ment conditions in the communications industries, there seems little
hazard in prophesying further important changes in the numbers and
status of commercial telegraphers.

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516

M O N TH LY LA BO R R E V IE W

F lu c t u a t io n o f E m p lo y m e n t in O h io in 1930, a n d C o m p a r iso n s
W ith P r e v io u s Y ears
By F r e d e r i c k E. C r o x t o n , C o l u m b ia U n i v e r s i t y , a n d F r e d C. C r o x t o n ,
C o l u m b u s , O h io

LUCTUATION of employment during 1930 of wage earners,
clerical employees, and salespeople (not traveling) is shown for
44,307 establishments in Ohio in this report. Comparison is also made
with the previous six years. A report1 of the United States Bureau
of Labor Statistics which is now in press will make available data for
the period from January, 1914.
The month of highest employment in 1930 as reported by the 44,307
establishments in manufactures, service, wholesale and retail trade,
transportation and public utilities, construction, mining and quarry­
ing, agriculture, and fisheries was May, when a total of 1,225,478 per­
sons was reported. The month of lowest employment as reported by
these establishments was December, when a total of 1,066,310 was
reported. The variation from the high point of employment for both
sexes combined was 159,168, or 13 per cent.
The difference between employees reported for 1930 and 1929 affords
some approximation of the effect of the depression. Reports for 1930
were secured from 1,126, or 2.6 per cent, more establishments than in
1929. Practically all of these additional establishments were prob­
ably small concerns and even with employment conditions unchanged
the increase in number of persons employed would not be in propor­
tion to the increase in number of establishments. As a matter of fact,
even with the increase from 43,181 to 44,307 in number of establish­
ments reporting, the maximum number of persons employed dropped
from 1,356,004 to 1,225,478, the minimum number dropped from
1,230,724 to 1,066,310, and the average number from 1,306,622 to
1,161,860. This was a decrease of 130,526, or 9.6 per cent, in the
maximum, a decrease of 164,414, or 13.4 per cent in the minimum
and a decrease of 144,762, or 11.1 per cent, in the average number of
persons reported employed.
Males reported employed in 1930 by 44,307 establishments com­
pared with 43,181 establishments in 1929, show a decrease of 115,343,
or 10.9 per cent, in the maximum number, a decrease of 132,065, or
14.3 per cent, in the minimum number, and 122,211, or 12.2 per cent
in the average number. Females reported employed in 44,307 estab­
lishments m 1930 compared with 43,181 establishments in 1929, show
a decrease of 24,938, or 8 per cent, in the maximum number, a de­
crease of 16,003 or 5.6 per cent, in the minimum number, and a
decrease of 22,551, or 7.5 per cent, in the average number.
1 he total wage and salary payments (including superintendents and
managers) reported by the 44,307 establishments in 1930 compared
with the reports from 43,181 establishments in 1929 show a decrease
of $320,017,175, or 15.5 per cent.

F

Sources and Scope of Study
T h e reports for the several years have been compiled from two series
of leports collected and tabulated by the Division of Labor Statistics
of the Department of Industrial Relations of Ohio. One of the two
1 U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bui, No. 553: Fluctuation in Employment in Ohio, 1914 to 1929.


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FLUCTUATION OF EMPLOYMENT IN OHIO IN 1930

series gives statistics of mines and quarries and the other statistics of
all other industries in the State except interstate transportation and
governmental employment.
The statistical data for these reports were furnished annually by
employers of the State as required by law. The reports as compiled
by the Ohio Division of Labor Statistics show the data by indus­
tries for the State as a whole and also for each of the more populous
counties.
It is believed that this detailed information affords the most com­
prehensive and detailed data available in this country relating to
changing employment or so-called fluctuation of employment for a
long series of years. In each of the years the establishments are
identical throughout the year and the facilities for securing reports
from all establishments, as explained in a previous report,2 are un­
usually favorable. The number of establishments reporting has in­
creased each year but the added establishments are generally those
employing comparatively few persons.
The industries covered and the number of establishments reporting
are shown in Table 1. The number of establishments reporting in­
creased in 1930 over 1929 a total of 1,126. The principal increases
were 906 in service and 498 in trade. In construction there was a
decrease of 511.
T able 1 .—N U M B E R OF OHIO E ST A B L ISH M E N T S R E PO R T IN G FL U C T U A T IO N OF E M ­
PL O Y M E N T , 1924 TO 1930

Number of establishments reporting each year
Industry group

\ criml tnre
_______ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Construction
__ _____
- —
Fisheries
__ __ ______ - -- _____________________
Marm fantiires
Mining and quarrying:
Coal mining
______________________
Fire-clay mining
__ -- - ___________
Gypsum mining ____________ ____ Tdmestone quarrying__ _
________
Sandstone quarrying
___ __ _______
Service
_ _ _ ______ ____—
Tirade wholesale and retail
___________
Transportation and public utilities __ ______
Industry net otherwise classified___________

Total

1929

1930

1924

1925

1926

1927

.1928

732
7,364
25
9,125

910
8,407
23
9,502

1,052
9,145
22
9,704

1,199
9, 724
21
9,880

1,329
9, 942
20
9, 937

1,444
10,183
21
10,035

1,639
9, 672
22
10, Oil

889
1,000
108
108
3
3
119
116
43
49
4, 233 i 5, 971
7, 689 i 7, 277
1, 353
1,271
23
25

879
110
3
119
44
6, 761
7, 867
1,453
22

858
105
3
114
46
7, 598
8, 526
1, 561
21

714
112
3
122
42
8,210
8,916
1,625
20

679
108
3
121
33
9, 335
9, 524
1,674
21

674
107
3
123
30
10, 241
10, 022
1, 741
22

34,628

37,181

39, 656

40, 992

43,181

44, 307

________________________ 31, 740

i A considerable part of the increase in number of establishments in service and of the decrease m trade,
as compared with the previous year, is due to change of classification of “ offices’ from trade to service.
This change of course also affects the number of employees.

The returns received do not give a complete picture for the industry
group “ agriculture” and for the subgroup “ domestic service” under
the industry group “ service,” as comparatively few farms or domestic
establishments in Ohio employ as many as three persons and reports
are not sought, although a few are received, from concerns employing
fewer than three workers. The lists of the division of labor statistics
are carefully checked with those of the industrial commission, which
administers the workmen’s compensation law. Employers of fewer
2
Labor Review, April, 1930, pp. 31-62. Also see U . S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Bui. No. 553: Fluctua­
tion in Employment in Ohio, 1814 to 1929,


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518

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

than three workers may carry insurance but are not compelled to do so.
Household or domestic service does not come within the requirements
of the insurance law but employers of such service, regardless of the
number of persons employed, may avail themselves of the provisions
of that law. The Monthly Labor Keview for April, 1930 (p. 33),
contains a discussion relative to the approximate completeness of the
materials collected for the Ohio statistical reports.
For each of the seven years, 1924 to 1930, Table 2 shows the maxi­
mum, minimum, and average number of employees for whom in­
formation was secured.
T a b l e 2.—N U M B E R OF E M P L O Y EE S C O V ERED B Y R E PO R TS TO T H E D IV ISIO N OF
LABOR STA TISTIC S, D E P A R T M E N T OF IN D U S T R IA L R E LA T IO NS OF OHIO, 1924
TO 1930
’
Item

1924

1925

1926

1927

1928

891,731
833,115
857,062

945, 843
847, 398
907,167

990, 383
898,011
946, 740

953, 784
869,457
921, 753

993, 705 1, 054,154
843,462
921,442
939,567 1, 004, 283

938, 811
789,377
882, 072

248,713
230,147
238,426

266,861
239, 065
250, 612

279, 275
253, 728
264, 106

284, 664
260,958
272,395

301, 222
261, 946
278, 974

288,478
271, 218
279, 788

1929

1930

M ales

Maximum month _______ _
Minimum month_________
Average of 12 monthly reports..
Females

M aximum month ______ .
Minimum m o n th ____________
Average of 12 monthly reports..

313,416
287, 221
302, 339

Both sexes

Maximum month ___________ 1,134,424 1, 206,246 1, 259,325 1,225,049 1, 282, 584 1, 356, 004 1,225, 478
Minimum month. __ . . . _____ 1, 063, 262 1,086,463 1,151, 739 1,152,874 1,105, 408 1, 230, 724 1, 066, 310
Average of 12 monthly reports.. 1, 095, 488 1, 157, 779 1, 210, 846 1,194,148 1, 218, 541 1, 306, 622 1,161, 860

The amount reported paid in wages and salaries in 1930 by 44,307
establishments and in 1929 by 43,181 establishments is shown in
Table 3. The decrease in amount paid, even with the increase in
number of establishments reporting, was $320,017,175, or 15.5 per
cent. The clerical group (bookkeepers, stenographers, and office
clerks) shows an increase in amount paid of $9,611,892, or 3.4 per
cent, which is probably due to the fact that the increase in establish­
ments, as noted on a previous page, occurred very largely in the two
industry groups, service and trade, with percentages of increase of
9.7 and 5.2 per cent, respectively. Information concerning superin­
tendents and managers is not included in other tables of this report.
T a b le 3 .—W AGE A N D SALARY PA Y M E N T S IN OHIO E ST A B L ISH M E N T S, 1929 A N D 1930,
B Y G E N E R A L O C C UPATION GROUPS

General occupation group

1929 (43,181 estab­
lishments)

Wage earners_____________ _
Bookkeepers, stenographers, and office clerks
Sales people (not traveling). ___
Superintendents and managers___________

$1,523, 848,976
282, 709, 980
119,084,364
134, 705, 187

$1,220, 699,988
292, 321,872
88, 972,655
138,336, 817

2, 060, 348, 507

1, 740, 331,332

T otal. ___________


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1930 (44,307 estab­
lishments)

F L U C T U A T IO N O F E M PL O Y M E N T IN O H IO IN

1930

519

Fluctuation of Employment, by Industries
T a b l e 4 shows for each industry group the number of persons re­
ported employed on the 15tli of each month of 1930. As before
stated, the figures for agriculture do not give a complete picture of
that industry.
T able 4 .—N U M B E R E M P L O Y E D IN OHIO E ST A B L ISH M E N T S ON T H E 15TH OF EA CH
M O N T H IN 1930, B Y S E X A N D IN D U ST R Y GR O U P ______________ _

Sex and month

All indus­ Agri­
cul­
tries
ture

Trans­ Indus­
Trade, porta­ tries
Mining
not
Con­ Fish­ M anu­
tion
whole­
and
other­
struc­ eries factures quarry­ Service sale and and
wise
tion
retail public classi­
ing
utilities fied

M ales

Jan u ary_______
February_______
M arch_________
April
______
M ay
______
June
____
July
August _______
S e p te m b e r .-__
October ______
November____
D e ce m b er .-------

894, 063
895, 346
902, 083
932, 039
938, 811
922, 061
897, 592
879, 302
868, 427
850, 779
814, 983
789, 377

6,132
6,196
7,209
8, 337
8, 975
9, 048
9, 876
8, 613
8, 756
8, 769
7,284
6, 358

52, 953
52, 797
57, 695
69, 584
78, 723
79, 754
82, 068
79,513
75, 250
70, 411
59, 948
47, 724

281, 826
282, 857
285' 270
288| 478
286, 667
2841 848
274, 200
272, 682
277' 224
275, 259
271, 218
276| 933

814
847
954
1,147
1, 207
1,197
1, 242
1, 002
1,093
1,072
892
843

2,385
2, 377
2, 408
2,453
2, 480
2,485
2, 443
2, 424
2, 389
2, 386
2,342
2,297

1,175, 889
1,178, 203
1,187, 353
1, 220, 517
1, 225, 478
1, 206, 909
1, 171, 792
1,151, 984
1,145, 651
1,126, 038
1, 086, 201
1, 066, 310

6, 946
7,043
8,163
9, 484
10, 182
10, 245
11,118
9,615
9, 849
9, 841
8, 176
7,201

55, 338
55,174
60, 103
72, 037
81, 203
82, 239
84, 511
81,937
77, 639
72, 797
62, 290
50,021

212
214
304
318
386
352
281
287
320
329
325
212

573,651
576,043
574,979
585, 431
580, 380
561, 721
536, 915
523, 644
516, 187
505, 481
486, 934
478, 273

27,900
27, 996
27, 779
27, 615
27,115
27, 236
27,014
27, 503
28, 169
29, 208
28, 874
28, 307

84,970
85, 093
86, 588
90,178
91, 072
91, 542
89, 861
89,188
89, 355
87, 280
85, 560
83, 405

84, 775
84, 373
85,026
86, 313
86,177
86,026
84, 617
83, 660
84, 049
84, 505
84, 076
85, 697

63,454
62, 618
62, 487
64,246
65, 965
66, 364
66, 943
66, 877
66, 324
64, 778
61,963
59, 382

16
16
16
17
18
18
17
17
17
18
19
19

135, 242
136,514
136, 897
136, 507
135, 557
134,117
128, 084
128, 874
131, 696
129,160
124, 442
121, 406

121
121
121
121
121
121
121
121
121
121
121
121

66, 701
66,827
67, 373
68,086
68, 845
69, 000
67, 518
66, 8 „
67, 290
66, 641
65, 716
65, 242

55, 586
55, 312
56, 810
59, 680
57,677
57,062
54,182
53,184
55,102
56, 560
58, 689
68, 288

20, 965
20,847
20, 695
20, 470
20, 765
20, 853
20, 597
20, 254
19, 519
19, 305
19, 003
18,725

12
12
12
14
15
13
13
13
14
14
13
11

28, 021 151, 671
28,117 151, 920
27, 900 153, 961
27, 736 158, 264
27, 236 159, 917
27, 357 160, 542
27, 135 157, 379
27, 624 155, 998
28, 290 156, 645
29, 329 153, 921
28, 995 151,276
28, 428 148, 647

140, 361
139, 685
141, 836
145, 993
143, 854
143, 088
138, 799
136,844
139,151
141,065
142, 765
153,985

84, 419
83, 465
83,182
84, 716
86, 730
87, 217
87, 540
87,131
85, 843
84, 083
80, 966
78,107

28
28
28
31
33
31
30
30
31
32
32
30

Females

January
February
March
A pril
M ay
June
July
Angust
September
Oetnber
November
D ppernher
Both sexes

January............. .
February___ ___
M arch__ _____
A p r il___ . . .
M ay ___ ___ - June
_____
July
_____
August
September _ _
October..
November - - December______

212
214
304
318
386
352
281
287
320
329
325
212

708, 893
712,557
711, 876
721, 938
715, 937
695, 838
664, 999
652, 518
647, 883
634, 641
611, 376
599, 679

The month of maximum and the month of minimum employment
and also the variation in number employed are shown for each
industry group in Table 5.
. .
In the industry groups numerically important, the greatest variation
for both sexes combined occurred in construction with 40.8 per cent
and the second greatest in manufactures with 16.9 per cent.
Charts 1 to 4 show in graphic form the course of_ employment of
males and of females in all industries combined and in manufactures
each year from 1914 to 1930. The line is broken at the end of each
year as the number of establishments3 is not the same from year to
year. Within each year, however, the establishments are identical
throughout the 12 months.
3

For number of establishments in earlier years of the period, see U . S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Bui.

563: Fluctuation of Employm ent in Ohio, 1914 to 1929, Table 1.
Digitized forNo.
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M O N T H L Y L A B O R R E V IE W

Table 5 .—M A X IM U M A N D M IN IM U M E M P L O Y M E N T I N 1930 I N E A C H IN D U S T R Y
GROUP I N OHIO, B Y SE X

Maximum

Minimum

Variation from
maximum

Sex and industry group
Number

M onth

Number

Month

N um ­
ber

Per
cent

M ales

All industries___________________

938,811

December.. 149, 434

15.9

Agriculture_____________________
Construction____________________
Fisheries________________________
Manufactures___________________
Mining and quarrying___________
Service_________________________
Trade, wholesale and retail_______
Transportation and public utilities.

9, 876 July--------82, 068 ------do____
386 M ay............
585, 431 April_____
29, 208 October___
91, 542 J u n e ..........
86,313 April_____
66, 943 July______

6,132 January . . .
3,744
47, 724 December . 34, 344
f
January___
212
174
(.December.. ]
478, 273 ____do_____ 107, 158
27, 014 July.............
2, 194
83, 405 December..
8,137
83, 660 August___
2,653
59,382 December..
7,561

37.9
41.8
45.1
18.3
7. 5
8. 9
3. 1
11.3

288, 478

April_____

271, 218

Novem ber.

17, 260

6.0

1,242
2,485

J u ly ........ .
June______

814
2,297

January___
December..

428
188

34. 5
7.6

136,897”
(>)
69, 000
68, 288
20, 965

March____
June______
December..
January___

121, 406
(>)
65, 242
53,184
18, 725

December..
(i)________
December..
August___
December..

15,491
(')
3, 758
15,104
2,240

11.3
(0
5.4
22.1
10.7

M ay______

789, 377

Females

All industries___________________
A griculture-............................ .......
Construction______ _____________
Fisheries_____________________
Manufactures_______________
Mining and quarrying_______ ____
Service_________________________
Trade, wholesale and retail _ "
Transportation and public utilities.

0

) _________

Both sexes

All industries____________________
Agriculture_____________________
Construction__________________ ’ ’
Fisheries________________________
Manufactures___________________
Mining and quarrying___________
Service________________________’
Trade, wholesale and retail.
Transportation and public utilities.

1, 225,478

M ay______ 1, 066, 310 ------ do.......... 159,168

11,118 July--------84, 511 ----- do____
386 M ay............
721, 938 April_____
29, 329 October___
160, 542 J u n e . .. .. ..
153, 985 December
87, 540 July______

13.0

6,946 January___
4,172
50, 021 December.
34, 490
212 ( January___ j
174
(.December
599, 679 ------do
122,259
27,135 J uly
___
2,194
148, 647 December.. 11,895
136, 844 August
17,141
78,107 December..
9,433

37.5
40.8
45.1
16.9
7. 5
7.4
11. 1
10.8
1

i All ‘ ‘office help” and fluctuation not reported.

Chart l. F luctuation

of employment of males in all industries in Ohio , 1914-1930

Manufactures includes more than three-fifths of the males and
approximately one-half of the females covered in this report. The
percentage of males in the manufactures group was 64.8 in 1928 65.1
m 1929, and 61.4 in 1930 and of females 50.4 in 1928, 50.5 in 1929
and 47.0 in 1930.
’

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F L U C T U A T IO N O F E M PL O Y M E N T IN OH IO IN

Chart 2.—F luctuation of employment of females in

all industries in

1930

521

Ohio, 1914-1930

Chart 3.—F luctuation of employment of males in manufacturing industries in Ohio, 1914-1930

Chart 4.—F luctuation of employment of females in manufacturing industriesin Ohio, 1914-193 0


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M O N TH LY L A B O R R E V IE W

Fluctuation of Employment, by General Occupation Groups

I n Table 6 the employees reported in each industry group are
separated into three general occupation classifications—wage earners;
bookkeepers, stenographers, and office clerks; and salespeople (not
traveling). Males classified as wage earners formed 87.0 per cent of
all male employees in 1928, 86.5 per cent in 1929, and 85.4 per cent
in 1930. Females classified as wage earners formed 60.6 per cent of
all female employees in 1928, 60.4 per cent in 1929, and 58.2 per cent
in 1930. In 1930, bookkeepers, stenographers, and office clerks
formed 10.2 per cent of the total males and 30.2 per cent of the
total females and salespeople (not traveling) formed 4.4 per cent of
the males and 11.6 per cent of the females.

W a g e e a rn ers

Sex and month

All
indus­
tries

Agri­
cul­
ture

Trans­ Indus­
Trade, porta­ tries
Con­ Fish­ Manu- Mining
whole­ tion
not
and
struc­ eries factures quarry­ Service
sale
and
other­
tion
and
public wise
ing
retail
utili­ classi­
ties
fied

765,128
766, 557
772, 586
801, 631
808,416
791, 772
768, 264
751,192
741,156
723, 220
688, 481
662, 335

5,984
6,051
7,061
8,162
8, 802
8,887
9,719
8,464
8, 604
8,610
7, 132
6,204

49, 327
49,151
54, 012
65, 872
74, 913
75, 896
78, 346
75, 752
71, 505
66, 756
56, 313
44, 213

165, 434
166, 698
167, 623
168, 570
168, 495
167, 213
159, 298
158, 772
162, 384
160, 331
155, 443
152,454

474
483
564
715
768
819
911
679
752
723
568
517

92
83
98

M ales

January_____
February____
March........ .
A p r il...............
M a y ............—
June...............
July_________
August______
September___
O ctober..........
November___
December___

212

214
304
318
386
352
281
287
320
329
325
212

524, 702
527,203
526, 007
536, 328
531, 468
512, 936
488,423
475, 737
469, 029
457, 848
439, 781
431,416

27, 601
27, 697
27,480
27,316
26, 816
26, 937
26, 715
27,204
27, 870
28, 909
28, 575
28,008

55, 556
55, 525
56, 655
60,158
60,890
61,425
59, 502
59, 021
59, 653
57, 774
56, 573
54,530

47, 231
47, 048
47,629
48, 301
48, 305
48,135
47, 529
47, 012
46, 961
47,169
46,628
47,158

54, 515
53, 668
53, 438
55,176
56, 836
57, 204
57, 749
57, 715
57, 214
55, 825
53,154
50, 594

41, 015
41,105
41,415
41, 968
42, 681
42, 817
41, 269
40, 752
41, 363
41, 063
40,414
39, 998

10,239
10, 133
10, 407
10, 969
10, 876
10, 542
10, 004
9,719
9, 954
10,310
10, 619
11,266

13, 817
13, 766
13, 617
13, 460
13, 680
13, 665
13, 354
12, 961
12, 400
12, 350
12,163
11,975

96, 571 57,470
96, 630 57,181
98, 070 58,036
102,126 59, 270
103, 571 59, 181
104, 242 58,677
100, 771 57, 533
99,773 56, 731
101, 016 56, 915
98, 837 57, 479
96,987 57, 247
94,528 58,424

68, 332
67, 434
67, 055
68, 636
70, 516
70, 869
71, 103
70, 676
69, 614
68,175
65, 317
62, 569

Females

January...
February..
March___
April.........
M ay_____
June..........
July_____
August___
September
October...
November.
December.

99, 797
101,128
101, 522
101, 348
100, 363
99, 237
93, 627
94, 526
97, 786
95, 741
91, 545
88,578

110

127
133
133
135
129
144
134
120

Both sexes

January...
February..
M arch___
April____
M ay_____
June..........
July...........
August___
September.
October...
November.
December.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

930, 562 6,458
933, 255 6,534
940, 209 7, 625
970, 201 8, 877
976,911 9, 570
958, 985 9,706
927, 562 10, 630
909, 964 9, 143
903, 540 9, 356
883, 551 9, 333
843, 924 7, 700
814, 789 6,721

49, 419
49, 234
54,110
65, 982
75,040
76, 029
78, 479
75, 887
71, 634
66,900
56,447
44, 333

212

214
304
318
386
352
281
287
320
329
325
212

624, 499
628, 331
627, 529
637, 676
631, 831
612, 173
582, 050
570, 263
566, 815
553, 589
531,326
519, 994

27, 601
27, 697
27, 480
27, 316
26, 816
26, 937
26, 715
27, 204
27, 870
28, 909
28, 575
28,008

F L U C T U A T IO N O F E M PL O Y M E N T IN O H IO IN

523

1930

T able 6 .—N U M B E R E M P L O Y E D ON T H E 15TH OF E A C H M O N T H IN 1930 IN E A C H
G E N E R A L O C C U PA T IO N GROUP IN OHIO, B Y SE X A N D IN D U S T R Y G R O U P Continued

B o o k k e e p e rs, ste n o g ra p h e rs, a n d office clerks

Sex and month

All
indus­
tries

Agri­
cul­
ture

Con­ Fish­ M anu­ Mining
and
struc­ eries factures quarry­ Service
tion
ing

Trans­ Indus­
Trade, porta­ tries
whole­ tion
not
sale
and
other­
and
public wise
retail
utili­ classi­
ties
fied

M ales

January.............
February----- ~
M arch________
April..................
M ay_________
June_________
July.............
August...............
September-----October---------November____
December.........

90, 678
90, 553
90, 912
90, 948
90, 929
90,942
90, 723
90,036
88, 869
89,076
88,070
87, 593

101
102
104
107
107
107
105
104
102
105
101
100

3,045
3,051
3,065
3,092
3,179
3,235
3,094
3,126
3,087
3,006
2,986
2,901

45,388
45,259
45, 382
45, 484
45,250
45,129
44,822
44,240
43,469
43, 984
43, 528
43,223

299
299
299
299
299
299
299
299
299
299
299
299

25,542
25,549
25, 700
25,637
25, 785
25, 810
26,135
26,059
25, 747
25, 679
25,300
25,284

8,336
8,320
8, 289
8,253
8,219
8, 263
8,133
8,113
8,119
8,099
8,089
8,041

7,951
7, 957
8,057
8,059
8,072
8,081
8,118
8, 078
8,029
7,886
7, 749
7,727

16
16
16
17
18
18
17
17
17
18
18
18

86,206
85,836
86,158
86,009
86,000
85, 625
84, 787
84,356
83, 673
82, 590
81,743
81,922

302
326
353
385
391
343
304
297
315
323
295
293

2,258
2,259
2, 272
2,304
2,314
2,316
2,277
2,257
2, 228
2, 209
2,177
2,143

34,151
34,083
34,043
33, 824
33, 842
33, 524
33,100
32, 992
32, 565
32,086
31,591
31,470

121
121
121
121
121
121
121
121
121
121
121
121

25,444
25,466
25,709
25, 832
25, 875
25, 865
25, 718
25,553
25,458
25,128
24,868
24,805

16,831
16, 546
16, 644
16, 600
16, 437
16, 342
16,095
15,912
15, 937
15,833
15, 916
16,412

7,087
7,023
7,004
6,929
7,005
7,101
7,159
7,211
7,035
6,876
6,762
6,667

12
12
12
14
15
13
13
13
14
14
13
11

176,884
176,389
177,070
176, 957
176, 929
176, 567
175, 510
174,392
172, 542
171, 666
169,813
169, 515

403
428
457
492
498
450
409
401
417
428
396
393

5,303
5,310
5,337
5,396
5,493
5, 551
5,371
5,383
5,315
5,215
5,163
5,044

79,539
79,342
79,425
79,308
79,092
78, 653
77,922
77,232
76,034
76,070
75,119
74,693

420
420
420
420
420
420
420
420
420
420
420
420

50,986 25,167
51,015 24, 866
51,409 24, 933
51,469 24, 853
51, 660 24, 656
51,675 24, 605
51,853 24,228
51,612 24, 025
51,205 24, 056
50, 807 23, 932
50,168 24, 005
50,089 24, 453

15,038
14, 980
15,061
14, 988
15,077
15,182
15, 277
15,289
15,064
14, 762
14,511
14,394

28
28
28
31
33
31
30
30
31
32
31
29

Females

January..............
February-------M arch________
April—................
M ay-------------June_________
July__________
August—............
September-----October______
November____
December..........
Both sexes

January---------February..........
M arch..............
April_________
M a y ........ ..........
June............ ......
July_________
August----------September-----October___ . . . .
November____
December____


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

524

M O N TH LY

LA B O R

R E V IE W

T able 6 .—N U M B E R E M P L O Y E D ON T H E 15TH OF EA CH M O N T H IN 1930 IN EACH
GENERAL
Continued

O C C U PA TIO N

GRO U P IN

OHIO, B Y SE X A N D IN D U S T R Y

GROUP—

S a le s p e o p le (n ot travelin g )

Sex and month

Mining
Con­
M anu­
and
struc­ Fish­
eries
factures
quarry­ Service
tion
ing

All
indus­
tries

Agri­
cul­
ture

38,257
38, 236
38, 585
39,460
39, 466
39,347
38, 605
38,074
38, 402
38,483
38,432
39,449

47
43
44
68
66
54
52
45
50
54
51
54

581
595
618
620
631
623
628
635
658
649
649
610

3, 561
3, 581
3,590
3, 619
3' 662
3, 656
3, 670
3, 667
3,689
3,649
3,625
3,634

30,186
30,323
31, 489
33, 899
32,172
32,010
30,115
29, 554
31,167
32,338
34,032
42,557

38
38
37
47
48
35
27
26
26
26
29
33

35
35
38
39
39
36
33
32
32
33
31
34

1,294
1,303
1,332
1, 335
1,352
1,356
1,357
L 356
1,345
1,333
L 306
1,358

68,443
68, 559
70, 074
73, 359
71, 638
71,357
68, 720
67, 628
69, 569
70,821
72,464
82,006

85
81
81
115
114
89
79
71
76
80
80
87

616
630
656
659
670
659
661
667
690
682
680
644

4, 855
4, 884
4,922
4' 954
5,014
5,012
5,027
5 ,023
5,034
4, 982
4, 931
4,992

Trans­ Indus
Trade, porta­ tries
whole­ tion
not
sale
and
other­
and
public
wise
retail
utili­ classi­
ties
fied

M ales

January______
February_____
M arch_______
April_________
M ay_________
June...... ............
July_________
August_______
Septem ber.-...
October______
November____
December____

3,872
4,019
4,233
4.383
4,397
4,307
4,224
4,108
3,955
3,827
3,687
3, 591

29, 208
29, 005
29,108
29, 759
29, 653
29, 628
28, 955
28, 535
28, 969
29, 237
29,359
30, 498

988
993
992
1,011
1,057
1,079
1,076
1,084
1,081
1,067
1,060
1,061

242 28,516
256 28, 633
249 29, 759
286 32,111
289 30, 364
318 30,178
531 28,083
505 27, 553
469 29,211
450 30,417
434 32,154
439 40, 610

61
58
74
81
80
87
84
82
84
79
78
83

1
1

Females

January______
February_____
M arch_______
April_________
M ay_________
June_________
July--------------August...............
September____
October______
November____
December____
Both sexes

January______
February_____
M arch_______
April_________
M a y ......... .........
June_________
July--------------August_______
September____
October______
November____
December_____


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

4,114
4,275
4,482
4,669
4, 686
4, 625
4,755
4,613
4,424
4,277
4,121
4,030

57, 724
57,638
58, 867
61,870
60, 017
59, 806
57, 038
56, 088
58,180
59, 654
61,513
71,108

1,049
1,051
1,066
1,092
1,137
1,166
1,160
1,166
1,165
1,146
1,138
1,144

1
1

FL U C T U A T IO N O F E M PL O Y M E N T IN O H IO IN

525

1930

Table 7 shows for 1930 the month of maximum and month of mini­
mum employment and also the variation in number employed in
each of the three general occupation groups. The data for each occu­
pation group are given by industry groups.
T a b le 7.— M A X IM U M A N D M IN IM U M E M P L O Y M E N T IN E A CH G E N E R A L O C C U PA ­
TION GROUP IN OHIO, 1930, B Y SE X A N D IN D U S T R Y GROUP

W a g e e a rn ers

Maximum

Minimum

Variation from
maximum

Sex and industry group
Number

Month

Number

Month

Number

December..

Per
cent

M ales

All industriesAgriculture—
Construction.
Fisheries-----Manufactures----------------------------Mining and quarrying----------------Service________________ _________
Trade, wholesale and r eta il...-----Transportation and public utilities.

808, 41 o

M a y ..........

662, 335

146,081

18.1

9, 719
78, 346
386

J u ly ............
___do____
M ay______

61,425
48 305
57, 749

J u n e . . ----M ay______
July.............

3, 735
5,984 January___
34,133
44,213 December..
/January___ }
174
212 \ December—
431, 416 ___ _do____ J 104,912
2,194
___
26, 715 July
6", 895
54, 530 December..
1,677
46,628 November7,155
50,594 December..

38.4
43.6
45.1
19.6
7.6
11.2
’¿. 5

168, 570

April_____

152,454 ____do..........

911
144

July ____
October___

474
83

January___
February..

437
61

48.0
42.4

101, 522

March____

88, 578

December..

12, 944

12.7

39, 998
9,719
11,975

December
A u g u st___
December..

2, 819
1, 547
1,842

6.6
13.7
13.3

1 2 .4

Females

All industries.
Agriculture_____________________
Construction------------------------------Fisheries________________________
Manufactures----------------------------Mining and quarrying.------ --------Service________________ r-----------Trade, wholesale and retail—------Transportation and public utilities.

42,817
11, 266
13,817

June .
December..
January___

All industries.

976, 911

M ay______

814, 789 ____do____

Agriculture...
Construction.
Fisheries________________________
Manufactures----------------------------M ining and quarrying----------------Service_______________ __________
Trade wholesale and retail— -----Transportation and public utilities.

10, 630
78,479
386
ß37 676

J u ly _____
_ __do____
M ay____ ■April

104, 242
59,270
71,103

Ju n e.. _ -April_____
July______

6,458
44,333
212
519, 994
26, 715
94Ì 528
56, 731
62, 569

16,116

9 .6

Both sexes

103146°—-32-


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

3

162,122

16.6

4,172
January---34,146
December..
/January---- }
174
\ December—
_ __ do _ _ 1 117,682
2,194
JulV—_ --9, 714
December.
2, 539
August___
8,534
December..

39.2
43.5
45.1
18.5
7.6
9.3
4.3
12.0

526

M O N T H L Y LA B O R R E V IE W

T a ble 7.— M A X IM U M A N D M IN IM U M E M P L O Y M E N T IN EA CH G E N E R A L OCCUPA­
T IO N GROUP IN OHIO, 1930, B Y SE X A N D IN D U S T R Y GROUP—Continued

B o o k k e e p e rs, ste n o g ra p h e rs, a n d office clerks

Maximum

Minimum

Variation from
maximum

Sex and industry group
Number

Month

Number

Month

Number

Per
cent

M ales

All industries___________ _____ ______
Agriculture___________ _
................
_ . . . ___
Construction__________
Fisheries________________
_______ _
Manufactures- _______ _____ . . . _
Mining and quarrying.. _ _ . . . ______
Service______ ____ _____ .
Trade, wholesale and r e ta il___________
Transportation and public utilities_____

90, 948

April_____
M ay
107 \fApril,
j
June.
3,235 Ju n e.. . .

87, 593

December..

100
2,901

3, 355

3.7

7
334

6.5
10.3

45, 484
«
26,135
8,336
8,118

A pril..........
(9
.Tulv
J anuary___
July........... .

43, 223 December..
(9
(9
25, 284 December..
8,041 ------ do_____
7,727 -- --do____

2,261
(9
851
295
391

5.0
(9
3.3
3.5
4.8

86, 206
391
2,316

January___
M ay______
June.

81, 743
293
2,143

November .
December __
do

4,463
98
173

5.2
25.1
7.5

34, 151
(9
25, 875
16, 831
7, 211

January___
(9
Alay
January___
August___

31, 470
(9
24,805
15, 833
6,667

December..
(9
December..
October___
December..

2,681
0)
1,070
998
544

7.9
(9
4.1
5.9
7.5

177, 070
498
5, 551

March____

169, 515
393
5, 044

December..

7, 555
105
507

4.3
2 i.l
9.1

79, 539
(9
51, 853
25, 167
15, 289

January___
(9
July
January___
August___

74, 693
(9
50, 089
23, 932
14, 394

December..
(9
December..
October___
December..

4, 846
<9
1, 764
1,235
895

6.1
(9
3.4
4.9
5.9

1, 392
25
77

(2)
11.7

Females

All industries____ __________
___
Agriculture- . ____
______ . ___
Construction .
-------Fisheries
__ . . ___
Manufactures______________
M ining and.quarrying.. .
________
Service___
_________
Trade, wholesale and retail ______
Transportation and public utilities-- .
Both sexes

All industries__ _____ _______
Agriculture______ ______
Construction.-- ______ . .
Fisheries..- __________ . . .
Manufactures.
Alining and quarrying. _________ . . .
Service________
...
___ _
Trade, wholesale and retail. . .
Transportation and public utilities_____

S a le s p e o p l e (n o t tr a v e lin g )
M ales

All industries______________________
A griculture_______
... _
C onstruction_______ _____
Fisheries______________ __ __
Manufactures_____________
Mining and quarrying.. _ ______
Service___ ______ ______
Trade, wholesale and retail..
Transportation and public u tilitie s ____

39, 466
68
658

M ay______
A pril.. _ _
September-

38, 074
43
581

August___
February. .
January___

3, 689

3.5

September.

3, 561

January___

128

3.5

4, 397
30, 498
1,084

December. .
August.......

3, 591
28,535
988

D ecem berAugust ___
January___

806
1,963
96

18.3
6.4
8.9

42, 557

December..

August____
13,003
[August,
26 <September, j22
[October.
31 N ovem ber.
8

30.6

Females

All industries_____ _

Agriculture___ ____________

48

Construction______
Fisheries____________
M anufactures.. ____ ___ ...
Mining and quarrying________
Service.
___________
Trade, wholesale and retail._. ............
Transportation and public utilities_____

39

April, M ay.

29,554

(2)
(2)

1, 358

December..

1, 294

January___

64

4.7

531
40, 610
87

July______
December—
June______

242
27,553
58

January___
A u g u s t___
February..

289
13, 057
29

54.4
32.2
(9

82, 006
115
690

December..
April_____
September-

67, 628 August —
71 ------ do_____
616 January___

14, 378
44
74

17.5
38.3
10.7

5,034

September.

Both sexes

All industries______________
Agriculture________ . . . _
Construction . . . . . .
Fisheries______________
Manufactures_____________
M ining and quarrying_____ _____
Service ______ . . . . . .
Trade, wholesale and retail............. .
Transportation and public utilities

January___

179

3.6

725
15, 020
117

15.2
21.1
10.0

i All “ office help ” and fluctuation not reported.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

4,855

4,755 July--------4, 030 December..
71, 108 December..
56, 088 August___
Au­
1,166 'June,
I 1,049 January___
gust.

2N ot computed on account of small number involved,

F L U C T U A T IO N O F E M PL O Y M E N T IN O H IO IN 1930

527

The maximum, minimum, and average number of males and
females reported in each of the three general occupation groups are
shown in Table 8 for each of the years, 1924 to 1930.
T able 8.—M A X IM U M ,

M IN IM U M , A N D A V ER A G E N U M B E R OF M ALES A N D
FEM A LE S R E P O R T E D IN EACH G E N E R A L O C C U PA TIO N GROUP IN OHIO, 1924
TO 1930

W a g e ea rn ers
1924
(31,740
estab­
lish­
ments)

1925
(34,628
estab­
lish­
ments)

1926
(37,181
estab­
lish­
ments)

1927
(39,656
estab­
lish­
ments)

1928
(40,992
estab­
lish­
ments)

1929
(43,181
estab­
lish­
ments)

Maximum m onth_______ ___________ 789,457
Minimum month___________ _______ 730,615
Average of 12 monthly reports........ ....... 755,062

837, 381
744, 327
800,471

875,444
787, 792
833, 030

836,494
749, 785
805, 001

869,270
725,946
817,288

916, 978
782, 529
868,834

80S, 416
662, 335
753, 395

160, 576
144. 391
152,297

168,944
154, 712
161,136

172, 279
156, 733
164,440

178, 214
157, 861
169,068

191,212
174,078
182, 555

168, 570
152,454
162, 726

Item

1930
(44,307
estab­
lish­
ments)

M ales

Females

Maximum m onth_____ _____________ 148,403
Minimum month _______ _______ 137, 779
Average of 12 monthly reports.-........ . 144, 477

B o o k k e e p e rs, ste n o g ra p h e rs, a n d office clerks
M ales

Maximum m onth__ __
__________
Minimum m onth--. .......... ......
Average of 12 monthly r e p o r t s ...____

68, 218
67,497
67,864

71,374
68, 572
70,248

74, 574
71, 862
73,613

76, 309
73,876
75,405

79,460
75, 288
77,640

85, 400
80, 662
83, 529

90, 948
87, 593
89, 944

66,627
65, 374
65, 979

71,104
67, 465
69,104

75, 017
71,169
73,173

77,173
74,745
76,006

79, 591
74,694
77,072

86, 644
82, 076
85, 003

86, 206
81,743
84,575

Females

Maximum m onth___________________
Minimum month ______ _ ______
Average of 12 monthly reports_______

S a le s p e o p le (n o t tra v e lin g )
M ales

Maximum m o n t h .__ . . . _ ________
Minimum m on th... ________________
Average of 12 monthly reports_______

36, 005
32,628
34,136

38, 397
34, 499
36,448

42,273
38, 357
40, 097

43, 549
39, 951
41, 347

47, 734
42,228
44,639

54, 724
48,489
51, 920

39,466
38, 074
38, 733

36, 363
25, 750
27, 970

39, 267
27, 002
29,211

40, 416
27, 264
29, 797

43, 315
29,023
31,949

46,822
29,135
32,834

47,137
30, 923
34, 781

42, 557
29, 554
32,487

Females

Maximum m onth_____ _________ ___
M inimum month _ ____ _______
Average of 12 monthly reports_______

Table 9 presents a comparison of employment fluctuation in 1930
for males and females in all industries combined and in each of four
industry groups which employ large numbers both of males and of
females. The comparisons are for each of the three general occupa­
tion groups.
In the wage earners group, males show the wider fluctuation except
in trade and in transportation and public utilities. In the clerical
group and in the sales group females show a wider fluctuation than
do males in each of the industry groups.


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528

M O N TH LY LA BO R R E V IE W

T able 9.—PE R C E N T OF V A R IA T IO N FR OM M A X IM U M E M P L O Y M E N T OF M ALES
A N D FEM A LE S IN G E N E R A L OCCU PA TIO N GROUPS IN OHIO, 1930, B Y S P E C IF IE D
IN D U S T R Y GROUPS

Wage earners
Industry group
Males
All industries___ - ___________ _______
Manufactures______ _ . . _________ _
Service .................
_ ________
Trade, wholesale and retail.
Transportation and public utilities. . . . .

18.1
19.6
11. 2
3. 5
12. 4

1N ot computed owing to small number involved.


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Females
9.6
12.7
6.6
13.7
13.3

Bookkeepers, ste­
nographers, and
office clerks
Males
3.7
5.0
3.3
3.5
4.8

Females
5.2
7.9
4.1
5.9
7.5

Sales people (not
traveling)

Males
3.5
3.5
18.3
6.4
8.9

Females
30.6
4.7
54.4
32.2
(*)

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
M a d e W ork fo r C lerica l W ork ers

ELIEVING that a need existed for the dissemination of informa­
tion with regard to made-work programs in force for white-collar
workers, the President’s Organization on Unemployment Relief asked
the Women’s Bureau of the United States Department of Labor to
undertake such a study. The preliminary report of the Women’s
Bureau is now available.
_
In commenting on the findings set forth in the report, Fred C.
Croxton, assistant director of the President’s Organization on Unem­
ployment Relief, in a press release of February 4, 1932, calls attention
to the fact that white-collar workers, under normal conditions, enjoy
greater stability of employment than do other wage earners and are
often less able to adjust themselves quickly to new lines of employ­
ment. The result is that special problems arise in the placement of
these workers in periods of depression and special machinery is
required for their placement and relief.
The specific fields of work recommended on the basis of this study
include: (1) Special projects for white-collar workers; (2) super­
visory work on projects for unskilled manual workers; (3) additions
to the force in relief and welfare offices; and (4) additions to the force
in nonprofit-making institutions. Among the special projects sug­
gested are traffic counts, study of accidents, topographical surveys,
and checking school attendance.
It is further brought out that special registration of white-collar
workers is desirable and that in some instances it has been found
advantageous to use volunteer investigators in interviewing unem­
ployed white-collar workers.

B

U n e m p lo y m e n t in F o r e ig n C o u n tr ie s

HE following table gives detailed monthly statistics of unem­
ployment in foreign countries, as shown in official reports, from
T
January, 1930, to the latest available date.


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530

M O N TH LY LA B O R R E V IE W
ST A T E M E N T OF U N E M P L O Y M E N T IN F O R E IG N C O U N TR IE S i
Australia

Austria

Belgium

Trade-unionists
unemployed

Compulsory insurance,
number
unemployed
in receipt of
benefit

Unemployment insurance societies

Number

Per cent

Number

Per cent

273,197
284, 543
239, 094
192,477
162,678
150, 075
153, 188
156,145
163, 894
192, 778
237, 745
294, 845

22,542
16, 085
14,030
13, 715
12,119
12,226
15, 302
17, 747
23,693
27, 322
38,973
63,585

3.5
2.6
2. 2
2.2
1.9
1.9
2.4
2.8
3.8
4.3
6. 1
9.3

25, 782
31, 222
28, 469
36, 065
38, 761
41,336
48, 580
51, 649
61,623
54, 804
76, 043
117,167

4.0
4.9
4. 5
5.8
6.1
6. 5
7.7
8.2
9. 9
8.5
12.0
17.0

10. 8
11.5
10. 8
9. 0
10. 3
10.6
9. 2
9. 3
9.4
10.8
13. 8
17.0

331, 239
334,041
304, 084
246, 845
208, 852
191, 150
194, 364
196, 321
202, 130
228, 101
273, 658
329, 595

77,181
81,750
81, 305
70, 377
56, 250
62, 642
64, 644
70, 893
74,175
82, 811
93,487
128, 000

11. 1
11.7
11.3
10.0
7.9
8.9
9. 1
9. 9
10.3
11.3
13.3
17.0

112, 734
121, 906
125, 972
110, 139
97, 755
101,616
116, 747
120, 669
119, 433
122,773
134, 799

16. 2
19. 4
17. 7
15.6
13. 8
14.4
16. 3
16.8
16.6
16.8
19.2

16. 0
15.6
15.5
14.9
16.2
16.3
16. 2
15.8
18.1
18.3
18.6
21.1

Date (end of month)

Number

1930
January__
February March___
April____
M ay_____
June_____
July-------August___
September.
October. _.
November.
December.
1931
January____
February___
March______
April_______
M ay_______
June________
July-----------August_____
September__
October_____
November__
December___
1932
January_____

Per
cent

( 2)
( 2)

63,144

14.6

( 2)
( 2)

80, 595

18.5

( 2)

( 2)

90, 279

20.5

(2)
( 2)

104, 951

23.4

( 2)

( 2)

113, 614
( 2)
(2)

118,424

25.8
27.6

(2)
( 2)

120, 694

28.3

(2)
( 2)

118, 732

28.0

Wholly unemployed

Number
of unem­
ployed
on live
register

1930
January - _____________
February— _____ _______
M a rc h ____ ______ ____
A pril.. _______ . . . . . .
M a y .. ______ _____ . . .
June . _ ______________
July------------------------------August_________________
September _____ _____
October
. . . ___
November . _____
December. ___________ _
1931
January . . . ___________
February________ ______
March ______________ . .
A pril-.
----- -- - .
M ay.
. . . . ___ _
.
June
. July------------------------------A ugust______ _______ _
September. . . . ___ _ . .
October
... . . . . ....
November. .
...
December. .
_______
1932
January_________________


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

See footnotes at end of table.

Partially unemployed

Per cent
of tradeunionists
unemployed

358,104

(2)

Danzig
(Free
City of)

Czechoslovakia
Date (end of month)

Canada

Trade-union insur­
ance funds—un­
employed in re­
ceipt of benefit

Number
of unem­
ployed
registered

Denmark

Estonia

Number
unem­
ployed
remaining
on live
Per cent register

Trade-union unem­
ployment funds—
unemployed

Number

Per cent

73, 891
86,156
88, 005
79, 721
77, 069
73,464
77, 309
88, 005
104, 534
122, 379
155, 203
239, 564

39,199
40, 550
45,567
42, 664
41,098
37,853
46, 800
52,694
57, 542
61,213
65,904
93,476

3.6
3.6
4.0
3.7
3.8
3.4
4. 1
4.7
5.3
5.5
5.9
8.3

19,282
21,153
20, 376
18,371
16, 232
14,975
15,330
15,687
16, 073
17, 307
20, 272
24,429

55,876
59, 363
47,109
33,471
27, 966
24, 807
26,200
26, 232
27, 700
32, 880
44, 200
71,100

20.3
21. 0
15.6
11. 8
9.4
8. 7
9.3
9. 0
9. 0
11.4
15. 3
24. 6

5, 608
4, 580
3, 575
2, 227
2, 065
910
762
1, 039
1, 414
3, 282
5, 675
6, 163

313, 511
343, 972
339, 505
296, 756
249, 686
220, 038
209, 233
214, 520
228, 383
253, 518
336, 874
480, 775

104, 580
117,450
119, 350
107, 238
93,941
82, 534
82, 759
86, 261
84, 660
88, 600
3 105, 846

9.5
10.0
10.0
8.9
7.6
6.6
6.6
6.9
6.7
6.9
8.3

27, 081
28, 192
27, 070
24,186
20, 686
19, 855
20,420
21, 509
22, 922
24,932
28, 966
32, 956

70, 961
73,427
67, 725
45,698
37,856
34, 030
36, 369
35, 060
35, 871
47,196
66, 526
91, 216

24. 2
26 0
22. 1
15.3
12. 3
11. 3
11. 8
11. 8
12. 1
16. 0
22. 3
30.4

5, 364
4, 070
2, 765
2, 424
b 368
931
634
933
2, 096
5, 425
7, 554

105, 600

35.1

581, 465

Number

531

E M PL O Y M E N T C O N D IT IO N S
ST A T E M E N T OF U N E M P L O Y M E N T IN F O R E IG N C O U N T R IE S—Continued
Finland

Germany

France

Trade-unionists
Number Number
unem­
of unem­ ofployed
ployed
registered in receipt
of benefit

Date (end of month)

1930
January.._______ _____________
February.. . . ---------- . . . . .
March ----------- -----_ _ _
April________________________
M ay___ . . . _________ _______
June_________________________
July_________________________
A u g u st_________
September____________ .
. .
October .. . . . _______
November___ . . . _______
December_____
. _________
1931
January___ _____.
. . .
February___ ____ . . .
. ...
March______________ ______
April__ _ ______ _ . . _____
M a y .. . . . ___ ___ _ . . _____
J u n e.. - - - - _______
July_________________________
----------August___
September
- _____
October.- _
.
November, December________________
1932

Number
of unem­
ployed
registered

12, 696
11, 545
10, 062
7, 274
4, 666
3,553
4,026
5,288
7,157
10, 279
10, 740
9, 336

1,484
1,683
1,630
1,203
859
1,019
856
964
988
1,663
4,893
11,952

3, 217, 608
3, 365,811
3, 040, 797
2, 786, 912
2, 634, 718
2, 640, 681
2, 765, 258
2, 883, 000
3, 004, 000
3, 252, 000
3,683, 000
4,384, 000

22. 0
23,5
21.7
20.3
19.5
19.6
20. 5
21.7
22. 5
23.6
26.0
31.7

11.0
13.0
12. 6
12. 1
12.0
12.6
13. 9
14.8
15.1
15.4
16.1
16.9

2, 482, 648
2,655, 723
2,347,102
2, 081, 068
1,889, 240
1,834, 662
1,900, 961
1,947,811
1,965, 348
2,071, 730
2,353, 980
2,822, 598

11,706
11,557
11,491
12, 663
7, 342
6, 320
6, 790
9,160
12,176
14,824
18, 095

28, 536
40, 766
50,815
49,958
41,339
36, 237
35, 916
37, 673
38, 524
51,654
92,157
147, 009

4, 887, 000
4, 972, 000
4, 756, 000
4,358, 000
4, 053, 000
3, 954, 000
3,976, 000
4, 215, 000
4, 355, 000
4, 623, 480
5,059, 773
5, 668,187

34.2
34.5
33. 6
31.2
29.9
29. 7
31.0
33.6
35.1
36.6
38.9
42. 2

19.2
19.5
18.9
18.0
17.4
17. 7
19. 1
21.4
22. 2
22.0
21.8
22.3

3,364, 770
3, 496, 979
3, 240, 523
2, 789, 627
2, 507, 732
2, 353, 657
2, 231, 513
2, 376, 589
2,483, 364
2, 534, 952
2, 771, 985
3, 147, 867

241, 487

6, 041, 000

Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Compulsory insurance
Date (end of month)
Wholly unem­
ployed

Temporary stop­
pages

Number Percent Number Per cent
1930
January___ _ ------ -----February--------_ ___
M arch.- _____ _______ _
April______________ _ _
M ay___________________
June____ _
_ _ ______
July____________________
August____ ___________
September________ _____
O ctober-___
November
- December______________
1931
Janu ary---- ------------------F eb ru a ry ------- . _ _ ..
March--------------------------April___ _ _
_ _ _
M ay__________ - - - - - June----------------------------July____________________
August_________________
September-October_____ _ ____ _
November__ __________
December____________ . .
1932
January-- _____________

Number
unem­
Per cent
Per cent
wholly un­ partially un­ ployed
employed employed in receipt
of benefit

Great
Britain
Number
of persons
registered
with em­
ployment
exchanges

Hungary
Trade-unionists un­
employed
Social-Demo­
Chris­
cratic
tian
(Buda­
pest) N um ber Percent

1,183, 974
1, 211, 262
1, 284, 231
1, 309, 014
1, 339, 595
1, 341, 818
1,405, 981
1,500,990
1, 579, 708
1, 725, 731
1, 836, 280
1,853, 575

9.8
10.0
10.6
10.8
11. 1
11. 1
11. 6
12.4
13. 1
13.9
14.8
14.9

336,474
371,840
409, 785
451, 506
516, 303
569, 931
664, 107
618, 658
608, 692
593,223
532, 518
646,205

2.8
3.1
3.4
3.8
4.2
4.7
5.5
5. 1
5.0
4.8
4.3
5.3

1,491,519
1, 539, 265
1, 677,473
1, 698, 386
1, 770, 051
1,890, 575
2, 011, 467
2, 039, 702
1,114, 955
2, 200, 413
2, 274,338
2,392, 738

1, 161
1,120
983
906
875
829
920
847
874
999
975
935

21, 533
21, 309
21,016
20,139
19, 875
18, 960
19, 081
21,013
22, 252
22, 914
23, 333
24, 648

14.5
14.8
14.6
13.7
13.6
13.0
13.2
14.5
16.0
16.7
17.0
17.9

2, 044, 209
2, 073, 578
2, 052,826
2, 027, 896
2, 019, 533
2, 037,480
2, 073, 892
2, 142, 821
2, 217, 080
2, 305', 388
2, 294' 902
2, 262; 700

16.5
16. 7
16. 5
16. 3
16.3
16.4
16. 7
17.3
17.9
18. 1
18. 0
17. 7

618, 633
623,844
612,821
564,884
558, 383
669, 315
732, 583
670, 342
663, 466
487, 591
439; 952
408; 117

5.0
5.0
5.0
4.6
4.5
5.4
5.9
5.4
5.3
3.8
3.4
3. 2

2,613,749
2, 627, 559
2, 581, 030
2, 531, 674
2, 596, 431
2, 629, 215
2, 662, 765
2, 732,434
2,879, 466
2, 755, 559
2', 656, 088
2 ; 569; 949

953
965
996
1,042
843
751
876
941
932
1,020
h 169
1,240

26,191
27, 089
27, 092
27,129
26,131
23, 660
26, 329
28, 471
28, 716
28, 998
29, 907
31, 906

19.1
19.8
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)

2, 354, 044

18. 4

500, 746

4. 0

2, 728, 411

footnotes at end of table.
Digitized forSeeFRASER
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532

M O N TH LY LA BO R R E V IE W
ST A T E M E N T OF U N E M P L O Y M E N T IN F O R E IG N C O U N T R IE S—Continued

Date (end of month)

1930
January. . ______________
February.- .
March
_ _
_ _
April. ___________________
M a y ...
................. ............
June
...............
. .
July______________________
August
September. _____ ___
October_________ _______
N ovem ber...
December
_________
1931
Ja n u a ry .._ . . . ______ . . . _
February... ____ _____ . .
March____ _ ____ . _____
April_____________________
M ay__ _. ______________
June__ _________________
July______________________
August _.
________ _
...
September ____
_____
O cto b er__ _ .
. . . _.
N ovem ber.. . .
___
December. ___ _____ . . .
1932
_____
January__

Irish Free State

Italy

Latvia

Netherlands

Compulsory insur­
ance—une mployed

Number of unem­
ployed registered

U n e m p lo y m e n t
insurance s o c i e ­
ties—unemployed

Number

Wholly
unem­
ployed

Partially
unem­
ployed

Number
unem­
ployed
remain­
ing on
live
register

466, 231
456, 628
385| 432
372, 236
367,183
322, 291
342; 061
375, 548
394; 630
446,496
534, 356
642,169

23,185
26, 674
28; 026
24; 305
22, 825
2L 887
24; 209
24, 056
22; 734
19; 081
22, 125
21, 788

722, 612
765, 325
707,486
670, 353
635,183
573, 593
637, 531
693, 273
747, 764
799, 744
878, 267
982, 321

27, 924
27,110
27, 545
28, 780
26, 059
24, 206
25,821
30, 636
29, 822
32, 828
30, 967
32, 949

Per cent

31, 592
(2)
(2
26, 027
(2)
(2)
23, 393
(2)
(2)
20, 775
22, 990
25, 622

(2)
(2)
(2)

26,167
28, 681
26,825
25,413
23, 970
23,016
21,427
21, 647
21, 897
23, 427

(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)

26, 353

30, 865

11.1
9.2
8.2

(2)
(2)

Trad e-unionists
unemployed

Number

January__
February..
March____
April_____
M ay______
June______
July______
August___
September.
October___
November..
December..

Per
cent

( 2)

4, 348

( 2)

( 2)

5,884

( 2)
( 2)

7,197

(2)
(2)

8,119

(2)

January__
February...
March____
April_____
M ay______
June______
July______
A ugust___
September.
October___
November.
December.

Per cent

9, 263
8, 825
6; 494
3,683
1,421
' 779
607
573
1,470
6,058
8, 608
10, 022

56, 535
50, 957
34; 996
28,421
26, 211
23, 678
29; 075
32, 755
35; 532
41, 088
46, 807
81, 204

13.9
12. 5
8.6
6.9
6. 3
5. 5
6.7
7. 6
8.2
9.6
11.8
18.2

9, 207
8, 303
8, 450
6,390
1,871
1,584
2,169
4, 827
7,470
13, 605
18, 377
21, 682

100, 340
109, 235
102, 743
68, 860
60,189
59, 573
69, 026
70,479
72, 738
s 84, 548
3 105, 671
3 157, 933

23.2
23.5
21.8
14.3
12.2
11.7
13.3
15.3
15. 7
18.0
22.5
29.7

145,124

27.0

1, 051, 321
New Zealand

D ate (end of month)

Number

( 2)
( 2)

i 29,434
I37, 598
‘ 36, 921
142, 523
146, 359
148, 396
I51, 018
151,408
>49, 935
■47, 096

10. 9
13. 5
l5~5

Poland

Rumania

Number
unem­
ployed
remain­
ing on
live
register

Number
unem­
ployed
registered
with em­
ployment
offices

Number
unem­
ployed
remain­
ing on
live
register

22, 549
22, 974
22, 533
19, 829
16, 376
13, 939
11, 997
12, 923
17, 053
20, 363
24, 544
27,157

241, 974
274, 708
289, 469
271, 225
224, 914
204, 982
193, 687
173, 627
170,467
165,154
209, 912
299, 797

12, 622
15, 588
13, 045
13,412
25, 096
22, 960
23,236
24, 209
39,110
36,147
42,689
36,212

28, 596
29,107
29, 095
28,477
25, 206
22, 736
20, 869
22, 431
27, 012
29, 340
32, 078
34, 789

340, 718
358, 925
372, 536
351, 679
313,104
274, 942
255,179
246, 380
246,426
255, 622
266, 027
289,100

38,804
43, 270
48, 226
41,519
33,484
28, 093
29,250
22, 708
22, 969
28,800
43, 917
49, 393

Norway
T r a d e -u n io n ists
(10 unions) un­
employed

Number

7,786
7,851
7,503
6. 701
5, 239
4,700
4,723
5, 897
7,010
8,031
9,396
11, 265
11,692
( 2)

11,213

Per
cent

19.0
18.9
17.8
15.8
12.2
10.8
10.8

13.4
15.7
18.0
21.4
25.5
26.3
24.9

(2)

« 9, 048
10, 577

« 19. 6
22.8

1932
January.
See footnotes at end of table.

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325, 782

533

E M PL O Y M E N T C O N D IT IO N S
S T A T E M E N T OF U N E M P L O Y M E N T IN FO R E IG N C O U N TR IE S—Continued

Saar Ter­
ritory

Yugo­
slavia

Switzerland

Sweden

Unemployment funds
Date (end of month)

Number
unem­
ployed

Trade-unionists
unemployed

Number

1930
January___
February.March........
April_____
M ay_____
June______
July______
August----September .
October___
November .
December..
January___
February. .
March____
April_____
M ay______
June______
July______
August___
September .
October___
November.
December..

Per
cent

W holly unem­
ployed

Number

Per
cent

Partially unem­
ployed

Number

Number
of unem­
ployed
registered

Per
cent

11,307
llj 949
8, 882
7,522
7,362
6, 330
7,095
7, 099
7,527
9, 013
12,110
15, 245

45,636
45, 460
42, 278
38, 347
28,112
28,956
27,170
28, 539
34,963
43,927
57, 070
86, 042

14.2
13.2
12.5
11.1
8.3
8.1
7.8
8.1
9.8
12.2
15.3
22.9

10, 523
9, 971
7,882
5, 203
5, 356
5, 368
4, 751
5, 703
7,792
7, 399
11, 666
21,400

4.4
4.1
2.6
2.1
2.2
1.7
1.9
2.3
2.5
3.0
4.7
6.6

10, 710
11,445
12,642
12,755
13,129
17, 688
15,112
19,441
26, 111
23,309
25,793
33,483

4.4
4.7
4. 2
5.3
5.4
5.7
6.2
7.9
8.3
9.4
10.5
10.4

8,508
9,437
9,739
12, 052
8, 704
6,991
7,236
6, 111
5, 973
6, 609
7,219
9,989

18, 921

69, 437
66,923
72,944
64, 534
49, 807
45,839
40,180
48, 580
54, 405
65, 469
79, 484

19.8
18.4
19.3
17.5
13.2
12.1
12.4
12. 7
13.7
16.4
19.9
27.2

20,551
20, 081
18,991
10,389
9,174
12, 577
12, 200
9,754
15,188
18, 000
25, 200
41, 611

8.3
7.9
5.4
4.0
3.5
3.6
3.3
3.6
4.0
4.8
6.6
10.1

30,977
30,879
41,880
27, 726
26, 058
34,266
39, 000
33, 346
42, 998
47, 200
51, 900

12.5
12.2
12.4
10.6
9.9
9.7
11.3
12.4
11.2
13.2
14.4

11,903
14,424
12, 029
11,391
6,929
4,431
6, 672
7,466
7,753
10, 070
10,349

29, 139

18| 292
18,102
14,886
15| 413
17, 685
20, 205
21, 741
24', 685
28', 659

1

1 Sources: League of Nations—M onthly Bulletin of Statistics; International Labor Office International
Labor Review; Canada—Labor Gazette; Great Britain—M inistry of Labor Gazette; Austria Statistische Nachrichten; Australia—Quarterly Summary of Australian Statistics; Germany—Reichsarbeitsblatt, Reichs Arbeitsmarkt Anzeiger; Switzerland—Wirt. u. Social. Mitteilungen, La Vie^^Economique,
Poland—Wiedemosci Statystyczne; Norway—Statistiske Meddelelser; Is etherlands—MaaiMschrift,
Sweden—SocialaMeddelenden; Denmark-StatistiskeEfterretninger; F m lan d -B an k of Fmland Monthly
Bulletin; F ra n c^ B u lletin du Marché du Travail; Hungary—Magyar Statisztikai Szemle, Belgium—
Revue du Travail; New Zealand—M onthly Abstract of Statistics; U . S. Department of C om m erceCommerce Reports; and U . S. Consular Reports.
2 N ot reported.
4 New^series ofstatistics showing unemployed registered by the employment exchanges. Includes not
only workers wholly unemployed but also those intermittently employed.
5 Strike ended. Provisional figure.

R e c r e a tio n C e n te r s fo r t h e U n e m p lo y e d in M o n tr e a l

\HE Montreal Council of Social Agencies lias completed plans for
the establishment of' recreation centers for unemployed workers
in that city. Among the activities available will be checker playing,
volley ball, basketball, hockey, boxing, and swimming.1 Some of the
cen ters will be open in the evening and others in the morning or a Iternoon Instead of remaining indoors at home all day or walking the
streets the jobless men, it is hoped, will be able to forget their troubles
to some extent while they are playing and taking physical exercise.

T

1 Canadian Congress Journal, Ottawa, January, 1932, p. 20.


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534

M O N TH LY L A B O R R E V IE W

E n g lis h S t u d ie s o f U n e m p lo y e d a n d o f P e r so n s In su r e d A g a in st
U n e m p lo y m e n t

HE English Government has recently published the results of
two studies made by the sample method, one dealing with persons
insured against unemployment at the beginning of July, 1930, and the
other with persons registered as unemployed on February 2, 1931.
The Ministry of Labor Gazette for January, 1932, contains a sum­
mary of these studies, from which the following data are taken.

T

Persons Insured, July, 1930
T h e study included 1 2 0 ,0 0 0 persons insured under the unemploy­
ment insurance acts, of whom 86,740 were males and 33,260 were
females. The number of insured workers at that date was 1 2 ,0 0 0 ,0 0 0 ,
so that the sample represents 1 per cent of the total. The facts on
record made possible analyses as to age, industry, contributions
made, and benefits drawn, but not as to marital state, dependents, or
personal qualifications and disabilities.
For the group as a whole, 55.9 per cent of the males and 80.5 per
cent of the females were under 35 years, but the age distribution
varied with different industries. In general, the heavy industries
included a larger proportion of middle-aged men than the light trades,
while the industries which tend to employ large numbers of the un­
skilled show heavier proportions of the older men. The records
showed for each person the industry in which he was employed when
he entered insurance, as well as that in which he was when the sample
was taken, and from these facts it was possible to draw some conclu­
sions as to the mobility of labor.

For all industries combined 64.2 per cent of the males were in the same in­
dustry classification in July, 1930, as at their entry into insurance, and 35.8 per
cent had had a change of classification. A small part— not exceeding 2.5 per
cent— of this change may have been due to a change in the basis of industrial
classification which took place in July, 1923; allowing for this, it would appear
that about one-third of the men and youths insured in July, 1930, had moved at
least once from one industry to another since their entry into insurance. The
average period covered by the record was seven years for men and 5.4 years for
women. In some industries the transference is much more frequent than in
others. Speaking generally, there is less transference among females than
among males.
Contributions and Benefits

Over one-third (35.4 per cent) of the males and nearly one-half
(48.4 per cent) of the females had never drawn unemployment bene­
fit between November, 1920, and December, 1930. This is partly
a matter of age, as the risk of unemployment increases with years.
“ Among men aged 60 to 64 the rate of unemployment is 50 per cent
higher than at ages 40 to 44.” Unemployment, while frequent,
seemed to be in the majority of cases either intermittent or of short
duration.
More or less continuous unemployment is confined to a very small section of
the insured population, which can not include more than about 100,000 men and
3,000 women. This group represents the maximum size of the “ standing army”
of the unemployed. The number of those who have had no unemployment is at
least 30 times as large. Between these two extremes there is a group) about one
and a half times as numerous as the other two combined, and including about
5,500,000 rnen and 1,700,000 women, among whom employment and unemploy­
ment are intermittent. In this group the degree of unemployment is not uniform.
Among at least half the group unemployment is almost negligible, and it becomes
serious among only about 10 per cent.


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EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

535

The proportion of those among whom unemployment had been
severe varied widely in the different industries. This is indicated in
the following table, which shows, for the leading industries, the aver­
age number of days’ benefit drawn for each 100 contributions paid by
those of the sample who were in the various industry classifications in
July, 1930:
T a ble 1 . - R ELA T IO N B E T W E E N C O N T R IB U TIO N S PA ID A N D B E N E F IT S D R A W N
U N D E R U N E M P L O Y M E N T IN S U R A N C E IN GREA T B R IT A IN

Principal industries and sex

D ays’
benefit
per 100
contri­
butions

D ays’
benefit
per 100
contri­
butions

Females

M ales

Ship building and repairing- __________
Public works contracting
Iron and steel. ___
__
_
_ .
Dock, harbor, etc., service
Coalinining.l__
............__ Engineering
___Cotton
Building
______ - .
___
Motor vehicles, etc
_
_________
Woolen and worsted_____________ _____
Clothing__________ ______ _
____ --Food, drink, and tobacco.___ _________
Distributive trades______________ ___
Paper_______ ______ _
_____
_ _
Printing, publishing, etc_______________
All industries

Principal industries and sex

____________

194
144
126
100
70
69
68
59
50
50
37
31
31
29
20

Cotton _____________________________
Woolen and w o r ste d -.______________
Other textiles____ _____ _____M etal trades_______________ ________
Food, drink, and tobacco_____________
Clothing. __________________ Paper
____________________ . . .
Printing, publishing, etc______________
Distributive trades.......................................

85
50
52
43
31
25
21
20
18

59

All industries.. ________________

35

The act of 1920 had laid down the rule, afterward abrogated, that
not more than one week’s benefit would be allowed for each six con­
tributions paid. Applying this rule to an industry, each 100 contri­
butions paid in might be said to represent a liability for benefit for 16%
weeks, or, roughly, 116 days. (B.L. S. Bull. No. 544, p. 277.) The
industries included in this table are those in which unemployment is
heaviest, and it will be noticed that for men in three cases the average
period through which benefits were paid per 100 contributions
exceeded that established by the above-mentioned rule, while for
women the full period was not reached in any case. Taking this
group of industries as a whole, neither for men nor for women were
benefits paid throughout the full Deriod which the 100 contributions
would have justified.
Transitional and Standard Benefit

Of the workers included in the sample, 32,384 males and 11,238
females claimed unemployment benefit in 1930, and of these 3,754
males (12 per cent) and 1,182 females (10.5 per cent) were qualified
for the transitional benefit only on the basis of their contribution
record as it stood in the last quarter of the year.
Age had a considerable influence on the relative proportions entitled to standard
and transitional benefit, respectively, and on the rate of change in personnel.
Thus, in the age group 18 to 20, only 8.7 per cent of the males and 6.6 per cent
of the females with claims current at December 17, 1930, were qualified for
transitional benefit only, while in the age group 55 to 64, the proportions had
risen to 28.9 and 14.5 per cent, respectively.

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536

M O N TH LY LA B O R R E V IE W

The proportion of transitional to standard benefit claimants in
some of the more important industries is shown in the following table:
T a b le 2.- -PER C E N T OF C L AIM A N TS ON T R A N SIT IO N A L B E N E F IT U N D E R U N E M ­

PL O Y M E N T IN S U R A N C E IN GREA T B R IT A IN

Principal industries

Per cent
on tran­
sitional
benefit

Principal industries

M ales

Public works contracting______
C oalmining_____
Distributive____ ___ _
Shipbuilding and ship repairing_____
Clothing, ______________
Iron and ste e l,. ________
Motor v e h ic le s___
B u ild in g .,. . . . .
Engineering,,
. ._ __ ____
Cotton______________ _
Dock and harbor s e r v ic e ____
Woolen and worsted___ _
Paper_______________
All industries____

Per cent
on tran­
sitional
benefit

Females

33. 9
26. 6
21.7
19.0
14. 9
14. 0
13.1
12. 9
12.4
11.2
9. 7
8. 3
8.1

Distributive
Cotton
Printing, publishing, and bookbinding,.
Food, drink, and tobacco
Pottery
Woolen and worsted
Clothing
Engineering

17. 4

All industries

13 7
1Z.

12.2
11 6
c c
7 ft

73
4. 1

12.7

Persons on Unemployment Register, February, 1931
T h e second study was based on a sample aggregating one-lialf of
1 per cent of all persons aged 18 and over, employed or unemployed,
on the registers of the employment exchanges of Great Britain on
February 2, 1931. In regard to age, and to the connection between
age and unemployment, the study showed little that was new. Among
men the increase in unemployment had affected all age groups in
much the same degree; among women it was less apparent among
those Under 25 than in the older age groups.
Employability

Over 70 per cent of those interviewed were reported to be of good
physique, while over 80 per cent were in good health, and a similar
per cent had no physical defects.
The definitions of the various categories of employability were different from
those used in the previous investigations; each person interviewed was judged
in relation to his suitability for submission to a local vacancy without exceptional
features in his own occupation. Judged by the new standards, 75 per cent of
the men and 80 per cent of the women were considered to be suitable on all
grounds for submission to such a vacancy; 16.5 per cent of the men and 13.3
per cent of the women came short of the standard in personal qualifications
(age, physical condition, etc.); 5 per cent of the men and 4 per cent of the women
were considered to have adequate personal qualifications, but their industrial
experience was such as to make their engagement doubtful; and 3.4 per cent of
the men and 2.8 per cent of the women were considered to be unsuitable on
both grounds (industrial experience and personal qualifications).
Those on transitional benefit had distinctly lower employment qualifications
than those on standard benefit. For example, among men, 82 per cent of those
on standard benefit were placed in category A (those suitable on all grounds),
but only 52 per cent of those on transitional benefit. This was in part due to
the higher average age of those on transitional benefit.


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537

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Education, Marital Condition, and Dependents

The great majority had attended elementary schools only, and had
left them early. “ Nearly 90 per cent of the men and 80 per cent of
the women under 30 years of age started work before reaching 15.
Slightly over one-fourth (26 per cent) of the men and 7 per cent of
the women claimed to have been apprenticed to a trade; the propor­
tions were higher among those on standard than among those on
transitional benefit. The proportion of married men was higher than
at anv previous investigation, and the proportion of married women
claimants to benefit was nearly double that found in the investiga­
tion of April, 1927. Of every 100 men whose claims to benefit had
been approved, 54 had dependents, consisting of 50 adults and 82
children. Among those with dependent children the average number
of children was 2.2. Only 3 per cent of the women with authorized
claims had dependents.
Employment and Unemployment Record

As to employment record, the following was found :
In the year ended January, 1931, a year of industrial depression, oyer 6 per
cent of the men on standard benefit at February 2, 1931, had paid 50 or more
weekly contributions, and about 56 per cent had paid 30 or more; only 4 per cent
had paid no contributions. Among the men on transitional benefit, about 46 per
cent had paid no contributions in the year. The figures for women showed a
slightly less favorable record. * * *
, . 10
, ,
For the nine years, July, 1921, to June, 1930, taken as a whole, 18 per cent o
the men on standard benefit at February 2, 1931, had paid the maximum number
of contributions throughout the whole period, and over 55 per cent had paid
nearly 80 per cent of the maximum. The record for those on transitional benefit
fell much below this standard. For women on standard benefit the record was
similar to that of the men, but women on transitional benefit had a better record
than the men in the same class. * * *
_
, , ,,
Among men 30 per cent of those on standard benefit and 5.5 per cent of those
on transitional benefit had been unemployed for not more than 12 weeks m the
year ended January, 1931; 30 per cent of the men on standard benefit and 6 pei
cent of those on transitional benefit had been unemployed for 12 to 24 weeks;
while less than 2 per cent of those on standard benefit and 20 per cent of those
on transitional benefit were unemployed the whole year.
.
,
On the average the men on standard benefit had been continuously unemployed
for 63 days as compared with 173 days for those on transitional benefit. The
last spell of continuous unemployment extended to not more than 4 weeks among
41 7 per cent of the men on standard benefit and 11.2 per cent of those on tran­
sitional benefit; and it was not more than 12 weeks m the case of 69 per cent of
those on standard benefit and 28 per cent of those on transitional benefit, i he
figures for women were similar.
. 0£,
,
If the 7-year period ended January, 1931, is taken as a whole, nearly 36 per cent
of the men and 43 per cent of the women on standard benefit, and 6 per cent ot
the men and 16 per cent of the women on transitional benefit at February 2d had
drawn benefit for less than 10 per cent of the total period.

M o v e m e n t o f E n g lis h W ork ers fr o m
O c c u p a tio n s

U n in su r e d

to

In su red

HE question has often been raised as to the extent to which
workers in Great Britain were passing from the uninsured to the
insured occupations, and to throw some light on the movement the
Ministry of Labor recently made a special analysis ol the new entrants
into unemployment insurance during the 12 months ending m April,
1931. Some particulars of this study are given m the Ministry ot

T


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

538

M O N T H L Y L A B O R R E V IE W

Labor Gazette for December, 1931 (p. 456). During the period
covered the total number of new entrants was 755,130, of whom
178,819 were adults and 576,311 were juveniles. The following
description is given of the data on which the analysis was based:
As soon as a worker aged 16 to 64 has obtained employment in an insured trade,
or reaches the age of 16 while in such employment, he is required to make applica­
tion for an unemployment book, and at the same time, under the normal procedure
a special inquiry form is completed at a local office of the Ministry of Labor in
respect of every applicant for a book, with the exception of juveniles who applv
within two months of reaching 16 years of age. Particulars are entered on the
form respecting the applicant’s previous employment record, his age, and the
insurable employment in respect of which an unemployment book is being issued.
An unemployment book is not issued unless insured work has been obtained!
The following analysis has been derived from an examination of those inquiry
forms which indicated previous employment in uninsured occupations. These
figures, it should be observed, relate solely to persons entering trades, and make
no allowance for the movement from insured to uninsured occupations, e. g
from hotel or restaurant work to private domestic service.

The inquiry dealt with 97,185 persons entering insured trades
during the period covered who had had employment in uninsured
occupations previous to entering insurance. This was 12.9 per cent
of the total number of new entrants during the year. The following
table shows, by number and per cent, the previous occupational
distribution of the entrants:
PREVIO US O C C U PA TIO N A L D IS T R IB U T IO N OF N E W E N T R A N T S IN T O IN S U R E D
T R A D E S IN GR EA T B R IT IA N

Previous record

Agriculture--. ___ _____
Domestic service_____
W ork on own account _. _
From abroad . ____
Salary over £250 a year
Work unspecified___
Exempt or excepted___
Irish immigrants_____
Total. _______________

Number

25 041
33 040
20 251
5 787
4, 635
4 3 J1

2 830
1 281
97 185

Per cent of
those with Per cent of
former un­ total new
insured em­ entrants
ployment
OK
2 0 . oQ
qa n
u

20. 8
6. 0
4t. o
ft
T
4 4
9 Q
Z.
if
11. 6
9

i1U
r\r\ n
U. U

3.3
4. 4
2.7
.8
.6
.6
.4
.1
12. 9

Nearly 50 per cent of the adult new entrants had had previous uninsured
employment, but among juveniles the percentage was only 1.8. Over 22 000 or
26 per cent of the adults who had had uninsured employment, had been engaged
m agriculture. Over 26,000, or 31 per cent, had been in domestic service, and
nearly 20,000 or 23 per cent, had been working on their own account. Among
the juveniles with previous uninsured employment, 62 per cent had been engaged
m domestic service, and 26.9 per cent in agriculture. The analysis did not dis­
tinguish males from females, but no doubt most of those from domestic service
were females and most of those from agriculture were males.

Incidentally it is mentioned that some examination was made of the
group, numbering about 92,000, who had entered insurance for the
hist time after reaching 18 years of age and who had had no previous
uninsured employment. Of these, about 80 per cent were women,
of whom about 75 per cent had been engaged in home duties, a few had
been receiving education, and the rest had been unoccupied. Among
the men in this class about 25 per cent had been receiving education,
about 10 per cent had been working for parents, and the others had
been unoccupied.

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E M PL O Y M E N T C O N D IT IO N S

539

A study of the occupations which the new entrants who had pre­
viously worked entered during the year showed that nearly 40 per
cent found employment in the distributive trades, and over 15 per
cent in building and public works contracting. The distributive
trades have suffered relatively less than many other industries from
the depression, and an increasing proportion of the insured population
is found in them. Many of those entering them came from domestic
service, or from working on their own account.
It is well known that there is a considerable movement into this industry of
girls from domestic service; while the number of persons entering from work on
their own account is probably influenced by the difficulty of maintaining small
independent businesses in the face of trade depression and the increasing competi­
tion of large stores. As might be expected a large proportion of the entrants
from domestic service found employment in hotel, etc., service.
Over 30 per cent (8,067) of the men from agriculture entered the building and
public works contracting industries. * * *
Nearly 50 per cent of the entrants from uninsured occupations were under
25 years of age, and the average number at each year of age in the 16-24 age
group was over three times the corresponding number in later age groups.
Of those who had been employed in domestic service and agriculture the per­
centages under 25 years of age were 69.7 and 54.8, respectively. The number of
adult entrants from these two occupations decreased steadily with advancing age,
whereas the numbers who had been working on their own account were fairly
evenly distributed between ages 18 and 54.


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INSURANCE AND BENEFIT PLANS
W is c o n s in U n e m p lo y m e n t I n s u r a n c e Law

N JANUARY 28, 1932, the first unemployment insurance law
adopted by any State in the Union was approved by the Governor
of Wisconsin, and constitutes chapter 20, Wisconsin Special Session
Laws of 1931.
The Wisconsin Legislature, by the enactment of the law, intended
to make certain that by July 1, 1933, a majority of the employees
working for industrial companies in the State would have some
adequate system of unemployment compensation. Before June 1,
1933, therefore, it is incumbent upon the employers of at least 175,000
employees to establish voluntarily some unemployment insurance
plan which meets the standards prescribed by the act; otherwise the
act will automatically become compulsory on July 1, 1933. Pro­
posed voluntary plans may be submitted to the Wisconsin Industrial
Commission for its written approval.
ByJune 15, 1933, the industrial commission must ascertain whether
a S:i®cient number
employers have undertaken voluntary plans,
and file its findings with the secretary of state. Public notice of the
results must be given in the official State paper by the secretary of
state. In the event the compulsory plan does not become operative,
the industrial commission continues a supervision over the voluntary
plans, and must keep itself informed of the operations of all such
plans of unemployment insurance established in the State and publish
pertinent statistics regarding the plans.
In order to assist in carrying out the purposes of the act, it provides
that any county or municipality may, subject to the approval by the
industrial commission, establish and maintain local free-employment
offices, and the industrial commission may also establish such offices
on its own responsibility.
An appropriation of $25,000 is made available until June 30, 1933.
Briefly the act provides the following:
1.
It recognizes the economic loss resulting from unemployment
and endeavors to provide a constructive solution of the problem.
2.
I t covers all employers employing 10 or more persons for four
or more months during the preceding calendar year. The following
aie specifically excluded: Farm laborers, domestic servants, public
officers, school teachers, interstate railroad employees, or persons
engaged in governmental unemployment relief projects, or anyone
who is unable or unwilling to work normal full time.
3.
Contributions to the unemployment reserve fund are made by the
employer at the rate, for the first two years of contribution, of 2 per
cent of his annual pay roll (not including salaries of employees receiv­
ing more than $ 1,500 per year or $300 or more per month). Thereafter,
whenever a reserve has been built up amounting to $55 per employee,
the late of contribution is reduced to 1 per cent, and when and during
the period that the reserve per employee amounts to $75 contributions
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cease. Whenever the reserve falls below $75 contributions begin
again. In addition, the employer is obliged to contribute to the
administration fund at the rate of two-tenths of 1 per cent of his
annual pay roll. Any agreement between employer and employee by
which the latter agrees to pay any part of the regular contribution is
void. However, employees may contribute voluntarily to the fund
in order to obtain higher benefits than those established by the act.
4. Benefits for total unemployment become payable after a waiting
period of two weeks and are at the rate of $10 a week, or 50 per cent
of the average weekly wage, whichever is lower, unless the wage is
less than $5, when a benefit of $5 is paid. For partial unemployment
the benefit is the difference between the employee’s actual wages and
the weekly benefit to which he would be entitled if totally unemployed.
An additional $1 per week is provided in the event the employee
attends a vocational or other school during the period of his unemploy­
ment. The maximum period of benefit in any one calendar year is
limited to 10 weeks.
No benefits are to be paid if the employee has lost his employment
because of misconduct or has quit voluntarily or because of a trade
dispute, if the place of business is destroyed, if he earned $1,500 or
more during the preceding 12 months, or for several other reasons.
Benefits cease in case of refusal to accept suitable employment.
5. The act is administered by the State industrial commission.
6. For violations of the act—making false statements, deducting
contributions from an employee’s wages, refusing to pay contribu­
tions, failing to testify or produce books, etc.—a penalty of $25 to
$100, or imprisonment for a maximum of 30 days, or both, is provided.
Because this act is the first which any State in the Union has
enacted dealing with the problem of unemployment insurance, and
because of its widespread interest it has been deemed advisable to
reproduce the act in full.
C h a pter

20

S e c t io n 1. L e g is la tiv e in te n t.— (1) The legislature intends through this act
to make it certain that by July 1,1933, at least a majority of the employees of this
State will enjoy the protection of fair and adequate systems of unemployment
compensation. The largest organization of employers in the State having de­
clared it to be the intention of its members voluntarily to establish unemploy­
ment fund systems, it is the intent of the legislature to give employers a fair
opportunity to bring about the purposes of this act without legal compulsion.
If by June 1, 1933, the employers of not less than 175,000 employees have vol­
untarily established plans which comply with the standards prescribed in section
108 15 of this act, then the compulsory system provided for in section 2 shall not
take effect; otherwise, it shall take effect July 1, 1933. Should this provision for
any reason be held invalid it is the intent of the legislature that the compulsory
plan shall take effect July 1, 1933.
, , , +
j
Sec. 2. A new chapter and a new section are added to the statutes to read.
C h a pter

108.— U n e m p lo y m e n t reserves a n d c o m p e n s a tio n

S e c t io n 108.01. D e c la r a tio n o f p u b lic p o lic y . — As a guide to the interpretation
and application of this chapter the public policy of this State is declared as tol-

T n Unemployment in Wisconsin has become an urgent public problem,
gravely affecting the health, morals, and welfare of the people of this State.
The burden of irregular employment now falls directly and with crushing force
on the unemployed worker and his family, and results also in an excessive dram
on agencies for private charity and for public relief. The decreased and irregular
purchasing power of wage earners in turn vitally affects the livelihood of farmers,
103146°— 32----- 4


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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

merchants, and manufacturers, results in a decreased demand for their products,
and thus tends partially to paralyze the economic life of the entire State. In good
times and in bad times unemployment is a heavy social cost, now paid mainly
by wage earners. Industrial and business units in Wisconsin should pay at least
a part of this social cost caused by their own irregular operations. To assure
somewhat steadier work and wages to its own employees, a company can reason­
ably be required to build up a limited reserve for unemployment, and out of this
to pay unemployment benefits to its workers, based on their wages and lengths of
service.
(2) The economic burdens resulting from unemployment should not only be
shared more fairly, but should also be decreased and prevented as far as possible.
A sound system of unemployment reserves, contributions, and benefits should
induce and reward steady operations by each employer, since he is in a better
position than any other agency to share in and to reduce the social costs of his
own irregular employment. Employers and employees throughout the State
should cooperate, in advisory committees under Government supervision, to
promote and encourage the steadiest possible emplovment. A more adequate
system of free public employment offices should be provided, at the expense of
employers, to place workers more efficiently and to shorten the periods between
jobs. Education and retraining of workers during their unemployment should be
encouraged. Governmental construction providing emergency relief through
work and wages should be stimulated.
(3) A gradual and constructive solution of the unemployment problem along
these lines has become an imperative public need.
S e c . 108.02.^D e fin itio n s .— As used in th is c h a p te r:
(a) “ Commission” shall mean the industrial commission.
(b) “ Workmen’s compensation a c t” shall mean sections 102.01 to 102.35.
(c) “ Employee,” except where the context clearly shows otherwise, shall mean
any person who is employed by an employer and in an employment subject to
this chapter, or who has been so employed within the last six months: P ro v id e d ,
chat an independent contractor shall be deemed an “ employer,” and that all
persons employed by subcontractors under him shall be deemed his “ employees”
for the purposes of this chapter.
(d)
Employer,” except where the context clearly shows otherwise, shall mean
any person, partnership, association, corporation (or legal representative of a
deceased person, or a receiver or trustee of a person, partnership, association, or
corporation), including this State and a n y municipal corporation or other political
subdivision thereof, who or whose predecessor in interest has for four months or
more within the preceding calendar year employed 10 or more persons in employ­
ments subject to this chapter. There shall be included in such calculation all
persons thus employed by the employer throughout the entire State, and all of
?vera^ P^aces of employment maintained within Wisconsin by the employer
shall be treated as a single “ employer ” for the purposes of this chapter: P ro v id e d ,
m o reover, 1 hat where any employer, either directly or through a holding company
or otherwise, has a majority control or ownership of otherwise separate business
enterprises employing persons in Wisconsin, all such enterprises shall be treated
as a single employer ’’ for the purposes of this chapter.
(e) An employment,” except where the context shows otherwise, shall mean
any employment, during any week, in which all or the greater part of the person’s
work is performed within Wisconsin, under any contract of hire, express or implied,
oral or written, including all contracts entered into by helpers and assistants of
employees, whether paid by employer or employee, if employed with the knowl­
edge actual or constructive of the employer; except that for the purposes of this
chapter an employment” shall not include:
1. Employment as a farm laborer;
2. Employment in the personal or domestic service of an employer at his home;
3. Employment on a governmental unemployment relief project, approved as
such by the commission;
4. Employment as an elected or appointed public officer;
5. Employment by a governmental unit on an annual salary basis;
6 Employment as a teacher in a private or public school, college, or university
lor the regular term for which such school, college, or university is in session;
7. Employment of a person who is unable or unwilling to work normal full time
and who, before accepting a part-time job, has registered at his district public
employment office as a “ part-time worker,” in such written form as the com­
mission may prescribe: P ro v id e d , how ever, That for the purposes of this chapter

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no person shall be treated as a “ part-time worker” who customarily works half
or more than half the full-time hours per week which prevail in such establishment
for full-time employees.
, . . , , , ,
, ,.
,
.
8. Employment by railroads engaged m interstate transportation and employ­
ment in logging operations.
(/) An employee’s “ weeks of employment” by an employer shall mean all
those weeks during each of which the employee has performed any services at all
for the employer.
.
,
(g) “ Benefits” shall mean the money allowance payable to an employee as
compensation for his wage losses due to unemployment as provided in this
chapter.^ages„ ghall mean what is customarily meant by the term, except that
it shall include bonuses and the reasonable value of board, rent, housing, lodging,
or similar advantage received from the employer.
.
O') An employer’s “ full-time hours per week” shall be determined for each
general class of his employees (classifying together all those usually employed on
substantially the same schedule of weekly hours). _ The commission shall calculate an employer’s full-time hours per week, applicable to all his employees of
the given class, by averaging the weekly hours worked by the majority of such
employees for each week during the preceding calendar year in which such pre­
vailing hours were 40 or more: P ro v id e d , That, in cases where it finds that the
above method can not reasonably and fairly be applied, the commission may
adopt such other comparable method or methods of determining an employer s
full-time hours per week as it deems reasonable and suitable under this_ chapter.
( 7) An emplovee’s “ average weekly wage” shall mean the weekly earnings such
employee would average from the particular employer if employed that number
of full-time hours per week of such employer which is applicable to such employee.
Accordingly—each employee’s “ average weekly wage shall be calculated by mul­
tiplying such applicable full-time hours per week by the employee s average
earnings per hour from such employer. Each employee s earnings per hour
(averaged for 100 or more hours of employment, so far as possible) shall for this
purpose be calculated at such times and in such manner and in accordance with
such suitable rules as the commission may prescribe with a view to determining
benefits under this chapter.
(Jc) “ Fund” shall mean the unemployment reserve fund established m section
(1) “ Employer’s account” shall mean the separate unemployment reserve
account of an employer with the above fund.
(v i) “ Reserve per employee” shall refer to the status of an employer s account
at the; beginning of a calendar month. It shall be calculated by dividing the net
amount such employer’s account then has (or would have if all contributions due
under this chapter had peen paid) by the maximum number of employees sub­
ject to this chapter employed by such employer in any week during the preceding

siX( ^ “ Administration fund” shall mean the fund established in section 108.20.
S e c . 108.03. P a y m e n t o f ben efits. — (1) Benefits shall be paid by the commission
to each unemployed employee from his employer s account in the fund under
the conditions and in the amounts stated in this chapter 5 except that employers
exempted under subsection ( 2 ) of section 108.15 shall pay benefits directly to
their unemployed employees under the conditions and in the amounts stated in
the plan approved by the commission as the basis for the exemption.
(2) No benefits shall become payable from any employer s account, nor shall
any employer’s benefit liability begin to accrue under section 108.06, until one
year after he has begun to make the regular and^ continuing contributions re­
quired of him under this chapter, except as otherwise provided m subsection (5)
of section 108.15 and subsection ( 8 ) of section 108.16: P r o v id e d , That at the
end of such year period each employer’s benefit liability shall begin to accrue
and benefits shall accordingly become payable from his account.
(3) The commission shall determine or approve the time and metnod ot pay­
ment of benefits.
„
,
, ,, , ,
S e c . 108.04. E li g i b il i ty f o r benefits.-— (1) No employees shall be deemed eligible
for benefits for partial or total unemployment unless he gives the notification ot
such unemployment required under subsection^ ( 1 ) of section 108.08, or unless
such notification is waived by the commission in accordance with such section.
(2)
No employee shall be deemed eligible for benefits on account ot eitfier
partial or total unemployment during any calendar week unless such employee
was physically able to work and available for work whenever with due notice
called on by his employer to report for work. Nor shall any employee be deemed

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eligible for benefits for total unemployment for any calendar week in which he
has suitable employment, as defined in subsection (6) of this section; P r o v id e d ,
That nothing in this section shall render an employee ineligible for total unem­
ployment benefits for any calendar week on the ground that such employee is
employed on a governmental unemployment relief project under section 108.25.
(3) An employee shall be deemed partially unemployed in any calendar week,
and shall at once be eligible for benefits for such partial unemployment, whenever
his week’s wages are less than the amount of weekly benefit to which he would be
entitled under this chapter if totally unemployed.
(4) An employee shall be deemed totally unemployed in any calendar week
when he performs no services whatsoever for his current employer during such
week. An employee thus unemployed shall be eligible for benefits for total unem­
ployment for each week of total unemployment occurring subsequent to a waiting
period of two such weeks. No benefit shall be or become payable for this required
waiting period, but not more than two such weeks of waiting period per employer
shall be required of any employee in any 12 months in order to establish his eligibil­
ity for total unemployment benefits under this section. The commission may
approve in an approved voluntary unemployment benefit plan, such longer or
shorter waiting period as will comply with the requirements of subsection (2) of
section 108.15.
(5) An employee shall not be deemed eligible for any benefits for total unem­
ployment based on his past weeks of employment, and no such benefits shall be
payable to the employee under any of the following conditions:
(a) If he has lost his employment through misconduct;
(6) If he has left his employment voluntarily without good cause attributable
to the employer;
(c) During any period for which he has left and is out of employment because
of a trade dispute still in active progress in the establishment in which he was
employed;
(d) For any period during which he is out of employment because of an act of
God affecting his place of employment;
(e) If he has received in wages $1,500 or more during the 12 months preceding
the date on which he became totally unemployed;
(/) If he is ordinarily self-employed, but has been temporarily (for not more
than five months) employed in an employment subject to this chapter and can,
at the termination of such temporary employment, reasonably return to his selfemployment;
(gr) If he attended a school, college, or university in the last preceding school
term, and has been employed by his employer only during the customary summer
vacation of schools, colleges, and universities.
(6)
. A_claimant shall no longer be eligible for total unemployment benefits and
the liability of his past employers to pay him such benefits based on his past
employment shall cease for any period after he has without good cause refused
to accept suitable employment when offered to him, or has failed to apply for
suitable employment when notified by the district public employment office.
Suitable employment shall mean either employment in his usual employment
or other employment for which he is reasonably fitted, regardless of whether it
is subject to this chapter: P ro v id e d , Such employment is in the vicinity of his
residence or last employment, and gives him wages at least equal to his weekly
benefit for total unemployment or provides him work for at least half the number
of hours normally worked as full time in such occupation or establishment: A n d
p ro v id ed , f u r t h e r , That whenever in any specific case the commission finds that
it is impracticable to apply any of the foregoing standards, the commission may
apply any standard reasonably calculated to determine what is suitable em­
ployment.
(7) Nothing in this section shall^require an employee to accept employment;
nor shall any employee forfeit his right to benefits by refusing to accept employ­
ment under either or both of the following conditions:
. (a) In a situation vacant in consequence of a stoppage of work due to a trade
dispute;
(b) If the wages, hours and conditions offered be not those prevailing for simi­
lar work in .the locality or are such as tend to depress wages and working con­
ditions.
(8) No employee shall be deemed eligible to receive benefits under this chapter
on account of any period of partial or total unemployment unless such employee
has been a resident of Wisconsin for the 2 years preceding the beginning of such
period of unemployment or has been gainfully employed in the State for 40
weeks within such 2-year period: P ro v id e d , That an employee’s ineligibility under

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this subsection shall modify his employer’s benefit liability only as specifically
provided in subsection (5) of section 108.06.
S e c . 108.05. A m o u n t o f ben efits.— (1) Each eligible employee shall be paid
benefits for total unemployment at a rate of $10 a week or 50 per cent of his
average weekly wage, whichever is lower; except that when 50 per cent of such
wage is less than $5 a benefit of $5 a week shall be paid.
(2) The benefit payable for partial unemployment in any week shall be the
difference between the eligible employee’s actual wages for the week and the
weekly benefit to which he would be entitled if totally unemployed.
_
(3) Benefits shall be paid to each employee for the calendar weeks during
which he is totally or partially unemployed and eligible for benefits; but no em­
ployee shall ever receive in any calendar year more than 10 weeks of benefit for
total unemployment, nor more than an equivalent total amount of benefits
either for partial unemployment or for partial and total unemployment combined.
(4) The amount of benefits payable to any eligible employee shall be limited
also by the benefit liability of his employer’s account, as provided m sections
108.06 and 108.07.
S e c . 108.06. B e n e fit lia b ility o f the e m p lo y e r ’s a c co u n t. — (1) An employer s
account shall be liable to pay benefits to an employee in the ratio of one week
of total unemployment benefit (or an equivalent amount of partial unemploy­
ment benefit) to each four weeks of employment of such employee by such em­
ployer within the 52 weeks preceding the date on which such employee last
performed services for such employer. But no liability for the payment of
benefits to an employee shall accrue unless the employee has been employed
more than two weeks by the particular employer within such preceding year, or,
in the case of an employee employed on a fixed monthly salaryun less the em­
ployee has been employed more than one month by the particular employer
within such preceding year.
_
.
(2) In no case shall an employer’s account remain or be liable to pay benefits
to an employee for any unemployment occurring more than six months after the
date on which such employee last performed services for such employer.
(3) No employer’s account shall at any time be liable to pay benefits beyond
the current resources his account has, or would have if all contributions due
under this chapter had been paid.
(4) The liability of any employer’s account to pay benefits, for weeks or
partial or total unemployment occurring within or mainly within any calendar
month, may be reduced, depending on the adequacy of such account at the
beginning of such month. Such adequacy shall be determined at the beginning
of each month, on the basis of the net “ reserve per employee’’ which the em­
ployer’s account then has, or would have if all contributions due for payment
under this chapter had been paid. (Whenever during any month the maximum
benefit payable from an employer’s account for any week of total unemploy­
ment is reduced hereunder, this reduced maximum shall also be observed in cal­
culating the benefits payable from that account for partial unemployment during
that month.) In each calendar month an employer’s account shall be liable to
pay the benefits otherwise due his eligible employees for their weeks of unemploy­
ment occurring within such month only in accordance with the following
schedul 0 *
(а) When its reserve at the beginning of the month amounts to $50 or more
per employee, the account shall be liable for and shall pay in full all valid benefit
claims for unemployment during the month;
(б) When such reserve amounts to over $45 but less than $50, all such valid
benefit claims shall be paid, except that no eligible claimant shall receive for
total unemployment a benefit of more than $9 per week;
(c) When such reserve amounts to over $40 but less than $45, no claimant
shall receive a benefit of more than $8 per week;
(d) For each further periodic drop of $5 in the reserve per employee, there
shall be a corresponding further drop of $1 in the maximum benefit per week
payable to any claimant for total unemployment.
.
,
(5) Any employee who has neither been a resident of Wisconsin for the past
2 years nor been gainfully employed in the State for 40 week s_ within such 2year period, and who is, therefore, under subsection (8) of section 108.04 inel­
igible to receive benefits under this chapter, shall be known as “ a nonqualified
employee.” Whenever such a nonqualified employee_loses his employment,
under conditions other than those enumerated in subsection (5) of section 108.04,
his employer’s account shall be at once liable to pay in lieu of benefits to such
person a lump sum amount to the commission. This payment shall be made at
the rate of $5 for each 4 weeks of employment of such person by such employer


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during the period of employment just ended; but not more than $5 shall be so
payable for each $5 reserve per employee in the employer’s account at the be­
ginning of the current calendar month. The employer’s liability under this
subsection shall be reported by him and shall be determined in amount in accord­
ance with suitable rules to be prescribed by the commission. The amount found
to be due shall in each such case be paid over from the employer’s account into
the administration fund established by section 108.20.
S e c . 108.07. S u c c e s s iv e e m p lo y e r ’s l ia b ility . — (1) When an employee is em­
ployed by more than one employer within any 12-month period, the payment
of benefits due such employee for total unemployment shall be made from the
successive employer’s accounts in inverse order to such successive employments.
Until the last employer liable shall have met or been unable further to meet his
benefit liability to an eligible employee no previous employer shall be due to
pay benefits to such employee.
(2)
When an eligible employee becomes employed in an employment or by an
employer not subject to this chapter, such employment, except as provided in
section 108.25, shall postpone but not terminate the liability of any former
employer to pay benefits to such employee: P ro v id e d , how ever, That if the em­
ployee fails to return to regular work offered him in his former employment by
the written request o f his former employer, made in good faith and not incon­
sistent with subsection (7) of section 108.04, such employee’s right to benefits
from such former employer shall be extinguished.
S e c . 108.08. N o tic e o f u n e m p lo y m e n t. — (1) Any claimant of benefits must give
notice of his unemployment at the public employment office for the district in
which he is or was last employed, within such time and in accordance with such
rules as the commission may prescribe. Thereafter he shall give notice of the
continuance of his unemployment as frequently and in such manner as the
conimission may prescribe. But the notification prescribed under this sub­
section may, as to any case or class of cases, be waived by the commission for
good cause (including administrative feasibility), provided“the commission finds
that no party in interest will be prejudiced by such waiver.
(2) The commission may require from any or each emplover notification of
the partial or total unemployment of his employees, within such time, in such
form, and in accordance with such rules as the commission may prescribe.
S e c . 108.09._ E s ta b lis h m e n t o f c la im s . — (1) Claims for benefits shall be filed
with the superintendent of the public employment office for the district in which
the claimant is or was last employed, or with a deputy of the commission designated for the purpose. Claims shall be filed within such time and in such manner
as the rules of the commission may prescribe.
(2) If a claim appears to the superintendent or deputy invalid he shall reject
the claim; if it appears valid he shall state the amount of benefits apparently
payable to the claimant while eligible. In either case he shall notify the claimant
m writing, giving his reasons. If the claimant is dissatisfied he may, within a
time limit after notification to be set by the commission, have recourse to the
method set up in section 108.10 for settling disputed claims.
(3) If a claim appears to the superintendent or deputy valid he shall notify the
liable employer in writing of the amount of benefits apparently payable thereUIT-!r‘ .. the emPloyer does not contest the claim, within a time limit after
notification to be set by the commission, the amount of benefits stated by the
superintendent or deputy shall, subject to the limitations set up in this chapter,
become payable to the claimant from such employer’s account and shall be so
paid by the commission. If the employer wishes to contest the claim, he may,
within a time limit to be set by the commission, have recourse to the method set
up m section 108.10 for settling disputed claims.
S e c . 108.10. M e th o d o f s e ttlin g d is p u te d c la im s . — (1) The manner in which
disputed claims shall be presented, the reports thereon required from employers,
and the conduct of hearings shall be governed by rules and regulations to be
adopted by the industrial commission.
1nP ] Disputed claims, whether involving employers exempted under section
108.15 or those contributing to the fund, shall be decided in the first instance by
tne superintendent of the district public employment office or by a deputy of the
commission designated for the purpose.
(3) Within a time limit after notification to be set by the commission either the
employer or employee may take an appeal from any decision of the superintendent
or deputy, to an appeal board to be appointed in each employment office district
by the industrial commission. Such district appeal board shall consist of one

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employer or representative of employers, one employee or representative of
employees, and one person who is not an employer, employee or representative of
either.
.
(4) Decisions of a district appeal board shall be re viewable by the commission
or its representative upon appeal of either party within a time limit and in accord­
ance with other rules and regulations to be laid down by the commission. The
commission may authorize a commissioner or an examiner to hear such cases and
to make decisions under rules to be adopted by the commission.
(5) Either party, if dissatisfied with the decision of_ such commissioner or
examiner, may petition the industrial commission to review it as a commission.
Such petition shall be in writing specifying in detail the particular errors alleged.
If no such petition is filed within 10 days from the date when a copy of the decision
of the commissioner or examiner was mailed to the last known address of each
party in interest such decision shall be considered the decision of the industrial
commission, unless set aside, reversed, or modified by such commissioner ^or
examiner within such time. Within 10 days after the filing of any such petition
the commission shall, on the basis of the evidence previouslysubmitted in such
case, affirm, reverse, set aside, or modify such decision,_or direct the taking of
additional testimony. Any decision made by the commission shall, if not modi­
fied or changed by it within 20 days, become the final decision of the commission
and shall then be subject to judicial review on the same grounds and in the same
manner as decisions of the industrial commission under the workmen’s compen­
sation act may be reviewed.
(6) The commission shall have the power to remove or transfer the proceedings
pending before a commissioner or examiner; and may on its own motion set aside,
modify, or change any decision, whether made by a superintendent or deputy, by
a district appeal board, by a commissioner or examiner, or by the commission a,s
a body, at any time within 20 days of the date thereof if it shall discover any mis­
take therein or upon the grounds of newly discovered evidence.
(7) In the discharge of their duties under this section, the superintendent of
any district public employment office, any member of a district appeal board,
and any member, examiner, or duly authorized employee of the industrial com­
mission shall have power to administer oaths to persons appearing before them,
and by subpoenas (served in the manner in which circuit court subpoenas are
served) to compel attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers,
documents, and records necessary or convenient to be used by them in connection
with any disputed claim.
(8) A full and complete record shall be kept of all proceedings in connection
with a disputed claim and all testimony shall be taken down by a stenographer
appointed by the commission.
Sec. 108.Î01. M o d ifie d p ro c e d u re. —The commission may modify the procedure
prescribed in sections 108.08, 108.09, and 108.10, with a view to such establish­
ment and determination of claims against employers exempted^ under section
108.15, as will be suitable to such cases and fair to the parties in interest.
Sec. 108.11. A g r e e m e n t to c o n tr ib u te b y e m p lo y e e s . —-(1) No agreement by an
employee or by employees to pay any portion of the contributions required under
this chapter from employers shall be valid. No employer shall make a deduction
for such purpose from wages. Any employee claiming a violation of this provi­
sion may, to recover wage deductions wrongfully made, have recourse to the
method set up in section 108.10 for settling disputed claims.
(2) But nothing in this chapter shall affect the validity of voluntary arrange­
ments whereby employees freely agree to make contributions to a fund for the
purpose of securing unemployment compensation additional to the benefits
provided in this chapter.
.
Sec. 108.12. W a iv e r o f b en efit. — No agreement by an employee to waive his
right to benefits or any other rights under this chapter shall be valid.
Sec. 108.13. A s s ig n m e n t. — No claim for benefit under this chapter or under
any approved voluntary unemployment benefit plan shall be assignable before
payment, but this provision shall not affect the survival thereof; nor shall any
claim for benefit awarded, adjudged, or paid, be subject to be taken for the debts
of the party entitled thereto.
. .
, ,,
Sec. 108.14. A d m i n is tr a ti o n . — (1) This chapter shall be administered by the
industrial commission.
.
,
,
,
,,
(2) The commission shall have power and authority to adopt and enforce all
rules and regulations which it finds necessary or suitable to carry out the pro­
visions of this chapter. All such rules and regulations shall be published m the
State’s official newspaper and shall take effect 10 days after such publication.
A copy of such rules and regulations shall be delivered to every person making


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application therefor. The commission may require from employers, whether
subject to this chapter or not, any reports on employment, wages, hours and
related matters which it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this
chapter.
(3) The commission may appoint, employ, and pay as many persons as it
deems necessary to administer and to carry out the purposes of this chapter, and
may make all other expenditures of any kind which it deems necessary or suitable
to this end. But it shall not pay to any member of a district appeal board more
than $5 of compensation per day of services.
(4) The commission may create as many employment districts and district
appeal boards and may establish and maintain as many free public employment
offices as it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. The com­
mission shall have power to finance either partly or completely such public em­
ployment offices as it deems necessary under this chapter, from the funds appro­
priated to the commission for its expenses under this chapter, whether or not the
political subdivision in which such office is located agrees to pay or does pay any
part of the expenses of such office.
(5) The commission shall appoint advisory employment committees, by local
districts or by industries or for the whole State, consisting in each case of one or
more representatives each of employers, employees and the public, who shall
assist the commission, without compensation but with reimbursement of neces­
sary expenses, in administering and carrying out the purposes and provisions of
this chapter.
(6) It shall be one of the purposes of this chapter to promote the regularization
of. employment in enterprises, localities, industries, and the State. The com­
mission, with the advice and aid of its advisory employment committees, shall
take all appropriate steps within its means to reduce and prevent unemployment.
To this end the commission may employ experts, and may carry on and publish
the results of any investigations and research which it deems relevant, whether
or not directly related to the other purposes and specific provisions of this chapter.
At least once a year the commission shall compile and publish a summary report
stating the operations and status of each employer’s account or other unemploy­
ment reserve and covering such other material as it deems significant in connec­
tion with the operations and purposes of this chapter.
. Sec. 108.15. E x e m p tio n . —-(1) The commission shall exempt, from the provi­
sions of this chapter, except sections 108.12, 108.14, 108.15, 108.19, 108.21, 108.22,
and 108.24, any employer who guarantees, under a plan approved by the com­
mission, to all his eligible employees (and to each new eligible employee who is
continued in employment after a probationary period of one month), in advance
for a stated 1-year period, at least 42 weeks of work or wages, for at least 36 hours
in each such week, if satisfied that the employer can and will make good such
promise under all circumstances. The words “ eligible employee” in this sub­
section shall mean an employee who if unemployed would not be barred from
eligibility for benefits by any of paragraphs (e), (f), and (g) of subsection (5) of
section 108.04 or by subsection (8) of section 108.04. But such employer shall
not be required to make good such guaranty in the case of any individual employee
who loses his employment under any of the conditions enumerated in subsection
(5) of section 108.04.
(2) The commission shall exempt from the provisions of this chapter, except
sections 108.03, 108.04, 108.07, 108.101, 108.12, 108.13, 108.14, 108.15, 108.19
108.21, 108.22, 108.23, 108.24, 108.25, and 108.26, any employer or group of
employers submitting a plan for unemployment benefits which the commission
finds: (a) Makes eligible for benefits at least the employees who would be eligible
for benefits under the compulsory features of this act; (b) provides that the pro­
portion of the benefits to be financed by the employer or employers will on the
whole be equal to or greater than the benefits ■which would be provided under the
compulsory features of this act; and (c) is on the whole as beneficial in all other
respects to such employees as the compulsory plan provided in this act. If under
such a plan any contributions are made by employees, the accounts of the plan
shall be so kept as to make clear what proportion of the benefits is financed by
the employer or employers and what proportion by the employees. If under such
a plan any contributions are made by employees, the commission may require
that such employees be represented, by representatives of their own choosing, in
the direct administration of such plan, and the commission may take any steps
necessary and appropriate to assure such representation to contributing employees.
w No employer or group of employers exempted under this section shall be
permitted to insure the liability to pay benefits or wages in any insurance com
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pany; and if such employer or employers enters or enter into an agreement for
any form of insurance coverage such action shall automatically operate as a
revocation of such exemption.
(4) As a condition of granting exemption, the commission may require the
employer or group to furnish such security as the commission may deem sufficient
to assure payment of all promised benefits or wages, including the setting up of
proper reserves. Such reserves and other security and also the manner in which
an exempted employer carries out his promises of benefits or employment shall be
subject to inspection and investigation by the commission at any reasonable time.
If the commission shall deem it necessary it may require an exempted employer
to furnish additional security to assure fulfillment of his promises to his employees.
(5) If an exempted employer or group of employers fails to furnish security
satisfactory to the commission, or fails to fulfill the promises made to employees,
or willfully fails to furnish any reports that the commission may require under
this chapter, or otherwise to comply with the applicable portions of this chapter
and the rules, regulations, and orders of the commission pertaining to the admin­
istration thereof, the commission may, upon 10 days’ notice and the opportunity
to be heard, revoke the exemption of such employer or group. In such case or
in case any exempted employer or group voluntarily terminates exemption, such
employer or each of such group of employers shall at once pay into the fund an
amount equal to the balance which would have been standing-to his account had
he been making the contributions to the fund and paying out the benefits pro­
vided in this chapter: P r o v id e d , That, in any case where such balance can not
reasonably and definitely be determined, and specifically in the case of an em­
ployer exempted under subsection 1 of this section, the commission may require
such employer to meet his liability under the present subsection by paying into
the fund a lump-sum amount equal to the contributions he would, if not
exempted, have paid into the fund under section 108.18 during the 12 months
preceding termination of his exemption. The account of any employer whose
exemption has been terminated shall thenceforth be liable to pay to his employees
the benefits which may remain or thereafter become due them, as if such employer
had not been exempted under this section; and such employer shall thenceforth
pay all contributions regularly required under this chapter from nonexempted
employers.
(6) Each employer exempted under this section shall be liable to make all
contributions, to pay directly to employees all benefits, to pay all penalties, and
otherwise to comply with all the provisions of this chapter, except as specifically
provided in this section and in suitable rules to be formulated by the commission
consistent with the purposes and provisions of this chapter.
(7) Such plan shall provide that upon the going out of business in this State
by any employer, or the legal abandonment of the plan, the funds which shall
have been contributed under such plan shall be retained for a sufficient period to
meet all liability for benefits which may thereafter accrue, and that at the end of
such period the proportion then remaining of employer contributions shall be
released to the employer or his assigns, and the proportion then remaining of
employee contributions shall be distributed in such equitable manner as the
commission may approve.
(8) The rules and regulations for the government of such plan must be sub­
mitted to and approved by the commission. A plan, so approved, shall, when
put into effect, constitute a contract between each employer and every other
employer participating in that plan, and between the employer or employers on
the one hand and on the other hand all employees who come under it; and shall
not thereafter be abandoned or modified without the approval of the commission:
P ro v id e d , That at any time after five years from and after the passage of this act
the commission may, on the petition of any interested party, or on its own motion,
and after public hearing, modify any such plan to conform to the standards then
provided by the law for approved voluntary unemployment benefit plans.
S e c . 108.16. U n e m p lo y m e n t reserve f u n d s . — (1) For the purpose of carrying
out the provisions of this chapter there is established a fund to be known as the
unemployment reserve fund, to be administered by the State without liability
on the part of the State beyond the amount of the fund. This fund shall consist
of all contributions and moneys paid into and received by the fund pursuant to
this chapter and of properties and securities acquired by and through the use
of moneys belonging to the fund.
(2) A separate account shall be kept by the industrial commission with each
employer contributing to said fund, and this separate employer’s account shall
never be merged with any other account except as provided in subsection (3)
of this section.

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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

(3) Whenever two or more employers in the same industry or locality desire
to pool their several accounts with the fund, with a view to regularizing their
employment by cooperative activity, they may file with the commission a
written application to merge their several accounts in a new joint account with
the fund. _ If m its judgment the plan has merit, the commission shall establish
',01ilt acc?u n t:. P ro v id e d , That the several employers each accept such
suitable rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this chanter
as may be drawn up by the commission with reference to the conduct and dis­
solution of such joint accounts.
.
4 11,co]lt.rl1b utlons. Payable to the unemployment reserve fund shall be paid
Stnal comm1lsslon? and shall daily be paid over by the commission to
th eb ta te treasurer and credited to the unemployment reserve fund. Payments
trom said fund shall be made upon vouchers of the industrial commission The
¡state treasurer shall be ex officio the treasurer and custodian of the unemplo'yment
reserve fund. He shall give a separate and additional bond conditioned upon
his faithful performance of these duties, in such amount as may be recommended
by the industrial commission and fixed by the governor. All premiums upon the
bond required pursuant to this section when furnished by an authorized surety
company or by a duly constituted governmental bonding fund shall be paid from
the interest earnings of the unemployment reserve fund.
1
•
a Pe, unemployment reserve fund shall be invested by the annuity and
nvestment board in the readily marketable obligations of the United States of
America, of any of its 48 State governments including this State, and of any city
county, or other governmental subdivision of this State, all having a maturity of
not over five years from the date of purchase. The investments of the fund shall
so made that all the assets of the fund shall always be readily convertible
into cash when needed. When so directed by the industrial commission the
+lsP<?se ^ securities belonging to the fund to secure cash needed for
thp iE T r ! ° / *e+aefits- A1.1 expenses of the annuity and investment board in
the investment of the unemployment reserve fund shall be paid from the interest
earnings of said fund, as provided in subsection (1) of section 20.725.
cUoii n 1 u ef+1ulng? ° n m.01ieys belonging to the unemployment reserve fund
™
thereto and shall, at the close of each fiscal year, be apportioned
bUH^^^^uussion equitably to the several employers’ accounts.
7 + uny employer shall become exempted under section 108.15, or shall
cease to be subject to this chapter, or shall permanently go out of business in
this State (except as provided m subsection (8) of this section), such employer
i S t S T t ie ^ a t i o n o f s i x months (or prior thereto if he shall furnish Surety
t i t F F thG CPiIimisslon f ° r the Payment of benefits becoming due u n d e r
6-m 0nth l56™ « - recei™ th e
(8) If any employer shall transfer his business in whole or in part or shall
l ° ! i f r iSe reorganize such business, the successor in interest is hereby required to
< ve over (m proportion to the extent of such transfer, as determined for the
thlS ch,aPter,by the commission) the resources and liabilities of such
employer s account, and to continue without interruption the payment of all
contributions and benefits which would have been due for payment under this
ot reOTgaffizTtlon11011 employer had continued in business without such transfer
T,/l ECiq ^ i 8^ 7V
o f c o n tr ib u tio n s — ( l ) On and after the first day of
July, 1933, contributions shall accrue and shall become payable by each employer
then subject to this chapter m accordance with its provisions. ^Thereafter con­
tributions shall accrue and become payable by any employer on and after the date
be be?om?s newly subject to this chapter.
,
^b ccnUibutions required under this chapter from employers shall be paid
to the industrial commission, at such times and in such manner as the commisu nd e?S tion S?08.ei 5 XCePt “ pr° Vlded otherwise in the case of employers exempted
C o n tr ib u tio n s to reserve f u n d . — The contribution regularly payable
2
m to blf . account with the fund shall be an amount equal to
2 per cent per annum of his pay roll. (In order that reserves shall be built up
for all employees potentially eligible to benefits, "pay roll” shall include all wage?
R
paid to employees subject to this chapter; except that
it shall not include the amount paid to an employee or officer employed on a
contractual basis for a fixed period at a fixed monthly salary, which will aggregate
at least $1,500 if said period is less than 12 months, or amount to at least§$ lS500
per annum if such period is 12 months or more, provided such contract is duly
reported to the commission by the employer; nor shall it include any salary or wage


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of $300 or more per month.) During an employer’s first two years of contribution
payments, and whenever thereafter his account amounts to less than $55 reserve
per employee, the employer shall make contributions to the fund at the rate of
2 per cent per annum on his pay roll. If the employer has been continuously
subject to this chapter during the two preceding years, the rate of contributions
may be reduced or suspended under the following conditions:
(1) Whenever the employer’s account amounts to $55 but less than $75 reserve
per employee, such employer shall pay contributions to the fund at the rate of
1 per cent per annum on his pay roll.
(2) Whenever and while the employer’s account has a reserve per employee of
$75 or more, no contributions to the unemployment reserve fund shall be required
of such employer.
S e c . 108.19. C o n tr ib u tio n s to th e a d m in is tr a tio n f u n d .— Each employer subject
to this chapter, including every employer exempted under section 108.15, shall
regularly contribute to the unemployment administration fund created in sec­
tion 108.20 at the rate of two-tenths of 1 per cent per annum on his pay roll as
defined in section 108.18. But the commission may prescribe at the close of any
fiscal year such lower rates of contribution under this section, to apply to classes
of employers throughout the ensuing fiscal year, as will in the commission’s
judgment adequately finance the administration of this chapter, and as will in the
commission’s judgment fairly represent the relative cost of the services rendered
by the commission to each such class.
S e c : 108.20: U n e m p lo y m e n t a d m in is tr a tio n f u n d ; a p p r o p r ia tio n . — (1) To finance
the administration of this chapter and to carry out its provisions and purposes
there is established the Unemployment Administration Fund. This fund shall
consist of all contributions and moneys paid to the industrial commission for the
administration fund as provided in subsection (5) of section 108.06, and in sec­
tions 108.19 and 108.22.
, „ ,
(2) All amounts received by the commission for such fund shall daily be paid
over to the State treasurer and credited to the unemployment administration
fund, and, as provided in section 20.573 of the statutes, are appropriated to the
commission for the administration of this chapter.
S e c . 108.21. R e c o rd a n d a u d i t o f p a y ro lls. — Every employer, whether exempted
or not, shall keep a true and accurate employment record of all his employees,
whether qualified and eligible to unemployment benefits or not, and of the hours
worked for him by each and of the wages paid by him to each employee, and shall
furnish to the commission upon demand a sworn statement of the same. Such
record shall be open to inspection by the commission or its authorized repre­
sentatives at any reasonable time.
S e c . 108.22. D e fa u lt o f e m p lo y e r . — If any employer whether exempted or not
shall default in any payment required of him under this chapter he shall become
additionally liable for interest on such payment at 12 per cent per annum from the
date such payment became due, such interest to be paid to the administration
fund. If after due notice this payment plus interest at 12 per cent per annum
is not made, it shall be collected by a civil action in the name of the State, the
defaulting employer to pay the costs of such action. The payment originally due
shall be paid to the commission, and credited, as may be proper in each case,
either to the fund and to the defaulting employer’s account or to the adminis­
tration fund. The interest thus collected shall be paid to the administration fund.
S e c . 108.23. B a n k r u p tc y o f e m p lo y e r . — In the event of bankruptcy or insol­
vency of any employer, unpaid claims for benefits and unpaid amounts due the
fund' under this chapter or to a fund or reserve under any approved voluntary
unemployment benefit plan shall have the same preference as is accorded m
subsection (1) of section 102.28 to unpaid claims for compensation or compensa­
tion insurance.
„
.
. .
, ,
S e c . 108.24. V io la tio n s . — (1) Any person who willfully makes a false_state­
ment or representation to obtain any benefit or payment under the provisions of
this chapter, either for himself or for any other person, or to lower any contri­
bution required of him, and any employer who makes a deduction from the wages
of any employe© in order to pay any portion of the contribution required of such
employer under this chapter, shall upon conviction be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and be punished by a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100,
or by imprisonment in the county jail not longer than 30 days, or by both such
fine and imprisonment; and each such false statement and each such deduction
from wages shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.
(2) Any employer who willfully refuses or fails to pay any contribution re­
quired of him under this chapter, and any person who willfully and unlawfully
fails or neglects to appear or to testify or to produce books, papers, and records

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as required at any hearing under this chapter, shall upon conviction be deemed
guilty of a misdemeanor and be fined not less than $25 nor more than $100, or be
imprisoned in the county jail not longer than 30 days, or be punished by both such
fine and imprisonment; and every day of such refusal, failure, or neglect shall con­
stitute a separate and distinct offense.
(3) On complaint of the commission the fines specified in this section may be
collected by the State in an action for debt.
S e c . 108.25. U se o f u n e m p lo y m e n t reserve f o r p u b lic w o r k s . — (1) If the State
or any of its political subdivisions during a period of unemployment either di­
rectly or through a contractor provides work which in the opinion of the com­
mission is an unemployment relief measure and which conforms to standards of
wages and conditions prescribed by the commission, such work shall be deemed
suitable employment within the meaning and subject to the limitations of sub­
section (6) of section 108.04: P r o v id e d , That an employee who accepts such work
for any calendar week in which he would otherwise be totally unemployed and
eligible for benefits shall be entitled to receive such benefits in the form of wages
paid him for such govermental work. To this end the State or subdivision giving
such work and wages to such employee in any calendar week shall receive his bene­
fits for such week, for the purpose of partially financing such employee’s work and
wages on such governmental unemployment relief project.
(2) Benefits payable under this section to an employee in the form of wages
from this State or a political subdivision for work on a relief project shall cease
as provided in subsection (6) of section 108.04, for any period after such employee
has without good cause failed to apply for suitable employment other than such
governmental work when notified, or has refused to accept suitable employment
other than such governmental work when offered him.
S e c . 108.26. V o c a tio n a l e d u c a tio n . — When any employee is unemployed and
eligible for benefits under this chapter, he may be recommended by the superin­
tendent of the district employment office to attend vocational or other school
during his unemployment. If he attends school under conditions approved by
such superintendent and does satisfactory work in his classes he shall be eligible
lor an additional benefit of $1 per week, to be paid from the administration fund.
The education shall be furnished at public expense and any fee which may custom­
arily be charged for attendance at such classes must be paid by the town
village, or city in which such employee resides.
S e c . 108.27. S e p a r a b ility o f p r o v isio n s. If any provision of this chapter, or
the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the re­
mainder of the chapter and the application of such provision to other persons or
circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

R e c o m m e n d a t io n s o f I n t e r s t a t e C o m m is s io n o n U n e m p lo y m e n t
In s u r a n c e

HE report of the Interstate Commission on Unemployment
Insurance that was published in February, 1932, is summarized
briefly below. The commission, made Up of representatives of the
governors of New York, Ohio, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, and Connecticut, makes its recommendations on the basis of
inquiries carried on by its various subcommittees as to the problems
arising in connection with the operation of unemployment insurance
systems. Leo Yolman of New York acted as chairman of the com­
mittee. The other committee members were: Charles R. Blunt, New
Jersey; A. Lincoln Filene, Massachusetts; C. A. Kulp, Pennsylvania;
W. M. Leiserson, Ohio; and W. J. Couper, Connecticut.
Viewing the problem of unemployment as many-sided, the com­
mittee believes it is unlikely that any single measure now adopted will
successfully meet the needs of unemployed persons for the duration
of unemployment or that such a measure will take care of all unem­
ployed persons. However, it is stated that the most substantial
progress may be expected from a system whereby provision is made to
avoid the persistent unemployment and irregularity of operation which

T


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are so characteristic of American industry. It is further stressed
that any measures proposed should combine the greatest possible
simplicity in principle and practice and look forward to progressive
stabilization of conditions of employment.
Recommendations
T h e recommendations of the committee are as follows:

“ 1. The compulsory establishment of state-wide systems of
unemployment reserves.
“ 2. The payment by each employer of a contribution amounting
to 2 per cent of his pay roll.
“ 3. The payments made by each employer shall constitute the
unemployment reserve of his firm and shall be so treated in the
accounts.
“ 4. The maximum rate of benefit shall be 50 per cent of an emplovee’s wage, or $10 a week, whichever is lower; and the maximum
period of benefit shall be 10 weeks within any 12 months. Employees
who suffer unemployment by reason of short-time employment shall
be eligible for benefits whenever their week’s wages are less than 60
per cent of their average weekly wage,_ but the benefit for partial
unemployment shall not exceed the difference between the wage
actually received and 60 per cent of the employee’s average weekly
wage. In no case, however, shall the benefit of a part-time employee
exceed $10 a week.
“5. The financial responsibility of an employer shall be strictly
limited by the amount of his unemployment reserve.
“ 6. When the accumulated reserve per employee shall exceed $50
the employer’s contribution shall be reduced to 1 per cent of his pay
roll; and, when the reserve has reached $75, he shall make no further
contributions to the fund until the reserve again falls below $75 per
employee.
.
.
“7, The State shall act as the custodian, investor, and disbursing
agent of the reserve funds.
“ 8. The State shall take prompt steps to extend its public employ­
ment service.
<
.
“ 9. The unemployment authority shall create stabilization
agencies.
•
.
“ The most effective measures for achieving greater stabilization of
employment can not obviously be accomplished by a single firm.
Every effort should, therefore, be made by the unemployment admin­
istration to encourage cooperative action between firms and industries.
To this end the unemployment administration should set up advisory
committees of employers and employees and should have experts
instructed to formulate plans to promote the regularization of
employment in individual plants, localities, industries, and the State.”
Discussion
• T h ese principles, the committee believes, combine the features on
which a sound State unemployment compensation act should rest.
Application of such an act is advocated for the largest possible number
of employees, exclusive of agricultural workers and persons earning
$200 a month or over. Inclusion of all employees who work in estab­
lishments where six or more persons are employed is recommended.

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It is recognized, by the committee that the proposals are extremely
modest. They are intentionally so, as it is not considered sound
judgment to impose an onerous burden on American industry.
With respect to the rate of contributions to unemployment funds
the 2 per cent rate was recommended as a safe limit because of the
strictly defined and circumscribed limitations placed upon compen­
sable unemployment.
Adoption of a system of separate plant unemployment funds was
recommended by all State representatives except Mr. Leiserson of
Ohio. ^ Mr. Leiserson was of the opinion that a system whereby con­
tributions would be pooled might be desirable. Mr. Leiserson also
recommended experiments with State unemployment insurance funds
that provide for contributions from employees as well as employers.
U n e m p lo y m e n t I n s u r a n c e a n d S a v in g s P la n o f J . I. C ase C o.

for the creation of an individual reserve fund to be drawn
. upon by employees participatingin the plan during periods of un­
APLAN
employment due to general business depression was put into effect

in the plantof the J. I. Case Co. at Racine, Wis., in November, 1931.
The company in outlining the purpose of the plan stated that since an
industry, in order to live, must provide reserves for the usual and
natural hazards of business, the employees of the industry should,
likewise, make provision for the hazard of unemployment. The plan
was set up by the company, therefore, to assist the employees
in establishing such a reserve to protect them in case of prolonged
unemployment.
The plan is applicable to all_ employees of the Racine factory work­
ing on an hourly or piece basis who have been in the employ of the
company continuously for a period of six months and whose service
has been satisfactory. Employees who, through promotion, are
placed on a monthly basis may continue their contributions to the
fund, although the company contributions in such cases will auto­
matically cease.
Until a reserve equal to the average full-time earnings of each
employee for six months has been created, the company and the
employee will each contribute 5 per cent of the semimonthly pay, and
after that the contributions in each case will amount to 2 per cent of
the earnings of the employee until a reserve equal to one year’s average
full-time earnings has been accumulated. These contributions cease
temporarily, however, whenever the employee has had less than 70
hours’ work in any semimonthly pay-roll period. When the amount
to the employee’s credit in the fund is equivalent to one year’s earnings
all contributions by the employer and the employee cease until the
reserve is reduced through ^withdrawals below this amount, after
which contributions will again be made until the reserve reaches the
original amount.
Although it is stated in the plan that any obligation on the part of
the company for the protection of employees during business depres­
sions is fully discharged by the company’s contribution and assistance
m building up the individual reserves under this plan, the company
agrees to lend every reasonable assistance to conserve each employee’s
reserve by helping him avoid the necessity for withdrawals f r o m the
fund.

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INSURANCE AND BENEFIT PLANS

555

Withdrawals from the fund are permitted only during periods of
business depression when the company can not furnish sufficient
employment and the employee is unable to secure employment else­
where. The withdrawals are authorized only when application is
made in writing, when drafts upon the reserve are actually necessary,
and after 90 days of unemployment. Payments from the fund, which
are made at the regular semimonthly pay-roll dates, may not exceed
40 per cent of the average semimonthly earnings of the employee
during the preceding 12 months and the amount withdrawn for any
semimonthly pay period may not exceed $40. No withdrawals are
allowed if an employee is receiving benefits from the employees’ benefit
association or under the workmen’s compensation law, unless the
benefits are less than 40 per cent of the average earnings, in which case
the difference between the benefits and that amount may be paid. In
case of permanent disability an employee may draw upon the fund
up to 40 per cent of his average earnings, less any disability benefits he
may receive, until his reserve is exhausted; employees who have
retired on account of age, either with or without a company pension,
may likewise withdraw the same amount from the fund until the
reserve is exhausted. In case of death the total amount in the fund
to the employee’s credit is paid in semimonthly installments to the
widow or dependent minor children, but in the case of payments to
other beneficiaries or legal heirs the part contributed by the company
and the net earnings thereon are repaid to the company.
If an employee leaves the service of the company voluntarily and
remains in the State of Wisconsin, all further contributions to the fund
cease but his deposits will remain in the fund until the next period of
general unemployment, when he may withdraw from his reserve under
the same terms as though he were still an employee. If he leaves the
State, however, the amount of his deposits plus the net earnings there­
from will be returned to him after giving the company due notice of
his intention to leave. In case of dismissal, the employee will receive
his contribution plus the net earnings, either in semimonthly install­
ments, if he remains in the State, or in a lump sum if he permanently
gives up his residence in the State.
E x te n s io n o f H e a lth I n s u r a n c e fo r E n g lis h U n e m p lo y e d P e r so n s

HE Labor Review for March, 1931, contained a summary of the
English national health insurance (prolongation of insurance) act,
1930, by virtue of which persons who, on account of prolonged un­
employment, had been unable to keep up their contributions to the
insurance funds, and who normally would have lost their rights to
benefits under the health insurance and the contributory pensions
plans, would, subject to certain conditions, retain their rights to these
benefits until the end of 1931. The Ministry of Labor Gazette for
December, 1931 (p. 457), states that new legislation has given a
further extension of this period.

T

The national health insurance (prolongation of insurance) act, 1931, which
received the royal assent on December 11, continues insurance until December
31, 1932, both for the persons affected by the 1930 act and also for other persons
who, by reason of prolonged unemployment, would, in the absence of fresh legis­
lation, have ceased to be insured at the end of the present year or during the
course of the year 1932.

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556

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

The new act further provides, as did the act of 1930, that, in order to enable
approved societies to bear the additional cost of giving health insurance benefits
to these persons, they are to receive a credit from the Exchequer at the rate of
36 contributions for each member who is maintained in benefit as a result of the
act.

E n g lis h E x p e n d itu r e s o n P u b lic S o c ia l S erv ices

HE Ministry of Labor Gazette for December, 1931, gives some
data from a paper recently issued by the Government showing the
total expenditures (other than out of loans for capital purposes) in
England and Wales and in Scotland for certain social services during
the fiscal year 1929-30, and, in some cases, the estimated expenditures
for 1930-31, also.

T

The term “ expenditure” as used in the return is restricted to expenditure from
(1) local rates, (2) parliamentary votes and grants, and (3) other receipts (not
being receipts from loans for capital purposes) accounted for by, or to, Govern­
ment departments and local authorities. The “ other receipts” include, for
example, in the case of education, revenue from endowments, voluntary contribu­
tions, teachers’ superannuation contributions, etc. ; in the case of health insurance,
unemployment insurance, and widows’, orphans’, and old-age contributory
pensions, the contributions of employers and employed; in the case of housing,
rents; etc.

The following table gives the total expenditure, as thus defined:
E X P E N D IT U R E ON PU B L IC SOCIAL SERV IC ES, IN G R EA T B R IT A IN , Y E A R S E N D IN G
M A R C H 31, 1930 A N D 1931
England and Wales

Scotland

Expenditure under—
1929-30

1930-31

Unemployment insurance acts, _ ________________ £46, 682,000 £88, 244, 000
National insurance (health) acts _________
34.710.000
35,000, 000
Widows’, orphans’, and old-age contributory
pensions acts________________
_________
23, 585, 000
30,819,000
Old-age pension acts __________ ____ __________
31, 749, 000
33, 376, 000
War pensions acts and M inistry of Pensions acts__. 46, 202, 000
44, 291, 000
Edueation acts____________________ _______ _ .
86.955.000
90,355, 000
Reformatory and industrial schools a c ts .--........ .......
539,000
537,000
Public health acts relating to:
Hospitals and treatment of disease. ________
7, 376, 000
M aternity and child welfare work____________
2,370, 000
Housing of the working classes acts____ ____ ___ .
30,879, 000
Acts relating to the relief of the poor________ _
40,699, 000
Unemployed workmen act _______________ .
40,000
Lunacy acts______
_______ . _
2,421, 000
Mental deficiency acts______________________ .
1,440, 000 .....................
Total

___________________________ .

355,647, 000

1929-30

1930-31

£6, 614, 000
3.860.000

£13, 281, 000
3.850.000

2.860.000
4, 031, 000
5,173, 000
13,555, 000
151.000

3.788.000
4,176, 000
4,929, 000
13,943,000
143.000

1,381,000
291.000
4,719, 000
4,254, 000
4,000
1,410, 000

1.353.000
317.000
4,936, 000
3,978, 000
1,327,000

48,303,000

The most striking feature of the table is the increase shown for
1930-31 in the amounts devoted to unemployment insurance. These
figures represent the situation before the changes made in the unem­
ployment insurance scheme in the fall of 1931, and throw no light
on the present position. In England and Wales, as far as data for
the two years are presented, only two items, the expenditures under
the war pensions and Ministry of Pensions acts and under acts relating
to reformatory and industrial schools, showed a decrease in 1930-31
as compared with 1929—30. In Scotland, however, expenditures
under these two heads decreased, as did also those under the national
health insurance acts, acts relating to hospitals and the treatment of
disease, acts relating to the relief of the poor, and the lunacy and
mental deficiency acts,

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INSURANCE AND BENEFIT PLANS

557

S p a n is h U n e m p lo y m e n t I n s u r a n c e L aw P u t in t o O p e r a tio n

SPANISH decree issued September 30, 1931, provides for the
enforcement of the unemployment insurance law of May 25,
1931, according to the report from Curtis C. Jordan, American consul
a t Barcelona, Spain, dated October 19, 1931. _
The decree provides for the creation of a National Fund for Involun­
tary Unemployment (Caja, National Contra el Paro Forzoso). The
Spanish word “ caja” is said to be difficult to translate as it means
both a fund and an office and in its present use appears to combine
both meanings; that is, it is an office administering a fund. The
Caja is not a completely independent organization but forms a part
of the National Insurance Institute.
The decree provides that the unemployment insurance office shall
stud}^ the causes of unemployment and the means of reducing it
and alleviating its effects, and that it shall administer the unemploy­
ment insurance fund. The board of directors includes representatives
of certain Government departments, the National Insurance Institute,
employers and employees, and other persons concerned with matters
of public welfare and insurance. _ The funds of the C ajaare to be
secured through State appropriations, gifts, contributions from
assisted insurance associations, and the income from funds or
property under its own management.^ The Caja is authorized to
assist only recognized associations for insurance against involuntary
unemployment which are legally organized and which are not run
for profit. The Caj a works only through insurance societies and does
not grant direct subsidies to unemployed workers.
All workers between the ages of 16 and 65 whose annual earnings
do not exceed 6,000 pesetas 1 ($1,158) are eligible for unemployment
benefits, provided they have been registered in one of the recognized
associations for six months preceding the beginning of unemployment.
The insurance provisions, however, do not cover State, provincial, or
municipal employees, or domestic servants. _Foreign workers whose
countries grant reciprocal rights are eligible for unemployment
benefits.
, » ,,
The unemployment benefits may not exceed 60 per cent ol tne
wages normally paid in the district for the class of work customarily
performed. The benefits are paid for a maximum of 60 days m any
12 consecutive months.
.
January 1, 1932, is set as the date of full effectiveness of the law.

A

i Conversions into United States currency on basis of peseta=19.3 cents.

103146°— 32------ 5


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PRODUCTIVITY OF LABOR AND
INDUSTRY
U se o f L o a d in g E q u ip m e n t in t h e B itu m in o u s -C o a l I n d u s tr y

in 1930
HE Bureau of Mines, United States Department of Commerce,
reports for 1930 a further gain in the percentage of total deepmined coal produced by means of loading machines, pit-car loaders,
and hand-loaded conveyors.1 In comparison with 1929 it is stated
that the total mechanized tonnage increased by 23.7 per cent. I t is
also notable that there has been an increase in tonnage loaded by all
types of machines.

T

Increase by States
T a b l e 1 shows by States the total tonnage mechanically loaded in
1929 and 1930, and the actual and percentage increase or decrease in
tonnage so loaded as between the two years.
T a b l e 1 . — IN C R E A SE OR D E C R E A SE IN TOTAL T O N N A G E M E C H A N IC A LL Y L O A D E D

1929 TO 1930

Amount (net tons) mechanically loaded
Increase or decrease
from 1929 to 1930

State
1929

1930
N et tons

I llin o is_________
Indiana. . ____
Pennsylvania _ . . .
W y o m in g____
Utah___________
Montana_____ _
Kentucky. _ . . . . .
West V irginia______ _
V ir g in ia ...______
Alabama. __________
Other States 1____

18, 252, 000
3, 274, 000
4, 234, 000
3, 002, 000

T otal________ . . .

37, 862, 000

708, 000
812, 000
2, 698, 000
984, 000 }
934, 000
2, 044, 000

Per cent

22, 803, 000

+4, 551, 000

7 035 000
2, 865, 000
sn9 nnn
1 IE nnn
989, 000
3, 079, 000
9 £13 000

+2,801,000
-137, 000
-58, 000
+407, 000
+177, 000
-603, 000
+1,126, 000
+469, 000

+24.9
+7.0
+66.2
-4 .6
-6 .3
+57.5
+21.8
-16.4
+120.6
+22.9

46, 824, 000

+8, 962, 000

+23.7

9 nnn nnn

, T‘ OMo. Washington, Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Maryland, N ew Mexico
North Carolina, and Iowa.
’
’

As is seen, the greatest increase in mechanically loaded tonnage
took place in Alabama, i. e., 120 per cent. This gain was made pos­
sible by a number of new installations, especially pit-car loaders. In
calling attention to the decreases that took place, it is pointed out
that the decline was largely due to a falling off in total production
and that actually in many districts the per cent of output attained
by mechanized mining was higher than ever before.
1 BltK
u™

us Coal Tables> 1930, by E, G. Tryon and L. M aim, Supplement to Weekly Coal Report,

6C« lo, lUoI.

558

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PRODUCTIVITY OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY

Percentage of Deep-Mined Output Produced by Mechanized Loading

T he positions of the various States as regards the percentage^ of
total bituminous deep-mined o utput produced by mechanized loading
in 1930 appear in Table 2.
T a b l e 2.—R A N K OF STA TES IN P E R C E N T A G E OF TO TAL B IT U M IN O U S D E E P -M IN E D
O U T PU T PR O D U C E D BY M EC H A N IZE D L O A D IN G IN 1930

Percentage
loaded by
machine

State

M ontana_________ ___ _______ ______
______
W yoming. _ --------------------------------------------------------Illinois. __________________ -- ---------------------------Indiana----- ------------- ---------------- ------------------------U tah___________________________________ __________
Alabama
------------------ ------------- ---------Pennsylvania...
. .
. . . --------- -------------------West Virginia and Virginia.. . -------------- ---------------Kentucky__________________________ ____________ -Total, United States...

....—

----------------

Percentage
handled on
pit-car loaders
and handloaded con­
veyors

Total percent
age

52.0
41. 5
21.2
16.5
19.7
1.4
2.3
1.7
.9

10.6
7.1
27.1
17.3
.5
12.3
3.4
.6
1.1

62.6
48.6
48.3
33.8
20.2
13.7
5.7
2.3
2.0

5.2

5.3

10.5

According to the authors of the report under review this table
serves to show that the high-wage-rate fields of the Rocky Mountains
and the Middle West lead in the proportion of output produced by
mechanized mining.


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INDUSTRIAL AND LABOR CONDITIONS
R ev iv a l o f F r e n c h C a n a d ia n H a n d ic r a fts in Q u eb ec

HE Provincial Government of Quebec has recently inaugurated
a provincial school of weaving in the city of Quebec. The direc­
tor of the institution has already been designated. The traditional
French-Canadian handicrafts of Quebec, which for some time past
have been almost abandoned, although they were regarded long ago
as very successful, are at present being revived.1 The old patterns
and dyeing systems will again be used. Weaving, rug making, the
making of dyes, and the fashioning by hand of artistic articles which
may be easily sold to tourists are again to be taught. The plan to
restore these old industrial activities has met with great encourage­
ment, and it has become necessary to make provision for permanent
headquarters for the school, which is to be located on the principal
avenue in the city of Quebec.
The hope is expressed that these interesting crafts which readily
appeal to the country people will be taken up by degrees in a serious
manner by at least some of the 23,000 persons who, it is stated, have
been sent from large cities and villages during 9 months in 1931 to the
more rural districts or “ land areas” of the Province. Attention is
called to the fact that in the past year the government of Quebec has
given a good deal of consideration to the problem of the recolonization
of deserted sections. I t is felt by that government that if 50 per cent
of these 23,000 repatriated persons, constituting approximately 4,000
families, stay on the land, the efforts of the provincial authorities will
have been worth while.

T

L ab or C o st o n Ir r ig a te d L a n d in N u e v o L ared o D is tr ic t a n d in
C o a h u ila , M ex ico

REPORT from the American consul, Romeyn Wormuth, at
Nuevo L,aredo, Mexico, dated September 26,1931, contained the
following estimates of cost of labor for the raising of crops on irrigated
land (the Don Martin irrigation project) in that consular district and
m Coahuila.

A

1 Report from Horatio Mooers, American consul at Quebec, Dec. 4,1931.

560


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561

INDUSTRIAL AND LABOR CONDITIONS

E ST IM A T E D LABOR COST P E R ACRE OF R A ISIN G CROPS ON IR R IG A T E D L A N D
[Conversions into United States currency on basis of peso=35 cents]

Item

Mexican
currency

United
States cur­
rency

Pesos

First plowing of land_________________ ’_____________________________ ______
Harrowing, raking, and dragging.. ___________ ____________________ _______
Restoration and cleansing of irrigation ditches and banks_____________________
First irrigation cost of labor.
.
_____
_ _ . _ __ ___________________
Harrowin g and raking after irrigation_____________________________ ________
Seeding b y machine
. __________________ ____________________
Second irrigation __ ___ __________________________________ ___
_______
Picking by hand
. . . . . ________________ _____________ ___ _ _ __
Collection and sorting ___ __ _____ ________ . _ ________________________
Transport to warehouse and from warehouse to sta tio n __________ __ . . _____

4.00
2. CO
1.60
. 30
2. 00
1.00
1.10
2.00
1.00
4.00

T otal______________________________________________ _______ _____ ___

19. 00

$1.40
.70
.56
.10 h
.70
.35
.3 8 ^
.70
.35
1.40
6.65

E c o n o m ic a n d S o c ia l C o n d itio n s in P a le s tin e

HE 30,000 Jewish workers in Palestine are distributed as follows:
7,000
in agriculture; 4,500 in building and public works; 4,000 in
factories and larger workshops; 3,000 in small workshops employing
less than 7 persons; 1,500 in transport; and 10,000 in domestic service,
clerical and technical employment, hospital service, etc. The above
statistics are published in a report of the British Department of Over­
seas Trade on economic conditions in Palestine, July, 1931.
The General Federation of Jewish Labor in Palestine has a mem­
bership of 29,000, which includes the members of the cooperative
agricultural settlement and their wives. It is estimated that approxi­
mately three-fourths of the Jewish workers in Palestine are tradeunionists. The percentage of Arab workers in the federation is small.
Several unions of Arab workers have been organized from time to
time, some of which are still in existence, but they have not been able
to attract many workers and their influence has as yet been negligible
in the labor market. There are no dependable figures as to the total
number of Arab wage earners.
Unemployment.—The estimates of the average number of unem­
ployed Jewish wage earners, 1926 to 1930, show that the fluctuations
in the Palestine labor market were considerable in this period, the
number unemployed being 6,000 in 1926, 7,400 in 1927, 2,280 in 1928,
1,000 in 1929, and 1,030 in 1930.
The greater unemployment in 1926 and 1927 was chiefly the result
of the financial and economic crisis. After 1927 conditions appreci­
ably improved, but there was another setback in the latter half of
1930.
Wages and working hours.—In general the more important industrial
establishments employing Jewish and mixed labor have an 8-hour
working-day. Similar hours, also, as a rule, prevail in Jewish building
and agriculture. In small Jewish and Arab workshops, however, the
working hours range from 8 to 10 a day, and in some cases to 11 and
12. While time rates are ordinarily paid, there are many trades in
which piecework is customary. Working in permanent or temporary
cooperative groups is a widespread practice among Jewish laborers,
particularly in the building trades. The work is done under contract
and the earnings are divided equally or in accordance with family

T


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562

MONTHLY LABOE EE VIEW

conditions or the individual qualifications of members. Wages paid
to different classes of workers, European and Asiatic, vary substan­
tially, notwithstanding the adoption of a scale by Jewish labor unions
in various trades.
.The present union wage rates per day in the more important indus­
trial undertakings are: Skilled workers, 400 to 600 mils x( $1.96 to
$2.94); semiskilled workers, 250 to 350 mils ($1.23 to $1.72); unskilled
workers, 200 to 300 mils ($0.98 to $1.47). Union workers employed
m agriculture are paid from 175 to 250 mils ($0.86 to $1.23) per day.
The wages of European laborers average approximately 100 mils
(49 cents) more a day than Oriental laborers. The greater the skill
and experience required, the less the difference in the wages of workers
from various countries. Female workers are ordinarily employed in
the textile and clothing industries and in the making of cigarettes,
cardboard boxes, and artificial teeth. The earnings of these women
are less than those of male workers in the same trades.
Protection of labor. Protective and regulatory labor legislation in
Palestine includes—
(®) Regulatkms concerning minimum age of employment, duration of work
of. children, nightwork, employment of women and children in dangerous indus­
tries, etc.
(6) Workmen’s compensation ordinance.
(c) Fencing of dangerous machinery ordinance.
(d) Ordinance to provide for the safety and inspection of steam boilers and
prime movers.
(e) Prevention of intimidation ordinance, with special relation to labor dis­
putes.
(/) White phosphorus prohibition ordinance.

Palestine is an adherent to the international convention concerning
tne equality of treatment for national and foreign workers with ref­
erence to accident compensation.
Of the 33,590 immigrants to Palestine in the 5-year period 19261930, 28,165 were Jews. Of the 25,395 immigrants from that country
m the same period, 18,029 were Jews.
i Conversions into United States currency made on basis of m il=about 49 cents.


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CHILD LABOR
C h ild -L a b o r T r e n d s in N ew Y ork

effect lias an industrial depression upon the employ­
ment of children? Does the increasing need of_ their
W HAT
families make it necessary for them to become wage earners in the
place of their unemployed, elders, or does the prevailing slackness cut
down opportunities for them also, and diminish the number of young
workers? The division of women in industry of the New York
Department of Labor, which has for some years been watching the
trend of child labor in the State, publishes in the Industrial Bulletin
of the department for January, 1932, some data bearing upon the
question.
'
. .
Three different sets of statistics may be looked upon as giving some
indication of the extent of child labor—the number of employment
certificates issued to children, the number of children attending school,
and the number of child-labor violations found. Of these, the number
of work certificates is first considered. Under the New York law,
children aged 14 and under 16 must have an employment certificate
testifying to the completion of certain grades of school work before
they may be legally employed. Since 1925, children aged 16 and
under 17 must also have a certificate testifying to physical fitness and
giving proof of age. Up to March, 1928, this requirement applied
only in cities with a population of 5,000 or more, but since then it hcs
been in force throughout the State.
Employment Certificates Issued

T he number of regular work certificates issued to children under 16
is given for each year from 1910 to 1930, inclusive, and the number to
children aged 16 and under 18, from 1925 onward. The following
table gives these data, both for New York City and for the rest of the
State, from 1918 to 1930, inclusive:
E M P L O Y M E N T C E R T IFIC A T E S ISSU E D Y E A R L Y IN N E W YORK, 1918 TO 1930
Outside N ew York City

New York City
Year

To children
aged 14 and
under 16

1918.
19191920.
1921192219231924.

50, 710
49, 294
50, 675
38,889
32,492
36, 518
32,162

1925.
1926.
1927.
1928.
1929.
1930.

32, 814
35, 538
35, 717
34, 313
35,934
27, 319


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To children
aged 16 and
under 17

To children
aged 14 and
under 16

To children
aged 16 and
under 17

16, 039
16,587
20,126
13,123
11,159
18,467
16,062
7,376
12,609
12, 226
12, 820
18,841
15, 014

16,132
18, 289
17,787
17, 298
18,957
16, 259

11, 984
11, 096
8,155
10, 751
8,845

563

564

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

The continuation-school law which went into effect in 1920 undoubtedly had
much to do with the decided drop in the number of regular employment certifi­
cates which followed. The decrease, which continued through 1922, is also to be
attributed in part to the law (effective 1921) requiring a pledge of employment
before a child could secure a regular employment certificate. Before this specific
offer of employment was required, it is probable that many children applied for
certificates who were afterward unable to find jobs, or who wished to leave school
and had no intention of working regularly.
Since 1922 the number of regular employment certificates issued to children
from 14 to 16 years in New York City has fluctuated between 32,000 and more
than 36,000 until 1930, when the number dropped to 27,319, a decrease of 24 per
cent from the previous year. Thus in the depression year there was a sharp drop
in the number of work certificates issued, seeming to indicate a decline in child
labor since it can not be accounted for by any change in law or enforcement. There
was also a marked decrease in the number of certificates issued to 16-year-olds in
New York City in 1930. Certificates have been issued to children of this age
since 1925 and in New York City showed an increase from 12,609 issued in 1926,
the first full year, to 18,841 in 1929. In 1930, however, only 15,014 such certificates
were issued, a decrease of 20 per cent from 1929.
Outside of New York City the number of certificates issued also showed a
decrease in 1930 although it was not as marked. Employment certificates issued
to children between 14 and 16 years of age dropped from 18,957 to 16,259, or 14
per cent; those issued to 16-year-old children from 10,751 to 8,845, or 18 per cent.

The number of vacation permits issued in 1930 showed an even
greater decline. In New York City, for children of 14 and 15, these
dropped from 13,698 in 1929 to 9,981 in 1930, a decrease of 27 per
cent; for those aged 16 the fall was from 2,844 to 2,194, a decline of
approximately 23 per cent. Outside of New York City the falling
off in the total number of vacation permits issued amounted to 26 per
cent.
School Attendance
A t t e n d a n c e at the regular school sessions in New York is compul­
sory on all children under 14 and on all between 14 and 16 who are not
employed. Changes in elementary-school attendance, therefore,
represent, in the main, changes in the population of elementary-school
age. There appears, however, to be a tendency to remain in school to
a higher age than was formerly the custom.
According to a report by the New York Child Labor Committee, “ What the
new York child labor law has accomplished,” there was a definite trend toward a
later school leaving in New York State in the five years from 1922 to 1926. In
1922, 73 per cent of the regular employment certificates issued to children under
16 were to 15-year-olds; by 1926 the proportion had increased to 80 per cent.
That only one-fifth of the children under 16 who began work in 1926 did so while
they were 14 years old is attributed to the law requiring that 14-year-old children
must be elementary-school graduates before they can go to work. In effect the
law is operating more and more to make 15 years the practical minimum for leaving
school.

Attendance in high school is not compulsory, so that any increase
in the number registered indicates a voluntary extension of the period
devoted to education and, broadly speaking, a decline in the volume
of child labor. The following table shows the changes in high-school
attendance, both for the State as a whole and for New York City, from
1918 to 1930, inclusive:


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565

CHILD LABOR
C H A N G ES IN HIGH-SCHOOL A T T E N D A N C E IN N E W Y O R K , 1918 TO 1930
N ew York State
Year

Number
attending

Increase
over
previous
year
P er cent

N ew York City

Number
attending

Increase
over
previous
year
P er cent

1918_______________________________________________
1919___________ _____ ______________________________
1920_______________________________________________
1921______________ ____ ____________________________
1922_______________________________________________
1923______________________________________________
1924_______________________________________________

171, 523
172, 516
184, 753
200, 364
242, 072
271, 299
290,511

1.1
.6
7.1
8 .4 ‘
20.8
12. 1
7.1

85,136
83, 692
87,167
86, 881
105,193
118,314
103,108

1.7
11.7
4.2
1. 3
21.1
12.0
i 12.9

1925_______________________________________ ____ —
1926_______________________________________________
1927_______________________________________________
1928_______________________________________________
1929_______________________________________________
1930________ ______________________________________

302,211
321,916
349, 709
354, 326
379, 912
420, 310

4.0
6.5
8.6
1.3
7.2
10.6

113, 538
125, 201
131, 038
138,977
149,366
159,832

10.1
10.3
4.7
6.1
7.5
7.0

1 Decrease.

The marked increases in attendance in 1922 and 1923 are ascribed
to changes in the education law, but no such explanation's available
for the increases in the following years, nor for the position in 1930.
For the State as a whole the increase in that year was greater than for
any year since the changes in the law went into effect, while in New
York City, though the increase over the previous year was not so
marked the number enrolled was greater by over 41,000 than it had
been in 1923 and more than 10,000 greater than in 1929. “ With fewer
jobs available it is apparent that larger numbers of children are going
on to high school.”
Child-Labor Violations
C h a n g e s in tne number of children found illegally employed
form a less satisfactory index of the extent of child labor than either
of the other two, since they may be due mainly to changes in the
labor law or in the method of enforcing it. The total number of
children found illegally employed reached 6,896 in 1920, fell to 5,533
in 1921, and thereafter remained below 5,000 until 1929, when it
reached 5,076. In 1930 it fell to 3,804, a decrease of 25 per cent.
The decrease appeared in every type of violation, except in the
illegal employment of children under 17 on tenement home work,
which rose from 151 to 193. It is suggested that this increase, which
had appeared even more markedly in the preceding year, was due to
the fact that the time of inspection had been changed to a later hour,
when the children were at home from school.

Conclusion

,

E ach of th e th re e indexes of th e tre n d of child labor, em ploym ent certificate,
school atte n d a n c e , a n d inspection records, h as in d icated a decrease in child lab o r
d u rin g th e depression years. Sim ilar sta tistic s fo r th e n e x t few y ears w ill be of
especial in te re st in show ing w h eth er th is rep resen ts a p e rm a n e n t decline in child
lab o r o r m erely a tem p o rary flu ctu atio n d ue to scarcity of jobs.


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HEALTH AND INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE
H e a lth o f I n s u r e d W a g e E a rn ers D u r in g 1931

HE report of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. concerning the
health record in 1931 of the millions of insured wage earners in the
United States and Canada1 shows that the record for the year was
the most remarkable of all time. While the death rate was not at
the absolute minimum, it exceeded the previous minimum by only 1
per cent and this in spite of the most severe industrial depression of a
generation lasting throughout the year and an epidemic of influenza
during the first quarter of the year. For certain sections of the
country the rate was much lower, as among approximately 1,100,000
insured persons in the Pacific Coast and Mountain States the mor­
tality was 4.1 per cent below the previous low point and in Canada
7.3 per cent below. For the locality east of the Rockies, where the
great majority of the policyholders live, the mortality was 1.2 per
cent higher. From these figures it is apparent that the economic
conditions have not yet had any appreciable ill effect upon the public
health.
The health outlook at the beginning of 1931 was far from favorable,
as the depression of 1930 was becoming progressively worse, with the
number of unemployed workers increasing in practically every
industry. No part of the country was exempt from the unfavorable
business conditions, and thousands of families who had never before
felt actual want had to face that condition. Such conditions were not
conducive to good health and a low death rate. The epidemic of
influenza and pneumonia which began in January and caused a
pronounced rise in sickness and mortality covered the entire country,
with especially large increases in mortality from this cause along the
Atlantic seaboard. In February there was a sharp rise in the
influenza death rate and an accompanying rise in the mortality from
the principal “ degenerative” diseases, so that the indications for the
first quarter of the year were that 1931 would be a year showing
mortality rates above the average. Conditions in April, however,
improved so markedly that the death rate was one of the lowest for
that month ever recorded for the policyholders of the company, and
this trend continued for the remainder of the year.
In spite of the favorable showing for the year, however, it is ques­
tionable how long the depression can continue without causing an
appreciable rise in the death rate. As the depression was preceded by
a long period of good employment at high wages, many persons had
been able to save money which carried them over the first of the
depression. But as savings accounts become exhausted the full
effect of the depression may be expected to appear. These effects
have been retarded, also, by the unusual amount of help given by
relief organizations and health agencies, and another factor has been
the restriction of the diet to less and plainer food, which probably

T

i Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. Statistical Bulletin, January, 1932.

566


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HEALTH AND INDUSTKIAL HYGIENE

567

in many cases has made for better health. However, the report
states, there is no justification for the belief that hard times and good
health go together, and it is important, therefore, that every vital
public health activity should be continued so that the public may be
protected against the ill effects usually following long periods of
unemployment.
In 1931 the death rate of insured persons was 8.46 per 1,000 as
compared with a rate of 12.53 per 1,000 in 1911. The actual number
of deaths among the policyholders aged 1 year and over was 148,297.
If the 1911 death rate had prevailed last year there would have been
219,596 deaths, so that the decline in mortality during the last 20
years resulted in the saving of 71,299 lives in the year 1931 alone.
Since 1911-12 the reduction in the death rate has resulted in extending
the life expectancy of insured wage earners 10.73 years. In compari­
son with the mortality rates for the general population a much greater
improvement is shown for the industrial group. The latest available
mortality figures for the general population are for 1930. In that
year the mortality rate had declined only 12.1 per cent as compared
with 1911, while the drop among the insured group was 33.2 per cent.
In 1911 the death rate among the wage earners exceeded that of the
general population by 24.3 per cent, while in 1930 the crude mortality
rate of the insured wage earners was 3.3 per cent lower than that of the
general population of comparable ages. This saving in lives has
amounted to more than 400,000 in the period since 1911, when the
welfare work of the Metropolitan began. Twenty years ago the
expectation of life was about 6% years more favorable in the general
population than among the insured group, but by 1929 it had been
reduced to a little less than three years. Lower rates than ever before
were recorded for six diseases, all of great public-health importance,
namely, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, pneumonia, diar­
rheal complaints, and puerperal conditions, and for two types of
accidental death—railroad accidents _and accidental burns. The
figfires for typhoid fever and for machinery accidents were identical
with minimum rates previously established.
The greatest single achievement during the year was a further
reduction of 5.7 per cent in the mortality from tuberculosis. This is
the more remarkable as it is the very last disease from which, under
the prevailing economic conditions, we should expect a reduction in
the death rate. The actual death rate was 76.7 per 100,000, which is
65.9 per cent below that for 1911 and 44.4 per cent below that for 1920.
While tuberculosis has declined during these years among every ele­
ment of the population, the greatest gain has been among the wage
earners, although in spite of this fact it is still third among the causes
of death.
The death rates for all four of the principal communicable diseases
were low in 1931, a new minimum being established for diphtheria
and whooping cough. A drop of 24.6 per cent for diphtheria was
recorded in one year and of 50 per cent in two years. _The death rate
of 4 per 100,000 is regarded as inexcusable, however, since by immuni­
zation it is possible to stamp it out altogether^ The new record m
the mortality rate from whooping cough was 1.7 per 100,000. ^
The establishment of a new minimum rate for pneumonia was
unexpected in a year in which there was a widespread epidemic of

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568

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

influenza, but even during the epidemic it was noted that the mortality
from pneumonia did not rise as sharply as in former influenza out­
breaks.
Improvement in community sanitation, partly due to the company’s
program of health education among the insured and partly the result
of the efforts of other agencies in protecting food and milk supplies,
has resulted in the pronounced downward tendency in the mortality
rate from diarrhea and enteritis.
The death rate for diseases of pregnancy and childbirth established a
new minimum of 11.9 per 100,000 in 193i—a reduction of 3.3 per cent
from the previous low rate recorded in 1930. The downward trend
of mortality from these diseases among insured women has been
steady for the past decade.
Accidental burns and injuries sustained in railroad accidents were,
respectively, 16 and 7 per cent below the previous minimum rates.
Lower mortality rates than in 1930 were shown for alcoholism and
chronic nephritis.
New high death rates, on the other hand, were shown for cancer,
diseases of the heart, diabetes, and automobile accidents. The rate
for cancer increased 7.4 per cent over the 1930 rate and was nearly
26 per cent higher than the rate for 1911. This increase takes first
place among the unfavorable developments for the year. Organic
heart disease was responsible for 18 out of every 100 deaths among the
policyholders in 1931. Although, since 1922, heart disease has been
the leading cause of death among policyholders, the rate is increasing
at the older ages only, and there is a pronounced downward tendency
among children and young adults. The mortality from diabetes rose
14.4 per cent in 1931, which established a new maximum. This
increase has taken place particularly among women, and at ages
beyond 45, the mortality having been markedly decreased at all aves
under 45.
Automobile fatalities increased more than 5 per cent in 1931 among
wage earners, and it is estimated that not less than 34,000 people lost
their lives in mo tor-vehicle accidents in 1931. The death rate from
alcoholism declined to 2.9 per 100,000, a reduction of 9.4 per cent
from the 1930 rate, but mortality from cirrhosis of the liver, which is
largely of alcoholic origin, increased 7.3 per cent in the same period.
Poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis) was responsible for a death rate
of 2.6 per 100,000. This was the most extensive epidemic since 1916,
but the case fatality rate was much lower than in the former epidemic
and there was a lower incidence of cripplings in 1931.


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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS AND SAFETY
N ew S a fe ty C o d e fo r E lev a to rs

REVISED safety code for elevators, dumb-waiters, and escalators
has been completed after four years of research at the United
States Bureau of Standards and an extensive investigation by a tech­
nical committee, representative of building, manufacturing, insurance,
and governmental organizations, followed by approval of the Amer­
ican Standards Association.
, ,,
,
The form and arrangements of the 1925 code have been followed
closely, but a considerable amount of new material has been added, to
cover the new developments in elevator construction as a result ol the
constant demand for increased speed. The difficulty of stopping
rapidly moving elevators at floor levels necessitated automatic up®1“
ation with automatic floor leveling devices where the speed exceeded
700 feet per minute. This required new types of control and addi­
tional measures to provide reasonable safety lor life and limb.
The research work developed a redesign of practically all elevator
buffers, and resulted in the inclusion in the code of test specifications
for these devices, for terminal stops, interlocks, and safeties.
The difficulties created by the excessive space required lor eleva­
tors in modern skyscrapers has been recognized, and the code permits,
for the first time, the use of two-story elevators under certain, speci­
fied conditions, to serve two floors at the same time. One operator is
required for each cage, and it must not be possible to move the ele­
vator unless both doors are closed. It also points out that it may
soon be necessary to consider the use of two single elevators m the
same elevator shaft, and the necessary provisions to make such pro­
cedure reasonably safe.
, . ,
,
It is strongly recommended that all elevator-shaft inclosures be
of fire-resistant construction, especially in the modern tall buildings,
where they are the principal, and often the only, practical means ol
exit in case of fire.
, , . ,, ^ A
Provisions are also included for the safe operation of freight and
other types of elevators, passenger-operated elevators, dumb-waiters,

A

anTheCcode°is intended as a guide to State and municipal authorities
in drafting regulations, as a standard reference to safety requirements
for the use of elevator manufacturers, architects, and consulting engi­
neers, and as a standard of operating practice for users ?f elevators.
According to advice from the American Standards Association it has
been adopted practically in verbatim form by the city of New York.
C o a l-M in e F a t a lit ie s in t h e U n ite d S t a t e s in 1929

*HE death rate per thousand 300-day workers in coal mines during
1929 was 4.54, or 2 per cent less than in 1928, according to the
report of the United States Bureau of Mines on coal-mine fatahties m
the UnitedStates in 1929, published as its Bulletin 341. The number
jl


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569

570

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

of deaths per million tons of coal produced declined even more, from
3.78 in 1928 to 3.59 in 1929, a decrease of 5 per cent. The actual
number of deaths during 1929 was 2,187, or 11 more than reported for
1928, but as the mines were in operation for 221 days, or 15 days more
than in the preceding year, the number of man-days worked increased
from 140,604,141 in 1928 to 144,463,453 in 1929, with a consequent
reduction in fatality rate.
An all-time record in the average daily productivity of coal miners
was established in 1929. The average output of coal per man per day
rose to 4.21 tons, as compared with 4.10 tons per day for 1928, the
previous maximum production. The total production in 1929 was
608,816,788 short tons. The average number of days worked per
man during the year was 221 as compared with 206 in 1928.
The Bureau of Mines does not collect statistics for nonfatal injuries
in coal mines, but an estimate is published for 1929 of 85,000 nonfatal
lost-time injuries at bituminous coal mines, and 35,000 nonfatal lost­
time injuries at anthracite mines, a total of 120,000 nonfatal injuries
for the industry.
Table 1 shows the number of workers employed, days worked,
number of fatalities, and production per man, by 5-year periods from
1906 to 1925, and by years, 1926 to 1929.
T able 1 .— N U M B E R OF W O RKERS, N U M B E R OF FA T A L IT IE S, A N D PR O D U C T IO N IN
COAL M IN E S, 1906 TO 1929

Men employed

Period or year
Actual
number

1906-1910 (average) 1_____
1911-1915 (average)_______ _
1916-1920 (average)_____ . . .
1921-1925 (average)___
1926______________________
1927______________________
1928______________________
1929______________________

675,067
739,169
760, 381
811, 803
759, 033
759,177
682, 831
654,494

Average
production
per man

Men killed

Aver­
Produc­
Deaths
age
tion per
per
days
death
mil­
Rate
Equiva­ ac­
(short
lion
per
Tons Tons
lent in
tive N um ­
tons)
tons
per
per
300-day
ber
300-day
year day
workers
workers

1,000

484,454
541,489
599, 781
484, 071
559,426
503. 065
468, 680
481, 545

215

220
237
179

221
199
206

221

2,658
2,517
2,419
2, 215
2,518
2,231
2,176
2,187

5. 49
4. 65
4. 03
4. 58
4.50
4.43
4.64
4. 54

169, 719
210, 253
258, 944
252, 346
261, 241
267, 978
264, 749
278,380

1 Figures for 1906 to 1909, inclusive, are only for States under inspection service.
average days active were estimated by the Bureau of Mines.

668

716
824
689
867
788
844
930

3.10
3. 26
3. 48
3. 85
3. 92
3. 96
4.10
4. 21

5. 89
4. 76
3.86
3. 96
3. 83
3. 73
3.78
3. 59

Figures for 1909 as to

There were 2,047 underground fatalities and 111 surface accidents
in 1929. Falls of roof or face accounted for 1,182 of the underground
deaths. The next largest number of fatalities underground was due
to mine cars and locomotives (413 deaths), followed by major explo­
sions of gas or coal dust (145 deaths).
The difference in fatality rates for bituminous mines and anthracite
mines is shown in Table 2, which contains rates for each type and for
both types combined, by 5-year periods from 1891 to 1925, and by
years, 1926 to 1929.


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571

IN D U S T R IA L A C C ID E N T S AND SA FE T Y
T a b l e 3 .—FA T A L IT Y

R A T E S FOR COAL M IN E S, 1891 TO 1929 i

[Includes underground and surface accidents]
Fatality rates in—
Bituminous mines

Anthracite mines

All mines

Period or year
Per 1,000 Per 1,000 Per mil­ Per 1,000 Per 1,000 Per mil­ Per 1,000 Per 1,000 Per mil­
em­
em­
300-day lion tons
em­
300-day lion tons
300-day lion tons
ployed workers mined ployed workers mined ployed workers mined
1891-1895 (average).
1896-1900 (average) _
1901-1905 (average).
1906-1910 (average) _
1911-1915 (average) _
1916-1920 (average).
1921-1925 (average) _
1926______________
1927______________
1928........................... .
1929______________

2.69
2. 90
3. 49
4.01
3. 27
3. 05
2. 70
3. 48
2. 93
3.31
3. 39

4. 02
4. 06
4.81
5. 57
4. 75
4. 03
4.87
4.86
4. 60
4. 90
4. 63

4. 84
4. 46
5.17
5. 50
4.31
3. 48
3. 67
3. 60
3. 36
3.45
3.19

3. 27
3. 03
3. 36
3. 70
3. 52
3. 70
2. 83
2.74
2. 96
2. 78
3.18

4.99
5. 58
5.38
5. 25
4. 37
4.06
3. 71
3. 37
3. 94
3.85
4. 24

8.12
7. 94
7.69
7. 67
6. 95
6. 07
5.80
5. 36
6.11
5. 93
6. 53

2.91
2. 95
3. 45
3.94
3. 40
3.18
2. 73
3. 32
2. 94
3.19
3. 34

4.38
4. 50
4.95
5.48
4. 65
4.03
4.58
4. 50
4.43
4. 64
4. 54

5.87
5. 34
5. 67
5. 89
4. 76
3. 86
3. 96
3.83
3. 73
3.78
3.59

1 Prior to 1910 certain States did not maintain records of accidents. The above rates are based exclusively
on tonnage and men employed in States for which accident records are available.

Reports furnished to the Bureau of Mines showed that 75 per cent
of the bituminous-coal mines that produced coal in 1929 were oper­
ated on the basis of 8 hours per day, and that these 8-hour mines
employed 90 per cent of all persons who worked at bituminous-coal
mines during the year. Four per cent of the mines, employing about
7 per cent of the total workers, were on a 9-hour basis, and less than
1 per cent of the mines, employing less than 1 per cent of the workers,
were on a 10-hour basis. All workers in the anthracite mines of
Pennsylvania were employed at 8-hour mines.
M e ta l-M in e A c c id e n ts in t h e U n ite d S ta te s , 1929

death rate from accidents in metal and nonmetallic mineral
mines, except coal mines, for 1929 was 3.03 per thousand 300T HE
day workers, according to the report of the United States Bureau of
Mines on metal-mine accidents in the United States for 1929, pub­
lished as its Bulletin 342. This was 21 per cent higher than the unusu­
ally low rate for 1928 (2.50), but lower than for all other years except
1923 and 1925. The nonfatal lost-time injury rate was 200.11 for
1929, 3 per cent less than for 1928 (205.61), and lower than for any
year since 1913. Published figures for 1911, 1912, and 1913, the
earliest years for which annual statistics were collected, indicate lower
rates, but the Bureau of Mines believes this is probably due to incom­
plete reports from the mine owners during those years.
The total number of workers was 118,735 in 1929, as compared with
113,866 in 1928, and the average number of days worked per man was
292 in 1929, as against 288 in 1928, making the total number of days
worked 34,618,120 in 1929 as compared with 32,803,610 in 1928. The
actual number of workers killed in 1929 was 350, or 77 more than in
1928, while the actual number of lost-time injuries was 23,092 in 1929,
or 609 more than in 1928.
As compared with 1928, the death rate for 1929 per thousand 300day workers increased 20 per cent in underground mining operations

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572

M O N TH LY LABOR R E V IE W

and 78 per cent m open-cut mining operations, but declined 3 per cent
lor workers m surface shops and yards. The nonfatal injury rate
increased 19 per cent m open-cut mining operations, but was reduced
4 per cent m underground mining operations and 11 per cent for
workers m surface shops and yards.
The principal cause of fatal accidents was, as usual, fall of rock from
the roof or wall, which was also the outstanding cause of nonfatal
injuries. Other prominent causes of fatalities, in the order of their
importance and by location of operations, were explosives, haulage
and a s of persons m underground accidents; skip, cage, or bucket’
and falling down shaft in shaft accidents; falls of persons in surface
accidents; and falls or slides of rock in open-pit accidents.
in nonfatal injuries other principal causes underground were fall
0i
at tk® working face, haulage, timber or hand tools
and drilling b ailing objects and accidents connected with the skin’
cage, or bucket were the chief causes in the shaft; while hand tools’
iails of persons, machinery, and mine cars were mainly responsible
for surface accidents; and handling materials, falls or slides of rock
or ore, falls of persons, haulage, and hand tools predominated in
open-pit accidents.
The table following shows the number of workers employed, the
number kdled and injured, and fatal and nonfatal injury rates in the
different groups of metal mines and in nonmetallic mineral mines in
1929 compared with 1928.
e mp l oy me n ^ anda ^o

o

i

d

e

n

t

s

M en employed
Year, and type of mine
Actual
number

1928
Copper_______
Gold, silver, and miscellaneous metal
Iron______
.Lead and zinc (Mississippi Vallevf
Nonmetallic mineral._
Total_____

i

n

a

M en killed

n

u

„

Men injured

Aver­
age
Rate
Rate
Equiva­ days
per
lent in
N um ­ per
1,000 N um ­ 1,000
300-day active ber
300-day ber
300-day
workers
workers
workers

30, 561
31, 622
29,145
10, 334
12, 204

33, 002
30, 441
25, 956
8, 659
11,287

324
289
267
251
277

100
79
56
14
24

3.03
2. 60
2.16
1. 62
2.13

7,293
8,180
2,547
2,560
1,903

220. 99
268. 72
98.13
295. 65
168. 60

113,866

109,345

288

273

2. 50

22, 483

205. 61

37,147
30, 861
28, 219
11,177
11, 331

39, 946
28,995
26, 837
9,119
10, 497

323
282
285
245
278

121
106
80
19
24

3.03
3. 66
2.98
2.08
2.29

8,941
7,810
2,404
2,173
1,764

223. 83
269. 36
89.58
238.29
168. 05

118, 735

115,394

292

350

3.03

23, 092

200.11

1929
Copper______
Gold, silver, and miscellaneous metal
Iron______
L ea d and zinc (Mississippi Valiev!
Nonmetallic mineral
T o ta l,..............


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573

IN D U S T R IA L A C C ID E N T S AND SA FE T Y

A c c id e n ts a t M e ta llu r g ic a l W ork s in t h e U n ite d S ta te s in 1929

ACCORDING to the report of the United States Bureau of Mines
jlA .on accidents at metallurgical works in the United States during
1929,1 the death rates per thousand 300-day workers for 1929, as
compared with 1928, were 2 per cent lower for ore-dressing plants
and 41 per cent lower for auxiliary works, but 16 per cent higher for
smelting plants, exclusive of blast furnaces. The nonfatal injury
rates per thousand 300-day workers for 1929, as compared with 1928,
were 12 per cent lower for ore-dressing plants and 4 per cent lower
for smelting plants, exclusive of blast furnaces, but 3 per cent higher
for auxiliary plants.
Combined figures for all three classes of plants show a death rate
of 0.80 and a nonfatal injury rate of 85.38 per thousand 300-day
workers for 1929, as compared with a death rate of 0.84 and a non­
fatal injury rate of 88.36 for 1928.
The table following shows the number of workers employed, the
number killed and injured, and fatal and nonfatal accident rates in
each of the three groups of plants for 1928 and 1929.
E M P L O Y M E N T A N D A C C ID E N T S AT M ET A L LU R G IC A L PL A N T S IN T H E U N IT E D
STATES, 1928 A N D 1929
Men employed
Group and year
Actual
number

Ore-dressing plants:
1928_____________________
1929_______________ ______
Smelting plants:
1928- ..........................................
1929........................... ...........
Auxiliary works:
1928. ..................... ....................
1929_____________________

Men killed

age
Equivalent days
in 300-day active
workers

N um ­
ber

Men injured

Rate per
1,000
300-day Number
workers

Rate per
1,000
300-day
workers

11, 758
13, 721

12, 357
14,266

315
312

15
17

1.21
L 19

1,437
1,460

116.29
102.34

20,393
18,603

24,310
22,222

358
358

18
19

.74
.86

1,906
1,679

78.40
75.56

13,544
15,075

16,001
17,099

354
340

11
7

.69
.41

1,311
1,436

81.93
83.98

1 United States. Department of Commerce. Bureau of Mines. Technical paper 503: Accidents at metal­
lurgical works in the United States during the calendar year 1929, by William W. Adams. Washington,

103146°— 32----- 6


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COOPERATION
D ir e c to r y o f C o n s u m e r s ’ C o o p e r a tiv e S o c ie tie s

HE Bureau of Labor Statistics has just issued, in mimeographed
form, a list of 1,800 consumers’ cooperative societies in the
United States. ^ It includes store societies, bakeries, consumers’
creamery organizations, coal yards, gasoline filling stations, restau­
rants, hotels, rooming and boarding houses, housing societies, insur­
ance associations, garages, laundries, burial associations, wholesale
societies, etc., together with a key to show in just what line of busi­
ness the society engages.
The list is not complete, as there are doubtless many societies of
whose existence the bureau is not aware. Likewise it does not include
a number of societies which requested that their names be omitted.
As the bureau has had no opportunity since early in 1930 to revise the
entire list, it is likely that it includes some societies which have dis­
continued operations since that time. The bureau will appreciate
being informed of any active^ societies not given here, as well as of
any that have gone out of business.
Copies of the directory may be obtained on application to the bureau.

T

E s t a b lis h m e n t o f F ir s t in t e r n a t io n a l C o o p e r a tiv e F a c to r y

HE first step in cooperative production on an international
basis was taken recently when a factory was opened up for the
manufacture of electric-light bidbs. Cooperative Information (Genevj)> G°* 15 (128)> 1931, contains a description of this enterprise,
a
i Sctc!ry,was set up in opposition to an international trust, or
cai tel, ^which controlled the market in a number of countries and
se price policies were considered arbitrary and oppressive.
With the Swedish Cooperative Union taking the initiative, the
cooperative factory, occupying an area of 43,000 square meters,
was built just outside Stockholm. The demand for the product soon
outran the capacity, and an addition to the plant is now being planned.
Smce the erection of the factory, the trust’s price has fallen in
successive stages from 1.35 kronor to 0.85 krona, the price of the
cooperative lamp—a total drop of 37 per cent.
Although the Swedish Cooperative Union was the prime mover in
the new enterprise and furnished much of the capital, the factory is
owned by an international association called Kooperativa Lumalorbundet, membership in which is open to the organized consumers’
cooperative movement of any country. The present membership
includes the central cooperative unions of Sweden, Denmark, and
lNorway, and both the cooperative wholesale societies of Finland

T

574

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LABOR LAWS AND COURT DECISIONS
R a ilr o a d H eld N o t L ia b le fo r In ju r y C a u se d b y P o r te r H a n d lin g
M ail S a c k s

HE work of handling mails, done by men furnished by railroads
under postal regulations, is Government work and the railroads are
relieved from liability for injury caused by employees while engaged
in such work, according to the decision of the United States Supreme
Court in the case of Denton v. Yazoo & M. V. It. Co. et al. (52 Sup.
Ct. 141).
.
.
Jesse H. Denton, a United States railway postal clerk, sustained an
injury due to the alleged negligence of one Hunter, a porter in the
general service of the Yazoo & Mississippi Valley Railroad Co. and
the Illinois Central Railroad Co. At the time of the injury Hunter was
loading United States mail into a mail car, under the direction of a
United States postal transfer clerk, and was not, while engaged in
such work, under the direction or control of either of the railroad
companies. The work was done as required by statute (39 Stat. 412)
and the railroad companies furnished the men necessary to handle
the mail.
Denton brought action in a Mississippi court to recover damages
against Hunter and the two railroad companies, and a judgment was
entered against all three defendants. The Mississippi Supreme
Court, however, reversed the judgment as to the railroad companies
on the ground that “ what Hunter was doing at the time of his alleged
negligent act was not for them but for the United States.’’ There­
upon the case was carried to the United States Supreme Court for
review.
Mr. Justice Sutherland, in rendering the opinion for the court, laid
down the following for determining whether the railroad companies
were liable:

T

Whether the railroad companies may be held liable for Hunter’s act depends
not upon the fact that he was their servant generally, but upon whether the work
which he was doing at the time was their work or that of another; a question deter­
mined, usually at least, by ascertaining under whose authority and command
the work was being done. When one person puts his servant at the disposal and
under the control of another for the performance of a particular service for the
latter, the servant, in respect of his acts in that service, is to be dealt with as the
servant of the latter and not of the former. This rule is elementary and finds
support in a large number of decisions.

The prior decision of the court in Standard Oil Co. v. Anderson
(29 Sup. Ct. 252; 212 U. S. 215) was discussed and quoted in part and
the case of Driscoll v. Towle (63 N. E. 922), relied on to sustain the
judgment of the lower court, was also discussed. The court, however,
found “ the facts of the present case require a different conclusion,”
and in affirming the judgment of the Mississippi Supreme Court
relieving the railroad companies from liability, said, in part, as follows.
The statutory obligation imposed upon the railroad carriers is simply to trans­
port mail offered for transportation by the United States. They are not required
to handle, load, or receive mail matter, but only to furnish the men necessary for
575

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M O N TH LY LA BO R R E V IE W

those purposes. The men so furnished handle the mails and load them into, and
reeeive them from, the railway post-office cars, as the regulation prescribes, “ under
the direction of the transfer clerk, or clerk in charge of the car.” The work they
do is that of the Government.

N ew Y o rk P r o v isio n a s t o D e t e r m in a t io n o f F a c t b y S ta te B oard
U p h e ld

HE United States Supreme Court in a memorandum decision on
January 18, 1932, affirmed a judgment of the appellate division
oi tli6 Supreme Court of the State of New York involving the
validity of section 20 of the New York workmen’s compensation law,
which provides that the determination of the State industrial board
on questions of fact shall be final. (Dahlstrom Metallic Door Co et
al. v. Industrial Board of the State of New York, 52 Sup. Ct. 202.)
The decision in this case is of far-reaching importance because in
addition to New York, the statutes of several other States, particularly California, Idaho, Oklahoma, and Utah, have similar provisions
in their workmen’s compensation laws.
The United States Supreme Court affirmed the New York Court of
Appeals without a written opinion, basing the judgment upon two
former cases decided by the United States Supreme Court, namely
New York Central Railroad Co. v. White, 243 U. S. 188, and Mountain
limber Co. v. Washington, 243 U. S. 219.1
Section 20 of the New York workmen’s compensation act was
attacked on the ground that the failure to provide for a judicial review
of the facts denied due process of law in violation of the fourteenth
amendment to the Federal Constitution. It was contended that the
industrial board is an administrative or executive tribunal, and that
there is no rule for absolute finality of executive determination” in
siipport of a claim that the employer was entitled under the Federal
Constitution to a judicial review of the facts in a case brought before
the industrial board. The State, on the other hand, argued that,
under the New York compensation law and by construction placed
upon the act. by the various New York courts, adequate protection
was afforded in proceedings before the industrial board and by judicial
review in the courts. <The State also contended that the United
States Supreme Court in the New York Central case previously had
determined the validity of the provisions of the New York law.
Theattorney general of New York, in commenting upon the stand
taken by the United States Supreme Court, said that if the section of
the New York law had been declared unconstitutional it would have
resulted m disastrous consequences. “ In the first place,” he said,
that “ appeals which are now handled expeditiously would be con­
gested, inasmuch as in each case the appellate courts would be
required to consider the weight of the evidence,” and thereby would
throw open the entire record taken before the referee in any compen­
sation hearing. Continuing, he said:

T

At the present time the number of such appeals is so vast that were the court
to consider the complete record in each case it would result in interminable delay
in the calendar. Consequently, awards made to injured persons would be held
up with the no inconceivable result that such persons or their dependents in many
instances would become public charges. Again, it would be necessary to increase
1 TJ. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Bui, N o. 224, pp. 232, and 252.


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L A B O R L A W S AND CO U RT D E C IS IO N S

577

the number of the judges to handle these appeals, with the result that the cost of
administering the workmen’s compensation act would be vastly increased,
throwing an increased burden on the State.
.
The decision is of additional interest because the workmen s compensation laws
of several other States contain similar provisions.2

C o n s t it u t io n a lit y o f F e d e r a l L o n g s h o r e m e n ’s a n d H arb or
W o rk ers’ C o m p e n s a tio n A c t U p h e ld

HE United States Supreme Court on February 23, 1932, in the
case of Crowell v. Benson, upheld the validity of the Federal
longshoremen’s and harbor workers’ compensation act, and the right
of Congress to enact the legislation. (284 U. S.
.)
In construing the law to be valid, the Supreme Court ruled that
the question as to whether the relation of master and servant existed
is one in which a district court of the United States may determine
in a suit to set aside an award made by a deputy commissioner.
This was also true, the court said, in determining whether the injury
occurred on a navigable water of the United States.
The original action in the case was brought in the United States
District Court of the Fifth Circuit to enjoin the enforcement of an
award made by a deputy commissioner of the United States Employ­
ees’ Compensation Commission of the seventh compensation district
in favor of J. B. Knudsen against his employer, Charles Benson.
The award was made under the Federal longshoremen’s and harbor
workers’ compensation act (44 Stat. 1424, ch. 509), March 4, 1927.
The deputy commissioner found that Knudsen was injured while
in the employ of Benson, and while performing services upon the
navigable waters of the United States. It was the contention of the
employer that the award by the deputy commissioner was contrary
to law because Knudsen was not, at the time of the injury, one of
his employees, and that the claim was not under the jurisdiction of
the deputy commissioner. Later it was charged that the compen­
sation act was unconstitutional in that it violated several provisions
of the United States Constitution—i. e., those relating to due process,
right of trial by jury, unreasonable search and seizure, and a provision
(Article III) respecting the judicial power of the United States.
The judge of the district court denied a motion to dismiss the case
and granted a new hearing upon the facts and the law, and expressed
in the opinion that the act would be invalid if not construed to permit
such a hearing. The case was subsequently transferred to the ad­
miralty side of the court. The district court held that Knudsen was
not in the employ of Benson and restrained the enforcement of the
award. (33 Fed. (2d) 137, and 38 Fed. (2d) 306.) Upon appeal the
decree was affirmed (45 Fed. (2d) 66) by the circuit court of appeals
for the fifth circuit.
The United States Supreme Court later consented to review the
case. In the majority opinion written by Mr. Chief Justice Hughes
it was stated that the question of the validity of the law; may be
considered in relation to its provisions defining substantive rights and
procedural requirements. The court stated that the act had two
fundamental limitations, first, it deals exclusively with compensation

T

The United States D aily, Jan. 21, 1932, p. 7.


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578

M O N TH LY L A B O R R E V IE W

in respect of disability or death resulting from an injury occurring
upon the navigable waters of the United States and secondly, that it
applies only when the relation of master and servant exists.
The court recited several provisions of the law—defining the words
“injury” and “ employer,” the exclusiveness of the liability of the
employer, and the penalty for failure to provide security in the pay­
ment of compensation. As the act relates solely to injuries occurring
upon the navigable waters of the United States, the court said, it
deals with the maritime law as applicable to matters falling within
the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction, and “ the general authority
of the Congress to alter or revise the maritime law which shall prevail
throughout the country is beyond dispute.”
a In defining substantive rights the court pointed out that the act
. Provides for recovery m absence of fault, classifies disabilities result­
ing from injuries, fixes the range of compensation in case of disability
or death and designates the classes of beneficiaries.” There appears
to be no room, the court said, for objections on constitutional grounds
to the creation of the right of the Federal power to alter and revise
ifie n^ntim e law, unless it can be found in the “ due process clause
of the fifth amendment.” However, it can not be said that either the
c assmcations of the statute or the extent of compensation provided
are unreasonable. 1Liability without fault is not unknown to the
maritime law,” the court continued and “ apart from this fact consideiations are applicable to the substantive provisions of this legis­
lation with respect to the relation of master and servant similar5to
those which this court has found sufficient to sustain workmen’s
compensation laws of the States against objections under the due
process clause of the fourteenth amendment.”
The court referred to the objections to the procedural requirements
of the act which relate to the extent of the administrative authority
conferred and reviewed the provisions relating to the administration
cd the act which authorized the establishment of compensation dis­
tricts the appointment of deputy commissioners, and the authority
to make regulations, etc.
J
. The objection raised by the respondent as to the right of a trial bv
jury was unavailing, the court said, since the “ claims which are subject to the provisions of the act are governed by the maritime law as
established by the Congress and are within the admiralty jurisdiction ”
The court then took up the other objections, namely, the procedure
winch invokes the due process clause and the provision as to the iudicial power of the United States.
J
As to questions of law, the court said, the rulings of the deputv
commissioner are without finality. Under the due process clause
oy the fifth amendment, the question raised was as “ to the deter­
mination of questions of fact.”
On this point the court said that—
Apart from cases involving constitutional rights to be appropriatelv enforced
by proceedings in court, there can be no doubt that the a o t S t o S t e i t i S t M
viewUo f t W c t f the find-ng W1f+ n eSi )eCt+to mi uries to employees within the purAud Jilhin m
th fikdU lgs °/uthe deputy commissioner, supported by evidence
I
l
f 01* ° f hlS authU ity, shall be final. To hold otherwise would be
to defeat the obvious purpose of the legislation to furnish a prompt coiRinuous
are^eculiarly^uited^o1
^ ] ? / f<?
? a °laSS of cibv
uestiori«
’>f fact which
are peculiarly suited to ^examination
and ?determination
an administrative
scribed
h rn its
iS Sof tthh ee fem
m ployer
n l t0 s liab ility aTh.e
is in
tov estig
secure
p re ­
scribed lim
n im°mb]ect
ed iate
atiowith
n a nind th
a esound

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L A B O R L A W S AND CO U RT D E C ISIO N S

579

practical judgment, and the efficacy of the plan depends upon the finality of the
determinations of fact with respect to the circumstances, nature, extent, and
consequences of the employee’s injuries and the amount of compensation that
should be awarded. And this finality may also be regarded as extending to the
determination of the question of fact whether the injury “ was occasioned solely
by the intoxication of the employee or by the willful intention of the employee to
injure or kill himself or another.” While the exclusion of compensation in such
cases is found in what are called “ coverage” provisions of the act (sec. 3), the
question of fact still belongs to the contemplated routine of administration, for
the case is one of employment within the scope of the act and the cause of the
injury sustained by the employee as well as its character and effect must be
ascertained in applying the provisions for compensation. The use of the admin­
istrative method for these purposes, assuming due notice, proper opportunity
to be heard, and that findings are based upon evidence, falls easily within the
principle of the decisions sustaining similar procedure against objections under
the due process clauses of the fifth and fourteenth amendments.

Mr. Chief Justice Hughes referred to the contention based upon
the judicial power of the United States (Article III) and said that it
presented “ a distinct question.” However, the present case, he
said, “ is one of private right, that is, of the liability of one individual
to another under the law as defined.” There is no requirement, it
was held, that “ in order to maintain the essential attributes of the
judicial power, all determinations of fact in constitutional courts
shall be made by judges.”
In deciding whether the Congress, in enacting the statute under review, has
exceeded the limits of its authority to prescribe procedure in cases of injury upon
navigable waters, regard must be had, as in other cases where constitutional
limits are invoked, not to mere matters of form but to the substance of what is
required. The statute has a limited application, being confined to the relation of
master and servant, and the method of determining the questions of fact, which
arise in the routine of making compensation awards to employees under the act,
is necessary to its effective enforcement. The act itself, where it applies, estab­
lishes the measure of the employer’s liability, thus leaving open for determination
the questions of fact as to the circumstances, nature, extent, and consequences of
the injuries sustained by the employee for which compensation is to be made in
accordance with the prescribed standards. Findings of fact by the deputy com­
missioner upon such questions are closely analogous to the findings of the amount
of damages, that are made according to familiar practice by commissioners or
assessors, and the reservation of full authority to the court to deal with matters
of law provides for the appropriate exercise of the judicial function in this class
of cases. For the purposes stated, we are unable to find any constitutional obstacle
to the action of the Congress in availing itself of a method shown by experience to
be essential in order to apply its standards to the thousands of cases involved,
thus relieving the courts of a most serious burden while preserving their com­
plete authority to insure the proper application of the law.

The court pointed out that, so far, only the claims of employees
within the meaning of the act had been considered. A different ques­
tion is presented where the fact determinations are fundamental or
jurisdictional, “ in the sense that their existence is a condition prece­
dent to the operation of the statutory scheme.” The fundamental
requirements are “ that the injury occurs upon the navigable waters
of the United States and that the relation of master and servant
exists.” These conditions are essential because “ Congress has so
provided explicitly,” and because the power of Congress to enact
such legislation “ turns upon the existence of these conditions.”
Regarding the question of whether Congress may substitute for
constitutional courts an administrative agency, Mr. Chief Justice
Hughes pointed out that—
The recognition of the utility and convenience of administrative agencies for
the investigation and finding of facts within their proper province, and the sup
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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

port of their authorized action, does not require the conclusion that there is no
limitation of their use, and that the Congress could completely oust the courts
of all determinations of fact by vesting the authority to make them with finality
in its own instrumentalities or in the Executive Department. That would be to
sap the judicial power as it exists under the Federal Constitution, and to estab­
lish a government of a bureaucratic character alien to our system, wherever
fundamental rights depend, as not infrequently they do depend, upon the facts,
and finality as to facts becomes in effect finality in law.

Whenever the validity of any act of Congress is questioned and
doubt is raised as to its constitutionality, the majority opinion showed
that—
It is a cardinal principle that this court will first ascertain whether a construc­
tion of the statute is fairly possible by which the question may be avoided. We
are of the opinion that such a construction is permissible and should be adopted
in the instant case. The Congress has not expressly provided that the determina­
tions by the deputy commissioner of the fundamental or jurisdictional facts as to
the locality of the injury and the existence of the relation of master and servant
shall be final. The finality of such determinations of the deputy commissioner is
predicated primarily upon the provision (sec. 19 (a)) that he “ shall have full
power and authority to hear and determine all questions in respect of such claim.”
But “ such claim” is the claim for compensation under the act and by its explicit
provisions is that of an “ employee,” as defined in the act, against his “ employer.”
The fact of employment is an essential condition precedent to the right to make
the claim.

It was pointed out that the question in the present case was not
whether the deputy commissioner acted improperly, “ but whether he
has acted in a case to which the statute is inapplicable.”
By providing for injunction proceedings, the Congress evidently contemplated
a suit as in equity, and in such a suit the complainant would have full opportunity
to plead and prove either that the injury did not occur upon the navigable waters
of the United States or that the relation of master and servant did not exist,
and hence that the case lay outside the purview of the statute. As the question
is one of the constitutional authority of the deputy commissioner as an adminis­
trative agency, the court is under no obligation to give weight to his proceedings
pending the determination of that question. If the court finds that the facts
existed which gave the deputy commissioner jurisdiction to pass upon the claim
for compensation, the injunction will be denied in so far as these fundamental
questions are concerned; if, on the contrary the court is satisfied that the deputy
commissioner had no jurisdiction of the proceedings before him, that determina­
tion will deprive them of their effectiveness for any purpose. We think that the
essential independence of the exercise of the judicial power of the United States
in the enforcement of constitutional rights requires that the Federal court should
determine such an issue upon its own record and the facts elicited before it;

<The court concluded the opinion by stating that the district court
did not err in permitting a new trial “ on the issue of employment.”
Upon that issue the witnesses who had testified before the deputy commissioner
and other witnesses were heard by the district court. The writ of certiorari
was not granted to review the particular facts but to pass upon the question of
principle. With respect to the facts, the two courts below are in accord, and we
find no reason to disturb their decision.

The decree of the lower court was therefore affirmed.
Mr. Justice Brandeis delivered a dissenting opinion, in which Mr.
Justices Stone and Roberts joined, holding that the decree should be
reversed because Congress did not authorize a new trial. The initial
question is one of construction of the longshoremen’s act. The act,
the dissenting opinion stated, “ does not in terms declare whether
there may be a trial de novo either as to the issue whether the rela­
tion of employer and employee existed at the time of the injury, or as
to any other issue, tried or triable, before the deputy commissioner.”

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LABOR LAWS AND COURT DECISIONS

581

Cases were cited showing that lower Federal courts had uniformly
held that “ the review afforded must be upon the record made before
the deputy commissioner; and that the deputy commissioner’s find­
ings of fact must be accepted as conclusive if supported by evidence,
unless there was some irregularity in the proceeding before him.”
The dissenting opinion pointed out that nearly all of the State courts
have construed the State workmen’s compensation laws as limiting
the review by the courts to questions of law only, and even in other
Federal laws similar to the question involved in this case, creating
administrative agencies, “ have likewise been treated as not conferring
the right to a judicial trial de novo.”
It was the aim of Congress clearly specified by the provisions of
the act “ to expedite the relief afforded.” The dissenting opinion
stated other reasons for objecting to the majority opinion and con­
cluded th at-To permit a contest de novo in the district court of an issue tried, or triable,
before the deputy commissioner will, I fear, gravely hamper the effective adminis­
tration of the act. The prestige of the deputy commissioner will necessarily be
lessened by the opportunity of relitigating facts in the courts. The number of
controverted cases may be largely increased. Persistence in controversy will
be encouraged. And since the advantage of prolonged litigation lies with the
party able to bear heavy expenses the purpose of the act will be in part defeated.

I llin o is P r e v a ilin g -W a g e L aw D e c la r e d U n c o n s t it u t io n a l

Legislature of Illinois enacted, during the 1931 session, a law
regulating the wages and hours of work of mechanics and laborers
T HE
employed under contracts for public works. This law was approved
by the governor of the State on June 20, 1931, and became effective on
July 1 of the same year.
..
On September 2, 1931, one Harry A. Mayhew, filed a bill as a citizen
and taxpayer against the governor of the State and several other
public officers to enjoin them from entering into a contract for the
improvement of a section of a State highway. Approximately two
weeks later another citizen and taxpayer by the name of Pigott filed
another bill in the same court requesting the director of public works
to be enjoined from entering into a contract with a road contractor for
the construction of a section of a State highway in Cook County.
Injunctions in both cases were asked upon the ground that the law
was unconstitutional.
The circuit court of Sangamon County held that the act was
unconstitutional and granted the relief that was sought by the tax­
payers. The case was immediately appealed to the Supreme Court of
Illinois and this court, in an opinion written by Judge De Young,
affirmed the decision of the lower court. (Mayhew v. Nelson and
Pigott v. Department of Public Works and Buildings, 178 N. E. 921.)
The attorney general, who represented the State officers, contended
that the act was a valid exercise of the legislative power, that the law
was complete and certain in its provisions and therefore was capable
of enforcement. The taxpayers on the other hand contended that
the law was vague, uncertain in its terms, incomplete and defective
in its provisions, that it was difficult of enforcement^ and therefore
invalid. They also contended that the act was a violation of the
constitution in that it delegated absolute or unlimited and arbitrary

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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

powers to an administrative officer; deprived the taxpayers of the
State of property without due process of law; and abridged the right
of contractors to enter into contracts.
The supreme court in rendering its opinion declared that it would
be necessary only to consider the contention that the act was void
because of incompleteness and uncertainty, and that it delegated
arbitrary power in violation of the constitution. The court said that
when a law left the legislature it “ must be complete in all its terms and
conditions so that every person may know by reading the law what
his rights are and how it will operate when put into execution. ”
Ihe court, quoting from a former Illinois case (People v. Kogier 326
111. 310, 157 N. E. 177), declared that a law “ which is so vague,
indefinite, and uncertain that the courts are unable, by accepted rules
of construction, to determine with any reasonable degree of certainty
what the legislature intended, or which is so incomplete or conflicting
and inconsistent in its provisions that it can not be executed, will be
declared to be inoperative and void. ” After declaring the primary
purpose of the act the court declared:
The act not only prescribes no test or standard by which the prevailing rates of
wages in a particular jurisdiction may be ascertained but when an improvement
extending from one subdivision of the State or municipality into or through
another or dividing them is contemplated, no guide is offered by which the
applicable rate or rates of wages may be determined.

The court took up the question of adjustments in cases of disputes
arising under the prevailing rates of wages and reviewed the various
methods of appeal in such cases. _The procedure before the various
boards, the court said, was considered wholly conjectural, for the
act omits “to provide when and where such boards shall meet, whether
they shall conduct hearings at which parties interested in the subject
matter may appear, whether the attendance of witnesses may be
compelled, and whether a record of the proceedings shall be kept. ”
The law in addition to the provision relative to the payment of
prevailing wage rate also limits the hours of work during any one
calendar day to eight hours. Numerous exceptions, as in the case of
extraordinary emergency caused by fire, flood, danger to life or property, etc., are set forth in the law. The court said that these exceptmns would give rise to differences of opinion whether a contractor may
avail himself of one or of many. Without considering other objections
to the act, the Supreme Court of Illinois concluded it was sufficiently
shown that the act was “ not only uncertain and indefinite in its
prov lsions, but that it is^ also incomplete and delegates legislative
powers by allowing administrative officers to supply many of its
substantial features. Accepted rules of construction applied to cer­
tain sections will not avail to disclose the legislative intent, and courts
are powerless to supply the omissions of the act. No person, by
reading the^ act, will know with a reasonable degree of certainty
what rights it confers and what duties or obligations it imposes. ”
The act was therefore declared void.


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583

M e m b e r o f R e lig io u s O rder D e n ie d C la im U n d er W o rk m en s
C o m p e n s a tio n Law

HE Supreme Court of the State of Michigan, in a 6-to-2 opinion,
declared that one injured while performing duties as a proba­
tioner, intending to qualify for admission to membership in a religious
order, was not entitled to workmen’s compensation. (Blust v. Sisters
of Mercy et al., 239 N. W. 401.)
.
It appeared that Loretta Blust was injured while cleaning the drum
of a laundry mangle at Mount Mercy Academy in Grand Rapids on
November 16, 1929. She presented a claim against the institution
and against the Hartford Accident & Indemnity Co. for compensation.
The matter came up for a hearing before a deputy commissionerof the Michigan Department of Labor and Industry, and an award
was entered in favor of the petitioner. The insurance company
appealed from the award of the deputy commissioner to the depart­
ment of labor and industry, and upon a final hearing the award of
the deputy commissioner was reversed and the claim of compensation
was denied.
The case was thereupon appealed to the supreme court ol the State.
The main question involved was whether the petitioner was an
employee within the meaning of the Michigan workmen’s compensa­
tion law. The contention of the insurance company was that, m
order to recover under the compensation law the injury must ‘ arise
out of and in the course of an employment” ; that the relation ol
employer and employee and & contract must be involved, and
the only basis of such a contract, either expressed or implied, would
be the relation of employer and employee. Mr. Justice Potter, m a
written opinion in which Mr. Chief Justice Butzel concurred reversed
the award of the department of labor and industry and held that
the facts of the case disclosed the relationship of master and servant.
In support of this conclusion several cases were reviewed, one m
particular in which a question arose whether a student brakeman v as
a railroad employee. (Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Ry. Co. v.
Fronk, 87 Pac. 698.) Against the opinion of Mr. Justice Potter six
other judges of the supreme court took exception and, in an opinion
written by Mr. Justice Wiest, affirmed the decision of the depart­
ment of labor and industry.
.
.
, A
Mr. Justice Wiest pointed out that the plaintiff m the case had
joined the Sisters of Mercy, an established charitable organization,
as a probationer intending to qualify for admission to membership
m the order. The various stages of noviceship were recited and it
was shown that “ her relation as a novitiate was that of free-will
devotion of efforts and talents to the religious and charitable pur­
poses of the order.” According to the rules of the order she was to
receive instruction calculated to qualify her for various services upon
reaching full membership and was to be provided suitable care, food,
clothing, and shelter, but was to receive no remuneration lor such
services. Upon receiving injuries which rendered her totally dis­
abled, the order cared for her, met all expenses which according to
the rules it was bound to do, and there was no interruption of hei
relation to the order during the incapacitated period. Mr. Justice
Wiest said as follows:

T

I find no analogy between instances of work without pay in industrial and
professional pursuits, in order to qualify for work with pay, and an instance o

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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

entering a, charitable and religious order as a novitiate with intent to qualify for
membership and a life devoid of pecuniary purpose. In the one instance there
is the relation of master and servant and a semblance of hiring, though without
wage, but with commercial earmarks, while in the other there is no relation of
master and servant, no hiring, and no commercialism, but a devotion to charitable
purpose without hope of pecuniary reward.

Although it was shown and determined that the Sisters of Mercy had
employees for hire and had even elected to come under the Michigan
workmen’s compensation law, members of the order and novitiates
were not covered and the insurance company did not indemnify the
society for the expense of caring for any injured members or noviti­
ates. The court pointed out that the workmen’s compensation law
requires the relation of employer and employee under a contract of
hire. In this case it was pointed out there was no hiring and “ it
would be unfortunate to hold that the Sisters of Mercy hire persons
to submit to training for membership in the sisterhood. The work
of the Sisters of Mercy, in the care of indigent and other sick and
infirm persons, and in no manner, directly or indirectly, for private
profit, constitutes a public charity. The compensation law allows
nothing for pain and suffering.”
In the testimony brought out at the trial it was shown that, even
though an award were made, such would not come to the injured
probationer but would belong to the order by virtue of her relation­
ship to it. Regarding this the court said:
Neither at common law nor under the compensation act can plaintiff have
remedy against the Sisters of Mercy. It would be. a strange situation, indeed,
to permit the Sisters of Mercy, one defendant herein, to reimburse itself for
expenses, incurred in caring for a novitiate, in the manner here attempted. Plain­
tiff has no interest in any recovery of an award. She recognizes that her interest
in an award is only that of the Sisters of Mercy.

In concluding the court inquired, “ If a novitiate is held to be an
employee and the Sisters of Mercy an employer, then what is the
contract of hire?” It can not be stated, the court said, “ for there
is none.”
L aw E s t a b lis h in g W a g e -C la im s C o u rt in C o lorad o

HE 1931 legislature of the State of Colorado enacted a law estab­
lishing a wage-claims court in each county of the State (ch. 170,
Laws of 1931). The wage-claims courtis administered by the justice
of the peace in each county and exercises jurisdiction in all cases of
claims of money due for labor performed upon any contract of em­
ployment where the amount claimed does not exceed $100.
About 13 States have small-claims courts exercising jurisdiction over
the collection of small wage claims. These States are: Arizona, Cali­
fornia, Connecticut, Kansas (small debtors’ court), Maryland (people’s
court), Massachusetts, Minnesota (conciliation courts), Nevada, New
Jersey, New York (municipal courts and certain other special courts),
Oregon, South Dakota, and Washington.1
The majority of the States have some form of wage-payment legisla­
tion^ consisting usually of a requirement that the wages must be paid
within a certain number of days, and providing a penalty for failure
to comply with the law. The various labor officials in the States have

T

1
Report of the standing committee on legal aid work to the American Bar Association, May, 1930
see also Iowa law (ch. 478, secs. 10820-10824, Code, 1924), Labor Review, November, 1928, pp. 38-40.


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LABOR LAWS AND COURT DECISIONS

585

used these statutes as a basis for wage adjustment and some of the
laws carry a provision conferring upon the State labor department or
bureau, as the case may be, the power to secure collection. However,
if they fail to adjust the matter with the employer, legal action is
necessary for collection and in many instances the department has no
authorization to enforce collection by legal action and the employee
is usually unable to bear the costs of such procedure.
Several legislative attempts have been made by the States to over­
come this difficulty, by incorporating provisions which give the privi­
lege of recovering attorneys’ fees in suits for wages without regard to
the establishment of claims.2 Such laws have been condemned by
the courts of last resort as being unlawful discrimination in favor of
certain suitors who are not distinguishable from other litigants on any
proper basis, the law being, therefore, subject to condemnation as
special or class legislation. (Gulf, etc., R. Co. v. Ellis, 165 U. S. 150;
Coal Co. v. Rosser, 41 N. E. 263; Chicago, etc., R. Co. v. Mashore, 96
Pac. 630.)
The courts are not uniform, however, in their ruling on this question,
some courts holding that such fees were taxed not as a penalty but as
a fair award of costs. (Title Guarantee & Trust Co. v. Wrenn, 56
Pac. 271; Singer Mfg. Co. v. Fleming, 58 N. W. 226; Vogel v. Pekoe,
42 N. E. 386.) Several of the State legislatures, realizing that the
costs and delays of legal procedure are unduly burdensome, have made
special provisions to cover the cost. One State 3 has established a
trust fund, known as a contingent fund of the labor commissioner, to
be used in paying costs in wage-claim proceedings. This fund is re­
plenished by the claimant’s placing in the fund a reasonable per cent
of the amount recovered. Various methods are used by other States,
but in many States much more might be accomplished along this line
under improved legislation. The need, as pronounced several years
ago by the late Chief Justice William H. Taft, is that “ something
must be devised by which everyone, however lowly and however
poor, however unable by his means to employ a lawyer and to pay
court costs, shall be furnished the opportunity to set this fixed
machinery of justice going.” 4
The text of the new Colorado wage-claims court act is given below:
ACTS OF 1931
C hapter

170.— W a g e -c la im s court

S ectio n 1. W a g e -c la im s c o u rt e sta b lish e d . —-There is hereby created and estab­

lished in each of the several counties of this State, a court of inferior jurisdiction,
to be known as the “ Wage-claims court.” The justices of the peace in their
several counties and precincts shall sit as judges of said courts, and exercise the
jurisdiction hereby conferred, in all cases arising under the provisions of this act.
S e c . 2. J u r i s d i c t i o n . — The wage-claims court shall have and exercise jurisdic­
tion in all cases of claims of money due for wages or salary earned, or for work and
labor performed, upon any contract of employment, express or implied, where
the amount claimed, exclusive of interest and costs, does not exceed the sum of
$100. All actions arising under the provisions of this act shall be brought in the
county where the defendant resides, or where the work or labor, or some part
thereof, was performed: P ro v id e d , That no action shall be brought in said court by
the assignee of any such claim, or upon an assigned claim.
S e c . 3. P ro c e d u r e . — [This section covers the procedure and prescribes the forms
to be used in affidavit of claim and order of appearance. A docket fee of $1 is
charged, which covers all the costs in the justice of the peace court.]
2 Ohio Rev. Stat., sec. 6563a; Oklahoma, Acts of 1895, ch. 51; Texas, act of April 5, 1889.
3 Nevada, Acts of 1915, ch. 203 (as amended by Acts of 1925, ch. 95).
* Bureau of Labor Statistics Bui. No. 398: Growth of legal-aid work in the United States, p. iii.


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S e c . 4. S e rv ic e . — A true copy of the affidavit and order mentioned in the pre­
ceding section may be served upon the defendant personally by the justice of the
peace, by the plaintiff, or by any constable of the county, who shall make an affi­
davit of such service, stating the time and place thereof.
S e c . 5. H e a r in g . — Upon the day set for the hearing of the said claim, if the
defendant fail to appear at the time and place stated in said order, he having been
duly served therewith, as provided in the preceding section, the judge shall enter
judgment for the amount proven to be due the plaintiff, together with interest at
the rate of 8 per cent per annum from the time said claim became due, and for
costs. If both parties appear, the judge shall hear their testimony, and such
other witnesses as they shall produce, together with such other evidence as may
be offered in support of the respective claims of the parties, and shall enter such
judgment as the justice of the case shall require: P r o v id e d , That interest and costs
shall be allowed in all cases where the judgment is for the plaintiff. No con­
tinuance shall be granted or allowed in such court except for good cause shown.
No formal pleading other than the affidavit and order herein provided for shall
be_ necessary, and the hearings in such court shall be informal, with the sole
object of dispensing speedy justice between the parties.
S e c . 6. A p p e a l . — If the judgment be against the defendant he shall pay the
same forthwith, and in default of such payment, execution may issue as in the
justice courts. If either party be dissatisfied, he shall be allowed an appeal to
the county court of the proper county: P ro v id e d , That he shall upon the entry of
judgment against him, then and there give notice of appeal to the county court,
and pay to the justice of the peace the sum of $1.50 to cover the cost of a trans­
cript of such judgment, and shall within 5 days from the entry of such judgment
pay to the clerk of the county court, in cash, an amount sufficient to pay said
judgment in full, together with all costs in the county court, and shall within 5
days after docketing said cause in the county court, give notice to the plaintiff
that he will within 48 hours from the service of such notice, appear in the county
court and ask that the said cause be set for trial.
Upon the payment to the said justice of the peace of the cost of a transcript as
aforesaid, the said justice shall forthwith make, certify, and transmit to the
county court of the proper county a complete transcript of all the proceedings
before him.
S e c . 7. A p p e a l s d is p o s e d o f im m e d ia te ly . —I t shall be the duty of the county
court to dispose of all such appeals with all convenient speed, and if the defendant
shall fail to docket said cause in the county court and to pay in the sums as pro­
vided in the preceding section, within the time therein provided, the county court
shall dismiss said appeal. If the judgment in the county court shall be for the
plaintiff, the court shall order the clerk to pay the amount thereof to the plaintiff.
If the judgment of the county court be for the defendant, he shall have judgment
for his costs.
S e c . 8. F e e s — After judgment the justice of the peace shall issue such process,
and shall be entitled to collect such fees and charges as are allowed by law in
justice courts for like services, and no others.
S e c . 9. S u p p lie s .- —The board of county commissioners of each of the several
counties in this State shall furnish to the justices of the peace a reasonable supply
of blanks and forms, docket book, and other supplies necessary for the use of such
justice when sitting as a wage-claims court.

I n q u ir y in t o A p p lic a b ility o f C h in e s e F a c to r y A ct

HE practicability of enforcing the Chinese factory law which was
passed in 1929 and which was to have become operative from
February 1, 1931,1 is the subject of a study and report made by Ta
Chen, of Tsing Hua University, Peiping.2
Toward the close of January, 1931, the enforcement date of the act
was postponed to August 1, i 931. Among the reasons that necessi­
tated the delay was the fact that the original legislation did not
provide for an inspectorate. During February, 1931, however, a

T

1 Labor Review, July, 1930, pp. 16-18, and M ay, 1931, pp. 73-74.
2 Chen, Ta: Study of the applicability of the factory act of the Chinese Government, a preliminary
survey of the Shanghai area. Shanghai, China Institute of Scientific Management, 1931.


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LABOR LAWS AND COURT DECISIONS

measure was enacted providing authority for the creation of such an
agency. Another influence in the postponement of the operation of
the act was the statement of employers to the Government that the
law was very wide in its scope and that it was essential for industry
to have time to adapt itself to the requirements. At the conference
on the “ people’s livelihood,” held in February, 1931,_ under the
auspices of the National Christian Council, representatives of em­
ployers of labor, of educators, social workers, and others discussed the
act at considerable length. As an outcome of a resolution adopted
at the conference, it was decided that an independent scientific
investigation should be made as to the applicability of the law, and
Ta Chen was invited to come from Peiping to undertake the study.
The author of the report recognizes that the law is to be applied
nationally and that any study of it should be national in scope. How­
ever, in the brief period (2)£ months) available before the date fixed for
the law to go into effect it was not possible to devote close attention
to any other locality than the Shanghai district.
The findings of the survey concerning existing industrial practices,
some of the principal requirements of the factory act, and the sugges­
tions made by the investigator on the basis of his study are presented
in the following table taken from his report:
P R E S E N T PR A C T IC E , R E Q U IR E M E N T S OF FA C T O R Y AC T, A N D SUG G ESTIO N S OF
IN V E ST IG A TO R ON BASIS OF SU R V E Y

Item

Record keeping---------Hours of work per day.
Hours of night work forWomen___________
Children.

Present practice

What the act requires

Practice recommended
on basis of study

In vogue, but up­
on simple plan.
8 to 11.3 hours
(average in 6 in­
dustries) .

15 categories; full copies
twice yearly.
8 hours; 10 hours with
permit.

15 items; annual sum­
mary reports.
10 hours, for women and
children only.

Between 6 p. m.
and 6 a. m.

None from 10 p. m. to 6
a. m.

A ny 10 hours between 6
p. m. and 6 a. m., for
next 3 years.
Do.

.do.

Overtime___

N o lim it.

Rest days-----

Average of 2.6 per
month without
pay; often not
taken.
Average of 14.4
days per year.
N ot regularly giv­
en.
9 to 10 years, 14 in
some c o t t o n
mills.
Full time worked
by adults.

National and festival holidays..
Annual leave or vacation.
Age of admission of young
workers.
Hours of work of young workers

Workmen’s compensation bene­
fits for—
Temporary disability-------Permanent disability.
D eath........ ................ .
Sickness----------- -----Medical expenses.
Funeral expenses .
i United States currency.


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None from 7 p. m. to
6 a. m.
2 hours per day, up to 36
per month.
4 per month, with p a y ...

As in act.
2 per month, without
pay; required to be
taken.

8 national holidays, with
pay.
7 to 15 days with pay___

As in act.

14 years.

12 years, by standard
agreed upon.

8 hours per day.

10 per day or night, for 2
years; then 8 hours’
work and 2 hours’ edu­
cation by day, and 10
hours at night until
night shift is elimi­
nated.

Suspended indefinitely.

Commonly paid, Two-thirds of wages for As in act.
6 months, then half of
no standard sum,
wages.
Do.
1 to 3 years’ wages--------___ do__________
Do.
___ do__________ 2 years’ wage, plus $3001
Payment
for specified
Sometimes p a id .. As for injury...................
occupational diseases
only.
Commonly paid—_ Required, up to $30 L — As in act.
Do.
___ do...... .........................
___ d o ................

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P R E S E N T P R A C T IC E , R E Q U IR E M E N T S OF FA C T O R Y A C T , A N D SU G G E ST IO N OF
IN V E ST IG A T O R ON BASIS OF SU R V E Y —Continued.

Item

E d u cation .................................

Present practice

W hat the act requires

55 factories have
provision.

10 hours a week up to 16
years of age.

Practice recommended
on basis of study

As in act for those 12 to 15
years of age, after 2
years.
M aternity bonus. _________ . Averages $16.02 i 8 weeks’ leave, w ith pay.. 4 weeks’ leave to those
per case.
employed 1 year, after
1 year.
B onus.------ ---------- ---------------- Common________ Bonus or share of profit.. Up t o 4 per cent of annual
wage.
Safety and health provisions___ Inadequate
in N ot sufficiently definite. Clear, definite.
many factories.
Wage paym ents____________ . 1 or 2 a month, 2 a month—no deduc­ As in act.
fines deducted in
tions in advance.
advance at times.
Principles of wage determina­ Supply and de­ Cost of living in district. Postponed for scientific
investigation.
mand.
tion.
Contracts_____________ . . . . . Sometimes writ­ Double pay in lieu of 15 days’ notice, or single
ten.
notice; or pay and a
pay in lieu of notice;
suspension of other
half for notice period;
clauses.
graduated notice; spec­
ified reasons for dis­
missal.
Factory councils______________ N ot found............... W ith discussion func­ For discussion only.
tions.
Apprenticeship______. . . ------- Common, condi­ Contracts and fixed As in act.
tions bad.
terms.
'U nited States currency.

G e r m a n D e c r e e o f D e c e m b e r 8, 1931, R e d u c in g P rices, W a ges,
E t c .1

HE emergency decree of December 8, 1931, undoubtedly repre­
sents the greatest encroachment ever made by the German
Government upon the fundamentals of the economic system. The
Government justifies its action with the necessity of bringing the
process of deflation to a sharp and definite end, in order to reduce
production costs and thus enable German industry to compete on the
world markets under the extraordinary difficulties placed by the
majority of countries in the way of imports. It is intended that the
shrinkage in the volume of production and consumption shall be
overcome by a coercive reduction of costs in all phases of economic
life, including prices, wages and salaries, rents, public-utility charges,
and interest rates. On the other hand, it was necessary to open up
new sources of income for the Government in the field of taxation in
order to assure the balancing of fiscal budgets. Here the increase of
the turnover tax from 0.85 to 2 per cent and a new cut in the pay of
Government employees and laborers are the most important measures.
A synopsis of the decree follows.

T

Price Reduction
P r ic e s fixed by cartels, syndicates, or the wholesale trade, as is
the case in the iron-producing industry, the iron and metal con­
suming industry, the building trades, the chemical, paper, glass,
ceramic, textile and fertilizer industries, are, not later than January 1,
1932, to be reduced by at least 10 per cent, compared with the price
level existing on June 30, 1931. If the Federal Minister of Economic
Affairs considers a further reduction of prices for specific commodities
' Report prepared by Wm. E. Beitz, American consul, Berlin.


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essential, he is authorized to adopt appropriate measures within the
scope which he considers advisable. If a cartel, syndicate, or whole­
salers’ organization fails to comply with statutory regulations or
ministerial instructions, the pertinent provisions of the cartel or syndi­
cate agreement or contracts for deliveries become inoperative from
January 1, 1932. Prices of trade-marked commodities must be
reduced from the same date and by the same percentage; also prices
for potash and nitrogenous products.
The reduction of coal prices is regulated in a special manner, as the
domestic coal market is organized by syndicates made compulsory by
law. The prices of black coal and lignite are also to be lowered by
10 per cent not later than January 1, 1932. The syndicates and any
wholesalers having exclusive sales rights in specific territories are no
longer permitted to resort to punitive measures against retailers (such
as refusal to sell or measures having similar prohibitive effects), or
impose penalties upon retailers for undercutting prices fixed by agree­
ment; neither can they restrict purchases by retailers of domestic coal.
It is estimated that about 25 per cent of Germany’s total industrial
turnover covers commodities the prices of which are fixed by cartels
or syndicates.
The reduction of open-market prices in the retail trade is assigned
to a Federal price commissioner under the supervision of the Chan­
cellor of the Reich. His duties consist in investigating and super­
vising charges for commodities and services considered of vital neces­
sity (including gas, water, electricity, and transportation), margins of
profits, and surcharges. The commissioner is vested with almost
unlimited powers in reducing prices, if necessary, and for this purpose
will be given extensive assistance by the Federal and State Govern­
ments.
Reduction of Interest Rates

Long-term loans.—Interest on long-term loans is reduced by about
25 per cent. The reduction applies to all long-term loans bearing
nominally more than 6 per cent interest which are either registered in
public books of record, or issued in the form of bonds; or any debts
which do not mature until the expiration of one year from the date on
which the debt was contracted. Rates between 6 and 8 per cent,
inclusive, will be lowered to 6 per cent; higher rates up to and includ­
ing 12 per cent will be reduced in the ratio of 8 to 6. If the rate is
over 12 per cent the portion in excess thereof will be reduced in the
ratio of 8 to 4. The reduction applies only to interest payable after
January 1, 1932. It also affects interest on revaluated mortgages and
bonds which was to be increased from 5 to 7K per cent on January 1,
1932.
In order to prevent the sudden withdrawal of capital from the
market, provision is made that creditors may not call loans of the above
description before December 31, 1933. If a loan, according to an
agreement already concluded, may not be called within a given period,
this period is to be prolonged for two years but not beyond December
31, 1935. If the stipulated date of maturity falls after December 31,
1935, it is to remain in effect. Any other reservations made with
regard to the calling of loans, however, shall be duly observed. _If
notice of the calling of a loan had already been served it remains
103146°— 32-----7

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effective. The debtor’s right to give notice of the termination of a
loan is not affected, nor are the remaining provisions concerning revaluated mortgages or bonds. The validity of paragraph 247 of the
German civil code (suspended for several years) is restored, which
provides that in case the interest rate is over 6 per cent, the debtor
may after a lapse of 6 months give 6 months’ notice of the termination
of the debt.
After December 31, 1931, the right to authorize the issuance of
domestic mortgage debentures or other nonregistered bonds, which
under paragraph 795 of the German civil code is subject to State
authorization, will be reserved to the Federal Government which must
obtain the consent of the respective State governments. In this man­
ner the Federal Government will be able to control the movement in
interest rates for bonds of the above description.
Short-term loans. The reduction of interest on short-term credits
will be controlled by the Federal bank commissioner who is authorized
to reduce the rates in agreement with the Reichsbank and the central
associations of credit institutions (if by December 31, 1931, the latter
associations have not come to* an understanding with regard to the
reduction of credit and debit interest rates and commissions). Any
decisions reached by the associations are subject to the commissioner’s
approval and apply to all banks whether or not they are members of an
association. The reduction of the Reichsbank discount rate from 8 to
7 per cent and of the collateral loan rate from 10 to 8 per cent, an
action taken immediately upon the promulgation of the emergency
decreee, was an important step forward in this direction. The
association of Berlin banks and bankers followed suit by lowering its
debit interest rate from 10 to 8 per cent and its credit interest rate for
call money from 5 to 4 per cent for accounts not liable to commission
and from 6 to 5 per cent for accounts liable to commission, effective
December 10, 1931.
Abolition of Surcharges on Arrears in Taxes
E ffectiv e January 1, 1932, the surcharge (12 per cent per annum)
collected on certain arrears in tax payments, which were introduced in
July, 1931, will be abolished. From the same date interest charges on
arrears m taxes (at present 24 per cent per annum) will be reduced to
in Per cent> interest for legally postponed customs payments, from
10 to 8 per cent; and the maximum charge for legally postponed tax
payments, from 12 to 8 per cent.
Housing and Rents

^ HIf se?ti°n provides for the gradual abolition of the rental tax,
the reduction oi rents, and the further relaxation of housing control.
f rom April 1, 1935, the rental tax will be reduced by 25 per cent of
the proceeds for the fiscal year 1932; from April 1 , 1937, it will be
reduced by a further 25 per cent; and after April 1 , 1940, it will no
|onger be levied. Until March 31, 1934, the tax may be paid by the
house owner m a lump sum amounting to 3 or 3% times the total
amount due for the year 1932, depending upon the date on which
payment is made.
Rents for dwellings in so-called old buildings, those which were
completed prior to July 1 , 1918, are from January 1 , 1932, to be
generally lowered by 10 per cent.

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LABOR LAWS AND COURT DECISIONS

591

Rents for dwellings in new buildings, or those completed after
July 1, 1918, are to be lowered in proportion to the savings involved
by the reduction of interest on mortgages or debts resting on the
property. I t is believed that on this basis the rent will in many cases
be reduced by more than 10 per cent.
Forced Sales
T h e r e are a large number of measures to safeguard real-estate
owners against the sale of their property at ruinous prices. The more
important features of these measures are as follows:
The offer of the highest bidder at an auction shall normally not be
acceptable if it amounts to less than seven-tenths of the value of the
property. The debtor who, on account of the economic crisis, is unable
to meet his obligations shall have the right to apply for the suspension of
a forced sale for a period not exceeding six months and for the institu­
tion of receivership; to avoid expensive administrative machinery in
this connection the debtor himself may be appointed as receiver under
official control.
Similar protection had previously been granted to farmers in eastern
States under the eastern farm relief act. It is_ now extended to
cover the whole of Germany and to apply to municipal as well as rural
property.

Miscellaneous Economic Measures
T ax reductions, to facilitate the decentralization of large combines
which find it more and more difficult to cope with the present economic
difficulties, vary according to the nature of the process of decentralizaiion. They are restricted to joint-stock companies because of the
severe publicity regulations to which stock companies are subjected
under recent legislation. The tax reductions apply to the capital tax,
the land-purchase tax, and trade-equipment tax. Communal or State
surcharges to any of these taxes are forbidden.
Similar concessions are made with regard to the liquidation of com­
panies, no matter whether they are joint-stock companies, limitedliability companies, or similar enterprises. In that case the company
in liquidation shall be exempt entirely from the land-purchase tax,
the increment-of-wealth tax, and income tax. The duration of these
provisions is limited until December 31, 1934.
Revised appraisement regulations are authorized. In view of the
fact that the standard appraisement and assessment of the property
tax as of January 1, 1931, under existing regulations, was to form the
basis of assessment for various taxes on property for 3 or 6 years, as
the case might be, the Government is authorized to revise the pertinent
statutory regulations in such a manner as to adapt them to the changes
n the value of property having occurred since January 1, 1931.
A subsidy for industrial cooperatives is provided for. The Govern­
ment is authorized to appropriate up to 20,000,000 marks2 ($4,760,000)
for financing the rationalization of industrial cooperatives.
3 Conversions into U nited States currency on basis of mark=23.8 cents.


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592

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
Social Insurance and Welfare

T h e decree authorizes a large number of economy measures in
various branches of social insurance including the restriction of the
children’s allowance to a given age, the restriction or avoidance of
overlapping in annuity payments, etc. The more sweeping measures
are: The abolition of voluntary benefits in wage earners’ old-age and
invalidity insurance, and health insurance; restriction of benefits for
survivors; and the discontinuance in workmen’s compensation of
annuity payments to persons who have lost less than one-fifth of
their _working capacity. By this latter provision the number of
annuities under workmen’s compensation will be reduced by about
400,000.

Labor Regulations
W a g es and salaries in private enterprise regulated by standard
wage agreements are to be adapted to the wage level of January, 1927
(the date which marked the beginning of the last business rise). The
Federal Government believes that at that time a certain equilibrium
was established in wages and salaries after the war, inflation and
currency crisis, while the standard of living was higher than it is to-day
(144.6 as against 131). Because a reduction of wages will in many
cases amount to more than 10 per cent, it is provided that 10 per cent
shall not be exceeded except in the few cases in which wages have not
been reduced since July 1, 1931. In these exceptional cases the
reduction shall not go beyond 15 per cent. The wage reductions must
be agreed upon by employers and workers not later than December
19, 1931; if an understanding can not be reached, a binding decision
shall be made by the arbitrator, with due regard to the special con­
ditions of an individual industry, district, or group of enterprises.
The decree provides further that all standard wage agreements in
effect on December 9, 1931, the date on which these provisions went
into force, shall expire on April 30,1932, unless they cover a protracted
period or the parties to the agreement make a different arrangement
with regard to the^ duration of the agreement after these provisions
have become effective.
It was proposed to make the introduction of a cut in wages depend­
ent upon a prior general reduction in prices, but from the foregoing it
appears that prices and wages are to be lowered simultaneously.

Measures to Insure the Balancing of the Budgets

A n e w cut, effective until January 31, 1934, will be made as of
January 1, 1932, in the pay of Government officials, salaried employ­
ees, and wage earners in Government service, amounting to 9 per cent
of the basic pay in regard to officials and 10 per cent of the current
standard wage provided by agreements relative to salaried employees
and wage earners.
Effective January 1, 1932, the turnover tax will be increased from
0.85 to 2 per cent, except with respect to grain, flour, bran, bread, and
other bakers’ commodities.
Supplementary to the Government’s previous measures against
capital “ flight” abroad which, it is officially stated, proved satis­
factory, a so-called “ Federal flight tax” is assessed on German
nationals or enterprises which have given up their residence or place

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LABOR LAWS AND COURT DECISIONS

593

of general abode in Germany since March 31, 1931, or will do so by
January 1, 1933. The rate of the tax is 25 per cent of the entire
taxable property of the delinquent persons or enterprises. It is pay­
able in the first case one month after the going into effect of the
“ Federal flight tax” and in the second case simultaneously with the
relinquishment of the residence or place of general abode in Germany.
If the tax is not paid, a warrant will be issued against the delinquent
authorizing his arrest on his return to Germany and a term of impris­
onment of not less than 3 months; his property located or invested
in Germany will be attached as security; and a fine will be imposed.
The tax, however, is to apply only to persons or enterprises with
taxable property on January 1, 1928, or January 1, 1931, of more
than 200,000 marks ($47,600) and with a taxable income of more than
20,000 marks ($4,760) during the current period of assessment or the
two preceding ones. Delinquent persons having already emigrated
may, under certain conditions, be exempt from the tax if they resume
their abode in Germany.
L e g is la tio n R e g u la tin g H o u r s o f W ork in t h e S p a n is h Z o n e o f
M o ro cco 1

HE legal 8-hour workday has been put into effect in the Spanish
Zone of Morocco as a result of a legislative decree dated Septem­
ber 7, 1931.2
The legislation in question limits the hours of labor for all except
certain specified classes of labor (such as domestic servants, hotel
employees, etc.) to 8 per day and 48 per week. Provision is made
for extension of working hours in certain emergencies and also under
conditions agreed upon by employers and employees and approved
by the Government authorities (Dirección de Intervención Civil).
The percentages of increase of wages for overtime work are stipulated.
The employment of children of either sex under 12 years of age is
prohibited, and on certain specified types of work their employment
under the age of 16 is also prohibited. The hours of labor of children
between the ages of 12 and 16, with certain exceptions, are limited
to 6 hours.
Night work is prohibited for women, and for children under 16.
Special provisions of the law apply to expectant and nursing mothers.
Further provisions regulate the hours of midday rest and the sani­
tary conditions at places of employment. Vaccination certificates
are to be required by employers in the case of women and minors.
Workers’ wages are required to be paid not less frequently than
twice a month, and salaries of office workers once a month, with pay­
ment in legal tender, either Spanish or Hassani pesetas.
Copies of the regulations must be posted in all workshops. Vio­
lations of the provisions are punishable by fines ranging from 5 to
500 pesetas, or in flagrant cases by the closing of the establishment
of the offending employer for a period to be determined by the
authorities.

T

1 Report from American Consulate General, Tangier, Morocco.
2 Published in the Boletin Oficial de la Zona de Protectorado de España en Marruecos, N o. 18, issue of
Sept. 25, 1931.


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WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION
R e c e n t C o m p e n s a tio n R e p o r ts
O regon

financial report of the State Industrial Accident Commission
of Oregon for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1931, shows an
T HE
excess of disbursements over receipts for the year of $7,805.27. Re­

ceipt of premiums by the State accident fund amounted to $2,395,339.81
from the employers and $299,412.41 from the workers, a total of
$2,694,752.22. Interest, penalties, and other receipts increased the
amount to $3,048,597.21.
#Disbursements, totaling $3,056,402.48, included payments for
time loss, $998,996.34; medical aid, $759,051.68;pensions, $726,819.05;
burial expense, $13,800; permanent partial disability, less than 24
months, $207,902.98; physiotherapy, rehabilitation, etc., $70,134.48;
administrative expense, $279,697.95.
U n ite d S t a t e s a n d D is tr ic t o f C o lu m b ia

T he fifteenth annual report of the United States Employees’ Com­
pensation Commission, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1931, covers
the operations of the three Federal workmen’s compensation acts
administered by the commission: United States employees’ compen­
sation act, approved September 7, 1916; longshoremen and harbor
workers’ compensation act, approved March 4, 1927; and District of
Columbia workmen’s compensation act, approved May 17, 1928.
United States Employees
C ompensation and medical care are provided under the United
States employees’ compensation act for civil employees suffering
personal injuries while in the performance of their official duties and
for dependents of those who died as a result of such injuries. The
term “ civil employees” has been defined by the commission to cover
all employees of the Federal Government, including direct employees
of the United States Shipping Board Merchant Fleet Corporation,
the Inland Waterways Corporation, and employees engaged in work
under certain cooperative agreements between the Federal Govern­
ment and the States. I t does not include “ officers” of the Federal
Government, such as United States attorneys, assistant attorneys or
marshals, or commissioned medical officers of the Public Health
Service, but the original law was later extended to cover officers and
enlisted men of the Naval Reserve, and employees of the District of
Columbia except members of the fire and police departments.
I t is stated that the report of the Civil Service Commission shows
a total of 608,915 employees in the executive civil service of the Gov­
ernment on December 31, 1930, but as this does not include all em­
ployees covered by the compensation law, the actual coverage is
unknown.
594

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

595

WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION

Reports were received during 1930 of 26,069 new injuries, an in­
crease of 1.48 per cent over the number reported during 1929 (25,690).
The number of claims on account of death or loss of wages was,
however, reduced from 9,337 for 1929 to 9,283 for 1930, a decrease
of 0.58 per cent.
The number of cases closed during 1930 consisted of 320 fatal cases,
247 of which were approved while 73 were disapproved, and. 26,764
disability cases, a total of 27,084 cases. The disability cases con­
sisted of 280 cases involving permanent partial disability, 16,361
cases of temporary total disability causing loss of time, 8,678 cases in
which the injury did not cause a loss in working time, and 1,445
cases disapproved by the commission.
Table 1 shows a summary of all nonfatal-injury cases closed, and
all fatal cases acted upon by the commission during the calendar year
1930, together with a statement of the cost of medical care during
the fiscal year ending June 30, 1930. The tabulation does not include
expenditures in permanent disability cases on the rolls of the commis­
sion on December 31, 1930, except the cost of medical care included
in the $717,945 expended for that purpose during the past fiscal year.
T able

1 .—

AW A R D S A N D V A LUATIONS U N D E R F E D E R A L E M P L O Y E E S’ C O M PE N ­
SATIO N ACT, B Y E X T E N T OF D ISA B IL IT Y , 1930

Number
of cases

Extent of disability

Duration
(days)

Average
duration
(days)

Amount of
award

Average
award

Temporary total disability:
Compensated
__ _ _ __
on mm pp.nsat.pd

7,456
8,905

304, 681
80,454

40.8
9.0

$741,927

$99. 51

Total___________________ ___

16, 361

385,135

23.5

741,927

45. 35

1 149
131

86, 502

21, 029

141. 1
660.3

53, 952
230, 663

362. 09
1, 760. 79

Total_____________ __________

280

107, 531

384.0

Deaths
Burials
_______
Award hofore dpath
Medical cost (fiscal year 1930)

247
217
41

Permanent partial disabilities:
Dismemberments
Loss of fu n c tio n ___
_ _ -

Grand total __________

- - -

2

16,888

284, 615

32,869,143

41,851
28,131
717, 945

492, 666

429.6

4, 683, 612

1, 016.48
11,615. 90
192. 86

686.12
277. 33

1 Includes 28 noncompensated cases with a duration of 917 days.
2 Includes 8 noncompensated cases with a duration of 214 days.
3 Estimated total cost.
4 For 16,641 nonfatal cases.

On December 31, 1930, there were 731 cases on the docket in which
compensation was being paid for permanent total disability, and
1,134 cases of permanent partial disability in which compensation
was being paid for reduction in earning capacity. Approximately
30 per cent of the total disability cases and more than 25 per cent of
the partial disability cases are being compensated for injuries of more
than 10 years’ duration. Total payments made up to December 31,
1930, in these cases amounted to $3,543,880 for compensation and
$624,303 for medical cost in the total cases, and $2,788,050 for
compensation and $444,175 in the partial cases. The ultimate total
cost is estimated to be approximately $20,000,000 for the total cases
and more than $9,000,000, exclusive of future medical expense, for the
partial cases.

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

596

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

Falls of persons outnumbered all other causes of injury and were
responsible for 36 of the deaths and 4,060 of the nonfatal cases
closed during 1930, nearly one-fourth of the total number. Handling
of heavy objects caused 5 of the deaths and 1,774 of the nonfatal
cases, while automobiles caused 21 of the deaths and 918 of the non­
fatal cases. Hand tools glancing and slipping caused 2 of the deaths
and 892 of the nonfatal cases, while mechanical causes accounted for
11 of the deaths and 748 of the nonfatal cases. These five causes
consequently were responsible for slightly more than one-half of the
injuries in cases closed during 1930.
Longshoremen and Harbor Workers
U n d e r the longshoremen’s and harbor workers’ compensation act
compensation and medical care for injuries is provided for employees
of private employers while engaged upon work which is in whole or in
part in maritime jurisdiction on the navigable waters of the United
States, including dry docks. Aside from the longshoremen, who con­
stitute the largest group of workers coming under the act, it also covers
mechanics and ship repairmen, delivery men, solicitors, and inspectors,
not employed by the Federal or State Government. Masters and
crews of vessels are excluded, as are employees hired by masters of
vessels under 18 tons net. Accurate information on the total number
is not available, but a conservative estimate by the commission places
the number of workers subject to the benefits of the law in excess of
300,000.
Reports were received during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1931,
of 156 fatal and 28,705 nonfatal injuries, a total of 28,861 cases, or
27.6 per cent less than the number reported for the previous fiscal
year (39,850). Besides the new cases, a total of 1,241 former cases
were reopened for consideration during the year.
The number of cases closed during the year consisted of 106 fatal
and 30,383 nonfatal injuries. In 25 of the fatal cases there were
no dependents, and 67 other cases did not come within the scope
of the law. The nonfatal cases consisted of 11,776 cases in which
compensation payments were completed, 13,261 cases involving no
loss of time, 4,067 cases in which the duration of disability did not
exceed 7 days, and 1,279 cases disapproved by the commission.
Table 2 shows the nonfatal cases involving loss of time in which
final payments had been made, with amount of compensation, and
the fatal cases awarded compensation during the year, with the esti­
mated total cost, by extent of disability and by occupation. The
total nonfatal cases include 3,777 cases in which the duration of
disability was seven days or less, and consequently not compensable.
At the close of the fiscal year there were 291 fatal cases on the docket,
in which $508,863 had been paid as compensation and the estimated
future cost was $1,590,813; and 2,104 nonfatal cases, in which pay­
ments of $1,438,999 had been made as compensation and the estimated
future cost was $1,718,421. Payments for medical care and treatments
are not included.
There was a general increase in the average severity of the injuries,
and consequently also in the cost, for both longshoremen and repair­
men, the two principal groups, as compared with the previous year.
While the number of nonfatal, lost-time injuries for longshoremen
decreased 20.8 per cent, the total days lost rose 4.3 per cent, raising


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597

WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION

the average disability period from 48.5 days to 63.9 days per injury.
For repairmen the number of lost-time injuries decreased 28.8 per
cent, while the total days lost increased 1.5 per cent, raising the
average disability to 57.5 days per injury, or 17. 2 days more than in
the previous year.
T able 2.—LOST-TIM E IN JU R IE S A N D C O M PE N SA T IO N AW A R D S U N D E R LONGSHORE­

M E N ’S A N D H A R BO R W O R K ER S’ ACT, BY E X T E N T OF D ISA B IL IT Y A N D B Y OCCU­
PA T IO N , 1930-31
Nonfatal cases, closed

Fatal cases

Occupation

Total
injuries
with
loss of N um ­
time
ber

Longshoremen. . .
11, 509
3, 315
Repairmen________
21
Supply men
49
Inspectors . . . ___
Miscellaneous______
211
Total______ . 115,105

Esti­
mated
total
cost

55 $309, 764
13 95, 696
0
0
74,301
11
79

479, 761

Permanent par­
tial disabilities

Temporary total
disabilities

Total

N um ­ Amount
of com­
ber pensation

N um ­ Amount
of com­
ber
pensation

N um ­ Amount
of com­
ber
pensation

810
257
1
1
14

$791, 650
275,483
415
375
7,650

8,164 $1,016, 307
1,830
244, 659
11
522
3,408
33
24, 964
128

11,454
3,302
21
49
200

$1,807, 957
520,142
937
3, 783
32, 614

1,083

1,075, 573

1,289,860

U5,026

2,365, 433

10,166

i Includes 3,777 cases in which the duration of disability was 7 days or less.

The principal cause of injuries to longshoremen was handling of
material, which accounted for 28.3 per cent of all lost-time injuries.
Falling objects came next, with 24.1 per cent, followed by moving
objects, with 20 per cent, and falls of persons, with 13.8 per cent. For
repairmen the most frequent and serious cause was falls of persons,
which accounted for 21.6 per cent of the nonfatal injuries. Handling
material caused 18.1 per cent, flymg objects 17 per cent, and falling
objects 9.1 per cent.
District of Columbia Private Employees
U n d e r the District of Columbia workmen’s compensation act
compensation and medical care for injuries is provided for workers in
practically all private employment in the District of Columbia. The
only employees excluded are masters or crews of vessels, employees of
a common carrier by railroad when engaged in interstate or foreign
commerce, and employees engaged in agriculture, domestic service, or
casual employment not in the usual course of the trade, business,
occupation, or profession of the employer. Approximately 14,000
employers are affected by the law, and it is estimated that it covers
from 75,000 to 100,000 workers.
Reports were received during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1931,
of 71 fatal and 19,576 nonfatal injuries, a total of 19,647, or 6.2 per cent
more than for the previous year (18,499). Besides the new cases
reported, a total of 703 previously closed cases were reopened for
consideration during the year.
The number of cases closed during the year consisted of 47 fatal and
19,986 nonfatal injuries. In 10 of the fatal cases there were no de­
pendents, in 18 others it was held that the injury did not come within
the law, and in 15 others that the death was not due to the_injury.
The nonfatal cases included 3,507 cases in which compensation was

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598

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

paid without an award, 11,431 cases involving no loss of time, and
3,982 cases in which the duration of disability did not exceed 7 days.
Table 3 shows the nonfatal cases involving loss of time in which
final payments had been made, with amount of compensation, and the
fatal cases awarded compensation during the year, with the estimated
total cost, by extent of disability and by industry. The total nonfatal
cases include 3,913 cases in which the disability did not exceed seven
days and for which no compensation was paid.
— LOST-TIM E i n j u r i e s a n d c o m p e n s a t i o n a w a r d s u n d e r T H E DIS
m è u l T R FY ? i ° 9 ™ BIA C 0 M P E N S A T I0 N ACT, BY E X T E N T OF 1D IS A B I L IT Y A N D B Y

Fatal cases

Industry

Total
Permanent
Temporary
inju­
partial disabil­ total disabili­
Total
ries
ities
ties
with
Estim
at­
loss of N um ­ ed total
ber
time
cost
Amount
Amount
Amount
N um ­ of com­ N um ­ of com­ d u m ­ of com­
ber pensa­
ber
pensa­
ber
pensa­
tion
tion
tion

Clerical and personal service___ 1,245
Construction
2,096
Manufacturing
885
Trade_______
2,306
Transportation and public utili­
ties_____________
945
T otal................................

Nonfatal cases closed

17, 477

7
15
8
7

$42, 684
79,642
41, 035
24, 720

19
36
33
31

$17, 861
45, 954
25, 375
29,102

611
918
416
1,022

8

39, 552

10

11, 259

423

45

227,633

129

129, 551

3,390

$31,896
77,184
23, 768
57,128

1,238
2,081
877
2,299

20, 344

937

31,603

210, 320 17,432

339, 871

$49, 757
123,138
49, 143
86, 230

1Includes 3,913 cases in which the duration of disability was 7 days or less.

Handling objects was the principal cause of injuries, and accounted
lor 24.7 per cent of the total. Falls of persons was next in numerical
importance, with 19.2 per cent. Falling objects and striking against
objects were each responsible for 7.3 per cent. Of the 45 fatal injuries,
40 per cent were caused by falls of persons and 22.2 per cent by auto­
mobiles.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

WORKERS’ EDUCATION AND TRAINING
F it t in g J o b s t o M e n ta l C a p a c ity

HE university of the State of New York has recently issued a
study made by the vocational adjustment bureau of New York
City, dealing with the kind of jobs within the capacity of women and
girls of low intellectual levels, and including an analysis of the requisites
for filling these jobs satisfactorily.1 The vocational adjustment bureau
began its work in 1919, devoting itself to the study and placement of
maladjusted girls. Early in its work it was impressed by the industi lal
loss due to the idleness of large numbers of young women who were
unemployed because no tasks simple enough for them to peiioim had
been found, and by the effect of this enforced idleness upon the girls
themselves. At the same time, the bureau discovered, many simple
operations in workshops and factories calling for little mental effort
were being performed by girls mentally equipped to carry on more
complicated tasks. If these girls could be released for higher-grade
and better-paid work, room could be found for the subnormal girls
who up to that time had been considered a complete loss to society.
For vears past the bureau has, through psychological tests and analysis
of the requirements of a variety of occupations, gathered information
as to the mental capacity required for various types of jobs, and the
present study is based largely upon data thus collected.
The report is based upon the results of a classification of 2,46o jobs,
distributed among six large divisions of industry, as follows.

T

Number
of cases

Light factory work-----------Hand sewing--------------- Garment-machine operating
Press operating----------------Office, clerical--------------- - Office, stock girl--------------Selling___________________

1, 407
291
226
70
284
94
93

Total___________________________________________ 2’ 465

The number of cases shown above represents jobs and not indi­
viduals. That is, if a girl has held four jobs, they are considered
as four separate cases. The worker’s mental age, chronological. age>
and length of time on the job were collected for each case studied, and
the type of job -was noted. When possible the mental age was deter­
mined by the Binet-Simon test for general intelligence, and wdien
some other test had to be used the findings were later transmuted
into the Binet equivalent.
The time on the job has been used as the primary criterion of success on the
job The period of time chosen as a measure of success varies for different t \ pes
of work. Many of the tasks are simple forms of labor, yet girls of low-grade
intelligence may be incapable of acquiring sufficient dexterity to learn the process
in the^time set by the foreman. If a girl can not learn she will be discharged.
i Unger Edna W., and Burr, E m ily T. Minimum mental age levels of accomplishment: A study of
employed girls of low-grade intelligence. N ew York, 1931.


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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

It frequently happens that half a day is long enough for a trial at a particular
process. In every case the period of time used as a measure of success represents
a reasonable margin beyond the time allowed by the average foreman or employ­
ment manager before discharging the girl as incapable.

The period of time a girl must hold a job in order to be considered
capable of performing it successfully was fixed as follows: All light
factory jobs, 3 days ; hand sewing, garment machine operating, press
operating, and office clerical work, 2 weeks; stock girl in office, 1
week; selling, 1 month. A consistent attempt was made to discover
for each occupation the lowest mental age at which the task can be
performed sufficiently well for the worker to be retained. This does
not mean that a girl of higher mental age may not perform the work
better; it simply indicates that since persons of the mental age stated
have been found working satisfactorily at a given job, that work
may be regarded as within the capacity of persons of the specified
degree of subnormality. Stress is laid on the importance of directing
girls who are shown by the standardized tests to be of subnormal
intelligence into work which does not demand more mentality than
they possess.
FuH details are given as to each type of work studied, but the main
results of the study are thus presented:
In summing up the findings of this survey it will be observed that work can
P®
for. g}fls measuring as low mentally as five years. This was found to
be the case in the occupation of packing. To generalize that any and all appli­
cants of a retarded mental development of five years can be sent to a packing ob
lint0 r , i e+i 1SaSter- P d+° !f furA ish an indication, however, that this occupathe worker th° Se mvestlgated>1S the one that makes less call on the intellect of
Various types of light factory work are found possible for a girl of approxi­
mately six years’ mentality.
11
At the 7-vear mental level, the range of occupation widens. Assembling,
t^ girlsofthis'grad e1111111118 &nd pastmg i°^ s offer many desirable opportunities
At least four occupations were found to be open to workers with the mental
age of eight years.
Vin reaci1
9-year level we find four more occupations available.
At the 10-year mental level clerical work is possible and at the 11-vear level
selling is sometimes a successful type of work.
y
These conclusions are not carried further since in this survey we are interested
only in a study and analysis of occupations suited to those girls whose mental
equipment is below the 12-year level.
ai
.
reallzation that persons of low-grade intelligence are capable of performng much of the industrial work of the world is not a new idea. It has long been
recognized, and individual cases have been used as illustrations of this fact As
large a survey as this of the industrial situation from the point of view of
mental measurements has, however, so far as can be ascertained, not been made

E m e r g e n c y U n it T r a in in g C o u r se s in N ew Y o rk C ity

N January, 1931, at the East Side Continuation School, New York
C it y , an emergency unit training course was inaugurated by the
itmanuel federated Employment Service cooperating with the wel­
fare council coordinating committee on employment and the city’s
boaid oi.education. This course gives jobless men and women an
opportunity to make effective use of some of their leisure by getting
additional vocational training either in their own field or in other lines
ol work A second and equally important purpose of the course is
to maintain the morale and mental equilibrium of those who are in

I


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WORKERS’ EDUCATION AND TRAINING

601

serious danger of mental collapse because of protracted unemploy­
ment. An account of this experiment in adult education by^ the
secretary of the Emanuel Federated Employment Service, who is in
charge of the adult unit training course, is published in the January,
1932, issue of the Journal of the American Association of University
Women, from which the data here presented are taken.
The school in which this emergency course was established ranks
highest in equipment among the general continuation schools of the
city. All those who came to the course during the first three or four
months of its organization were directed there by the numerous
agencies cooperating with the welfare council. After registration
applicants were referred to the vocational counselor for consultation,
were physically examined by a physician, and had a conference with
the class teacher. The adults were placed in the regular continuationschool classes but attended 5 days a week for 4 hours per d ay instead
of attending only 1 day per week. The courses open to men included
printing, electrical wiring, plumbing, auto mechanics, woodworking,
machine shop, trade drawing, garment designing and tailoring; those
open to women, power-macliine operating, dressmaking, millinery,
and cafeteria work; and those open to both inen and women, book­
keeping, stenography, typewriting, civil service, and commercial art.
In order that some might take advantage of the courses who would
otherwise not have been in a financial position to do so, a number of
organizations have given financial assistance to tlie persons whom they
sent to this school. Some received a tide-over wage of $6 per week,
some were given $1.50 per week for car fare and lunches. Various
organizations accorded scholarships to students.
At the close of the first month more than 350 persons were enrolled
for courses, and at the close of June, the end of the regular school term,
the registrations had reached 1,000. The average daily attendance
for the 5% months was 250. The students were constantly coming
and going. Some finished a course in a few weeks. Approximately
250 were placed. Numbers left without announcing whether or not
they had secured jobs. According to the author, the unfortunate
dearth of information concerning the vocational requirements of
New York City makes it exceedingly difficult to advise men who
come to the school to go into any special trade with the assurance
of a future job in that field. Without such assurance it is not easy
to hold a man to a unit course when he thinks he might have an
equally good chance to get a job by going out every day m search of
At firs t, applicants for courses were directed into existing classes,
and this to a large extent is still the procedure. By degrees a large
enough group was enrolled to form four separate units of trainees
only. The numerous young women who already have had some com­
mercial training and desire to continue such training have been t le
cause of considerable anxiety to those engineering the short-umt
courses. It has been realized that the situation called for very den
nite guidance, as the commercial field for women is probably one ot
the most congested and one in which age, personality, and education
are highly important factors. The girl, however, whose parents have
made great sacrifices to enable her to get a high-school education is
not easily induced to become a factory^ worker. The continuation
school has developed the cafeteria course into a tea-room course wnicli

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602

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

includes waitress and hostess training and management training for
those who have the capacity to do such work. A course in beautv
culture has also been instituted. It has been found that these courses
appeal to many girls and women who would otherwise wish to go into
commercial lines.
I or the young women who have already had both training and
experience in one kind of commercial work and whose education and
personality fit them for such work, the school endeavors to supply
other opportunities along similar lines.
Some of the men with training and experience in one of the trades
have found the trade drawing class of very great assistance. While
these men were good workmen, they had previously not been able to
read blue prints, which is one of the requirements of modern industry.
As the result of a brief inquiry and several conferences with the director of
the federal Board for Vocational Education and representatives of some of
tne largest real estate firms in the city, a new course has been inaugurated to
tram men as handy men and porters. The men taking this course, because
of previous training and experience— they are mostly European-trained engineers
• A j Probably rise quickly to the post of assistant superintendent or super­
intendent m smaller houses, and, we hope, ultimately to superintendent of a
large apartment house.

The principal of the school gives the teachers great liberty. The
students acquire the fundamentals and as much more as they wish
to learn of the particular things in which they are interested. As a
consequence, a man who goes into the woodworking class does not
have to be taught how to make a mortise or a tenon joint because,
according to the curriculum, he should receive such instructions in
the second week of the course. The student may already be skillful
m such work.
Great credit is given in the article to the acting principal of the
school. It is also stated that the teachers have worked hard, at
top speed, with large numbers of students eager to make progress,
the splendid spirit of the teaching staff the author attributes in
large part to the leadership of the acting principal, who visualized
the potentialities of the experiment and had the ability to surmount
the numerous obstacles resulting from dearth of funds and the rules
and regulations of an important civic organization.
Last June the board of education decided to keep on with the
instruction of unemployed adults in July and August in the East
bide Continuation School and the Harlem Continuation School.
Eeiore these schools were opened on July 6 all the important New
l oi k City newspapers were requested to carry a news story on the
subject This publicity swamped the East Side school with applicants. -By the second day nearly 600 were enrolled. At the close
of the first week there were more than 300 on the waiting lists. The
lcgistrations for July and August totaled 1,100, while the average
daily attendance was 550.
Only applicants over 17 years of age were admitted to the summer
S<e
these adult students came in contact only with persons
of their own age who had the same earnest purpose and ambition
Classes were conducted in the afternoon only, in order that the stu­
dents might look for jobs in the forenoon.
Over 2 000 unemployed men and women have registered at the East Side
Continuation School during the past eight months. They are largely American
9 nrnn
a+n social grouPS, of all races—white, back, and yellow. Of over
2,000 students, more than half were born in New York State, and the greater

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WORKERS’ EDUCATION AND TRAINING

603

number of these in New York City. Less than one-third are foreign born, and
few of these have been in the country so short a time that they can not speak
English. There are college and university graduates as well as those who have
only graduated from elementary school and high school. There is also a group
of older people who left elementary school before graduation at a time when
the compulsory school age was much lower than it is to-day.

The greater number of the students tell the school authorities
that they are getting something from their courses which they never
had before, and that “ they feel a reality about the work which they
are doing and there is a definite goal toward which they are heading.”
Many of these people have never had any vocational training; they
left high school before they graduated and took the first job offered—
one that called for no previous training and in a field where there
was a large labor surplus.
Basing her statement on eight months’ experimenting, the author
says:
We are firmly convinced that there is a need in our educational system for
a school for adults, such as this one. We feel, however, that it should be separate
and distinct from a compulsory school or one for young, immature people.
There should be great flexibility to accommodate the time that each individual
has available. The content of the courses should be adapted to the mature,
serious adult. We need more vocational guiding and testing, particularly for
the older adult. Sometimes what is needed is not training but advice based
upon scientific knowledge. We need more information as to industrial require­
ments. We must keep in constant touch with all the industrial fields and follow
their trends in order that we may know where people in the various age groups
with different aptitudes and different experience can be placed.

The writer also points out that although the present situation is
not normal because of economic conditions, such conditions have
possibly aggravated something that has been in existence for a
considerable time. She declares that the educational system in the
United States educates boys and girls in accordance with the coun­
try’s democratic traditions as long as their parents are able to send
them to school, or as long as the law makes such attendance com­
pulsory. She contends, however, that most of these young people
are given the same education without regard to their aptitudes and
without much effort to fit them for industrial life. “ The one place
where they receive excellent training,” she holds, “ is the business
course in the high schools; but just as we have produced too many
automobiles or radios in our factories, so have we produced too
many boys and girls for white-collar jobs.” According to the article,
closer cooperation between industry and the schools, more practical
training in various fields, and more real guidance are required lower
down in the educational system.
W is c o n s in ’s I t in e r a n t V o c a t io n a l- I n s t r u c to r S y s te m

ITH the purpose of providing its smaller cities with a variety
of occupational instruction at a reasonable cost, Wisconsin is
W
operating an itinerant instructor system. Circuits are formed and
a teacher is employed jointly by the local vocational boards of four
or five neighboring vocational school cities. Apprentices and journey­
men in barbering, plumbing, painting, electrical, and other trades
are being taught in this way, according to an article m the annual
publication of the State federation of labor.1
1 Wisconsin Federation of Labor, Wisconsin Labor, 1931, pp. 9-19: Park Bench or School Bench, by
Jennie McM ullin Turner, assistant in teacher training, Wisconsin State Board of Vocational Education.


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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

The State board of vocational education aids in organizing these
circuits and the advisory committees representing the masters and
journeymen of these respective cities and assists in finding teach el's
acceptable to all the interested parties. Moreover, the board pro­
vides continuing teacher training and help to these itinerant instruc­
tors after they are placed on their jobs. The itinerant teacher re­
mains one day a week in each city included in his circuit. In the
daytime he visits the local industry, meets with his advisory com­
mittee, instructs apprentices, and gives vocational counsel to other
part-time school pupils. In the evening he instructs journeymen.
This whole scheme of education is complicated and calls for “ constant
care and thought, but it is justified by the results.”
The writer of the article claims that the expansion of this system
will insure variety in the vocational program as against a scheme of
massing the young people into the few trades a school is able to
teach. The itinerant-teacher plan averts overcrowding in these few
trades and therefore prevents unemployment. Furthermore, the
scheme enables a person already employed in a trade to improve
himself and retain his job and thus reduces labor turnover. The
progress of the system is dependent in large degree, however, upon
the maintenance of the present representative separate board system.


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INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES
S tr ik e s a n d L o c k o u ts in t h e U n ite d S t a t e s in J a n u a r y , 1932

ATA regarding industrial disputes in the United States for
January, 1932, with comparable data for preceding months are
presented below. Disputes involving fewer than six workers and
lasting less than one day have been omitted.
Table 1 shows the number of disputes beginning in 1927, 1928,
1929, and 1930, the number of workers involved and man-days lost
for these years and for each of the months, January, 1930, to January,
1932, inclusive, as well as the number of disputes in effect at the end
of each month and the number of workers involved. The number
of man-days lost, as given in the last column of the table, refers to
the estimated number of working days lost by workers involved in
disputes which were in progress during the month or year specified.

D

T able 1.—IN D U S T R IA L D IS P U T E S B E G IN N IN G IN A N D IN E F F E C T AT E N D OF EA CH
M O N TH , JA N U A R Y , 1930, TO JA N U A R Y , 1932, A N D T O TAL N U M B E R OF D IS P U T E S ,
W ORKERS, A N D M A N -D A Y S LOST IN T H E Y E A R S 1927 TO 1930
Number of workers in­ Number of
volved in disputes
man-days
lost in disputes exist­
ing in
Beginning In effect at Beginning In effect at
month or
in month
end of
in month
end of
year
month
or year
month
or year
Number of disputes

Month and year

1927* T nta^
1928* Total
1929* Total

-

_____ - _____
- ______

1QQO* ' T r i t a i

___

1930
February
JVTarch
April
TVfay

_________________
-

June

___

_____
-

.Tilly

_
-

________________

_______

^URllSt

-

Septum hor
Op.tnbpr
N ovem ber
T)ppp.mbpr

--

--------------------------

_______________

- ---------___________
________
_____
__

____
_ _

__

---

---------- --------------- - - -----------------------------------

_________________ _ _
—
—
- ---------- ---------------

__
________
_______________

1931
F ebruary

March
April
M ay
June
July
August.

_
___

________________________ _______
--

-

____________

—

___________

-

________________________ -______________________________
___ ___________________ _____
________________________

S e p te m b e r
O ctob er
N ovem ber
T)p.ppmbpr 1

_
_________________________________
_______________________________________
_ _
__________________ ________
______ _____________________________

.

__

___________

1932

37,799,394
31,556,947
9,975, 213
2, 730, 368

349, 434
357,145
230, 463
158,114

734
629
903
653
45
52
49
64
66
59
78
51
72
47
44
26

21
40
38
41
29
34
30
33
44
36
29
7

9,240
37,480
15,017
6,379
9,329
14,011
14, 308
15, 902
16, 337
10, 858
4,390
4,863

5,316
6,683
5,957
5,840
4,386
8,311
4,815
7,131
13, 778
16,007
7, 759
5,144

184, 730
438,570
291,127
189,828
185, 448
144,117
141, 647
142, 738
208,184
335, 916
273,608
194,455

56
52
45
60
106
81
67
76

20

70
56
51

34
27
39
49
51
54
43
59
41
31
39

10,147
19, 984
26,121
26,442
27,588
18, 437
49, 574
10, 977
35,859
33, 548
12, 611
5,118

2,927
12,512
28,139
22, 604
15, 735
17,071
58,995
17,003
37,164
28,696
12, 910
2,509

181,031
228,329
422, 545
769, 720
402, 437
506,097
666, 309
1,213,120
491,024
1,038, 063
339, 730
147, 426

63

61

10,146

6,649

133,944

110

i Preliminary figures subject to change.

103146°—32----- 8

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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

Occurrence of Industrial Disputes, by Industries
T a b l e 2 gives by industry, the number of strikes beginning in
November and December, 1931, and January, 1932, and the number
of workers directly involved.
T a b l e 3 .—IN D U S T R IA L D IS P U T E S B E G IN N IN G IN N O V E M B E R A N D D E C E M B E R , 1931

A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932

Number of disputes begin­
ning in—

Number of workers involved
in disputes beginning in—

Industrial group

Bakers______ _____________ _ _ ___ . . .
Barbers_____________________________
Brewery and soft-drink workers_________
Building trades______________
■ _____
... .
Chauffeurs and teamsters ______
Clothing. _______ . _______
___
Food w orkers.. ____________ _ _
Furniture... __________
... ... _
Hotel and restaurant- _____________ . . .
Jewelry workers_________ _________ _
Leather___________ . . . _ _____ _____
.
_______ _
Longshoremen___ . . .
Lumber, timber, and mill work. _______
Metal trades. . . . ________ ____ . . .
M iners.. __________________ . ___ ____
Motion-picture operators, actors, and
theatrical workers________ __________
Printing and publishing___ . . .
Stone
_________
..
....
Municipal workers _____ . . . . . .
Telegraph and telephone workers. . . . ___
Textiles . . . _. ________________ _. __
Tobacco____
. . . _________
___
Other occupations............................................
Total______ ________________ _.

Novem ­
ber

Decem­
ber

January

2
2
1
14
1
13

2
3

1

14
5
15
2

13
5
19

1

1
1
1

N ovem ­
ber

Decem­
ber

18
38
6
1,567
7
692

29
626

700

475
313
1,417
910

761
3,900
L 195

1

2

5
3
5

1
1
3

1

1
1
1
1

1
4
2

48
414
67
1,694

500
70
638
15
40
7
30

1
40
341
7, 662

3
51

63

20
200
80
1,519

6

1

9

56

25

59

1
6

January

45
200
1,287
164

12,611

5,118

10,146

Size and Duration of Industrial Disputes, by Industries
T a b l e 3 gives the number of industrial disputes beginning in
January, 1932, classified by number of workers and by industries.
T a b l e 3 —N U M B E R OF IN D U S T R IA L D IS P U T E S B E G IN N IN G IN JA N U A R Y , 1932 CLASSI­

F IE D B Y N U M B E R OF W ORKERS A N D B Y IN D U S T R IA L GROUPS

Number of disputes beginning in January, 1932, involving—
Industrial group

Barbers. . . . . ___. . .
______ _____
Building trades. . .
. ________ . . . .
Chauffeurs and teamsters
_________. . .
Clothing___ ____ _ . __________ _____
Furniture------------ -- . _____ . . . _ _ . . .
Jewelry workers______ _ _
. . . _ _____
Leather____________ „ ________________
Longshoremen ._
_
____
M etal trades_________
Miners________ _ .
Printing and publishing. _ __ _ ____
Municipal workers. ___ . . . .
Textiles. _____ ___ _
Other occupations_____________ .
T o ta l_____

______ ______


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and un­ 100 and un­ 500 and un­ 1,000 and
6 and under 20der
100
der 500
der 1,000 under 5,000
20 workers
workers
workers
workers
workers
1
3

7

6

7
1
i
1

3
1
6

3

1

i
i
3
1
2

4
3

11

29

2

1

i
2

l

16

6

1

607

INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES

111 Table 4 are shown the number of industrial disputes ending in
January, 1932, by industries and classified duration.
T able 4 .—N U M B E R OF IN D U S T R IA L D IS P U T E S E N D IN G IN JA N U A R Y , 1932,
IN D U S T R IA L GROUPS A N D C L ASSIFIED D U R A T IO N

BY

Classified luration of st rikes ending in January,
19 32
Industrial group

One-half
month or
less

Bakers
_____ -Hnilriing trfUleS
- ____________
ChflnfTpnrs and teamsters
__________ ___ _ _ _____
Clothing
T eth e r
____
TVTinpps
Textiles
__________ ___
Othor npp.npations

9
4
7
1
3
7

---------------------------

31

T otal------------------------------

Over onehalf and
less than 1
month

1 month
and less
than 2
months

1
1

2 months
and less
than 3
months

2
1
1

1

1
1
4

1

4

2

C o n c ilia t io n W ork o f t h e D e p a r tm e n t o f L abor in J a n u a r y , 1932
By H u g h L . K e r w i n , D ir e c t o r

of

C o n c i l ia t io n

HE Secretary of Labor, through the Conciliation Service, exercised
his good offices in connection with 62 labor disputes during
January, 1932. These disputes affected a known total of 50,846
employees. The table following shows the name and location of the
establishment or industry in which the dispute occurred, the nature
of the dispute (whether strike or lockout or controversy not having
reached the strike or lockout stage), the craft or trade concerned, the
cause of the dispute, its present status, the terms of settlement, the
date of beginning and ending, and the number of workers directly
and indirectly involved.
On February 1, 1932, there were 38 strikes before the department
for settlement and in addition 37 controversies which had not reached
the strike stage. The total number of cases pending was 75.

T


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LABOR D IS P U T E S H A N D L E D B Y T H E C O N C ILIA TIO N SER V IC E D U R IN G TH E M O N TH OF JA N U A R Y , 1932
Workers
involved

Duration
Company or industry and location

Nature of
controversy

Craftsmen con­
cerned

Cause of dispute

Threatened
strike.

Annex to post-office building,
Elkins, W. Va.
Simon Ackerman (Inc.), New
York City.
Union Coal Co., Airline Coal Co.,
Big Four Co., Ottumwa, Iowa.

Controversy B u ild in g ................. Demand for payment of prevailing wage. ’
Strike_____ Clothing w orkers.. Reduction of force_________

Post office, Atlanta, Ga_________
Post-office building, South Bend,
Ind.
Post-office building, Greensboro,
N. C.
Courthouse and Hall of Records,
Elizabeth, N . J .
Post-office building, New Britain,
Conn.
Coal merchants, New York City
and Newark, N. J.
Standard Sanitary Mfg. Co.,
Louisville, Ky.
Building, Wilkes-Barre, P a.........
Building, Boston, Mass_________
Bums Bros, and Stephen Fuel Co.,
New York City.


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Lockout . . .

Radio musicians__ Asked increase from 10 to 15
members, 6-day week, 30
hours, without pay cut.

Coal miners______

Adjusted. Allowed 15 musicians
(Class A orchestras), 6-dav week of
35 hours, minimum scale of $90 per
week.
paid.
Adjusted. Accepted wage cut and
reduction of force.
Unable to ad just. Conference refused
by companies.

Wages cut from $1.04 to 80
cents per ton for machine
operators; for others, from
82 to 60 cents.
Controversy E n g in eers-_______ Rates for Saturday afternoon Adjusted. Allowed $62 per week of
and Sunday.
56 hours.
------do_____ Laborers_________ Hiring laborers as helpers at Adjusted. Allowed 50 cents per hour.
40 cents per hour.
__ _
Carpenters_______ Refusal to pay prevailing wage. Adjusted. Will receive prevailing
scale of 75 cents per hour.
Strike_____ Carpenters
and Jurisdiction of setting steel Adjusted. Work awarded to carpenstr u c tu r a l-ir o n
frames.
ters.
workers.
Controversy Mason tenders........ Contractor refused to pav pre- Adjusted. Agreed to pay prevailing
vailing wage.
rate, 96 cents per hour instead of 40
cents.
Threatened Coal trucking_____ Proposed 10 per cent cut and Adjusted. Agreed to arbitrate
strike.
change in working conditions.

Begin­
ning

Ending

1931
Dec. 28

1931
Dec. 31

Dec. 17

1932
Jan. 26

Dec. 21
Dec. 15

Dec. 30

Jan.

6

Dec. 22

Jan. ‘29

__do____ Jan.

Wages cut ______________ . . .

Adjusted. Accepted $1 per day cut;
grievance committee appointed.
Pending__________________________ __ do

1

4

1932
Accepted 20 per cent cut.. Jan. 1

Adjusted. Agreed on arbitration and
returned to work.

100

3

Strike_____

Proposed wage cut of 20 cents
per hour.
Pro Dosed 10 Tier rent c u t__ _

25

4

7

Adjusted.

Coal drivers...........

Jan. 23

Jan.

Dec.

Jan.

31

260

59

5

(0

9

1,000

1,000

Jan. 12

200

1,800

Jan. 19

80

Jan.

0
6

500

650

Dec. 20 -_ ,d o ___

Wages cut 20 per cent_______

Threatened
strike.
Strike_____

200

Dec. 28

Controversy M etal polishers___
Steam fitters and
plumbers.
Building_________

D i­ Indi­
rectly rectly

Jan.

8

125

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

Radio musicians, Chicago, HI.

Present status and terms of settlement

Uxbridge AVorsted Co., Uxbridge, ____d o .......... Worsted weavers.-.. Wages cut 10 per cent; condiMass.
tions.
Naval Air Base, Sunnyvale, Calif.. Controversy Tractor operators.. Demand for payment of pre-

vailing wage.
___do_________________ ____

Electricians______

Veterans’ Hospital, Albuquerque, Strike_____
N. Mex.
County A V e l f a r e House, Preakness, ____do_____
N. J.

Electricians______ Alleged discrimination against

Shoe workers_____ Asked increase; protest two
discharges.

Leather workers__ Piece rates cut______________
B uilding............ .

Prevailing rates not being
paid.
local men.

Bricklayers, ma­ Nonunion drivers employed..
sons, carpenters,
and teamsters.
Nicollet Hotel, Minneapolis, M inn. Controversy. Employees______ Wage cu t_____________ _____
Parcel Post Building, Jacksonville, ____do_____ Carpenters_______ Demand for payment of preFla.
vailing wage.
Kay Manufacturing Co., Brooklyn, Strike_____ Mattress m akers... Change in piecework- _____
N. Y.
Penn M utual Building, Philadel­ ____do......... Lathers and sheet- Carpenters doing work claimed
phia, Pa.
by lathers and sheet-metal
metal workers.

tions.
Controversy. Plumbers________ Wages cut____ ____________

Plumbers and steam fitters, Dayton, Ohio.
Veterans’ Home, Sawtelle, Calif__ ------ d o .......... Carpenters_______ Demand for payment of preA. S. Birsh Co., New York C ity ... Strike_____
Pincus-Tobias Shoe Co., Brooklyn, ____do_____
N. Y.
Krasilovsky & Bro., New York ____do_____
City.

1

9

750

1,550

6

12

7

12

60

Jan. 11

120

180

Unclassified. Workers were found to Jan. i
have no jurisdiction of the work in
progress.
Adjusted. Satisfactory settlement___ ___do_

Jan. 14

15

Jan. 12

10

Adjusted. Union drivers em ployed... ...d o —

Jan. 14

100

Jan. 13

(l)
10

Pending__ _ . _
Adjusted. Satisfactorily settled. .

.

Adjusted. Returned without change;
10 workers not reemploved.
Pending___________________________

___do_
Jan.

9

Jan.

5

Jan.
Jan.

5
1

Jan. 11
Jan.

12

Feb.

4

1

■Tan. 14

Jan. 16

Jan.

8

Jan. 15

Jan.

16

250

25

275

25

425

12

2,685

(>)
(i)

Adjusted. Compromised; part of men
reemployed.

Jan. 14

Feb.

7

80

20

Adjusted. Accepted $9.25 per day___

Jan. 15

Jan. 29

50

125

6

10

10

Clothing workers... Sending work to outside shops. __ _ do_ _ _ _____
____ _____ Jan. 14
Shoe and leather Asked reinstatement of dis- ____do___ ___ _____ _______ _ __
Jan. 11
charged worker.
workers.
Safe movers, rig­ Asked 8-hour day, $9 for rig- ........ do_____ _____ ________ __________ Jan. 18
gers, and helpers.
gers and $7 per day for help-

200
122

150

vailing wage.

Pending _____

. ________________ Jan.

Glaziers.

catching various species of
tuna fish.
Failure to increase from $9 to
$10 per day on Jan. 1, 1932.

_____

__

Adjusted. Company agreed to pay
$10 per day.

40

Jan. 16
Jan.

8

3,000
Jan. 18

16

2, 050

609


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Jan.

Jan.
Jan.

Tuna fishermen, California coast—. ........ do............ F isherm en.......... . Asked $60 to $100 per ton for ____do______ ______
Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co., Phila­ ........ do_____
delphia, Pa.
1Not reported.

4

Jan.

workers.
Tavel-Constantine (Inc.), Boston, ____do............ Garment workers.. Refused to accept wage cut Adjusted. Accepted a compromise on
Mass.
for inferior product.
prices for piecework.
Post office, Rochester, P a ________ Threatened Carpenters_______ Protest against method of pay. Adjusted. Will receive cash in envestrike.
lopes each week as desired.
Shoe Board of Trade, Brooklyn, Strike............ Shoe workers_____ Working conditions_________ Pending__ _____________ _ _

N. Y.
Artistic Wire Forming Co., New ____d o .......... Wire workers_____ Piecework scales cut, disYork City.
charges, and working condi-

Jan.

INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES

Post-office building, South Bend, ____do_____
Ind.
Andrew Geller Shoe Co., Brook­ Strike_____
lyn, N. Y.
Perfect Sport wear Co., New York ........ do_____
City.
Post-office building, Evansville, Controversy.
Ind.

Adjusted. Accepted 10 per cent cut
and returned; company granted
some concessions.
Adjusted. Increased from $7 to $9
per day.
Adjusted. Allowed prevailing wage—
$1 per hour.
Adjusted. Discharged workers reinstated; some changes in conditions.
Pending__ _____ ______ ___ _ .

LABOR D ISPU TES HANDLED BY TH E CON CILIATION SERVICE D U R IN G T H E M O NTH OF JANUARY, 1932—Continued

C5
i— i

o
Workers
involved

Duration
Company or industry and location

Post office, Union town, Pa.
Post office, Louisville, K y_______
Y. M. C. A. Building, Harrisburg,

do.
Threatened
strike.
Strike_____
do.

Post office, Greenfield, Ind

do.

Ladies’ garment makers, Boston,

Threatened
Mass.
strike.
Philfey Dress Co., New York City. Strike_____
Gold-Tee Knitting Mills, New ___ do..
York City.
Diana Frocks (Inc.), Brooklyn, ___ do..


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Cause of dispute

Present status and terms of settlement

Controversy. O rnam ental-iron
workers.
----- do_____ ___do___________
Threatened Carpenters_______
strike.
Controversy. Operating engineers
___ do_____ Carpenters_______

Post office, Fort Wayne, Ind

Finkelhor Bros. (Inc.), N ew York
City.
Dam No. 31, Ohio River near Ports­
mouth, Ohio.
Self-Mechanics Flooring Co. (Inc.),
N ew York City.
M y Favorite Dress Co. (Inc.),
New York City.

Craftsmen con­
cerned

____do_____

Alleged violation of agreement. Adjusted. Reached understanding
and work continued.
____do_______________ ______ Pending___________________________
Working conditions_________ Adjusted. Will receive pay in cash as
requested.
Wage scale_________________ Pending..._______________________
Failure to pay prevailing scale. Adjusted. Agreed to pay prevailing
scale—50 cents per hour.
Building trades___ Prevailing wage scale________ Adjusted. Prevailing wage rates for
all crafts agreed upon.
Ironworkers.
Foreman demoted by subcon­ Adjusted. Foreman reinstated by
tractor.
contractor w ithout loss of pay.
Bricklayers.
Wage rates cut; will accept Pending________ ______ ______ ____ _
$1.25 per hour; contractor
paid $1.
do.
Dispute between unions_____ Adjusted. Dispute satisfactorily set­
tled and work continued.
do.
Subcontractor failed to pay Adjusted. General contractor agreed
wages due bricklayers.
to pay the wages due.
Garment m akers.._ Proposed wage cut__________ Pending_________ .'_________________

Dressmakers and Asked increased rates on p iece-___ do.
garment makers.
work.
Knit-goods workers. 1 discharged for incompetency____ do.
U n d erw ear and Piecework rate cut from 7 to
knit-goods work­
15 per cen t.
ers.
Garment workers. . Sending work to outside shops

Controversy. Building trades___ Protest against low wages.
Strike........... F l o o r m e n

and
woodworkers.

____do............ Operators, pressers,

and finishers.

Begin­
ning

Ending

1932
Jan. 12

1932
Jan. 29

18

Jan. 1
Jan. 20

Jan. 21

20
(0

_ _do _
Jan. 15

Jan. 18

2
28

60

200

300

40

340

Jan. 21

Feb.

Jan. 14

Jan. 18

Jan. 20

.do.

Piecework rates cut 20 cents ___ do_________ ________ ___________
per 100 square feet.
Asked increase in piecework... Adjusted. Operators allowed 5 cents
increase on each dress, finishers 2
cents, and pressers 1 cent.

35

Jan. 15
___do___

Jan. 20

__do__ _

13

50

10

10

30,000

Jan. 18

21

Jan. 16

60

Unclassified. Plant moved away from . —do___
Brooklyn.
Pending.

3

D i­ Indi­
rectly rectly

Feb.

4

Jan. 20

160

32
(i)

Jan. 10
Jan. 23
Jan. 22

175

4

Jan. 20

20

1

20

6

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

Anchor Post Fence Co., New York
City.
Atlas Fence Co., Newark, N. J___
Freedom Oil Works Building,
Rochester, Pa.
Do________________________
Post office, Camden, N. J________

Nature of
controversy

Adjusted. Compromised; w ill reem­
ploy discharged workers when con­
ditions warrant.
Adjusted. Prevailing rate allowed
and back wages paid.

Aristón Silversmith Corp., N ew ____do____
York City.

Silversmiths.

Discharge of workers.

It. B. M cDaniel, contractor on ____do_____
post-office building, Rochester,
Pa.
Post office, Brownsville, Tex______Controversy,

Building.

Alleged failure to pay electri­
cians prevailing rate.

___ d o ...

Adjusted. Investigation made and
rates fixed by conciliator and repre­
sentative of War Department.
Wages cut from 7 to 20 per cent. Pending___________________________
Wages cut from 85 to 70 cents Adjusted. Cut withdrawn and exist­
ing agreement renewed.
per hour.
Protest against nonunion sub­ Adjusted. Nonunion contract can­
celed.
contractor.
Work awarded houseJurisdiction; alleged violation Adjusted.
smiths and others called off this
of agreement.
work by Treasury Department.

Building crafts, Norfolk, Va---------- ___ do.
The Grace Steamship Lines, Brook­ Strike.
lyn, N . Y.
Post office, Cicero, HI____________ ___ do.
General Post
N . Y.

Office, Brooklyn,

i N ot reported.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Glaziers______

Controversy. Steel workers on
metal lockers.

Bob.

4

Jan.

8

Jan. 26

0)

Jan.

1

Jan. 27

0

.Tan. 4
Jan. 27

20

6

500
200

Jan. 26

Jan. 26

Jan. 25

Feb.

3

40
8

10

38, 501 12, 345

INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES

Total.

___ do_______
Longshoremen.

Demand for payment of pre­
vailing rate.

Jan. 25

a

LABOR AGREEMENTS, AWARDS, AND
DECISIONS
A g r e e m e n ts
R a ilro a d L abor A g r e e m e n ts o f F eb ru a ry 1, 1932

HE representatives of 20 of the railroad labor unions and of more
than 200 railroads, including practically all of the first-class rail­
roads of the United States, signed two agreements, January 31, 1932,
one calling for a 10 percent deduction in wages and the other dealing
with employment conditions. Each of these agreements constitutes
an agreement between each participating railroad and its employees
represented by each participating railway organization which now
has a contract with the railroad concerning rates of pay and working
conditions

T

Agreement Regarding Wage Deduction

T he first of the agreements, terminating February 1, 1933, and
providing for a 10 per cent deduction in wages, reads in full (with the
exception of the appendixes) as follows:
"This agreement is entered into between the railroad companies,
designated hereafter as ‘participating railroads’ and listed in Ap­
pendixes A, B, and C attached hereto and thereby made a part of this
agreement, represented by the committee of railway presidents, signa­
tory hereto, and the employees of the said participating railroads,
represented by the chief executives of the respective organizations,
signatory hereto, and is to be construed as an agreement by and
between each participating railroad and its employees represented
by each participating organization which now has a contract with the
railroad concerning rates of pay, rules, and working conditions, and is
included in the ‘participating organizations’ which are listed after
the name of each participating railroad in the said Appendixes A, B
and C, attached hereto.
‘‘It is understood and agreed that in the application, interpretation,
or carrying out of this agreement each organization of employees,
signatory hereto, will represent respectively, in the usual manner, the
employees of each of the participating railroads for whom said organ­
ization has an existing contract, as evidenced in Appendixes A, B
and C.
“ This agreement also is entered into by, and will apply to, the
Pullman Co. and the Railway Express Agency, represented by the
committee of railway presidents, and the respective employees thereof,
represented, as to the Pullman Co., by the Order of Sleeping-Car
Conductors, and as to the Railway Express Agency respectively, by
the Brotherhood of Railway and Steamship Clerks, Freight Handlers,
Express, and Station Employees; International Association of Ma­
chinists; and International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths, Drop Forgers
and Helpers.
’
“ The signatories hereto, having been duly authorized by the said
participating railroads and the participating organizations of em­
ployees of said railroads, as heretofore described, to ‘negotiate to a
conclusion certain pending issues concerning unemployment and
612


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

LABOR AGREEMENTS, AWARDS, AND DECISIONS

613

wages/ hereby agree that 10 per cent shall be deducted from each
pay check of each of the said employees covered by this agreement for
a period of one year beginning February 1, 1932; that basic rates shall
remain as at present; that this arrangement shall terminate auto­
matically January 31,1933; and further agree as follows:
“ 1. That the formal notices served by the participating railroads
upon the participating organizations of employees for a 15 per cent
reduction in present rates of pay shall be withdrawn and further
proceedings thereunder discontinued;
“ 2. That the participating railroads, without attaching any limita­
tion upon the use of funds derived from the pay-roll deduction herein
agreed to, will make an earnest and sympathetic effort to maintain and
increase railroad employment.
“ The foregoing agreement is signed at Chicago, this 31st day of
January, 1932, in behalf of the participating railroads and their
employees represented as hereinbefore set forth, and is independent
of any other agreement entered into by and between the parties
hereto. ”
Agreement Regarding Employment Conditions
T h e second agreement, effective to February 1, 1933, deals with
the various proposals put forward by railroad labor for the purpose
of relieving unemployment and stabilizing employment. The hist
three paragraphs of this agreement are identical with the correspond­
ing paragraphs of the first agreement. Beginning with the fourth
paragraph, the second agreement reads as follows:
“ The signatories hereto, having been duly authorized by the said
participating railroads and the participating organizations of em­
ployees of said railroads,_as heretofore described, to ‘negotiate to a
conclusion certain pending issues concerning unemployment and
wages,’ hereby agree upon the disposition of the proposals of the
employees concerning unemployment (set forth in Exhibit 1, attached
hereto), as follows:
Item I

“ It is agreed that whatever may be practicable should be done to
remove the feeling of uncertainty as to employment which may exist
at the present time in the minds of many who are now employed,
either upon a whole-time or part-time basis; and that varying condi­
tions make it necessary to deal with this question by local negotiation
on each railroad between each participating railroad and its employees,
in the usual manner, through each participating organization; and
that accordingly the railroads will carry on negotiations for the pur­
pose of stabilizing emplojunent for such periods and to such an extent
as conditions may justify; it being understood that this agreement
does not contemplate assurance of pay for service not performed
unless covered by present agreements.
“ The parties have been unable to reach any further agreement
concerning the proposals of the employees as to stabilization o
employment.
Item 2

“ The parties have been unable to reach any agreement concerning
the proposals of the employees as to applying the principle of the

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

614

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

G hour day. The position of the committee of railroad presidents
on this subject is stated as follows:
I or reasons which were fully explained by the chairman of our committee we
find, ourselves unable to accept your conclusions that the 6-hour day is necessary
and that it must be instituted in order to absorb the existing number of experi­
enced employees without reduction of compensation. Consequently, we would
be unwilling to recommend the appointment at this time of a commission to
determine ways and means of applying this principle to the different classes of
employees.
Item 3

“ (A) The parties have been unable to reach any agreement con­
cerning the proposals of the employees as to joint action to promote
a Federal bond issue for grade-crossing elimination. The position
of the committee of railroad presidents on this subject is stated as
follows :
‘‘ We doubt the wisdom of recommending to the Federal Congress at this time
the appropriation of $1,000,000,000 for the purpose set forth in your program.
The requirements of the several States as to the division of thè cost of grade
elimination are in our opinion in many instances inequitable. The employees
can assist materially in seeking revised legislation providing for a more equitable
division of expense of grade elimination between the public and the railroads,
and we would be glad to have their cooperation in that connection.

(B) It is agreed that there should be a fair and proper regulation
of motors engaged in highway transportation and that no unfair or
unjust burden should be placed upon transportation agencies of any
character. It is believed that motor transportation now enjoys certain
advantages which in effect are prejudicial to the railroads. The
parties will be pleased to work together in developing desirable and fair
Federal and State legislation covering highway transportation com­
petitive with the railroads, such joint effort to include fidi considera­
tion of the entire report of Examiner Flynn, which has been sub­
mitted to the Interstate Commerce Commission. The railroad presi­
dents ’ committee will recommend to the participating railroads that
consistent with the requirements of the service preference be given
to furloughed railroad employees for employment by motor companies
and freight-forwarding agencies when controlled by railroads, when
additional men are required.
The parties have been unable to reach any further agreement
concerning the proposal of the employees as to regulation of motor
transportation and freight-forwarding companies and provision for
employment of furloughed employees therein.
“ (C) The parties have been unable to reach any agreement con­
cerning the proposal of the enrployees as to the protection of all
interests in railroad consolidations. The position of the committee
of railroad presidents on this subject is stated as follows:
You will recall that this matter was very fully discussed at our conference,
but owing to the conflicting viewpoints concerning certain phases of the subject
as presented by you, and having in mind also that the subject is one concerning
which railway executives are not in complete accord, we think it would be difficult
if not impossible for us to reach any joint conclusion concerning the matter at
this time.

“ (D) It is agreed that the subjects of retirement insurance, elec­
tive workmen’s compensation, and a dismissal wage will be studied
by a joint committee composed of representatives of several of the
participating railroads and a committee appointed by the Railway

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

LABOR AGREEMENTS, AWARDS, AND DECISIONS

615

Labor Executives Association, representing the participating organ­
izations, which joint committee will report its findings promptly.
“ The parties have been unable to reach any further agreement
concerning the proposals of the employees as to the foregoing sub­
jects. It is understood that agreement upon a study by a joint com­
mittee does not commit either party to accept or to await the results
of this study.
“ (E) It is agreed that regional employment bureaus will be estab­
lished in connection with the Bureau of Information of the Eastern
Railways, New York; Association of Western Railways, Chicago,
and the Bureau of Information of the Southeastern Railways, Wash­
ington, each party to appoint representatives to confer as to details.
“ (F) The parties have been unable to reach any agreement con­
cerning the proposals of the employees as to coordination of train
crews and train lengths. The position of the railroad presidents on
this subject is stated as follows:
“ With you, we believe that train lengths and train crews should be coordinated
on the basis of economical and safe operation, but unfortunately it has not been
easy to agree as to what is safe and what is economical operation. The two terms
are relative rather than absolute. It is our conclusion that probably we would
be unable to agree concerning this matter and consequently we doubt the wisdom
of recommending to the railroad executives at this time joint effort in this con­
nection as you suggest. The question is one which we think can best be dealt
with by the employees and managers of the individual companies.

“ (G) The parties have been unable to reach any agreement con­
cerning the proposals of the employees as to the creation and use of
pay-roll reserves. The position of the committee of railroad presi­
dents on this subject is stated as follows:
“ W e favor, in principle, the policy of creating reserves, when earnings are good,
to be available during periods of business depression. The use of such reserves,
in our opinion, should not be restricted to any one purpose. It is unfortunate
that existing conditions, with which you are familiar, make it impossible to set
up reserves at this time.

Item 4

“ The parties unite in expressing unqualified approval of whole­
hearted cooperation between management and employees and agree
to do everything they can in support of this policy.
“ This agreement shall continue in effect for one year; and there­
after subject to modification or abrogation by any participating road
or any participating organization, so far as it affects such road or
such organization, without prejudice to any other road or any other
organization, by the serving of a 30-day written notice by either
party upon the other.
“ The foregoing agreement is signed at Chicago this 31st day of
January, 1932, in behalf of the participating railroads and their em­
ployees represented as hereinbefore set forth, and is independent of
any other agreement entered into by and between the parties hereto. ”
Exhibit 1.— Outline of Program of Railway Labor Executives’ Association to Relieve Unemploy­
ment and to Stabilize Employment, November 19, 1931

The problem which railway labor must solve: (A) Insecure employment.
Less than 50 per cent of necessary workers assured of continuing employment.
(B) Diminishing employment. Thirty-three per cent fewer employees used to
handle same traffic as 20 years ago. (C) Inadequate wages to provide reasonable
living conditions and to protect against (a) disability (temporary or permanent),
(6) unemployment. Four hundred thousand earning less than $20 per week;
another 600,000 earning less than $30.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

616

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
In s e c u r e E m p lo y m e n t

Seasonal character of traffic has always made employment insecure— and
relief for older employees through seniority rules has been sought. But tech­
nological changes, reducing total volume of employment, have limited seniority
protection to fewer and fewer employees.
The! solution of this problem lies in stabilizing employment along two lines—
1. Where work can be budgeted for the year and spread evenly, an average
force should be assured employment for one year and at least part-time employ­
ment should be assured to the stand-by force necessary for heavy-traffic periods.
The maintenance of equipment and maintenance-of-way work are examples of
work which can be budgeted to a large extent. Running repairs and inspection
service, dependent on volume of traffic, may require treatment similar to trans­
portation service.
2. Where the fluctuating and uncertain volume of traffic calls for expansion and
contraction of forces somewhat irregularly, it should be possible to establish
minimum forces assured of full employment for one year and the necessary stand­
by forces assured of a certain amount of part-time employment in one year.
The workers who are normally required for the operation of a railroad must
have as much assurance of a fixed compensation from their fixed investments in
the enterprise as those who invest money for a fixed return. In fact the essential
labor charge should be a first lien upon the revenues of any business. The
insecure income of the worker-buyer is a greater menace to the good order and
progress of society than the insecure income of the investor-seller.
The amount of seasonal employment on the railroads is not indicated in the
averages of all railroads. Heavy movements of grain from the west, of fruits and
vegetables from the south and from the west, of coal from the east and from the
south; and movements of cotton, lumber, oil, manufactured goods, etc., from
different parts of the country, occur in different months. Therefore, the total
number of employees required by the industry is greater than the annual average
number reported by the Interstate Commerce Commission and the fluctuations
m employment on individual roads are far greater than indicated in the monthlv
averages reported.
If employment could be stabilized by a common program throughout the indus­
try, the excessive number of men now furloughed bv each road, who earn annually
far less than even a living wage, could be materially reduced. Then it might be
possible to create a mobile force of extra workers, shifting from one road to
another somewhat as Pullman cars and freight cars are shifted to meet traffic
requirements. Nothing less than a coordinated effort of all employers and em­
ployees could accomplish such an assurance of practically full-time employ­
ment for all experienced employees. But this achievement without an increase
m rates of pay would raise considerably the actual average earnings of the
employees, and would increase substantially the efficiency of labor, while decreasmg the labor cost of all railroads, by reducing the turnover and improving the
quality and morale of the employees.
There should be established a national placement bureau for the purpose of
relocating railway employees separated from the service of a railroad because of
permanent reductions of force and to provide for the temporary transfer of
traffic VeGS GX^ra wor^ Pr°duced by seasonal or other temporary increases of
in order thus to stabilize employment without a vast amount of individual
ardship it will be necessary to deal with the problem of diminishing employment
so as to absorb between 200,000 and 300,000 unemployed men now dependent on
tne industry, but without reasonable expectation of reemployment even in a
revival of past traffic volume.
D i m i n i s h i n g E m p lo y m e n t

Technological changes, including the use of larger equipment and the constant
substitution of machine power for man power, have eliminated jobs more rapidly
than they could be recreated by increased traffic. It is reasonable to assume that
further diminutions will result from future similar developments, and from the
transfer of a part of rail transportation service to the motor transportation
S/^6 I1C16S.

In order to prevent unfair competition, motor transportation should be
required to observe the same principles of safe, efficient, and socially just operation
*t have governed rail transportation. The rail managements and investors are
particularly interested m a fair competition with money invested in the railroads.

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

LABOR AGREEMEN'

AWARDS, AND DECISIONS

617

The rail workers are particularly! interested in a fair competition with labor
invested in the railroads. Similars working conditions should prevail; and there
is no reason why rail workers displaced by motor-transportation agencies should
not be relocated in furnishing motor transportation services similar to those they
are trained to perform on the railroads. The operating services, the maintenance
and clerical services call for much the same general training in both fields.
The principal method of dealing frith diminishing employment which should be
adopted is shortening the hours ofjlabor. The social advantage of this program
is clear. Instead of adding employees to the ranks of the unemployed, an
industry in which the productivity ¿per employee is greatly increased can be called
upon to shorten hours of work withput reduction of annual earnings per employee.
Comparing 1910 and 1930, the ¿employee of to-day handles over 50 per cent
more traffic and produces twice asjmuch surplus revenue over labor cost.
The establishment of the 8-hour day has demonstrated that improved methods
and machinery and the increased efficiency of the workers permit of a shortened
workday without reduction of average earnings and without a corresponding
increase in the total pay roll.
‘
,
It should, however, be recognized as more socially desirable to pay wages to
workers than to pay returns on property. Unless costs of production can be
materially reduced and displaced, workers can be relocated, there is no social
advance in the substitution of machine power for man power. Every industry
should aim to reduce man power oiily by employing fewer new men and shortening
work hours and not by discharging experienced workers. After such humane
reductions of man power are accomplished an industry requiring fewer man-hours
should reflect this increased productivity in higher wages for the reduced forces.
In a d e q u a te W a g es

A principal cause of inadequate wages in the railroad industry is part-time
employment. A wholly false picture is presented by the wage statistics reported
to the Interstate Commerce Commission. Thousands of train and engine service
employees work only from four to eight months a year, 'thousands of main­
tenance men (in the shops and on the right of way) are idle for a substantial part
of the year. In the months of employment their wages may average about as
reported but average earnings on the basis of $1,500 per year for only eight
months of work equal only $1,000 per year
nnA
,
The average number of hourly workers in 1929 was less than l,ou0,u0U, but it
is fair to estimate that at least 1,900,000 employees collected the $2,061,715,71b
paid in wages. Thus the average compensation instead of $1,623 would be only
$1 369. The stabilization of employment heretofore suggested would go far
toward leveling up the present earnings of those now earning less than even a
living wage.
, ,. .....
Present provision to protect against temporary or permanent disability are
largely either voluntary deductions from wages to pay for insurances or volun­
tary pension payments by some railroads. There should be (a) an elective
Federal compensation law to indemnify against occupational accidents and dis­
eases; (6) a Federal law to provide retirement insurance.
.
Such a compensation law would save a huge waste of money m litigation.
The retirement law would save the waste of continuing employment beyond
the time of efficient service.
• n
There should be a provision made for the payment of a dismissal wage m an
cases of permanent dislocation of experienced employees.
There should also be worked out a provision for pay-roll reserves to take care
of exceptional periods of reduced traffic, which would provide a workable and
economical substitute for unemployment insurance. > The stabilization of employ­
ment should operate to reduce this liability to a minimum.
,,
These reserves should be created by an appropriation of surplus up to t ie
amount estimated as necessary to maintain earnings of employees during periods
of depression. In such periods hours of service could be reduced without reduc­
tion of earnings, with payment of added cost of employing same number of men
for less traffic to be borne out of employment reserves. Thereby there would
be no payments for idleness but increased payments for units of work main­
taining the total purchasing power with resulting public benefit.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

618

MONTHLY LA.BOR REVIEW
I m m e d ia te M e a s u r e s

In line with the principles of the foregoing permanent program immediate
measures to relieve present distress can be proposed.
1. Stabilize employment by assuring one year of employment to the necessary
employees in every class. (This will increase the purchasing power of a pay roll
exceeding $2,000,000,000 by releasing over 1,250,000 workers from fear of unem­
ployment.)
(a) This stabilization should include provisions for putting to work as many
men as possible consistent with maintaining satisfactory conditions in the
respective classes of employment.
(b) The necessary stand-by forces should also be assured of a minimum amount
of part-time employment.
2. Since the 6-hour day is necessary and must be instituted to absorb the
existing number of experienced employees without reduction of compensation,
a commission should be created to determine the ways and means of applying
this principle to the different classes of employees. Such a commission should
be created by the nomination of an equal number of representatives of manage­
ment and employees (including in the latter appropriate representatives of the
principal classes of employment) with the designation of a chairman from its
membership by the Interstate Commerce Commission. Any legislation neces­
sary to establish the commission and to endow it with adequate authority to
make a comprehensive study, as a basis for a report to be made within a definite
period, should be sought by joint action so far as possible by the carriers and
the employees.
3. Joint action should be undertaken between managements and employees to
promote—
(a) One-billion-dollar United States bond issue for grade-crossing elimination
on main traveled highways. One-half cost to be borne by Government as im­
provement of interstate highways. One-half cost to be borne by railroads to be
repaid by payment of interest and sinking fund payment to retire bonds in 50
years.
(b) Regulation of motor transportation and freight forwarding companies;
including provision for employment of furloughed railroad employees.
(c) Protection of all interests in railroad consolidation.
(d) Federal legislation to provide retirement insurance and elective workmen’s
compensation.
(e) Establishment of an emergency employment bureau to prepare the way
for the eventual establishmeiit of a national placement bureau and to provide
means for placing unemployed rail workers as additional opportunities of employ­
ment may develop.
(/) Coordination of train crews and train lengths on the basis of economical,
safe operation—including any desirable State or Federal legislation.
4. In order to carry forward the foregoing program, a continuing cooperation
between railroad managements and railroad employees is essential. This will
require complete willingness and good faith of railroad managements in dealing
with the self-chosen representatives of railroad labor, and whole-hearted compli­
ance with the spirit and the letter of the railway labor act.

A w a rd s a n d D e c is io n s
R e c e n t D e c is io n s o f I n d u s tr ia l C o m m is s io n o f C olorad o

Denial of Wage Reduction for Millmen in Denver

HE Industrial Commission of Colorado was notified, on Novem­
ber 14, 1931, by the Fleming Bros. Lumber Co., that the wages
of its employees would be cut from 12# to 20 per cent on December
14, 1931.
The secretary of Millmen’s Union No. 1583 notified the commission
of a protest by the union against a reduction in wages.
At a hearing held December 11, 1931, the secretary of the union
testified that the average earnings of the members in the employ of
the company was 80 cents an hour, or $6.40 a day.

T


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

LABOR AGREEMENTS, AWARDS, AND DECISIONS

619

On December 11, 1931, the commission disapproved the proposed
reduction, and stated: “ We do not believe that $6.40 per day under
present conditions is too high a wage for men engaged m skilled
employments.”
Wage Reduction of Sheet-Metal Workers Approved
U n d e r date of November 2, 1931, an agreement was entered into
between the General Contractors Association of Denver, Colo., and
other recognized contractors and the Building Trades _Council of
Denver. By the terms of this agreement a general reduction in wages
of 12% per cent was to be made. A number of employers in Denver
notified the Industrial Commission of Colorado of their intention to
put this agreement into effect by reducing the wages of their sheetmetal workers 12% per cent.
The Sheet-Metal Workers Union, Local No. 9, filed a protest against
the wage cut, and a hearing was held on January 5, 1932.
The commission, referring to the agreement of November 2, 1931,
stated:
In the opinion of this commission this is one of the best agreements that has been
entered into in a trade dispute for some time. In this agreement it was agreed
between both the Building Trades Council and the Denver General Contractors
that a general reduction in wages of 12% per cent would be made. There are
many parts of this contract that should receive the attention of both the em­
ployers and the employees and we recommend that they read this contract.

On January 5, 1932, the commission rendered the following award:
It is the award and decision of this commission that the petition of the em­
ployers for a 12% per cent reduction in the wages of the sheet-metal workers be
allowed, with the understanding that both the employees and the employers
accept every part of the agreement entered into between the Denver General
Contractors and the Building Trades Council of Denver under date of November
2,1931, and that said agreement shall be binding on both employers and employees.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

HOUSING
B u ild in g P e r m it s in P r in c ip a l C itie s o f t h e U n ite d S t a t e s ,
J a n u a r y , 1932

UILDING permit reports have been received by the Bureau of
Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor from
345 identical cities having a population of 25,000 or over for the months
of December, 1931, and January, 1932; and from 345 identical cities
for the months of January, 1931, and January, 1932.
The cost figures as shown in the following tables apply to the costs
of the buildings as estimated by the prospective builder on applying
for his permit to build. No land costs are included. Only building
projects within the corporate limits of the cities enumerated are shown.
The States of Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and
Pennsylvania, through their departments of labor, are cooperating
with the Federal bureau in the collection of these data.
Table 1 shows the estimated cost of new residential buildings, of
new nonresidential buildings, of additions, alterations, and repairs,
and of total building operations in 345 identical cities of the United
States, by geographic divisions.

B

T a b l e 1 .— E ST IM A T E D COST OF N E W B U IL D IN G S, OF A D D IT IO N S, A L T E R A T IO N S, A N D

R E PA IR S, A N D OF TO TAL B U IL D IN G C O N ST R U C TIO N IN 345 ID E N T IC A L CITIES,
AS SHOW N BY PE R M IT S ISSU E D IN D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932, B Y GEO­
GR A PH IC D IV ISIO N S
New residential buildings
(estimated cost)

New nonresidential buildings
(estimated cost)

Geographic division
December
1931

January,
1932

Per
cent of
change

December,
1931

January,
1932

Per
cent of
change

New England...... ................ .......
Middle Atlantic..........................
East North Central_________
W estN orthC entral............. .
South Atlantic______ ______ _
South Central________ ______
Mountain and Pacific_______

$2, 016,115
4,996, 716
1, 531, 727
1,225, 685
1,148,123
1,041, 562
2, 791, 415

$1,186, 900
5, 218, 855
1,031, 551
697, 590
1, 501, 650
847, 768
2, 315, 705

-4 1 .1
+ 4 .4
-3 2 .7
-4 3 .1
+30.8
-1 8 .6
-1 7 .0

$2,436,483
17, 795, 846
5, 227, 808
3,064,821
725, 010
4, 232, 745
4, 266, 081

$1,370,452
11,160, 002
4,262, 487
910, 078
3,112, 734
5,221, 661
2,630,189

-4 3 .8
-3 7 .3
-1 8 .5
-7 0 .3
+329.3
+23.4
-3 8 .3

Total..................................

14, 751, 343

12,800, 019

-1 3 .2

37, 748, 794

28, 667, 603

-2 4 .1

Additions, alterations, and
repairs (estimated cost)

Total construction (estimated
cost)

Geographic division
December,
1931

January,
1932

Per
cent of December,
1931
change

January,
1932

N um ­
ber of
cities
Per
cent of
change

New England..............
Middle Atlantic_____
East North Central...
West North Central..
South Atlantic............
South C entral............
Mountain and Pacific

$831, 589
4,105, 540
1, 222, 950
946, 406
1, 006, 053
493, 981
1,403, 650

$1,184, 936
3, 521,175
1, 067, 505
427, 788
1,104, 462
769, 552
1, 366, 931

+42. 5
-1 4 .2
-1 2 .7
-5 4 .8
+ 9 .8
+55.8
-2 .6

$5, 284,187
26, 898,102
7,982, 485
5,236, 912
2, 879,186
5,768, 288
8,461,146

$3, 742, 288
19, 900, 032
6, 361, 543
2, 035, 450
5, 718, 846
6,838, 981
6,312, 825

-2 9 .2
-2 6 . 0
-2 0 . 3
-6 1 .1
+98.6
+ 18.6
-2 5 .4

51
70
93
24
38
34
35

T o t a l ...................

10,010,169

9, 442, 349

-5 .7

62, 510, 306

50, 909, 971

-1 8 .6

345

620

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

621

HOUSING

Permits issued in these 345 cities during the month of January 1932,
indicate a projected expenditure of $50,909,971, a decrease of 18.6 per
cent as compared with the estimated cost of total building operations
for which permits were issued during December, 1931. Decreases in
the estimated cost of total building operations were shown in five of
the seven geographic divisions. The smallest decrease (20.3 per cent)
occurred in the East North Central States and the largest decrease
(61.1 per cent) in the West North Central States. The South Central
States and the South Atlantic States both registered increases, the
increase in the South Atlantic States being nearly 100 per cent.
The estimated cost of new residential buildings decreased 13.2 per
cent, comparing permits issued during the two months under discus­
sion. Decreases were shown in five of the seven geographic divisions,
ranging from 17.0 per cent in the Mountain and Pacific States to 43.1
per cent in the West North Central States. The Middle Atlantic
States and the South Atlantic States showed increases.
New nonresidential buildings decreased 24.1 per cent in estimated
expenditures, comparing December, 1931, with January, 1932. All
geographic divisions showed decreases in this class of structure, except
the South Atlantic and the South Central. In the South Atlantic
States there was an increase of over 300 per cent, due to large Federal
building contracts in the city of Washington.
The estimated cost of additions, alterations, and repairs decreased
5.7 per cent, comparing January permits with December permits.
Four geographic divisions showed decreases in this class of operation
and three showed increases.
Table 2 shows the number of new residential buildings, of new non­
residential buildings, of additions, alterations, and repairs, and of total
building operations in 345 identical cities of the United States, by
geographic divisions.
T a b le 2.—N U M B E R OF N E W B U IL D IN G S, OF A D D IT IO N S, A L T E R A T IO N S, A N D R E ­
PAIRS, A N D OF TO TAL B U IL D IN G C O N ST R U C TIO N IN 345 ID E N T IC A L C ITIES, AS
SHO W N B Y PE R M IT S ISSU E D IN D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932, BY GEO­
G R APHIC DIV ISIO N S
N ew residential N ew nonresidential
buildings
buildings

Additions, altera­
tions, and repairs

Total construction

Geographic division
Decem­ January, Decem­ January, Decem­ January, Decem­ January,
1932
1932
ber, 1931
ber, 1931
1932
ber, 1931
1932
ber, 1931
N ew England________
M iddle Atlantic______
East North Central---West North Central__
South Atlantic_______
South C e n tr a l.-____M ountain and Pacific--

280
520
274
287
241
273
646

172
464
215
167
293
315
568

538
1,160
1,051
402
540
376
1,007

334
855
776
244
461
433
884

1,253
2,867
1,693
613
1,887
1,173
2, 791

1,066
3,148
1,562
557
2, 013
1, 551
2,829

2,071
4, 547
3,018
1, 302
2, 668
1,822
4,444

1, 572
4,467
2, 553
968
2, 767
2,299
4,281

T otal_____ _____

2,521

2,194
—13. 0

5, 074

3, 987
-2 1 .4

12, 277

12, 726
+3. 7

19,872

18,907
—4. 9

Permits were issued during January, 1932, for 18,907 building
projects. This is 4.9 per cent less than the total number of building
projects for which permits were issued during December, 1931. The
number of new residential buildings decreased 13.0 per cent, and the
number of new nonresidential buildings decreased 21.4 per cent, com­
paring these two months. The number of additions, alterations, and
repairs, however, increased 3.7 per cent.
103146°— 32----- 9


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

622

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

. Table 3 shows the number of families provided for in the different
kinds of housekeeping dwellings, together with the estimated cost of
such dwellings, for which permits were issued in 345 identical cities
m December, 1931, and January, 1932, by geographic divisions.
T hBrLET,3 ~ E ST IM A T E D COST A N D N U M B E R OF FA M ILIE S PR O V ID E D FOR IN THE
^ IN D S 0 E H O U SE K E E P IN G D W E L L IN G S FOR W HICH P E R M IT S W ERE
GRAPHIC D m s i O N S ICAL ° ITIE S IN D E C E M B E R - 1931> A N D J A N U A R Y ,1032, BY GEO-

1-family dwellings
Geographic division

Estimated cost

2-family dwellings

Families pro­
vided for

Estimated cost

December, January, Decem­ Janu­ December, January,
ber,
ary,
1931
1932
1931
1932
1931
1932

Families provided
for

Decem­ January,
ber, 1931
1932

N ew E n g la n d .______ $1,281,815 $819, 200
M iddle Atlantic____ 2, 056, 586 1, 925, 755
East North Central __ 1, 354, 727
935, 951
West North Central. _ 1,047, 235
637, 090
South Atlantic_____
1,017, 323 1,215, 690
South Central.
898,180
690, 608
M ountain and Pacific- 2, 235, 320 1,859, 205

241
350
251
274
225
252
574

149
316
206
158
279
285
513

$228, 800
1,186,130
133, 000
70, 450
7,800
108, 382
241,045

$117, 700
801, 600
40,100
49, 500
26, 835
101,160
214, 200

60
286
37

T otal. -_
9, 891,186 8,083, 499
Per cent of change. _ _
-1 8 .3

2,167

1,906
—12. 0

1, 975, 607

1, 351,095
-31. 6

544

22
5
34

100

—

M ultifamily dwellings

Geographic division

Estimated cost

Estimated cost

December, January, Decem­ Janu­ December, January,
1931
1932
ber, 1931 ary, 193
1931
1932
143
428
16
4
46
17
139

Total . . .
Per cent, of change___

793

8

11,000

2, 571, 550 3, 345,425
+30.1

12
16
10

47
74
418
-2 3 .2

T otal, all kinds of housekeeping dwellings

Families providec
for

New England _____
$425, 500 $250, 000
Middle Atlantic_____ 1, 639, 000 2,471, 500
East North C entral...
44, 000
55, 500
West North C entral...
, 000
South A tla n tic ______
105, 000
259,125
South Central___
35, 000
56, 000
Mountain and Pacific.
315, 050
242, 300

33
226

Families provided
for
Decem­ Janu­
ber, 1931 ary, 1932

76 $1,936,115 $1,186, 900
799 4, 881, 716 5,198, 855
1, 531, 727 1,031, 551
4 1,125, 685
697, 590
84 1,130,123 1, 501, 650
25 1, 041, 562
847, 768
108 2, 791, 415 2, 315, 705

444
1,064
304
300
276
303
813

258
1, 341
229
178
373
357
695

12, 780, 019

3,504

3,431
- 2 .1

11

1,107 14,438, 343
+39.6

-11. 5

During January, 1932, permits were issued for one thousand nine
hundred and six 1-family dwellings to cost $8,083,499. This is 12 per
cent fewer families than were to be provided for as compared with the
December permits, while the estimated cost of the buildings was
18.3 per cent less than the estimated cost of the 1-family dwellings for
which permits were issued in December. The number of families to be
provided for m 2-family dwellings decreased 23.2 per cent and their
estimated cost 31.6 per cent, comparing January permits with Decem­
ber permits. In contrast, the number of families provided for in apart­
ment houses increased 39.6 per cent, comparing these two periods.
The indicated expenditures for apartment houses increased 30.1 per
cent. The total number of families provided for decreased 2.1 per cent
comparing January, 1932, with December, 1931, and the projected
expenditures for all classes of housekeeping dwellings decreased 11.5
per cent,

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

623

HOUSING

Table 4 shows the index number of families provided for and the
index numbers of indicated expenditures for new; residential buildings,
new nonresidential buildings, additions, alterations, and repairs, and
for total building operations.
These indexes are worked on the chain system with the monthly
average of 1929 equaling 100.
T a b l e 4 — IN D E X N U M B E R S OF FA M ILIE S PR O V ID E D FOR A N D OF T H E E ST IM A T E D

COST OF B U IL D IN G O P ER A T IO N S AS SHOW N B Y PE R M IT S ISSU E D IN PR IN C IP A L
C ITIES OF T H E U N IT E D ST A T ES, JA N U A R Y , 1930, JA N U A R Y A N D D E C E M B E R , 1931,
A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932
[Monthly average, 1929=100]
Estimated cost of—
Families
provided
for

Month

1930
January------------- ------------------------ ----1931
January____________
_____________
D ecem b er..------- -- ------------------------1932
January------------------------- -----------------

N ew non­
residential
buildings

N ew resi­
dential
buddings

Additions, Total build­
alterations, ing opera­
and repairs
tions

29.4

64.3

55.1

46.1

39.1
14.7

30.8
11.8

43.4
32.9

55.5
27.3

38.9
22.3

14.4

10.2

25.0

25.8

18.2

34.2

The index number of families provided for and the index numbers
of new residential buildings, new nonresidential buildings, additions,
alterations, and repairs, and total building operations, were all lower
for January, 1932, than for either January, 1930, January, 1931, or
December, 1931.
Table 5 shows the number and value of contracts awarded for
public buildings by the different agencies of the United States Govern­
ment during the months of January and December, 1931, and January,
1932, by geographic divisions.
T a b l e 5 .—CO N TRA C TS L E T FOR PU B L IC B U IL D IN G S B Y D IF F E R E N T A G E N C IE S OF

T H E U N IT E D STA TES G O V E R N M E N T D U R IN G JA N U A R Y A N D D E C E M B E R , 1931,
A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932, B Y GEOGRAPHIC DIVISIONS
January, 1931

December, 1931

January, 1932 1

Geographic division
Number

Cost

Number

Cost

Number

Cost

New England________ . . . . .
Middle Atlantic--------------. . .
East North Central...... ..........
West North Central_________
South Atlantic_______ ______
South Central___ . -----------Mountain and Pacific_______

4
12
9
3
21
7
21

$42,460
3,456, 619
211, 303
117, 555
2,346, 752
427, 216
932,679

7
11
9
3
28
15
29

$299,911
5,145, 865
358,476
2,682,490
406,979
767,962
2,248,129

2
10
9
8
19
7
31

$230,653
965,409
656, 322
729, 218
2,377, 347
611, 727
945,614

T otal. _______________

77

7, 534, 584

102

11,909, 812

86

6,516, 290

1 Subject to revision.

During January, 1932, contracts were awarded by various Federal
agencies for 86 building operations to cost $6,516,290. The value of
these awards were lower than for either January, 1931, or December,
1931. These contracts were issued by the foliowung Federal agencies:
Office of the Quartermaster General, War Department; Bureau of
Yards and Docks, Navy Department; Supervising Architect, Trea­
sury Department; United States Veterans’ Bureau; Office of Public
Buildings and Public Parks; and the Corps of Engineers, War
Department.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

624

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

Table 6 shows the value of contracts awarded by the different
State governments for public buildings during the months of Jan­
uary and December, 1931, and January, 1932, by geographic divisions.
T a b l e 6 — C O N TRA C TS A W A R D E D FO R PU BLIC B U IL D IN G S B Y T H E D IF F E R E N T

STA TE G O V E R N M E N T S D U R IN G JA N U A R Y A N D D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y ,
1932, B Y GEOGRAPHIC DIVISIO N S
January,
1931

Geographic division

December,
1931

January,
19321

$44, 540
588, 293
268, 871
93,029
246,925
247,000
164,141

$1, 627, 557
7, 835, 287
2,308,755
17. 348
383,100
462,172
217,128

0
$3, 659, 785
1,380, 877
6, 730
668, 204
3, 891,569
1, 289, 443

1,652, 799

12, 851,347

10,896, 608

N ew E n g la n d .___________ _____ ____
Middle Atlantic____________________
East North Central. . . __________ _
West North Central_____________ . . .
South Atlantic ____________________
South Central______________________
Mountain and Pacific___ ___________
Total .

__________ ______ ___

1 Subject to revision.

Contracts awarded by the various State governments during
January, 1932, totaled $10,896,608. This was lower than for Decem­
ber, 1931, but much higher than for January, 1931. Whenever a
contract is awarded by the Federal Government or by a State govern­
ment for a building in a city having a population of 25,000 or over,
the number or cost of such building is included in the number and
cost as shown in the several tables presented herewith.
T a b l e 7.—E ST IM A T E D COST OF N E W B U IL D IN G S , OF A D D IT IO N S, A L T E R A TIO N S,

A N D R E PA IR S, A N D OF TOTAL B U IL D IN G C O N ST R U C TIO N IN 345 ID E N T IC A L
C ITIES, AS SHOW N B Y P E R M IT S ISSU E D IN JA N U A R Y , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932,
B Y GEOGRAPHIC DIVISIO N S
N ew residential buildings
(estimated cost)

N ew nonresidential buildings
(estimated cost)

Geographic division

N ew England_______________
Middle Atlantic____ _______
East North Central_________
West North Central_________
South Atlantic______________
S o u th C e n tr a l._____________
Mountain and Pacific_______
T otal_______________

January,
1931

January,
1932

Per
cent of
change

January,
1931

January,
1932

$2, 906,300
19,122, 095
4,253, 951
1,261, 971
2,245, 450
2,996, 744
5, 521,621

$1,186, 900
5, 218, 855
1,031, 551
697, 590
1, 501, 650
850, 268
2, 313, 705

-5 9 .2
-7 2 .7
-7 5 .8
-4 4 .7
-3 3 .1
-7 1 .6
-5 8 .1

$1,206, 672
16, 628, 065
12, 328, 888
2, 372, 889
2, 800, 331
6, 318, 346
6, 593, 447

$1, 370, 452
11,160, 002
4, 262, 487
910, 078
3,112, 734
5,231,161
2, 628, 284

+13.6
-3 2 .9
-6 5 .8
-6 1 .6
+11.2
-1 7 .2
-6 0 .1

38,308,132

12, 800, 519

-6 6 .6

48, 248, 638

28, 675,198

-4 0 .6

Additions, alterations, and re­
pairs (estimated cost)

Total construction (estimated
cost)

Geographic division

N um ­
ber of
Per
cities
cent of
change

January,
1932

Per
cent of
change

January,
1931

January,
1932

$1, 294, 491
9, 983, 829
2, 094, 252
463, 327
2, 635,184
882, 285
1,977, 655

$1,184, 936
3, 521,175
1, 067, 505
427, 788
1,104, 462
774, 102
1,357, 581

-8 .5
-6 4 . 7
-4 9 .0
-7 .7
-5 8 .1
-1 2 .3
-3 1 .4

$5,407,463
45, 733, 989
18, 677, 091
4, 098, 187
7,680, 965
10,197, 375
14, 092, 723

$3, 742, 288
19, 900, 032
6, 361, 543
2, 035, 456
5, 718, 846
6, 855, 531
6,299, 570

-3 0 .8
-5 6 .5
-6 5 . 9
-5 0 .3
-2 5 .5
-3 2 .8
-5 5 .3

51
70
93
24
38
35
34

19,331,023

9,437, 549

-5 1 .2 105, 887, 793

50, 913,266

-5 1 .9

345

January,
1931
N ew England ..............
Middle Atlantic_____
East North Central...
AVest North Central..
South Atlantic______
South Central........ .
Mountain and Pacific
Total...... ............


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Per
cent of
change

625

HOUSING

Table 7 shows the estimated cost of new residential buildings, of
new nonresidential buddings, of additions, alterations, and repairs,
and of total building construction in 345 identical cities of the United
States having a population of 25,000 or over, for the months of Jan­
uary, 1931, and January, 1932 by geographic divisions.
There was a decrease in indicated expenditures for new residential
buildings in each of the seven geographic divisions. These decreases
ranged from 33.1 per cent in the South Atlantic States to 75.8 per
cent in the East North Central States. The decrease for the 345
cities as a whole was 66.6 per cent. New nonresidential buildings
decreased 40.6 per cent in estimated cost. Two geographic divisions
showed increases in this class of construction and five divisions
showed decreases, comparing permits issued in January, 1932, with
those issued in January, 1931.
The indicated expenditures for additions, alterations, and repairs
decreased 51.2 per cent. All seven geographic divisions showed de­
creases in this class of building operation.
Total construction decreased 51.9 per cent in estimated cost com­
paring January, 1932, with January, 1931. Each geographic division
showed a decrease in indicated expenditures for total construction
during this period.
Table 8 shows the number of new residential buildings, of new non­
residential buildings, of additions, alterations, and repairs, and of
total building operation in 345 identical cities having a population of
25,000 or over for January, 1931, and January, 1932.
8 .— N U M B E R OF N E W B U IL D IN G S, OF A D D IT IO N S, A L T E R A TIO N S, A N D
R EPA IR S, A N D OF TO TAL B U IL D IN G C O N ST R U C TIO N IN 345 ID E N T IC A L C ITIES,
AS SHOWN B Y PE R M IT S ISSU E D IN JA N U A R Y , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932, BY
GEOGRAPHIC DIV ISIO N S

T able

N ew residential
buildings

N ew nonresidential
buildings

Additions, altera­
tions, and repairs

Total construction

Geographic division
January, January, January, January,
1932
1931
1932
1931
172
464
215
167
293
316

292
1,050
1,153
382
575
549

334
855
776
244
461
436

January,
1931
1,004
2,675
2,171
628
2,079
1,578

January, January,
1932
1931
1,066
3,148
1,562
557
2,013
1,552

1,567
4, 589
3,913
1,278
3,035
2,927

January,
1932
1,572
4, 467
2, 553
968
2,767
2, 304

N ew England______
Middle Atlantic____
East North Central...
West North C entral..
South Atlantic______
South Central____ _
M o u n ta in an d
Pacific___________

1,065

567

1,370

878

3,467

2,803

5,902

4, 248

T otal_________

4,238

2,194
—48. 2

5,371

3,984
—25.8

13, 602

12, 701
—6.6

23,211

18,879
—18.7

271
864
589
268
381
800

Comparing January, 1932, permits with January, 1931, permits,
decreases were shown in the number of new residential buildings, of
new nonresidential buildings, of additions, alterations, and repairs, and
of total construction.
Table 9 shows the number of families provided for in the different
kinds of housekeeping dwellings, together with the cost of such
dwellings, for which permits were issued in 345 identical cities during
January, 1931, and January, 1932, by geographic divisions.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

626

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

T able 9 .—E ST IM A T E D COST A N D N U M B E R OF FA M ILIES P R O V ID E D FOR TNT ttte
D IF F E R E N T K IN D S OF H O U SE K E E PIN G D W E L L IN G S FO R W HICH P E R M IT S W ffR P
f i A l H I C N D4lV lF lO N TSIO A L ° m E S IN JA N U A R Y > " » i A W

1-family dwellings

Geographic division

Estimated cost

January,
1931

J ^ A R Y ® ™ TB Y ™ < 5

2-family dwellings

Fam ilies provided
for

Estimated cost

January, January, J anuary, January,
1932
1931
1932
1931

F am dies provided
for

January, January, January.
1932
1931
1932

N ew England...........
M iddle Atlantic. . . .
East N orth C en tral...
West North C entral..
South Atlantic______
South Central_____
Mountain and Pacific.

$1, 370, 700 $819, 200
3, 672, 145 1,925, 755
2, 668, 931
935, 951
1, 001, 221
637, 090
1, 742, 950 1,215, 690
2,081, 293
693,108
3, 633, 821 1,857, 205

213
592
508
241
358
647
924

149
316
206
158
279
286
512

$346, 200
1,463, 700
497, 500
145, 250
59, 600
595, 806
499, 250

$117, 700
801, 600
40,100
49, 500
26, 835
101, 160
214, 200

86
373
108
38
28
205
181

33
226
12
16
10
47
74

Total _ ___
Per cent of change

16,171, 061 8, 083, 999
-5 0 .0

3,483

1, 906
-4 5 .3

3,607, 306

1,351, 095
-6 2 . 5

1,019

418
-5 9 .0

M ultifamily dwellings

Geographic division

Estimated cost

January,
1931

Total, all kinds of housekeeping dwellings

Fam ilies provided
for

Estimated cost

January, January, January, January,
1932
J931
1932
1931

Fam ilies provided
for

January, January, January,
1932
1931
1932

N ew England_______ $1,189, 400 $250, 000
M iddle Atlantic_____ 13,486, 100 2,471, 500
East North Central__
722, 520
55, 500
West North C entral..
115, 500
, 000
South Atlantic___
407, 900
259, 125
South Central_____
319, 145
56, 000
M ountain and Pacific. 1,106, 750
242, 300

238
2, 781
237
40
188
140
433

76 $2,906, 300 $1, 186, 900
799 18, 621, 945 5,198, 855
11 3,888, 951 1,031, 551
4 1, 261, 971
697, 590
84 2, 210, 450 1, 501, 650
25 2, 996, 244
850, 268
108 5, 239, 821 2,313, 705

537
3,746
853
319
574
992
1,538

258
1,341
229
178
373
358
694

T otal_________ 17, 347,315 3,345,425
Per cent of change___
-8 0 .7

4, 057

1, 107 37,125, 682 12, 780, 519
-7 2 . 7
-6 5 . 6

8, 559

3,431
-5 9 .9

11

The number of families provided for in 1-family dwellings, 2-family
dweUmgs muitifarndy dwellings, and the cost of such construction
all showed decreases, comparing permits issued in January, 1932*
with those issued in January, 1931, in these 345 cities. The total
number of families provided for in these cities decreased 59 9 per
cent, comparing these two months, while the cost of the structures in
which they were to be housed decreased 65.6 per cent.
Table 10 shows the estimated cost of new residential buildings, of
new nonresidential buildings, of total building operations, together
with the number of family dwelling units provided for in new build­
ings, in the 345 cities from which reports were received for both
December, 1931, and January, 1932.
No reports were received from New London (Conn.), Bangor (Me.)
Marion (Ind.), Lima (Ohio), Pensacola (Fla.), Lynchburg (Va )’
Lexington (Ky.), Port Arthur (Tex.), San Bernardino (Calif.), Butte
(Mont.), and Everett (Wash).


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

627

HOUSING

IN D E X E S

OF COST OF BU ILD IN G
M O N T H L Y AVE-RAGE.
N E W

O PE R A T IO N S.

192 .9 = IOO.

R E S I D E N T I A L .

100

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75

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1 9 : 10

50

—

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V

131

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75

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TOTA L-

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https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

0

h i.

628

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

Permits were issued for the following important building projects
during the month of January, 1932: In Boston, Mass., for two school
buildings to cost over $316,000 and for a public building to cost
$350,000; in the Borough of the Bronx, for three apartment houses
to cost $620,000; in Brooklyn, for apartment houses to cost nearly
$1,500,000 and for a school building to cost over $2,000,000; in Man­
hattan, for office buildings to cost over $3,500,000; in Syracuse, for a

building at Syracuse University to cost over $200,000; in Cleveland
for a city sewerage disposal plant to cost $2,700,000; in Austin, Tex/
contracts were awarded by the State for nine buildings at the Uni­
versity of Texas to cost nearly $3,500,000. Contracts were awarded
by the Supervising Architect of the Treasury Department for a post
office and Federal courthouse m Topeka, Kans., to cost nearly $650,000 •
for a post office m Atlanta, Ga., to cost over $1,500,000; and for a
post office in Long Beach, Calif., to cost nearly $400,000.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

629

HOUSING

T able 1 0 .—E ST IM A T E D COST OF N E W B U IL D IN G S, OF A D D IT IO N S, A L TE R T IO N S,
A N D R E PA IR S, A N D OF TOTAL B U IL D IN G C O N ST R U C TIO N IN 345 ID E N T IC A L
CITIES, AS SHO W N B Y PE R M IT S ISSU E D IN D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932,
B Y G EO GRAPHIC DIVISIONS

N e w E n g la n d S ta te s
N ew residential buildings

Estimated cost
State and city

New nonresidential
buildings
(esti­
mated cost)

Families
provided
for in new
dwellings

Decem­
ber, 1931

January,
1932

D e­
cem­
ber,
1931

$70, 300
6,000
24, 000
76, 300
26, 200
51, 000
58, 000
69, 500
56,000
17,000
10, 500

$56,300
0
80, 000
38,800
5,500
0
40, 300
38,000
4, 500
0
6,000
305,600

21
1
3
15
7
7
9
11
9
5
2

18
0
6
9
2
0
7
9
2
0
2
6

0
35,500

7, 000
19, 300

0
5

20,200
495,000
24, 500
52,000
0
0
24,000
10, 000
3, 500
10, 700
2,200
0
0
4, 650
19, 000
33,865
35,100
0
160, 000
37, 500
65,600
4, 000
5,000
0
51,600
0
6. 500
21,000
67, 300

22, 500
14,800
303, 000
21, 500
61,500
16, 000
0
5, 500
0
4,300
3,000
0
14,000
0
10,000
4, 000
19,900
30, 500
0
106, 500
14,800
40,800
0
6,000
0
1,800
3, 700
10,500
3,000
66, 300

0
17, 000

Janu­ Decem­
ary,
1932 ber, 1931

Total construction,
including altera­
tions and repairs
(estimated cost)

January,
1932

Decem­
ber, 1931

$7, 574
1,225
39, 900
5, 365
11,850
11,890
38, 275
11,100
7,780
1,350
12, 000

$4,575
550
4,100
373, 224
1,702
800
35,400
18,100
2, 475
5,310
700
600

$90, 572
11,942
77,950
113,860
41,915
69, 432
141, 245
96, 706
83, 980
21,125
24,050

$81, 705
3,340
128, 000
592, 836
11, 652
8,877
99, 885
65, 305
19,975
10, 060
8, 700
307,980

2
4

0
3,400

6, 300
1,135

7,000
47,804

13, 300
39, 085

5
151
6
3
0
0
5
3
2
2
2
0
0
1
5
10
7
0
20
10
17
1
1
0
14
0
1
5
14

3
3
78
4
7
4
0
1
0
1
1
0
2
0
2
1
5
7
0
10
2
11
0
1
0
1
3
2
1
15

1,150
1, 986,402
1,435
3,450
2, 250
6, 000
1,175
675
10, 885
1,000
900
0
14,650
975
7,000
665
6, 525
1,700
12, 650
97, 625
10, 685
0
4,375
29, 635
9, 550
700
1, 765
2,850
17, 000

0
300
735,180
1,675
22,000
0
1,075
1,700
7,500
475
2, 535
275
600
450
1,025
7, 475
500
1, 750
725
900
200
4, 475
750
32, 330
3,525
4, 775
1,275
1,225
1,600
3, 675

29, 200
2,644, 859
32,994
67, 065
11, 200
10, 508
28, 275
17, 075
21, 380
29, 000
6, 275
6,850
16, 825
11, 250
53,140
43, 257
45, 650
25, 250
227,565
150, 025
37,347
7, 400
22, 025
38,585
91, 260
3,805
12,990
24, 225
176,930

23,100
24, 550
1,295, 604
30, 835
343, 075
40,935
3,350
9, 400
7,850
8,390
7, 385
2,705
15,850
8, 250
14, 485
40, 035
30, 500
34, 465
6,175
115,145
25,175
52,181
7,975
43,580
6, 920
16,650
22,246
18,745
5,100
96, 810

5,500
18,900

0
3

4
5

1,000
710

900
615

2, 535
35,250

7,400
34,066

0
88, 700
39,000
4, 500
116,100
97, 300
0

0
36,800
4,800
5, 000
0
58,800
0

0
22
8
1
9
21
0

0
9
1
1
0
15
0

1,022
6,225
18,325
4,100
3,160
15,310
1,250

0
2, 050
1,135
7, 300
650
63, 236
225

1,572
98, 725
67, 225
17, 771
122,990
166,378
1,950

0
46, 055
13,817
15, 570
4,130
200,374
3,790

Total__________ 2, 016,115
Per cent of chanee
I

1,186, 900
-4 1 .1

444

258
-4 1 .9

2, 436, 483

1, 370, 452
-4 3 .8

5, 284,187

3, 742, 288
—29. 2

Connecticut;
Bridgeport______
Bristol___ . . . . .
Greenwich_______
Hartford. . . ____
Meriden_________
New Britain_____
N ew Haven_____
Norwalk____ . . .
Stamford________
Torrington______
Water bury______
West Hartford 1
Maine:
Lewiston______ _
Portland.. _____
Massachusetts:
Arlington 1
Beverly ______
Boston 2_________
Brockton___ _ . .
Brookline___ ____
Cambridge______
Chelsea_________
Chicopee________
Everett__ ______
Fall River
Fitchburg_______
Haverhill________
Holyoke______ _
L a w r e n c e ..__
Lowell.
__
Lynn_____ . . .
M alden_________
Medford____
New Bedford.. .
N ew ton.. . ._
Pittsfield____
Quincy__________
Revere_________
Salem . . .
Somerville_____ .
Springfield_____
Taunton. ______
Waltham____ . . .
Watertown______
Worcester..
N ew Hampshire:
Concord_________
Manchester. . .
Rhode Island:
Central F a lls... .
Cranston________
East Providence..
Newport. ________
P a w tu c k e t._____
Providence______
Woonsocket____
Vermont:
Burlington 1_____

14, 500

2

0

i Schedule received for the first time, January, 1932; not included in totals.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

January,
1932

15,100

2 Applications filed.

630
T Í T d 1^

MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW
aSiTrI sMAaTnEdD

BYT QES6 G l l r a r c ND?VISPI O N ™

IN D E C E M B E R > ^ 1 , A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932,

M id d le A tl a n t ic S ta te s
N ew residential buildings

Estimated cost
State and city

Decem­
ber, 1931

January,
1932

N ew Jersey:
Atlantic C ity____
$5, 000
$1, 500
Bayonne________
0
9,000
Belleville________
10, 500
18, 500
Bloomfield_______
42, 000
85, 000
Camden ________
0
0
Clifton__________
68, 500
38, 000
East Orange_____
6, 000
13, 300
Elizabeth________
23, 000
15, 000
Garfield___ ____
3, 500
0
Hackensack 1____
10, 500
Hoboken________
0
0
Irvington__ ___
38,550
12, 000
Jersey C ity______
6, 500
0
Kearny...................
12, 000
6, 000
Montclair_______
41,280
41, 500
Newark_________
129, 500
96, 500
N ew Brunswick__
8, 500
2,500
Orange__________
6,536
0
Passaic__________
4,800
0
Paterson________
25,800
23, 200
Perth Am boy____
0
0
Plainfield _______
4, 800
45,000
Trenton_________
5,000
13,700
Union C ity . ____
0
0
West N ew Y ork. _
0
0
West Orange 1___
58, 000
N ew York:
A lbany____ _____
153,100
145,400
Amsterdam______
0
0
A u b u rn ______. .
7, 000
4, 500
B in g h a m to n ____
8,400
21, 200
Buffalo____ _____
94, 700
84, 600
Elmira__________
0
9, 000
Jamestown______
7,400
10, 700
Kingston________
13,300
5, 000
Lockport.............
51,800
0
M t. Vernon______
0
10, 000
Newburgh_______
27,300
0
New Rochelle.
77,100
32,400
N ew York City:
The Bronx 2__
851, 000
868, 790
Brooklyn 2___ 1, 536, 000 2, 020, 000
M anhattan2. .
0
0
Queens2__ _
749,700
817, 900
Richmond 2._ .
121, 400
156, 550
Niagara F a l ls ___
28, 400
13, 500
Poughkeepsie____
56, 500
37, 000
Rochester______
42,100
20, 850
Schenectady_____
73, 500
0
Syracuse________
45, 300
66, 200
Troy----------- -----72, 600
50, 200
U tica__________
43, 000
14, 000
Watertown______
4,500
4,000
White Plains____
37, 000
14, 000
Yonkers_________
110, 000
166,500
Pennsylvania:
Allentown_______
2,000
10, 500
Altoona...................
5,200
0
B e th le h e m ..___
0
0
Butler
_ ______
0
0
Chester_________
0
0
Easton. _________
0
10, 000
Erie________
48,100
44,800

Families
provided
for in new
dwellings
De-,
cember,
1931

Janu­
ary,
1932

1
0
4
17
0
17
1
5
1

1
3
3
9'
0
9
3
3
0
3
0
3
0
2
4
19
1
0
0
6
0
1
3
0
0
8

0
8
2
1
3
29
2
1
1
6
0
1
1
0
0

N ew nonresidential
buildings
(esti­
mated cost)

Total construction,
including altera­
tions and repairs
(estimated cost)

Decem­
ber, 1931

January,
1932

Decem­
ber, 1931

$500
575
3,900
4,000
44,419
10,350
5,225
1,800
400

0
$1,700
1,610
1,500
17, 000
4, 900
1,050
2, 500
825
17,
0
59, 820
60, 685
9, 550
2,825
26, 220
13,335
5, 550
650
2,900
2,550
i; 250
10, 785
0
500
441,248

$25, 332
2,425
23, 200
99,000
52, 234
84, 750
26, 260
24, 800
10,175

$49,490
16; 300
1 3 ; 610
46; 500
20; 432
45; 115
18; 244
1 7 ; 500
4, 575

67,510
61, 400
28| 100
15, 525
69; 720
484, 798
59,125
6; 536
35; 625
77, 600
4, 200
6 , 825
76; 288
654,886
6', 933

11, 070
73; 220
76; 735
2i; 350
62; 325
386; 588
18; 443
8; 043
10, 030
58; 880
9,050
51,150
34¡ 987
34; 0 1 0
1 2 ; 900
499; 758

0
11, 065
9, 650
3,100
14,350
302, 522
50
0
18,150
24,200
2,700
675
23,560
650, 000
350

13
0
1
2
21
0
2
4
14
0
4
5

8
0
1
1
33
2
3
1
0
1
0
5

1,885
4,860
317,605
8,320
57,925
3, 570
1,075
2,425
52, 776
2,775
1,400
1,850

142,450
15, 500
475
5, 615
157,827
343,370
1,125
190, 891
800
13, 850
0
4,900

203,684
4, 860
373,862
42; 390
199; 735
16, 253
11, 950
24; 389
104, 576
18; 937
32, 550
80; 500

312,295
1 5 ; 500
6; 285
70; 145
293; 707
359, 715
20, 065
202, 291
G, 905
37, 790
2i; 150
43, 250

176
376
0
169
40
8
8
8
14
10
8
8
1
2
16

259
576
0
215
41
3
6
5
0
13
9
2
1
2
26

415,150
7,582, 003
116, 850
674, 619
79, 555
6, 799
1,263, 575
20, 400
7-, 525
24, 050
49, 750
750
2,750
15, 300
13, 021

101, 200
2,843,740
5, 699, 800
193, 668
12,973
14,990
0
6,835
1,350
553,507
2, 010
750
5,625
1,685
38,695

1,622, 505
9,879; 756
933,126
2,025, 375
' 226,817
50; 449
1,330; 275
’ 102, 915
90; 740
124, 710
135, 050
45,150
12; 265
7h 950
155,416

1,174, 639
5, 292, 876
6, 52i; 250
1, 247; 445
' 6 O2 ; 573
38, 045
42, 700
55; 445
28,474
64i; 462
55,455
16, 775
18,355
43,300
226; 895

1
0
0
0
0
1
12

104, 039
5,013
1, 200
4,000
1,600
275
5,550

184,225
1,835
575
0
0
1,300
17,675

125,389
11,978
3,850
4,000
7, 200
13,560
290,690

235, 954
9; 476
B 725
17;000
4 ; 000
1 7 ; 600
75, 980

1
2
0
0
0
0
14 1

1 Schedule received for the first time, January, 1932; not included in totals.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

J anuary,
1932

2 Applications filed.

631

HOUSING

T able 1 0 .—E ST IM A T E D COST OF N E W B U IL D IN G S , OF A D D IT IO N S A L T E R A T IO N S,
A N D R E PA IR S, A N D OF TO TAL B U IL D IN G C O N ST R U C TIO N IN 345 ID E N T IC A L
C ITIES,. AS SHO W N B Y PE R M IT S ISSU E D IN D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932,
B Y G E O GRAPHIC D IV ISIO N S—Continued

M id d le A tl a n t ic S ta te s —Continued
N ew residential buildings

Estimated cost
State and city

N ew nonresidential
buildings
(esti­
mated cost)

Total construction,
including altera­
tions and repairs
(estimated cost)

D e­
cem­ Janu­
ary,
ber,
1932
1931

Decem­
ber, 1931

January,
1932

Decem­
ber, 1931

0
0
0
2
0
2
3
0
3
19
2
4
4
3
0
2

$545
30,980
2, 350
12,150
17,050
0
750
540
677,855
5,041, 555
2,550
4,470
5,200
0
2,920
15,150

$8, 859
2, 990
695
0
325
0
1,400
2,662
127,565
179,300
35, 000
2,175
3,148
0
7,507
1,430

$22,930
39, 720
12, 650
31,825
20,165
1,950
14, 550
3,585
990,985
5,228,317
39,905
40,015
28, 467
4, 700
4,454
33,785

Families
provided
for in new
dwellings

Decem­
ber, 1931

January,
1932

0
$5, 000
5,400
12,000
0
1,950
13,800
0
4, 500
134,400
20,000
24,000
3,000
3,500
0
10,000

0
0
0
$8,500
0
9,000
6,800
0
24, 500
92, 200
20,000
22,475
12, 090
11,000
0
5,000

0
1
2
3
0
1
2
0
1
16
1
6
1
1
0
1

T otal. ________ 4, 996,716

5, 218,855
+ 4 .4

1,064

Pennsylvania—C on.
Harrisburg______
Hazleton________
Johnstown______
Lancaster.. . . . . . .
M cKeesport_____
Nanticoke_______
Newcastle..........
N orristow n...........
Philadelphia..........
Pittsburgh.......... .
Reading....... ...........
Scranton________
Wilkes-Barre.........
Wilkinsburg_____
Williamsport____
York............... .........

January,
1932

$46,939
10, 338
2, 625
18, 750
4,359
9, 000
8,510
6, 752
421,950
328,495
71,510
74,405
20,181
14,026
15, 254
9, 809

1, 341 17, 795, 846 11,160, 002 26, 898,102 19,900, 032
-2 6 . 0
-3 7 .3
+26. 0

E a s t N o r th C e n tra l S ta te s
Illinois:
Alton________
Aurora_______
Belleville_____
Berwyn______
Bloomington...
Chicago______
Cicero________
Danville_____
Decatur______
East St. Louis.
Elgin.................
Evanston____
Granite C ity ...
Joliet_________
M aywood____
Moline_______
Oak Park____
Peoria________
Quincy_______
Rockford_____
Rock Island__
Springfield___
Waukegan___
Indiana:
Anderson____
East Chicago
Elkhart______
Evansville___
Fort W ayne...
Gary------------Hammond___
Indianapolis...
K okom o.........
Lafayette------Michigan City
M ishawaka—
M uncie______
Richmond___
South B en d ...
Terre H au te...

0
$4,500
1,500
12, 000
2,000
90,000
0
0
3,000
2,500
5,000
20; 000
0
0
0
15, 000
18; 000
91,500
4,600
3, 000
4, 000
47, 805
26,000

0
0
$18, 600
0
2, 000
86,350
0
0
475
4, 700
5,000
0
0
5,000
0
4,000
0
52,800
0
13,000
4,000
32, 800
6,000

0
1
1
2
1
15
0
0
1
1
1
2
0
0
0
3
1
14
2
1
1
9
7

$675
0
16,455
0
850
4
710
0
0
1
2,420,205
15
4, 200
0
9, 250
0
10, 600
1
950
2
9,875
1
7, 500
0
0
0
3,000
1
79, 333
0
465
1
402, 560
0
783,990
13
84,462
0
4,100
3
480
1
28, 617
7
10, 800
1

$100
2,985
0
400
2,000
333, 835
0
0
1,250
7,375
500
1,000
0
0
0
300
250
2,200
27, 772
3,050
0
8, 755
1,500

$17,674
25,670
3,850
13,410
3, 000
2,674,988
4,200
16,750
21,660
7,125
22,177
59, 000
0
14,850
80,608
20,448
426, 060
882, 290
91, 362
14,010
6,878
85,238
38,120

$14, 065
9,985
19, 200
1.900
4.000
596,645
60
I,
5.000
20,425
6,430
22,500

5, 200
0
2,000
0
5, 600
7,000
5,000
98,950
0
7, 300
2,000
0
1,000
0
0
0

3,300
0
7,500
5, 900
12,900
9, 000
0
60,550
0
3,500
0
0
4,800
0
7,000
0

2
0
1
0
1
2
1
19
0
4
1
0
1
0
0
0

2
0
2
2
2
2
0
14
0
2
0
0
2
0
1
0

5, 525
180, 720
1,515
25,265
89,934
0
747
11,640
440
0
50
1,150
37,622
2,950
1,265
2,300

1, 750
0
90
16,370
12, 290
150
200
19, 306
3,775
0
120
3, 505
1, 793
0
5,785
325

13,515
183,998
4, 905
28,182
105, 761
12,550
14, 447
138,979
1,271
11,100
5,800
1,230
45, 243
5,800
7, 255
7,930

6,300
1,700
10,041
25, 571
38, 266
9,200
9.900
109,939
7,205
3.500
320
3, 755
II,
2.500
23, 205
2,849


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

825

0

14, 200
1.000

5,448
1,320
61,600
27,842
31,900
5, 553
48,947
10,150

592

632
s

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

‘S S “ S i?

B Y O B Ô o l A P ^ D Î ^ O N M S Î t l S S f “ IN D K 0 E M B E E -

A N D ÎA N B A E Y , 1.32,

E a s t N o r th C e n tra l S ta te s — Continued
New residential buildings

Estimated cost
State and city

Families
provided
for in new
dwellings

N ew nonresidential
buildings
(esti­
mated cost)

Total construction,
including altera­
tions and repairs
(estimated cost)

D e­
cem­
ber,
1931

Janu­
ary,
1932

Decem­
ber, 1931

January,
1932

Decem­
ber, 1931

January,
1932

0
0
0
5
33
7
7
0
0
1
2
1
0
0
2

$33, 540
20,370
5; 927
24; 265
358, 806
24; 146
23; 425
3,450
12, 395
2', 650
13; 644
2,120
1, 265
11, 060
'500

625
159,332

$300
10,150
1,122
615
179,316
10,420
15,135
0
8,350
265
2,925
1, 735
125
490
500
680
950
0

$10, 556
13,835
58,410
23; 350
375,085
61,231
74,355
1,625
3,220
8,546
16,502
37, 550
8, 280
3, 010
5,425

2
2

2
5
1
4
20
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1

$1,255
5,800
56, 300
2,650
77, 523
17,839
33,125
650
495
5, 565
4,585
28,450
575
2, 235
300

8,200
9,200

$17,800
4, 860
2,500
23, 000
95,100
7, 356
3,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4,500
1, 800

9, 735
169, 362

10,060
4,700

8,800
19, 000
0
272, 650
77, 500
24,200
12, 000
36,000
0
3, 000
4,000
8, 500
12, 500
9, 000
0
0
0
3, 500
0
0
9,000
0
13,000
0
9, 800

15, 900
0
0
262, 760
49,500
27, 500
18,300
14,500
0
4,500
3,550
4,000
3,700
1,200
0
0
4,800
0
0
0
0
0
6, 700
0
0

3
2
0
48
15
4
2
5
0
1
1
2
2
1
0
0
0
2
0
0
2
0
1
0
2

3
0
0
52
10
5
3
4
0
1
2
1
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0

4,320
1,308
1,105
120, 845
46, 950
1,330
45,450
24,144
350
905
950
10,425
575
400
2,150
76,600
34,496
3,850
0
75
850
6, 900
88, 860
500
2,210

6, 300
2,515
225
104, 525
2,752, 750
1, 355
32, 500
13,787
2, 200
2,075
135
1, 625
700
60,405
0
125
33,746
480
37,300
0
18,325
300
2,476
590
377,527

17, 360
21,218
1,905
447; 880
272,925
3C, 265
86,800
125,327
1,620
5,030
6, 945
21,909
13,075
9,910
2,900
76; 675
35,809
7, 350
650
370
11,475
7, 775
281, 329
6, 455
16,840

35, 214
2,920
1, 540
516, 798
2, OOP 900
98,965
83, 700
40, 422
4,330
6; 675
5,770
8', 500
4,400
62, 220
0
125
41,421
'955
38,145
500
20, 200
2,050
2i; 046
3,390
386,672

6, 700
19, 500
0
6, 500
0
31, 900
142, 150
13, 275
7,000
16, 500
0
0

0
0
8, 500
13, 500
9,000
13, 500
47, 200
0
5,000
0
4,000
4,850

2
4
0
2
0
7
30
5
1
3
0
0

0
0
3
3
2
3
10
0
1
0
1
1

775
3, 550
990
13, 965
24, 245
34, 236
30,910
2,540
1, 175
995
1, 375
0

335
14, 400
4,905
800
1,080
6, 352
32, 780
265
10, 750
725
40, 285
6,715

48, 375
25, 367
4, 110
24,890
28,415
68, 736
214,164
23,215
13, 575
22, 200
1,980
250

2,135
14,400
14, 905
19, 575
13, 280
21,972
132,436
6,225
17, 300
6, 766
83, 165
13, 365

T otal__________ 1, 531, 727
Per cent of change___

1,031, 551
—32. 7

304

229
-24. 7

5, 227,808

4,262,487
-1 8 .5

7, 982,485

6, 361, 543
-2 0 .3

Michigan:
Ann A rbor.......... Battle Creek_____
Bay C ity................
Dearborn________
Detroit__________
Flint____________
Grand Rapids___
Hamtramck_____
Highland Park___
Jackson...... ............
Kalamazoo______
Lansing...... ............
Muskegon_______
Pontiac_________
Port Huron______
Royal Oak 1_____
Saginaw_________
W yandotte..........
Ohio:
Akron___________
Ashtabula_______
Canton__________
Cincinnati_______
Cleveland_______
Cleveland Heights.
Columbus...............
D ayton_________
East Cleveland___
Elyria___________
Ham ilton_______
Lakewood_______
Lorain__________
Mansfield......... .
M arion...................
M assillon.......... .
M iddletown_____
Newark_________
Norwood.................
Portsmouth......... .
Springfield______
Steubenville_____
Toledo__________
Warren____ ____ _
Youngstown_____
Wisconsin:
Appleton________
Eau Claire.............
Fond du Lac____
Green B ay_______
K enosha..............
Madison________
Milwaukee______
Oshkosh..................
R a cin e..________
Sheboygan______
Superior_________
West Allis.;______

Decem­
ber, 1931

January,
1932

0
0
0
$19, 500
172, 200
26,447
30,400
0
0
2,800
5, 500
5,000
0
0
2,050

1 Schedule received for the first time, January, 1932; not included in totals.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

633

HOUSING

T able 1 0 .—E S T IM A T E D COST OF N E W B U IL D IN G S , OF A D D IT IO N S , A L T E R A T IO N S,
A N D R E PA IR S, A N D OF TOTAL B U IL D IN G C O N ST R U C TIO N IN 345 ID E N T IC A L
C ITIES, AS SHO W N B Y PE R M IT S ISSU E D IN D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932,
B Y GEOGRAPHIC D IV ISIO N S—Continued

W e st N o r th C e n tra l S ta te s
N ew residential buildings
I

Families
provided
for in new
j dwellings

Estimated cost
State and city
Decem­
ber, 1931
Iowa:
0
Burlington............$22, 200
Cedar Rapids____
1,000
Council Bluffs___
Davenport______
17, 000
74,800
Des M o in es... . . .
24,000
D u b u q u e .._____
5,000
O tt u m w a .._____
17,100
Waterloo________
Kansas:
Hutchinson______
8, 900
4, 700
Kansas C ity_____
4,700
T o p e k a ..___ . . .
23, 575
W ich ita ________
Minnesota:
D ulu th. ______
20, 500
354,325
M inneapolis.. . .
104,160
St. Paul_________
Missouri:
3,000
Joplin___________
80, 500
Kansas C ity..........
9, 000
Springfield.. . . . .
St. Joseph__ .
13, 500
170,100
St. Louis________
Nebraska:
133,100
Lincoln_________
94,900
Omaha__________
North Dakota:
20, 500
Fargo.. . . . . -----South Dakota:
13, 125
Sioux Falls...........
T otal_________ 1, 225, 685
Per cent of change . .

New nonresidential
buildings
(esti­
mated cost)

Total construction,
including altera­
tions and repairs
(estimated cost)

January,
1932

De­
cem­
ber,
1931

Janu­
ary,
1932

Decem­
ber, 1931

January,
1932

Decem­
ber, 1931

0
$14, 250
1, 500
4,000
16, 500
8,200
7, 500
0

0
8
1
5
15
6
1
4

0
3
1
2
3
3
1
0

$200
11, 332
1, 300
610
9,185
2,348
16, 500
71, 835

$500
1,845
2, 300
3,495
3, 435
28, 225
500
2,005

$1, 250
59, 227
2, 800
22, 572
87, 710
34, 249
53, 600
90,165

$1, 750
21, 205
9,300
11, 737
66, 035
38, 427
27, 500
13, 255

20, 000
4, 500
20, 000
12, 350

4
4
3
9

7
3
1
4

2, 620
2,000
4,615
15,160

200
2, 980
643, 883
6,485

11, 760
9, 175
24, 505
47,443

21,665
9,655
667, 848
30, 260

4,000
170,685
83, 520

7
93
21

1
50
15

7, 520
855, 235
44,696

13, 200
72,460
240

65, 240
1, 247, 550
269, 827

29,435
295, 865
119, 641

0
115, 500
11,850
0
151, 500

2
23
2
5
44

0
27
5
0
41

0
5,200
1, 710, 585
745
38, 980

1, 000
39,000
5,010
110
68, 200

7,869
437, 800
1,805,190
18,055
287, 135

3, 900
165,000
23, 925
3, 180
393,805

9,100
37,200

10
24

2
8

3, 295
101,410

2,390
5, 300

140,755
210, 285

17, 588
45, 275

0

5

0

500

0

28, 800

4,580

5,435
697, 590
-4 3 . 1

4
300

1
158,950
178 3,064, 821
-4 0 .7

7,315
910, 078
-7 0 .3

273, 950
5, 236,912

14, 625
2,035, 456
-61. 1

January,
1932

S o u th A tl a n t ic S ta te s
Delaware:
W ilmington_____
District of Columbia:
Washington_____
Florida:
Jacksonville_____
M iami________ .
Orlando. ----------St. Petersburg----Tampa............. .......
Georgia:
A tlanta_________
Augusta_________
Columbus_______
Macon__________
Savannah_______
Maryland:
B a ltim o r e .._____
Cumberland_____
Hagerstown_____
North Carolina:
Asheville________
Charlotte___ ____
Durham_________
Greensboro______
High Point.............
Raleigh_________
Wilmington_____
Winston-Salem__
South Carolina:
Charleston---------Columbia_______
Greenville_______
Spartanburg.........

$10, 800

$8, 000

4

2

$20, 665

$276,100

$49, 736

$315, 711

578, 500

953,500

118

193

280,488

774, 505

1, 016,546

2, 004,240

39, 500
28, 300
0
19, 000
1, 650

17,825
10,650
5, 500
3,000
7,800

12
9
0
1
3

13
9
2
3
4

9,105
11, 200
2,720
1, 300
24,340

26, 595
19, 220
0
700
4,215

94, 860
90, 395
9, 105
41,244
50,778

62, 710
55, 285
10, 791
11, 400
32, 373

24, 900
3, 390
3, 500
16, 500
16, 200

48, 400
3,925
2, 500
300
480

12
4
3
1
5

16
4
1
1
1

10,057
1,454
475
900
1,100

1,719,406
2, 280
1,250
700
260

69,073
10,131
9,287
45, 331
17,400

1,802, 517
19, 208
7,545
5,309
3, 565

168, 000
0
4, 500

222, 000
0
8,000

29
0
3

50
0
2

138,200
725
445

136,900
1,470
655

668,000
1,675
5,270

803, 500
17, 871
11,855

2,400
22, 050
4,900
4,900
15,000
8,300
15,100
900

0
35,900
1,900
3,150
0
600
0
0

2
4
2
2
7
5
l

0
7
2
3
0
1
0
0

125
90
2,000
36,285
9, 375
12, 555
7,200
445

255
3,190
0
1, 745
3,975
785
0
965

7,110
28,511
8,720
73,314
31, 375
21, 555
33, 300
22, 684

4,020
45, 631
3,525
12, 272
4,450
1,895
39, 000
21, 628

5,500
29,100
11, 550
0

3,300
4,950
9,000
0

2
9
3
0

4
5
1
0

21,350
81,510
1,125
1,000

800
1,630
0
3,650

31,842
144,045
14, 340
2,055

12,531
17, 738
19, 350
9,852


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

¿L

634

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
^ I D E N T I O A i:
G ^ Ò O R A PH M ^ D ?^ISIO N S^-C oiifnued^ IN D E C E M B E R - 1931’ A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932,

S o u th A tl a n t ic S ta te s — Continued
N ew residential buildings
Families
provided
for in new
dwellings

Estimated cost
State and city

Virginia:
Newport N ew s.
Norfolk_______
Petersburg____
Portsmouth___
Richmond_____
Roanoke______
West Virginia:
Charleston____
Clarksburg____
Huntington___
Parkersburg___
W heeling______
T otal________
Per cent of change...

Decem­
ber, 1931

January,
1932

$4,133
22, 500
3,200

$9,450
58, 900

11, 000

17, 300
24,300
22,125

0

16, 000
49,350
1,500

0
0
0

1,148,123

D e­
cem­ Janu­
ary,
ber,
1932
1931

N ew nonresidential
buildings
(esti­
mated cost)

Total construction,
including altera­
tions and repairs
(estimated cost)

Decem­
ber, 1931

January,
1932

Decernber, 1931

$1,165
3,900
40
850
19, 867
503

$2, 164
25,572
80
575
26, 528
2,305

$11,319
58, 835
3, 240
6,725
64,883
22,666

$16, 530
98, 812
530
21, 380
75, 668
31, 580

8,439
400
1,225
8,287
4,100
725, 010

1, 580
475
2,248
59,696
10,260
3,112, 734
+329. 3

81,094
2, 500
3, 535
17, 257
9,450
2,879,186

13, 945
2, 515
5, 253
72, 291
24, 570
5, 718, 846
+98. 6

0

1, 500

0

700
3,000
13, 695
, 501,650
+30.8

373
+35. 1

January,
1932

S o u th C e n tra l S ta te s
Alabama:
Birmingham_____
M o b ile ...____
Montgomery____
Arkansas:
Little Rock_____
Kentucky:
Ashland _______
Covington_______
L ouisville._______
N e w p o r t_______
Paducah______. .
Louisiana:
Baton Rouge____
N ew Orleans_____
Shreveport______
Mississippi:
Jackson_____ ____
Oklahoma:
E n id ___________
Muskogee 1___ .
Oklahoma C ity__
Okmulgee_______
T u lsa ......................
Tennessee:
Chattanooga_____
Johnson C ity . . . .
Knoxville______
M emphis________
Nashville................

Texas:

$2, 600
31, 000
14, 800

$13, 960
5.900
7.900

8,000
0
0
67, 500
0
3,000

3
6
11

9
3
8

$3, 650
27,075
2,135

$6, 775
4,100
1, 035

$18, 840
43, 897
26,635

$54, 012
17, 849
23, 590

5.500

5

2

867, 806

1, 775

892,287

18,657

1,000

14, 500

0
0
7
0
1

1
0
5
0
0

135,845
28, 790
20, 400
11, 500

600
610
32, 800
400
850

3,700
140, 320
106, 615
23,100
14, 500

5,410
7, 967
85, 800
5,800
850

11,300
33,550
3, 500

5,700
75,043
5.100

3
14
4

5
14
2

655
11,505
372, 432

468
9,046
375

18, 947
92, 194
389, 296

17, 758
145, 939
20, 589

9,890

19,815

5

8

12,173

33,915

11,100

0
2.500
44, 700

3

14, 760

11
0
13

0
1
12
0
2

751,889
150
6,937

4,110
16, 550
798, 535
236, 930
40, 546

2
1
2
5
5

6
1
5
12
12

12, 700
4,500
5, 220
13, 910
1, 364, 500

76, 000
0
60, 840
34, 000
500
4,800
6, 500
10,200

Amarillo_______.
31,375
Austin________
24, 039
Beaumont . . . . .
1,000
Brownsville 1
Dallas. ________
64, 000
El Paso . . . ____
9,700
Fort Worth____ .
178, 550
Galveston____
18, 950
Houston_________
273,650
San Angelo ____
0
San Antonio
77, 218
Waco __ __
5, 000
Wichita Falls____
0
T otal. _____
1, 041, 562
Per cent of change . .
1

0
0
0

0

6, 100

15.000

1,000

17, 340
30,550
19,950
5,685

0

0
485

0
3,000
9, 500
713,435
236,855
17,440

11
22
1

0

28, 560
10, 660
34, 375

5
8, 791
15,600
43
49, 813 3, 392,458
2
1,462
1,768
2.000
1
84, 925
29
41
230, 895
28, 980
0
3
0
4,085
8,480
68,884
21
29
43, 825
18, 815
29,865
8
13
62, 723
13, 109
186, 000
66
66
73, 500
119, 887
7,350
0
4
1, 060
59, 191
41
35
336, 313
35, 692
23, 700
4
12
2, 765
48, 713
0
0
408, 000
847,768 j 303
357 ' 4, 232, 745 5,221,661
-18. 6 I ----- 1+17.8 j
+23. 4
86, 010

7.100

0

0

___ oj

o!

1 Schedule received for the first time, January, 1932; not included in totals.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

27, 000

833.499
150
82,203
68, 025
5,800
15, 780
104, 000
1,392, 653
43,241
81, 924
40.499
366, 740
17, 175
255, 963
87, 521
354, 040
2, 675
445, 591
9, 115
4,4G5
5, 768,288

86, 708
1,000

48, 528
106, 470
95, 482
22, 985
3, 511,636
27, 467
4,675
272, 034
19, 258
118, 732
58, 795
316,137
8,835
112, 584
79, 373
434, 700
6, 838,981
+18.6

635

HOUSING

T able 1 0 .—E ST IM A T E D COST OF N E W B U IL D IN G S, OF A D D IT IO N S, A L T E R A T IO N S,
A N D R E PA IR S, A N D OF TO TAL B U IL D IN G C O N ST R U C T IO N IN 345 ID E N T IC A L
C ITIES, AS SHO W N B Y P E R M IT S ISSU E D IN D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932,
B Y GEO G R A PH IC D IV ISIO N S—Continued

M o u n t a in a n d P a c ific S ta te s
N ew residential buildings
Families
provided
for in new
dwellings

Estimated cost
State and city

Decem­
ber, 1931

Arizona:
Phoenix_________
$36,500
Tucson_________
13,900
California:
7,000
A lam ed a _______
Alhambra_____ .
41, 500
9,100
Bakersfield______
13,200
Berkeley________
Fresno....................
13,750
222, 800
Glendale________
Huntington Park L
Long Beach______
87, 550
Los Angeles______ 1, 076, 669
104, 250
Oakland..................
72,400
Pasadena________
28,800
Riverside________
62, 500
Sacramento______
San Diego_______
139,300
San Francisco____
346, 750
27, 695
San Jose_________
8,500
Santa A n a .. ___
28,950
Santa Barbara___
Santa M onica.— .
39,876
24, 700
S tock ton ... _____
2,500
Vallejo................... .
Colorado:
3, 300
Colorado Springs..
D enver_________
111, 500
0
Pueblo__________
Montana:
12,900
Great Falls______
N ew Mexico:
24,500
Albuquerque____
Oregon:
64,450
Portland________
Salem___________
0
Utah:
Ogden _________
0
17,425
Salt Lake C ity___
Washington:
Bellingham.......... .
7, 500
111, 250
Seattle _________
Spokane . . _____
16,400
14,000
Tacoma_________
T otal___ ______ 2,791,415
Per cent of change___

N ew nonresidential
buildings
(esti­
mated cost)

Total construction,
including altera­
tions and repairs
(estimated cost)

January,
1932

De­
cem­
ber,
1931

Janu­
ary,
1932

Decem­
ber, 1931

January,
1932

Decem­
ber, 1931

January,
1932

$38, 000
10,240

10
8

9
7

$115,340
2,800

$1,903
1,900

$158,220
31, 678

$46,718
23,005

10,400
31,000
7,950
41,900
10,150
97,250
9,300
65i 800
757, 735
107,150
53, 700
9,900
60,450
98, 650
399,450
32, 335
34,800
2,000
21,800
28,000
0

2
14
3
5
6
44

1,465
275
2,190
1,235
3,750
11,400
270,365
1,150, 501
29, 280
225,173
61,285
23, 860
132, 558
242,472
18, 600
3,400
118, 601
38,484
430,313
0

838
725
89,505
14,715
160, 585
8,225
400
522,242
692,632
83,770
68, 218
100,832
10,075
44,483
231,966
215, 010
20,463
1,905
70
4,385
680

19,475
46,075
27,500
30, 756
51,963
245, 525

32
357
30
11
5
13
39
84
6
2
8
12
7
1

2
8
2
13
4
25
3
22
257
28
12
4
9
38
103
7
7
1
11
5
0

385,125
2,674,723
198,367
320, 759
95,824
114,887
416,914
729, 240
67,180
17,318
151,381
81, 240
458, 578
5,554

18,822
39,400
104, 665
79, 877
196, 286
115,945
12,750
636; 332
1,884,671
242, 544
148,536
119,473
97, 613
205, 492
730, 502
268,075
60, 207
13,255
31,383
46,157
6, 874

6,875
155,000
6,200

3
26
0

2
29
3

2,150
33,340
855

5,442
30,800
5,405

8,430
182,990
5,755

16,162
297,930
14,875

0

3

0

150

750

17,900

5,885

12,000

10

4

18,955

5,450

57,015

24, 600

46,050
3,570

15
0

14
4

1,197,453
660

201,460
35

1,363,855
5,042

399,845
10,731

0
0

0
6

0
0

700
19,146

0
2,325

1,200
75,049

16, 500
25,985

8,800
126, 550
16, 000
16,000

3
40
4
4

5
46
5
9

14,900
42, 200
7, 620
44, 605

0
72, 520
1,350
29, 525

24,910
250,012
42,016
98,690

9,960
285,000
23,810
65,710

2,315,705
-1 7 .0

813

695
-1 4 .5

4, 266,081

2,630,189
—38. 3

8,461,146

6,312,825
—25.4

$167, 391

$232,200
+38.7

$288,617

$358,279
+24.1

H a w a ii
Honolulu___ _______ .
Per cent of chance

$107,387

$111,754
39
65
+4.1 ______+66.7

1 Schedule received for the first time, January, 1932; not included in totals.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

636

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

B u ild in g P e r m it s in P r in c ip a l C itie s , 1931: G e n e r a l S u m m a r y

HE Bureau of Labor Statistics presents in this article summary
data as to building permits for 311 identical cities having a
population of 25,000 or over, for which reports were received for the
calendar years 1930 and 1931.
In studying the following tables it should be borne in mind that the
costs shown include the costs of the buildings only; no land costs are
included. The costs are as stated by the prospective builder in
applying for his permit to build. Reports cover only the corporate
limits of the cities enumerated. The States of Illinois, Massachu­
setts, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, through their
departments of labor, are cooperating with the Bureau of Labor
Statistics in the collection of these data.
Table 1 shows the estimated cost of new residential buildings, new
nonresidential buildings, additions, alterations, and repairs, and of
total building operations in 311 identical cities of the United States
having a population of 25,000 or over, by geographic divisions, for
the calendar years 1930 and 1931.

T

T a b l e 1 .— E ST IM A T E D COST OP N E W B U IL D IN G S, OF A D D IT IO N S , A L T E R A T IO N S,

A N D R E PA IR S. A N D OF TO T A L B U IL D IN G C O N ST R U C T IO N IN 311 ID E N T IC A L
CITIES, AS SHO W N BY P E R M IT S ISSU E D IN 1930 A N D 1931, B Y GEO G R A PH IC D IV ISIO N S
N ew residential buildings

Geographic division

Estimated cost

1930

N ew nonresidential
Families provided buildings, estimated cost
for in new
dwellings

1931

1930

1931

1930

N ew England
_____________ $46, 241, 528
M iddle A tlantic______________ 250, 055,101
123, 125, 354
East North Central- - - - - - West North Central__ - ______ 31, 448,130
South Atlantic____________ --- 37, 971, 134
South Central_________ ______ 48, 245, 833
88, 813, 906
M ountain and Pacific -- -

$36, 447,870
206, 090, 707
51, 068, 272
23, 589,173
40, 241, 944
27, 444, 163
56, 924, 447

7, 211
48, 641
20, 480
7, 210
7, 609
13, 673
25, 679

6, 757
44, 837
10, 234
6,198
8,644
8,439
16, 950

$75, 602, 766
308,847, 779
190, 442,123
53, 331, 944
74, 347, 354
79,662, 664
97, 643, 772

$61, 998, 899
253,145, 275
129,912, 385
42,823, 966
50, 334, 018
52,817, 954
57, 555, 087

T otal----------------------------- 625, 900, 986
Per cent of change, 1930 to 1931

441, 806, 576
-2 9 .4

130, 503

102, 059
-2 1 .8

879, 878, 402

648, 587, 584
-2 6 .3

Additions, alterations,
and repairs, estimated
cost

1931

Total construction, estimated cost

Geographic division

N um ­
ber
of
cities

1931

1930

1931

Per
cent of
change

New England-_
_________ $27, 074, 582
M iddle Atlantic ____ ____
98, 536, 667
East North Central____
47, 642,176
West North C e n t r a l __ _ 15,480, 609
23, 562, 663
South A tlantic--- --- ________
16, 843, 397
South Central___ ________
Mountain and Pacific_________
31, 225, 184

$19, 617, 078
77, 597, 736
33, 794, 882
11,156,682
21, 533, 385
11,183, 257
22,185, 572

$148, 918, 876
657, 439, 547
361, 209, 653
100, 260, 683
135, 881, 151
144, 751, 894
217,682, 862

$118, 063, 847
536, 833, 718
214, 775, 539
77,569, 821
112,109, 347
91,445, 37.4
136,665, 106

-2 0 .7
-1 8 . 3
-4 0 . 5
-2 2 .6
-1 7 . 5
-3 6 .8
-3 7 . 2

49
67
78
24
34
31
28

Tot&l
260, 365, 278
Per cent of change, 1930 to 1931__

197, 068, 592
-2 4 . 3

1, 766,144, 666

1, 287, 462, 752

-2 7 . 1

311

1930

Permits issued in these 311 cities during the calendar year 1931
indicate an expenditure for total building operations of $1,287,462,752.
This is 27.1 per cent less than the estimated cost of all building
operations in these cities during the calendar year 1930. Decreases

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

637

HOUSING

in total building operations were shown in each of the seven geographic
divisions, ranging from 17.5 per cent in the South Atlantic States to
40.5 per cent in the East North Central States.
There was a decrease in the estimated cost of new residential
buildings in these 311 cities of 29.4 per cent, comparing the year 1931
with the year 1930. The South Atlantic was the only geographic
division showing an increase in residential buildings. The decreases
in the other six geographic divisions ranged from a low of 17;6 per
cent in the Middle Atlantic States to a high of 58.5 per cent in the
East North Central States.
Estimated expenditures for new nonresidential buildings decreased
26.3 per cent in 1931, as compared with 1930. The seven geographic
divisions each showed decreases in this class of structure. The
smallest decrease, 18.0 per cent, was shown in both the New England
and Middle Atlantic States. The highest decrease, 41.1 per cent,
was shown in the Mountain and Pacific States.
Estimated costs of additions, alterations, and repairs decreased
24.3 per cent, comparing the year 1931 with the year 1930. De­
creases occurred in each of the seven geographic divisions. The
South Atlantic States showed the smallest percentage of decrease,
8.6, while the South Central States showed the largest percentage of
decrease, 33.6.
Table 2 shows the value of contracts awarded for public buildings
by the different agencies of the United States Government and by the
different State governments for the calendar year 1931, by geographic
divisions.
T able 2.—C O N TRA C TS FOR PU B L IC B U IL D IN G S LET B Y T H E U N IT E D ST A TES GOV­
E R N M E N T A N D B Y STA TE G O V E R N M E N T S, C A L E N D A R Y E A R 1931, B Y GEOGRAPHIC
D IV ISIO N S
Contracts let by—
Geographic division

N ew E n g la n d ______ ____ __
---_____
M iddle Atlantic _
__
___
_
________
East North C e n tr a l-_____ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_
______
West North Central____
_______
____
South Atlantic______ ___ ___ ____ ______ _ _ _
__ _
_ ___
South Central ______
______
..
_
_ _______
Mountain and Pacific...............
.......................
_ - -. ---------Total— _____________________________________________________

Federal Gov­
ernment
$10, 980, 717
25, 829, 946
24, 900, 101
8, 322, 441
35,889, 204
17, 425, 064
17, 755,172
141,102,645

State govern­
ments
$10, 562, 680
45, 525, 601
8, 445, 942
5, 489, 203
4, 415, 778
4, 617, 261
4, 876, 424
83, 932, 889

During the calendar year, 1931, the agencies of the Federal Govern­
ment from which reports were received awarded contracts for building
operations to cost $141,102,645. The contracts were issued by the
following Federal agencies: United States Capitol Architect; Bureau
of Yards and Docks, Navy Department; Supervising Architect,
Treasury Department; United States Veterans’ Bureau; and the Office
of Public Buildings and Public Parks. The contracts awarded by the
various State governments during the year 1931 totaled $83,932,889.
The cost of contracts by the Federal Government or by State
governments for buildings in cities having a population of 25,000 or
over is included in Tables 1 and 3.
Table 3 shows the estimated cost of new residential buildings, new
nonresidential buildings, and total building operations, together with
the number of families provided for in each of the 311 cities for the
calendar years 1930 and 1931.
103146°— 32------10

https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

638

MONTHLY LABOR R EV IEW

Reports were received from 49 cities in the New England States;
from 67 cities in the Middle Atlantic States; from 78 cities in the
East North Central States; from 24 cities in the West North Central
States; from 34 cities in the South Atlantic States; from 31 cities in
the South Central States; and from 28 cities in the Mountain and
Pacific States.
T l h LA 3 'V ^ ® Ti M A T E D C 0 S T OF N E W R E S ID E N T IA L B U IL D IN G S, N E W N O N R E ST D F V
AND"Iffll B Y W lT Y T 0 T A L C O N ST R U C TIO N , A N D FA M ILIE S P R O V ID E D FOR, 1930

N e w E n g la n d S ta te s
New residential buildings

State and city

Connecticut:
Bridgeport_______
Greenwich_______
Hartford_________
Meriden_________
N ew B rita in ..____
N ew H aven______
N ew London_____
Norwalk_________
Stamford_________
Waterbury_______
Maine:
Bangor___________
Lewiston_________
Portland__________
Massachusetts:
Boston 1__________
Brockton_________
Brookline_________
Cambridge________
Chelsea___________
Chicopee__________
Everett___________
Fall River________
Fitchburg_________
Haverhill_________
Holyoke__________
Lawrence_________
Lowell____________
L ynn_____________
M alden___________
Medford__________
N ew Bedford______
Newton___________
Pittsfield__________
Quincy____________
Revere____________
Salem_____________
Somerville_________
Springfield________
Taunton__________
W altham__________
Watertown________
Worcester_________
N ew Hampshire:
Manchester_______
Rhode Island:
Central Falls______
Cranston__________
East Providence___
Newport__________
Pawtucket________
Providence________
Woonsocket_______

Estimated cost

Families
provided
for in new
dwellings

1930

1930

1931

$1,447,47, $1, 723.75C
2,860, 20i
1,191, 501
623, 30i
546,100
282, 901
212, 850
313, 60C
170, 700
1, 587, 80C 2, 729,150
456, 681
294, 50C
1, 296, 75C
941, 650
971,10C
685, 70C
474,100
322, 700
155,100
151, 000
480,480

216,600
158, 700
404, 510

351
201
61
6"
42
23S
7C
165
10!
101
46
31
110

Estimated cost of
new nonresidential
buildings

Estimated cost of
total construction,
i n c l u d i n g alter­
ations and repairs

1931

1931

449
$732, 573
104
769, 605
116 4, 299, 898
45
327,122
27
406, 310
166 13,621,153
56 2,605, 555
160
736, 222
108 1, 292, 545
80 1, 217, 324
62
39
93

$570, 370 $2, 618,
633, 000 4, 335,
2,986, 675 6, 364,
879, 343
817,
678, 344
896,
6,153, 846 15,924,
1, 960, 873 3,138,
120,108 2, 365,
150,140 2, 621,
656, 202 2, 037,

377, 650
1, 010, 600
690, 586

213, 387
97, 925
598,581

560, 375 465, 262
1,199, 900 335,575
1,567,156 1,254,239

6,226, 700 7,462, 760 1,415 1,796 12,927, 294
395, 401
368,050
69
76
417, 720
2, 294, 500 1, 229, 500
231
93
952, 460
5, 547,143 1, 057, 850
159
137 4,402, 047
26, 50C
76, 700
6
16
108, 895
167, 200
106, 800
57
31
115, 360
183, 60C
148,900
53
45 1,185, 385
119, 490
28, 700
33
9
856, 786
108, 500
66, 950
22
18
732, 950'
111,975
45, 600
38
22
108, 835
208, 000
188, 000
37
24 1, 205, 620
70, 000
67,100
19
14
307,137
179, 900
203,450
42
41
581, 530
507, 600
707, 985
103
122 1, 924, 066
453, 500
602, 465
99
147
498, 305
1,280, 200 1, 403, 500
249
315
247, 660
123, 000
82, 500
15
14
654, 593
3,666, 400 3, 348,450
346
368 1, 223, 298
994,150
758, 250
185
157
678,118
1,187,125
891, 600
288
224 1, 204, 848
233, 500
124, 500
58
32
163, 950
330, 600
389,100
56
68
426, 415
165, 500
197, 700
49
51
932, 877
1, 200, 600
798, 275
284
192 3, 719, 508
95, 650
45, 750
27
17
56, 719
577,900
433, 850
124
84 1,085,110
437,100
603, 500
84
98
437, 270
1,603,425 1,301,950
294
225 3,437,872

21,454, 786
278, 864
506, 565
3,201, 639
179, 375
421, 689
1,189, 001
515, 499
25, 361
225, 800
401, 800
526, 523
261, 280
433, 320
195, 007
719, 875
210, 750
1,193, 002
481, 379
416, 035
53,435
186, 310
560, 805
1, 769, 350
189, 241
174, 665
1,127, 590
3, 716,175

26, 906, 300 33,968,003
1,113,417
829, 989
3, 687, 061 1,907,681
11,062, 711 4, 991, 235
202, 535
393, 338
354, 935
590, 314
1, 532, 490 1,447, 251
1,188, 691
697,105
879, 320
262, 286
340, 860
362, 689
1, 702, 995
766,175
617, 922
892, 476
1,146, 909
626, 875
2, 972, 201 1, 520, 597
1,133, 275
984,609
1, 656, 066 2, 242, 522
982, 463
471, 230
5,870,127 4, 881, 874
1, 854,171 1, 623, 306
2, 723, 641 1, 782, 920
702,101
279, 675
1,162, 440
942, 223
1, 380, 406
979, 765
5, 703, 263 2,948,114
596,841' 385, 627
1,806, 011
856, 763
964, 360 1, 840,400
6, 341, 063 5, 591, 791

250, 260

185,450

86

68

270,925

65, 500
1, 222, 300
728, 775
563, 600
679, 600
3,073, 500
62, 350

38,100
1, 008, 800
459, 825
205, 900
464,150
1, 681, 000
66, 500

22
273
133
45
149
446
22

11
227
92
45
75
282
16

58, 680
291,470
301, 065
302, 410
833, 745
4, 720,480
144, 220

333, 985

17,

597,
372,
268,
304,
3, 620,
170,

764, 802
164, 545
1, 596, 555
1, 273, 938
1, 186, 545
1, 847,125
10,742,334
311,816

Total, N ew Eng­
land___________ 16, 241, 528 36,447, 870 7, 211 6,757 75, 602, 766 61,998,899
148,918,876
Per cent of change_____
—21. 2
-1 8 .0

1 Applications filed.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

753,354
239, 760
846, 875
205, 773
999, 902
490, 991
326, 043
443, 818
035,450
186, 827

825, 633

639

HOUSING

T able 3 —E ST IM A T E D COST OF N E W R E S ID E N T IA L B U IL D IN G S, N E W N O N R E S ID E N -

T IA L B U IL D IN G S , TO T A L C O N ST R U C TIO N , A N D FA M ILIE S P R O V ID E D FOR, 1930
A N D 1931, BY C ITY—Continued

M i d d le A t l a n t i c S ta te s
N ew residential buildings

State and city

Estimated cost

1930
N ew Jersey:
Atlantic C ity -.
Bayonne ______
Bloomfield
Camden______
C lifton _______
East Orange-- -Elizabeth. _
Hoboken____ - Irvington------ - -Jersey C ity--------Kearny__________
M ontclair-____-Newark __ N ew Brunswick,
Orange___________
Passaic.-- ______
Paterson .. ___ -Perth Amboy______
Plainfield____ ___
Trenton _____
Union City - West N ew York— N ew York:
Albany__________
Amsterdam__ _
Auburn ___ - Binghamton . .
Buffalo____
Elmira— __ ____
Jamestown_____
Kingston - - - - M ount Vernon
Newburgh - -----N ew Rochelle— —
N ew York—•
The Bronx 1___
B rooklyn1-- —
Manhattan 1----Queens1--- ---Richmond 1 ---Niagara Falls----- Poughkeepsie - _ Rochester-- - ------Schenectady. — —
Syracuse..- — _
T r o y ____________
Utica________ Watertown----- -----White Plains---- -Y onkers_______ Pennsylvania:
Allentown------------Altoona-. _ ---------Bethlehem — - - Butler------------------Chester
Easton— _ — _
Erie.-. --_ ----------Harrisburg- Hazleton —
Johnstown .
Lancaster.------Lebanon
McKeesport-------N ew Castle
Norristown,
Philadelphia _____
Pittsburgh________

1931

Families
provided
for in new
dwellings
1930

1931

1930

1931

Estimated cost of
total construction,
including altera­
tions and rerepairs

1930

1931

$264,615
50
448, 050
16
213
733, 500
52 1,651, 272
208
336, 770
46 1, 694, 938
157 1, 514, 900
40
280, 025
99 1,164,780
183 10,407, 265
393,427
67
99
654,170
357 6, 657,138
630, 590
16
567, 620
9
12 1, 526, 972
722, 619
99
20
853, 227
92
727,842
50 1,810, 527
487, 300
57
114, 700
14

$130, 327 $1,400, 607 $842,991
299, 373
791, 750
447, 774
465, 200 2,460, 000 1, 557, 300
816,315 2, 582,097 1,130,140
301, 679 1,492,435 1, 296, 519
726, 656 2, 627, 236 1,411, 280
1,714,900 2, 383,900 2, 347,900
239, 810
827, 763
567, 297
975, 373 1, 700, 480 1, 749, 092
690,146 12,167, 252 1, 990, 778
842, 832
458, 398
758, 993
146,246 1,939, 867 1, 387,100
2,612,017 12,379,194 6,455, 993
970, 260
407, 532
40,856
487, 271
119, 268 1, 527,847
208, 935 2,098, 698
604,165
557,630 2, 088,193 1, 547, 540
48,674 1, 245,477
237, 587
375, 711 1, 643, 295 1, 341, 833
1,471, 767 2,448, 741 2, 420, 861
887, 265 1,074, 899
733, 698
19, 800
241, 025
181, 798

4,720, 555
838,175
567, 290
1,003, 563
9,975, 375
864,424
152, 260
453,115
679, 713
844,417
1, 698,479

3, 279,082 9, 004, 273 6, 060, 801
82, 565
991,900
219, 815
2,860, 801 1,134,013 3,145, 221
108, 008 2, 255,199
969,397
5,102, 529 14, 824, 861 9, 338,432
778, 533 1,826,173 1,099, 546
441, 380
782,854
739, 769
862,132 1,032, 894
640, 527
1, 394, 530 4,197,164 3, 818,877
1, 350,458 1, 217, 847 1, 536,445
641,121 5, 668, 994 4, 340,041

35,937,452 7,012 8, 537 19, 563,659
43,941,875 9, 275 10, 837 18, 761,510
18, 873,000 8,669 2,585 107, 533, 888
53, 985, 538 10, 495 12,716 26, 357, 323
731 1, 061 3,156, 563
3,684, 090
164 1,900, 533
218
707, 290
63, 582
48
484, 000
66
262
1,192, 40C
166 4, 252, 329
477,975
169
90 3,481,290
432
26C 1, 709, 818
1, 345, 30C
121 2, 239, 961
9t
1, 236, 090
82
517, 821
425, 25C
90
U
22
147,005
93,325
297
2, 010, 36f
276 2,466, 249
2,
037,532
1,042
1,
021
6,937,165

25,606,925 56,115,642 65, 399, 250
19,334,126 70, 631,906 75, 534,443
94,267,255 198,445,431 137,371,067
15, 352, 899 77, 343, 961 76, 754, 035
2, 764, 736 7,628, 849 7, 805, 281
172,860 3, 735, 648 1, 249, 013
744, 667 2, 572, 308
1,929, 395
4,227, 737 8,011,253 6, 303,172
433, 055 5, 338, 906 1, 299, 668
4, 007, 180 5, 398, 584 6, 999, 959
682, 755 3, 023, 593 2, 201, 274
466, 023 1,349, 917 1,134,236
434, 825
37, 030
266,121
4, 032, 530 6,179,319 6, 334,160
2,520, 710 9, 887, 352 10, 013, 915

29
104
344
159
247
85
222
4
102
238
103
69
750
21
96
24
139
32
81
38
41
2

$149,150
230, 800
1,483, 500
486, 900
1,088,150
504, 900
842, 000
27, 500
449, 850
888, 000
404, 000
930,950
3, 542,190
97,400
662, 500
163, 500
583, 500
144, 950
656, 334
203, 700
170,000
16,000

$216, 673
35, 500
1,010, 500
124, 300
911, 500
253,450
628,000
100,000
442,112
605, 800
267, 300
1, 094, 440
1, 701, 300
99,833
85, 856
57, 500
417, 750
97, 570
719, 550
404,150
115,000
36, 800

2,834, 700
128,000
496,150
677,130
3,493, 465
740,150
415, 962
217, 800
2,922,900
153,850
3,112,646

311
217
1,916,490
26
17
100, 200
39
28
173, 200
161
90
370, 675
3,212, 475 1,072 1,029
40
32
135, 917
93
36
144, 700
41
52
232, 400
481
303
2,095,100
23
18
104, 800
228
191
2, 788, 050

29,348,900
41, 545,100
59, 269, 000
44, 779, 260
3,169,125
905, 775
35!, 900
2, 356, 940
1, 351, 300
2, 501,90C
542, 250
563, 350
58, 800
3,138,100
7, 078, 600

Estimated cost of
new nonresidential
buildings

968, 261
427, 569 2,270, 422
750, 855
277, 200
97
45
858, 40(
745, 356
465,150 1,369, 459
35
616, 503
129,871
75
477, 550
442, 569
531, 770
120, 375 1,065, 400
35
6i
379,125
220, 700
197,022
78, 250
31, 650
78, 00C
21
13,100
4
63, 075
681, 320
563, 275 1,139, 061
817, 636
3'
11
49, 000
124, 400
568, 981
184, 867
58, 238
121, 007
15
6
244, 700
59,167
944, 874 3, 302, 453 2, 711,048
22] 1, 287,461
888,900
201
1,150, 400
631, 637 2,518, 808 2, 001, 061
55 1, 037, 68]
848,958
77
845, 750
498, 278
548, 771
348, 691
22
177, 94'
94, 718
27
210, 512
605, 368
418, 460
695, 520
323,17(
18
1(
91, 800
70, 050
537, 823
165, 643 1,380, 976
28
489, 705
41
634, 301
106, 40(
744, 625
153,450
31, 90C
21
528, 525
12
143, 40C
105, 500
631,890
177, 873 1,051, 533
5'
317, 608
442, 400
281,15C
s:
521, 895
246, 885
47, 315
41
3C
126, 05C
325, 000
153, 25C
781,978
440, 795 1, 331, 052
633, 255
80
30
479,200
199,295
8,902,100 5, 298,975 1, 74' 1,028 34,850,05f 26, 006, 8L 53,141, 770 35, 265,216
911 9,955, 505 12, 578,88' 20, 729, 727119, 386,135
6,620,135) 4,050, 735 1, 341

1 Applications filed,


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

640

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

T a b l e 3 .—E S T IM A T E D COST OF N E W R E S ID E N T IA L B U IL D IN G S , N E W N O N R E S ID E N -

TIAL B U IL D IN G S , T O T A L C O N ST R U C T IO N , A N D FA M IL IE S P R O V ID E D FO R 1930
A N D 1931, B Y C IT Y —Continued

M i d d le A t l a n t i c S ta te s — Continued
N ew residential buildings

State and city

Pennsyl vania—C on.
Reading___ _____
Scranton______ . . .
Wilkes-Barre
Wilkinsburg
Williamsport.
_
Y ork................

Estimated cost

Families
provided
for in new
dwellings

1930

1930

1931

$740,250
373,125
152, 602
392, 750
247, 000
278, 300

$383,100
281, 924
71,174
143, 500
73, 930
260,100

119
49
39
79
36
56

1931

Estimated cost of
new nonresidential
buildings

1930

1931

Estimated cost of
total construction,
including altera­
tions and repairs

1930

1931

49 $1,190, 406 $1, 940,422 $2, 473, 571 $2,772, 226
63 2,061,820
587, 712 3,189, 548 1, 377, 650
37 1,225, 594
751,057 1,668, 716 1,170, 036
31
217, 714
77, 040
842, 215
347, 217
20
860,117
386, 203 1,278, 302
618, 555
45 1,020, 718
276,160 1, 678, 736
792, 003

Total, M iddle A t­
lantic
____
250, 055,101 206, 090, 707 48, 641 44,837 308,847,779 253,145,275 657,439,547 536,833,718
Per cent of change..
-1 7 .6
- 7 .8
-1 8 .0
-1 8 .3

E a s t N o r th C e n tra l S ta te s
Illinois:
A lton_______
Aurora______
Belleville____
Bloomington..
Chicago_____
Cicero_______
Danville_____
Decatur_____
East St. Louis.
E lgin________
E vanston____
.1oliet________
Moline______
Oak Park____
Peoria_______
Quincy______
Rockford_____
Rock Island__
Springfield___
Indiana:
Anderson____
East Chicago..
Elkhart______
E vansville___
Fort W a y n e...
Gary_________
Hamm ond___
Indianapolis...
Kokomo_____
Marion______
M uncie______
Richmond____
South Bend__
Terre H a u te ...
Michigan:
Battle C reek...
Bay C ity ------D etroit_______
Flint_________
Grand R apids.
Hamtramck__
Highland Park.
Jackson______
Kalamazoo___
Lansing......... .
M uskegon____
Pontiac______
Port Huron___
Saginaw______
Ohio:
Akron________
Ashtabula____
Canton_______
Cincinnati........


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

$377, 623
411, 594
481, 850
374, 000
25,871, 750
373, 300
199, 693
408, 900
696, 430
354, 05(
939, 000
590, 500
530, 770
455, 300
1,832, 550
624,400
1, 233, 200
454,100
654,150
400, 550
159, 026
203, 440
667, 050
1, 554, 425
519, 800
596, 580
2, 737, 430
49, 070
33, 550
152, 267
223, 050
1, 390, 950
188, 000

$160,073
58
181,002
82
283, 070
107
130, 000
68
6, 624, 630 2,741
155, 300
57
62, 600
47
280, 600
79
366, 204
207
228, 940
72
551, 000
63
334,800
88
259, 750
112
331, 400
55
1,176, 780
408
64, 700
68
277, 700
341
177, 750
132
670, 687
151

22
$432, 017
$151,849 $1,096, 697 $479, 793
35
715, 296 1,032, 065 1,401,762 1,404,177
81
241, 952
110, 960
748, 892
421, 610
2
278, 648
557, 700
700, 648
711, 700
966 54, 615, 250 54,121, 650 85, 749,167 66, 693, 556
23
533, 641
821, 035 1,117,349 1,070, 903
18
85,835
58, 500
378, 347
280, 954
45 1,476, 245
427, 430 1,991,015
781,190
140
542, 310
584,884 1,364,613 1,052, 463
44
245, 758
236, 015
735, 716
611, 257
36 1, 308, 250 1,928, 500 3,103, 450 3,251,250
50 1,415, 915
357,119 2,471,040 1,024,864
61
660,158
122, 689 1,381,154
506, 962
27 1, 203, 350
797,450 1, 861,455 1,249, 283
259 1,152,840
931, 212 3,436, 495 2, 515, 070
24
373, 474 1, 358, 505 1,031, 674 1,446, 665
73
997, 560
70, 037 2,907, 530
647, 062
52
158,141
249, 229 1, 328, 208
593, 935
156 2, 063, 963 1,147,014 3,179,424 2, 329, 262

152, 570
11, 200
72, 900
366, 685
739, 450
198, 300
155,480
2,006, 800
11, 500
19, 380
76, 300
92,000
216, 025
50, 250

43
3
16
97
155
56
40
399
4
12
34
25
54
18

51
37
43
174
313
131
152
615
17
18
47
76
193
50

131,844
1,447,418
209, 814
675, 959
1,065, 377
334, 360
1,077, 611
3,447, 740
92, 329
236, 375
172,132
321,340
1, 995,485
281,890

271, 300
106, 200
72
27 3, 590, 215
306, 500
196, 000
54
57
505, 342
22, 755, 238 10,569, 547 4,084 2,135 19, 074, 600
1, 664, 663
740, 804
360
128 1, 776,198
861, 900
399,100
231
113 1,151,835
78, 700
6,000
21
2 1,066, 410
337, 000
8,500
5
1
179, 225
286, 500
94, 075
61
17
108, 750
468, 725
238, 000
102
65
466, 451
533, 189
175, 975
137
43 1,157, 696
234, 450
76,800
81
28
721, 382
175, 340
10,000
50
6 1,000, 720
73, 550
99, 525
32
47
32, 565
566,517
151, 760
193
58 1,758, 291
4,919, 330
105, 900
501, 500
15, 273, 482

42,100
513, 318
127, 698
589, 622
2,132, 909
634,120
3,059, 498
6, 535, 572
95, 744
51, 665
262, 074
493,800
962, 364
53, 492

610,162
1,801,145
527, 274
1,761,184
3, 099, 086
1,176, 840
1,875, 733
7,451, 293
262, 965
393, 204
443,863
621, 652
3, 708, 609
686, 610

311, 715
604, 954
290, 986
1.187, 550
3.187, 530
982,885
3,314, 474
9,338, 800
245, 673
146, 631
449, 434
646, 000
1, 328, 615
227, 507

573, 290 3,963, 605
835,165 1,269, 864
8, 739, 477 48, 369, 293
902,197 3, 993, 708
402,150 2, 921, 975
45, 810 1,298, 536
36,135
624, 440
225, 948
697, 792
684, 859 1,171, 550
801, 767 2,064, 747
307, 002 1,195, 423
261,040 1,280,121
194, 385
149, 290
222, 962 2, 690,423

742,177
618,960
435,193
965, 673
147, 250
120, 785
117, 290
409, 580
084,828
209, 057
448, 612
341, 399
352, 585
485, 270

514, 775
372
105 2,989,455
586, 205 8,776,754 1, 938,716
61,850
29
17
153, 730
100, 706
344,835
219,028
102,250
95
21
874, 674
359, 865 1,585,196
639,946
6, 69'1, 790 1, 693 1,235 16, 252, 970 12, 521, 445 33,160, 609 21, 467, 200

641

H O U SIN G

T'artf
E ST IM A T E D COST OF N E W R E S ID E N T IA L B U IL D IN G S , N E W N O N R E S ID E N TIA L B U IL D IN G S7 TO TAL C O N ST R U C TIO N , A N D FA M ILIE S P R O V ID E D FOR, 1930
A N D 1931, B Y CITY—Continued

E a s t N o r th C e n tra l S ta te s — Continued
N ew residential buildings

State and city

Estimated cost

1931

1930

Estimated cost of
new nonresidential
buildings

Families
provided
for in new
dwellings

1930

1931

1930

Estimated
total con struction,
includin ? alterations anc repairs

1931

1930

1931

Ohio—Continued.
511 $21,037,067 $4,614,674 $32, 554,467 $11,991,074
Cleveland _______ $6, 202, 300 $2,592, 700 1,176
300 1,413, 650 1,156, 750 5,616,100 3,369,450
575
Columbus_________ 3,188,400 1,678, 700
173 4,259,166 1, 735, 663 5,958, 274 2,895,432
213
746,812
913, 775
Dayton _________
761,906
843,404
730, 937
85, 689
1
56
5,000
712, 200
East Cleveland-----467,472
283,163 1, 552, 153
937, 064
23
81
90,900
361,950
Hamilton ______
797,424
1,481,992
273,
670
369,
398
88
248
469,
80C
1,039, 800
Cake wood________
100, 294
12,380 1,017, 506
867, 947
3
11
9, 20C
51, 300
Lima _ _________
278,019
652,133
137,619
334,
373
30
83
103,925
276, 050
Lorain
_______
744,446
717,838
246,885
158, 767
81
97
450, 05C
437, 850
M ansfield______
24, 398
612,110
12,360
537, 925
1
14
3,000
49, 800
Marion __ ______
176, 600
225,
215
114, 250
126,070
20
29
48, 350
75, 900
Newark
________
451,
459
373,
942
411,
023
168,
496
2
31
3,80(
158,
650
Portsm ou th______
777,155 1,193, 852
885,104
245,180
40
91
188, 650
409, 500
Springfield______203,
340
835,
345
55,
565
406,
570
28
68
101,800
300,
500
Steubenville ______
135 6,367, 638 1,086, 314 10,404, 771 2, 294,985
612,500
372
1,454, 435
T o le d o ___________
334, 835
678,
340
101,835
171,845
30
93
123,
675
310,
245
W arren
_____459, 054 2,801, 434 1,463, 711
84 1,678, 782
362,750
163
729,405
Youngstown _____
345,095
213, 039
274,928
97,414
20
39
50,125 ;
99, 750
Zanesville________
Wisconsin:
376, 736
399,
608
176,
234
113,431
42
144,325j
37
211,
500
Fond du Lac____
959, 061
289, 045 1, 368, 558
706, 235
141
474,600
113
422,150
Green Pay _______
646, 369
351, 565 1,483,907
569,843
20
153,100
78
757, 030
Kenosha ________
384, 272 2, 34 ,852 1, 344, 877
935, 361
135
710,300,
179
1,086, 050
Madison ______
92S 11,880,438 5,388,843 25,285, 322 12,634, 264
Milwaukee________ 6,961, 332 4,319,900 1,729
712, 335
746, 297
460, 075
334, 541
52
150,833j
60
233,955
Oshkosh
_______
3,924, 208 1, 756, 596
47 2, 533, 968 1,288, 25
298,400:
17^
877, 445
Racine
- -- -1,
111, 104
1,
407,165
433,
561
574,
019
7
C
369,900
98
486, 500
Sheboygan. . .
262,146
969,101
130, 13t
680, 460
2C
76,400|
47
165,450
Superior---------------Total, East North
209, 653 214 775 539
Central
____ 123,125,354 51,068, 272 20,48C 10,23^ 190,442,123 129,912,38, 361,
-4 0 .5
—31. ______
-5 8 .5
- 5 0 . 0 _________
1
1

W e st N o r th C e n tra l S ta te s
Iowa:
Burlington____
Cedar R apids..
Council Bluffs.
Davenport-----Des Moines—
Dubuque------Ottumwa____
Sioux C ity----Waterloo_____
Kansas:
Hutchinson__
Kansas C ity ...
Topeka---------Wichita______
Minnesota:
D ulu th---------M inneapolis...
St. P a u l..........
Missouri:
Joplin_______
Kansas C ity ..
Springfield----St. Joseph___
St. Louis..........
Nebraska:
Lincoln--------Omaha______
South Dakota:
Sioux Falls---Central___
Per cent of change.

$91, 230
345, 700
111, 000
1,5011490
i; 106', 895
' 319, 986
214' 800
2 ,015Ì 500
485,025

$65, 725
470, 005
119, 500
485,920
1, 226, 595
202, 977
243, 400
782, 950
446, 975

18
91
32
168
225
62
48
179
137

21
139
41
128
323
56
61
222
111

$543,935
1, 210, 337
465, 250
509, 386
2, 620, 645
1,000, 066
219,100
1,075, 000
578, 950

$126, 285
844,957
207,100
213, 732
1,429, 352
119, 782
187, 375
516, 605
214, 543

$813,875
2,032, 213
769, 550
2,462, 330
4,011,153
1,480, 369
527,460
3,411,875
1, iyi, 385

392,485
521,800
426,800
2,855,140

166,125
262, 000
341,150
997, 780

105
187
92
736

62
127
81
304

1, 321,789
714, 645
1,882,853
2,953,415

114,823
331, 811
1, 848, 335
1,102,834

326, 539
1,894, Oil
1, 35U, U53
667,172
2,425,138 2,305, 468
6,307,617 2,340, 208

275,805
5,126, 205
2,830, 632

95
82
369,386
4,941,625 1,355 1,265
397
402
2,078,910

1,090,010
5,668,910
6, 232,388

119, 715 2,167,954
5,978, 305 13,449,340
9,135, 567 10,682,039

146, 700
4,025, 500
' 306,825
246, 550
5, 710, 520

28
36
69, 800
423
864
1, 572, 500
9f
116
231,150
4C
96
108, 500
5, 512, 337 1,618 1,491

492,318
9, 740, 041
359, 740
1,166,861
8, 336, 667

529,483
843,939
382,303
4,920,150 15,663, 491 8, 290, 500
1,861, 605 1,115, 225 2,282,635
431, 303.
203, 235 1,619, 511
9, 096, 518 17,321,832 16,619,809

$245,206
1, 606,422
439, 800
1, 252,421
3, 032,641
482,103
607, 675
1, 571,425
783, 593

948,488

552,450
906, 775

642,925
1,370,675

98
208

114
334

902, 692
3,479, 797

930,896
1,891,438

1, 597,734 1, 744, 736
5,121,226 3,914, 556

932, 317

880, 263

255

232

767,149

1, 046,700

2, 001,363 2,106,272

821
. 31,448,13C 23,589,173 7 ,21C 6,198 53,331,944 42,823,966 100, 260,683 77, 569,
- 22.6
-19.
-25. ___ —14. ______


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

642

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

T able 3.—E S T IM A T E D COST OF N E W R E S ID E N T IA L B U IL D IN G S, N E W N O N R E S ID E N T#9 T k L C O N ST R U C TIO N , A N D F A M IL IE S P R O V ID E D FOR, 1930
A N D 1931, B Y C ITY—Continued

S o u th A tl a n t ic S ta te s
N ew residential buildings
State and city

Delaware:
Wilmington_____
District of Columbia:
Washington_____
Florida:
Jacksonville_____
M iam i__________
St. Petersburg___
Tampa_____ ____
Georgia:
Atlanta_________
Augusta_________
Columbus_______
Macon__________
Savannah________
Maryland:
Baltimore_______
Cumberland_____
Hagerstown______
North Carolina:
Asheville________
Charlotte________
Durham_________
Greensboro______
W ilmington_____
Winston-Salem___
South Carolina:
Charleston_______
Columbia_______
Greenville.______
Virginia:
Lynchburg______
Newport N ew s___
Norfolk__________
Petersburg_______
Portsmouth______
Richmond_______
Roanoke_________
West Virginia:
Charleston_______
Clarksburg_______
Huntington______
Wheeling________
Total, South A t­
lantic_________
Per cent of change___. . .

Estimated cost

Families
provided
for in new
dwellings

1930

1930

1931

Estimated cost of
new nonresidential
buildings

1931

1931

Estimated cost of
total construction,
including altera­
tions and repairs
1930

1931

$1, 861, 070 $1, 054, 050

217 $2, 347,741 $1, 360,212 $4,917,012 3, 297, 387
14,987,000 20, 626,489 1,962 3,606 28,151, 738 26,421,864 48, 823,891 52, 588,151
488,075
461, 550
186
160 1,134, 200
739,190 2, 410, 265 1, 847, 400
467, 650
604, 405
114
167
628, 550 1,652, 848 1, 916, 885 3,096, 649
412, 700
373, 300
73
160, 650
91, 300
797,400
676,994
151, 730
140,975
91
65
819, 575
270, 865 1, 302,
740, 820

6'

1,680, 504
336, 010
272, 525
82, 235
343.150

1, 063,185
148, 789
91, 650
91, 725
232, 600

7,240,800
157,112
233,000

8,363,000 1,484 1,953 12,826,185
73, 535
47
24
45, 814
121, 250
43
33
298, 064

714
124
91
45
94

423
77
36
41
94

5,203,175
170, 094
338, 577
413, 605
623, 890

1, 223, 365
430, 767
83, 604
86, 860
46, 607

8,445,
3,470, 577
715, 330
732, 406
711, 496
273,193
776, 527
563, 566
1, 068, 610
450, 271

9,429, 600 27, 820, 785 24,690, 799
191, 530
250,453
292, 989
73, 415
572, 018
245, 550

74, 500
1, 245, 378
569, 243
285.150
172, 600
455, 400

20, 700
808, 098
203, 350
143,659
177, 000
233,

23
317
114
61
52
130

18
203
71
32
42
53

198, 060
989, 224
390,112
258, 894
439, 700
854, 755

61, 516
224, 495
366, 490
766,934
146, 400
337, 695

442, 282
233, 949
2, 587, 630 1, 318, 499
1, 046, 810
693, 080
766,185 1, 134, 739
693,150
481, 350
1,602,448
852,487

161, 068
792, 625
269,160

159, 363
456, 623
333, 600

56
152
72

49
177
72

784, 525
914, 945
537,576

124, 893
1,437, 727
78,900

1,102, 690
414, 295
1,902, 760 2, 072, 587
1, 055, 275
492, 348

630, 847
287, 248
855,820
130, 675
176, 800
995, 416
537, 910

410,308
173, 849
987,168
46,105
139, 945
1, 039,128
696, 825

101

101

61
262
18
45
191
67

816,152
714, 763
1,457, 030
34, 505
216, 820
3, 877, 266
1, 824,294

260, 652
311, 809
255, 003
62,153
38, 718
1, 326, 479
320, 329

1, 635, 523
876, 570
1, 316, 473
751, 671
2, 603, 327 1,640, 023
213, 667
136, 363
542, 035
334, 826
5,951, 200 3,054,184
2, 605,874 1,112, 713

803, 283
41, 500
553, 300
219, 650

396,074
94, 550
87, 900
187, 330

217
18
56
45

109
36
30
44

5,822,841
384, 900
161, 722
507, 412

319, 064
536, 690
953, 564
302, 480

6,880, 506 1, 050, 398
514, 470
752, 010
769, 622 1, 095, 839
1,120, 604
644, 664

114
91
220

37
71
227

37,971,134 40,241,944 7,609 8,644 74,347, 354 50,334,018 135,881,151
112,109,347
+ 6.0
+13.6
-3 2 .3
-1 7 .5

S o u t h C e n tr a l S ta te s
Alabama:
B irm ingham ...
Mobile_______
M ontgomery . . .
Arkansas:
Little Rock___
Kentucky:
Covington____
Lexington_____
Louisville_____
Newport______
Paducah______
Louisiana:
Baton R ouge...
New Orleans...
Shreveport____
Oklahoma:
Muskogee_____
Oklahoma City.
Okmulgee_____
T u ls a ................


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

$381,036
361, 775
563, 200

$193, 585
216, 650
517,900

166
191
280

1, 041,910

349, 355

283

84

534,376

2,191, 206

2, 251,437 2,
2,770, 775

272, 500
228, 430
2, 329, 900
67, 800
146, 940

137, 200
134,750
1, 007, 800
12, 200
51,900

67
85
428
17
84

39
56
156
3
32

171, 050
758,152
3, 761, 060
108, 300
177,125

444, 060
425, 532
3, 830, 655
60, 800
120,830

628, 900
761, 071
1, 223, 819
692, 977
6, 937,105 5,, 585, 415
213, 865
116, 300
332,470
178, 091

192,174
1,177, 790
470,904

402,801
1, 017, 799
250, 969

73
258
171

108
349
143

498, 858
4, 209, 552
447, 601

247,429
3, 638, 780
864, 536

858,164
849, 026
6 ,487¡ 118 5,
1, 541,829 i,

52, 600
8, 618, 825
1, 000
3, 874, 395

116, 200
24
4, 225, 975 2,005
0
1
1, 513,409
943

94 $1, 342, 847 $1, 084, 787 $2,419,983 $1,
102
446,841
474, 538 1,100, 220
881, 377
240
358,592
115, 795 lj 274» 072
819, 750

18
467, 894
41, 575
567, 554
172, 600
879 16, 702, 356 14, 256, 206 26,412', 100 19, 18, 975
0
19, 735
5, 746
39, 540
9,941
377 3, 731,226 2,455, 743 8, 356,095 4,

643

HOUSING

T able 3.—E S T IM A T E D COST OF N E W R E S ID E N T IA L B U IL D IN G S, N E W N O N R E S ID E N T IA L B U IL D IN G S , T O T A L C O N ST R U C TIO N , A N D FA M ILIE S P R O V ID E D FOR, 1930
A N D 1931, B Y C IT Y —Continued

S o u th A tl a n t ic S ta te s — Continued
N ew residential buildings

State and city

Estimated cost

1931

1930
Tennessee:
Chattanooga..
Knoxville____
M emphis____
Nashville........
Texas:
Austin______
Beaumont___
Dallas_______
El Paso______
Fort W orth ...
Galveston____
Houston_____
Port Arthur...
San A nton io..
Waco________
Wichita Falls.
Total, South Cen­
tral___________
Per cent of change_____

$961,675
784,167'
3,862, 730

,

1 002,000

1,132,081
722,611
2,460, 230
1,481, 502
2, 262, 499
420, 365
9, 702, 815
610, 059
2,601, 672
339, 208
121, 040

Families
provided
for in new
dwellings
1930

1931

$360, 065
223
250,460
238
536, 510 1,057
838,625
358
1,077,
201 ,

1,948,
579,
1, 766,
366,
7,828,
102,

1,181,
238,
19,

Estimated cost of
new nonresidential
buildings

1930

123 $1, 345, 759
90 2,654,138
227 4,107,634
279 3,848,305

493
573
91
267
947
996
184
470
495
626
145
127
2,227 1,793
244
50
668
1,135
106
30

1,836, 681
1,044,986
6, 786, 709
1,072,468
7,446, 738
1,026,915
7,072, 791
1, 579, 302
5,023,175
421, 235
660, 263

1931

Estimated cost of
total construction,
including altera­
tions and repairs

1930

1931

$342,988 $2,934,150 $1,229,970
665,648 3, 626,768 1,034, 567
1, 576,695 9,501,481 3, 334, 353
3,112,815 5,517,037 4,403,401
1,077,351 3, 335,
548,916 2, 606,
1,104, 464 11,027,
152, 661 2, 937,
4,081,812 10,463,
1,918, 058 1, 717,
3,707, 959 17, 264,
661,210 2,429,
1,674,897 8,487,
1,389, 791 1,154,
544,471 1,104,

471, 381
020, 921
348, 093
948, 570
345,185
542, 849
863, 071
904,670
271, 544
778, 552
639,189

48,245,833 27,444,163 13,673 8,439 79,662,664 52,817,9541 44, 751,8949 1,445, 374
-4 3 .1
-3 8 .3
-3 3 .7
-3 6 .8

M o u n t a in a n d P a c ific S ta te s
Arizona:
Phoenix_____ . . . .
Tucson__________ .
California:
Alameda__________
Berkeley__________
Fresno__________
Long Beach_____
Los Angeles_____ _
Oakland__ _____ _
_____
Pasadena.
Sacram ento... . . .
San Diego_________
San Francisco... . .
San Jose__ ____ _ .
S to ck to n _____ _ .
V allejo.......................
Colorado:
Colorado Springs___
Denver . . . ___ _
Pueblo____________
Montana:
B utte_____________
Great Falls......... .......
Oregon:
Portland_______ . .
Utah:
Ogden___ _______
Salt Lake C ity_____
Washington:
Bellingham
_____
Everett _______ _
Seattle__________ .
Spokane__
. .
Tacoma___________
Total, M ountain
and Pacific____
Per cent of change__ _

$1,023, 215
761, 768

$715, 010
560, 938

222 $1,954, 673 $1, 208, 679 $3, 275, 852 $2,109, 735
186
958, 361
549, 593 2, 033, 994 1,481, 381

410
191

466, 450
259, 100
221, 610
145
62
981, 138
249, 378
676, 547
1, 721, 014
961, 312
345
216
753, 847
595, 921 2, 985, 789 1, 900, 019
395, 050
531, 220
107
132
452, 871
124, 587 1, 332, 714 1, 007, 396
5, 663, 305 2, 629, 400 1,993
995 6, 599, 920 1, 280,135 13, 058, 035 4, 471, 600
33, 201, 363 19, 397, 887 11.437 6, 600 31,451, 568 14, 525, 977 75, 356, 715 41, 421, 685
4,165, 034 2, 798, 373 1, 231
777 3, 515, 231 3, 420, 050 9, 085, 238 7, 223, 345
2,163, 861 1, 279, 059
214
195 2, 611, 916 2,165, 334 5, 886, 328 4, 459, 865
388
1, 459, 483 1, 553, 105
313 1, 018, 835 1, 722, 894 3, 028, 756 3, 787, 394
2, 988, 775 2, 342, 677
829
627 1, 672, 216 2, 468, 511 5, 425, 922 5, 811, 456
9, 504, 560 9, 323, 885 2,206 2,441 9, 973, 490 10,016, 377 22,414, 449 21, 442, 434
1, 101, 965
773, 810
185
662, 585 3, 402, 840 1, 803, 418
200 1, 933, 980
349, 450
620, 663
100
914, 378 1, 296, 295 1, 736, 709
146
688, 041
123, 550
93, 525
28
32
154, 052
101, 771
337, 663
301, 136
259, 575
2, 535,450
135,800

98, 675
3, 637, 300
80, 950

56
613
61

43
994
45

485, 207
3, 385, 450
185, 588

145, 697
2,115, 421
239, 458

28,073
395, 785

450
375, 750

67
103

1
93

336, 831
718, 450

297, 256
506, 670

3,900, 595

2, 548, 540

866

539

5,311, 345

3,076, 553 12,063, 305 7,155, 715

260, 875
1,885, 300

100, 900
1,316, 738

113
554

47
442

611, 578
1,974, 970

68, 820
1, 743, 717

269, 550
178, 60C
11, 633, 985
1, 226, 500
1, 045, 000

114, 800
108
43
353, 510
46, 200
71
19
366, 330
3, 486, 605 2,583 1, 139 15, 649, 758
784, 050
328
216 1, 751, 359
463, 500
347
185 2, 552, 785

926, 322
387, 963
7, 648, 450 6, 827, 976
538, 222
453, 716
396, 048
1, 284, 692

320, 328
983, 905

1, 009, 578
250, 890
4, 274,493 3, 461, 620

140, 160
743, 325
358, 840
26,150
830, 365
168,121
6, 968, 010 30, 355, 973 12,483, 492
971, 885 3, 640, 843 2, 176, 405
1,189, 120 4, 069, 518 2, 002, 015

88, 813, 906 56, 924, 447 25, 679 16, 950 97, 643, 772 57, 555,087 217, 682,862 136,665,106
-3 5 . 9
-3 4 .0
-4 1 .1
-37. 2

H a w a ii
Honolulu____ _____ _ . $1, 940, 995 $2, 218, 734
Per cent of change_____
+14.3


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827

864¡ $3, 940, 555 $1,170, 479! $6, 388, 272
+4. 5 ________
-70. 3

WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR
H ours a n d E arn in gs in th e F u rn itu r e In d u stry , 1931

UMMARIES of average hours and earnings of wage earners in
t le furniture industry m the United States, as computed by the
LSuieau ot Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor from
wage figures collected by the bureau in a study of the industry in
1931, are presented m Table 1 of this report along with similar aver­
ages for a study m each of the years, 1910 to 1913, 1915, and 1929
Index numbers of each of tne averages with the 1913 average as the
T ! (LOI\ 100 are a^ 0 shown m the table. A later report as a bulletin
of the bureau will furnish 1931 wage figures in more detail than can
be given m this article.
^all-thne hours per week for the wage earners included in
the study of the industry m 1931 were 51.8—one-tenth hour per week
less than the average for 1929, and 5.6 hours per week less than the
average lor 1915. Average earnings per hour for 1931 were 41.1
cents, or 7.9 cents per hour less than the average for 1929 and 19 7
cents more per hour than the average for 1915. Average full-time
foU1929
? 9Q and
Pe$ $9.05
" ° more
r 1931
?2V29
Iess for
than1915
the average
tor
perwere
week
than or
the*4-14
average
. J h<f a^ a g e s for 1931, 1929, and 1915 for all occupations in the
industry are comparable, one year with another, but are not com­
parable with the averages for wage earners in selected occupations
for the years, 1910 to 1913 and 1915, because the latter include only
a specified part of the occupations, while the former include all
occupations m the industry.
The index numbers furnish comparable figures for the industry one
specified year with another from 1910 to 1931. The index for each
tj1®years from 1910 to 1915 for selected occupations is the per cent
for
t9-9
Qe^and
V4eo?ge/
eari¥*
° f the averaSe
1913. by
The
index
oi lHQ
also foi0ri1931 ?for
all occupations
was for
computed
increas­
ing or decreasing the 1915 index for selected occupations by the per
cent that the average for all occupations for 1929 or for 1931 is more
or less than the average for all occupations for 1915. Average full­
time hours per week increased from an index of 101.4 in 1910 to 101 7
m 1911 and then decreased each year to 89.8 in 1931. The decrease
between 1913 and 1931 was 10.2 percent and between 1910 and 1931
was 1L4 per cent Average earnings per hour decreased from an
index of 98.6 in 1910 to 98.2 in 1911 and to 97.3 in 1912, increased
each specified year to an index of 236.3 in 1929 when earnings per
hour were 136.3 per cent more than in 1913. The 1931 index was
1J8.2 or 16.1 per cent less than the index for 1929. Average fulltime earnings per week decreased from an index of 99.8 in f910 to
9 ?94«? 1?09Qandit?i 98’V n 191j2, and increased each specified year to
212.8 m 1929 and then dropped to 178.1 in 1931. Earnings per week
c id not increase nor decrease in the same proportion as earnings per
hoursbeCaUSe °f th<3 Change from year to year in average full-time

S

644

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645

W A G E S AND H O U R S O F LA B O R

The 1931 averages and index numbers are for a total of 30,659
wage earners of 299 representative furniture factories in 17 States.
The factories included in the 1931 study are the same as those covered
in 1929, except a few substituted for those closed since 1929. The
same States were included in 1929 and 1931. Each State included
is of material importance in number of wage earners in the industry
according to reports of the Bureau of the Census.
The wage figures used in computing the 1931 averages in this
report, except for a very few factories, were taken directly from the
pay rolls and are for a representative pay period in July, August,
September, or October, and consequently are representative of the
hours and earnings of wage earners in the industry in those months.
T able

1.—AVER A G E

H OURS A N D E A R N IN G S IN T H E F U R N IT U R E IN D U S T R Y A N D
IN D E X N U M B E R S T H E R E O F , B Y Y E A R S, 1910 TO 1931

Year

Selected occupations only:
1910
- __________________
1911 _________________________
1912
___________
1913___________________________
1915___________________________
All occupations:
1915
___________________
1929
1931 _ _______________________

Number of
estab­
lish­
ments

Aver­
N um ­ age full­ Average
time
ber of
earn­
hours ings
em­
per
ployees
per
hour
week

Index numbers
(1913=100) of—
Aver­
age full­
time
Full­
Full­
earn­
Earn­ time
time
ings per hours
earn­
ings
per
week
hour ings per
per
week
week

128
199
231
232
i 240

9, 398
13, 299
16, 390
16, 723
16, 691

58.2
58.4
58.2
57.4
57.1

$0.217
.216
.214
.220
.227

$12. 56
12. 50
12.41
12.58
12.88

101.4
101.7
101.4
100.0
99.5

98.6
98.2
97.3
100.0
103.2

99.8
99.4
98.6
100.0
102.4

i 240
312
299

25, 576
44,870
30,659

57.4
51.9
51.8

.214
.490
.411

12.24
25. 43
21. 29

89.9
89.8

236.3
198.2

212.8
178.1

i 2 sets of averages are shown for this year—1 for selected occupations and 1 for all occupations in the indus­
try. The 1910 to 1915 averages for selected occupations are comparable 1 year with another, as are those
for all occupations 1 year with another for 1915 to 1931.

Hours and Earnings, 1929 and 1931, by Occupation and Sex
T a b l e 2 shows for 1929 and for 1931 average full-time hours per
week, earnings per hour, and full-time earnings per week for each of
the 19 specifiecf occupations in the table, and also for the group of
“ other employees.” The group includes all occupations other than
those specified because no occupation in the group had a sufficient
number of wage earners to warrant separate tabulation.
Averages are shown in the table for males in each of the 19 specified
occupations and for females in all except 3—hand carvers, machine
carvers, and gluers of rough stock. No females were reported as
laborers in 1929. Average earnings per hour of males in each specified
occupation and in the group of “ other employees” were less in 1931
than in 1929. Their averages ranged in 1929 from 30.4 cents per hour
for helpers to 95.6 cents per hour for hand carvers and in 1931 from
23.1 cents to 74.5 cents per hour, respectively, for the same occupa­
tions. Average earnings per hour of females in each occupation,
except machine hands and veneerers, were less in 1931 than in 1929.
Machine hands averaged 29.3 cents in 1929 and 31 cents in 1931 and
veneerers 29 cents in 1929 and 29.6 cents in 1931. Average earnings
per hour of females ranged by occupations in 1929 from 22.4 cents
for helpers to 47.5 cents per hour for spring setters and in 1931 from
19.5 to 40.5 cents per hour, respectively, for the same occupations.


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646

M O N TH LY LA B O R R E V IE W

T able 2.—A V ERAGE HOURS A N D E A R N IN G S IN T H E F U R N IT U R E IN D U S T R Y , 1929
A N D 1931, B Y OCCU PA TIO N A N D SE X

Occupation

Sex

Assemblers and cabinet- M ale___
makers.
Fem ale..
Carvers, h a n d ..
M ale___
C'arvers, machine ___
.do ..
Craters and packers____ -_-do___
Female.
Cushion and pad makers. M ale___
Fem ale..
C u tters u p h olsterin g M ale___
Female..
materials.
Finishers____ _ _______ M ale___
Fem ale..
Gluers, rough stock____ M ale___
H e lp e r s..____________
do___
Female..
Laborers_________ .
M ale___
Fem ale..
Machine hands________ M ale___
Female.
Polishers and rubbers__ Male . . .
Female
Sanders, hand______. . .
M ale___
Fem ale..
M ale___
Sewers__ _________
Female..
Sprayers________ ._ . . M ale___
Fem ale..
Spring setters__________ M ale___
Fem ale..
Trimmers_____ ______
M ale___
Fem ale..
Upholsterers__________ M a le ....
Fem ale..
Veneerers______________ Male___
Fem ale..
Other employees______ M ale___
Fem ale..

Number of
establish­
ments

Number of
employees

Average
full-time
hours per
week

Average
earnings per
hour

1929

1931

1929

1931

1929

1931

1929

302
13
91
138
288
34
68
17
72
42
297
59
206
288
30
281

289
16
75
140
249
29
58
20
67
30
269
32
178
236
16
224
3
284
.8
207
11
199
45
16
91
235
10
67
5
176
7
139
16
135
18
281
32

5,735
54
295
394
1,931
132
184
57
253
135
3, 164
251
583
3, 658
' 153
2,693

4,207
52
161
342
1,242
95
126
47
178
111
2,191
90
364
2,322
72
1, 505
5
6,355
16
1,194
31
1, 189
301
27
681
813
16
396
42
610
19
2, 119
71
729
41
2,806
93

52.1
50. 7
48.6
51. 1
52. 8
50.3
50.0
50.6
50.0
50. 1
52.0
50. 5
52. 5
52. 4
52. 0
52.2

51.9 $0. 560 $0. 445 $29. 18 $23.10
49. 7
.317
.283 16. 07 14. 07
49. 7
.956
.745 46. 46 37. 03
.765
.576 39. 09 29. 78
51. 7
52.4
.435
.365 22. 97 19. 13
50.6
.331
.252 16. 65 12.75
.571
.514 28. 55 25. 60
49.8
.334 17. 86 16.40
49. 1 .353
.647
.566 32. 35 28.47
50.3
49. 6
.409
.383 20. 49 19.00
51. 6
.505
.414 26. 26 21. 36
.371
.319 18. 74 16. 01
50. 2
52. 3 .460
.379 24. 15 19. 82
52. 6 .304
.231 15. 93 12. 15
51. 2 .224
. 195 11. 65
9.98
52. 2
.378
.317 19. 73 16. 55
. 250
13. 30
53. 2
52. 1 .512
.428 26. 83 22.30
52.4
.293
.310 14. 97 16. 24
.403 26. 72 21. 28
52.8
.507
.259 15. 75 13. 18
50.9
.300
52. 8
.419
.331 22. 00 17. 48
50. 1 .268
.226 13. 83 11. 32
50. 5
.670
.578 33. 03 29. 19
49.0
.408
.374 20. 16 18. 33
52.4
.445 27. 83 23. 32
.527
.324 20. 07 15. 62
48. 2
.386
50. 2
.507
.444 25. 35 22. 29
50. 1 .475
.405 23.61 20. 29
51.9
.506
.432 26. 41 22. 42
52. 1 .314
.205 15. 98 10.68
.724
.538 36. 27 27. 06
50. 3
.403
52.2
.296 20. 27 15. 45
.454
52.5
.376 23. 84 19. 74
50.4
.290
.296 14.94 14. 92
.489 26. 63 25. 18
51.5
.516
.301 17.25 15.05
.343
50.0

296
13
247
14
249
61
19
100
270
10
71
5
215
18
151
13
145
22
292
53

8,567
30
1,897
33
2,283
653
40
932
1, 155
22
557
57
991
89
2,523
49
1,165
107
3,844
204

52.4
51. 1
52. 7
52. 5
52. 5
51.6
49.3
49. 4
52.8
52.0
50. 0
49. 7
52. 2
50. 9
50. 1
50. 3
52.5
51. 5
51. 6
50. 3

1931

Average
full-time
earnings per
week
1929

1931

Hours and Earnings, 1929 and 1931, by Sex and State

3 shows average full-time hours per week, earnings per hour,
and full-time earnings per week for the wage earners included in the
studies of the industry in 1929 and 1931. The averages are for males
and females separately in each State and in all States combined, and
also for both sexes together in each State and in all States combined.
Average full-time hours per week of males ranged by States in 1929
from a low of 47 to a high of 56.9, and in 1931 from 47.4 to 55; those of
females ranged in 1929 from 45.4 to 55 and in 1931 from 44.8 to 55;
and those of both sexes combined or the industry ranged in 1929 from
46.9 to 57, and in 1931 ranged from 47.2 to 55. The average for all
males in all the States was 52.1 in 1929 and 51.9 in 1931, and for
females was 50.5 in 1929 and 49.8 in 1931.
Average earnings per hour of males ranged by States in 1929 from
29 to 64.6 cents and 1931 from 23.6 to 59.4 cents; those of females
ranged in 1929 from 14.5 to 49.2 cenfs and in 1931 from 14.1 to 47
cents. The average for males in all States was 49.9 cents in 1929 and
41.6 cents in 1931, and for females in all States was 34.5 cents in 1929
and 31.4 cents in 1931. The 1931 average for males in each State and
for females, except in two States, was less than the 1929 average.
The 1931 average for males in all States was 16.6 per cent less than the
1929 average and for females was 9 per cent less than the 1929
average.
T

able


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647

W A G E S AND HOTJRS O F L A B O R

T a b l e 3 .— AVER A G E H OURS A N D E A R N IN G S IN T H E F U R N IT U R E IN D U S T R Y , 1929

A N D 1931, BY SE X A N D STATE

Sex and State

Number of
establish­
ments
1929

M ales

California_______________________
Georgia___________ _______ __
Illinois______________________ _
Indiana _________ _ _ _ ______
Kentucky_____
_____
_ ____
Maryland
_ .Massachusetts
_____ _____ __
Michigan
_ _ _ _________
Missouri
__ - - - ______
N ew Jersey
____- -- ___
N ew York
____ _ ____ ___
North Carolina ______ ___
Ohio
______ _____Pennsylvania
____ ______
Tennessee
_•______ _________
Virginia
- ___________
Wisconsin __ _______ _ _ _ ___ _
Total
______ _________
Fem ales

California _ ___________ - __
Georgia___ _____
__ __
I llin o is ___ _ _ _______ ____ ___
Indiana________ ___ _ _ __ ____
K e n tu ck y ______________________
Maryland
_
_____ _____
Massachusetts
__ ___
Michigan
________
____Missouri
_____ __ - N ew Jersey___________ ____ - -N ew York
__
__
North Carolina
_ ___- _______
______
__ _
Ohio
Pennsylvania___________________
Tennessee
_ __ _____
Virginia
Wisconsin_______ _______ ___ _
Total
____________

15
5
30
39
4
12
18
23
13
6
55
17
24
26
4
8
13
312

1931

Number of
employees
1929

1931

Average
full-time
hours per
week
1929

15 1, 606 1, 264 47.0
722 55.1
643
5
30 4,947 3, 297 50. 0
31 4, 701 3, 125 52. 6
708
516 56. 9
5
763
498 51. 1
11
16 1,904 1,151 48. 3
23 5,158 2, 856 51. 2
642
476 51.9
13
509
511 49.0
5
55 6,526 3,917 51.4
17 3,951 3,206 55.0
23 2,266 1,381 53.6
25 2,978 2,026 53.2
423 54.4
716
4
8 1, 351 1, 605 55.0
13 2, 543 1,902 53.7
299 41,912 28,876 52.1

10
1
12
21
1
9
15
17
8
3
32
5
14
16
3
2
u
180

13
162

132
0)
462
255
0)
71
201
563
49
11
326
54
184
101
165
26
333
2,958

15
5
30
39
4
12
18
23
13
6
55
17
24
26
4
8
13
312

15
5
30
31
5
11
16
23
13
5
55
17
23
25
4
8
13
299

1,738
663
5,409
4,956
713
834
2,105
5,721
691
520
6,852
4, 005
2,450
3,079
881
1,377
2, 876
44,870

11
3
8
16
4
8
14
17
8
3
28
5
13
9
2

1931

Average
earnings
per hour
1929

1931

Average full­
time earn­
ings per week
1929 I 1931

47.4 $0. 599 $0.525 $28.15 $24.89
.290
.244 15.98 13.42
55.0
.608
. 498 30.40 24.95
50.1
23.30 20.59
.443
.399
51.6
.453
.389 25. 78 21.12
54.3
.482 26. 37 23.86
.516
49.5
.594 31. 20 28.87
.646
48.6
.461 28.42 23.51
.555
51.0
.432 24.76 21.95
.477
50.8
.589 30. 33 28.86
.619
49.0
.475 29.09 24.37
.566
51.3
.288 18. 32 15. 61
.333
54.2
.435 26. 42 23. 40
.493
53.8
.474
.418 25. 22 22. 28
53.3
.289 18. 93 15.23
.348
52.7
.298
.236 16. 39 12. 98
55.0
.459
.430 24. 65 23.05
53. 6
.499
.416 26.00 21.59
51.9
21.06
11.44
18. 79
11.91
12. 27
17.15
20.23
15. 28
13. 79
19.75
16. 33
8. 69
15. 61
12.19
7.15

.297
.314

22. 34
«
21. 35
14. 39
0)
19.35
16. 98
17. 48
15. 95
18. 66
18.98
10. 40
18. 63
18.44
8. 86
7.98
15.75
17.42

.521
.241
.488
.394
.383
.471
.581
.449
.425
.580
.469
.286
.425
.413
.266
.236
.420
.411

27.72
15.92
29.65
22.83
25. 82
25.76
29.88
27. 39
24.19
30. 07
28. 57
18.21
25.85
25.01
17.06
16.28
23.72
25.43

24. 59
13.26
24.45
20.29
20. 76
23.31
28.12
22.90
21.59
28.30
24. 01
15.47
22. 74
21.97
13.91
12,98
22.39
21.29

45.4 44.8
55.0
M
50.0 50. 1
52.9 51.1
52.9
(>)
50.0 49.0
47.7 46.4
51.4 51.8
50.0 49.8
46. 2 45.5
48.8 48.6
55. 0 49.4
49.8 49.7
50.8 50.6
55.0 50.7
55.0
177 50.0 50.0
1,783 50.5 49.8

.492
0)
.427
.272
C1)
.387
.356
.340
.319
.404
.389
.189
.374
.363
.161
. 145
.315
.345

.470
.208
.375
.233
.232
.350
.436
. 295
.277
.434
.336
.176
.314
.241
. 141

47.2
55.0
50.1
51.5
54.2
49.5
48.4
51.0
50.8
48.8
51.2
54.1
53.5
53.2
52.3
55.0
53.3
51.8

.591
.289
.593
.434
.453
.505
.620
.535
.467
.615
.558
.331
.485
.471
.313
.296
.445
.490

99
65
319
121
24
47
115
256
25
28
187
52
121
58
89

14.85
15.64

M ales and fem ales

California___ _ _ ________ ______
Georgia ______________ ___ __ __
Illinois__________ ____________ _
Indiana___ __________ _ _
__
Kentucky_________ ___ _
Maryland_____ _ __ _
Massachusetts_________
_ __
_______
Michigan
M issouri-_ ____ _
___ _ _ __
N ew J e r s e y .-_________ ___________
__
N ew York
____
____
North Carolina
Ohio
___
___ _
Pennsylvania ______ . . - ___
Tennessee _ _______ __ _ -Virginia
__
__ _
Wisconsin
_______________ _
Total
__ ________

1,363
787
3,616
3,246
540
545
1,266
3,112
501
539
4,104
3, 258
1, 502
2,084
512
1,605
2,079
30, 659

46.9
55.1
50.0
52.6
57.0
51.0
48.2
51.2
51.8
48.9
51.2
55.0
53.3
53.1
54.5
55.0
53.3
51.9

1 Data included in total.

Hours and Earnings, 1931, by Occupation and State

4 presents 1931 average full-time hours per week, earnings
per hour and full-time earnings per week for males in each of six occu­
pations in the industry. The number of wage earners in these occupa­
tions is 54.7 per cent of the total number of males that were included
in the study and 51.5 per cent of males and females in all occupations.
Averages are not shown in the table for females in any occupation
because the number of wage earners of this sex is less than 6 per cent
of the total of both sexes.
T

able


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648
T able

M O N TH LY LA B O R R E V IE W
4.—AVER A G E HOURS A N D E A R N IN G S FOR SIX SP E C IF IE D OCCUPATIONS IN
T H E F U R N IT U R E IN D U S T R Y , 1931, B Y S E X A N D ST A T E
Assemblers and cabinetmakers, male

State

Machine hands, male

Aver­
Aver­
N um ­ N um ­ age Aver­ age N um ­ N um ­
age
full­
ber of ber of full­
ber of ber of
estab­ em­ time earn­ time estab­ em ­
lish­ ploy- hours ings earn­ lish­ ployper
ings
ments ees
per
per ments ees
week hour
week

California
___ ___
__ .
Georgia- . . __
..
Illinois_____________________
Indiana __________
_ ___
K e n tu ck y ______ ___
___
Maryland
Massachusetts____ _
__ . .
Michigan. . . _ . _______
Missouri
_ _
.
N ew.Jersey..
___________
N ew York____ _
North Carolina . . . . . . . .
Ohio ________ _ _ _____ ._
Pennsylvania ___ . . . . . . .
T en nessee___
Virginia
Wisconsin .
. . .

15
5
30
29
5
10
13
23
13
5
54
17
21
24
4
8
13

160
71
510
505
97
56
191
409
82
89
568
391
212
332
51
186
297

T otal_________________

289

4, 207

46.9 $0. 559 $26. 22
55.0
.257 14.14
50.0
.528 26. 40
51.7
.429 22.18
.411 22. 11
53.8
49. 8
.500 24. 90
48.4
.660 31.94
51. 1 .455 23. 25
51. 2
. 465 23.81
49. 1
.618 30. 34
52.0
.492 25. 58
54.0
.334 18.04
53.9
.435 23. 45
53.4
.422 22. 53
52. 5
.278 14. 60
55. 0
.275 15. 13
53.6
.425 22. 78
51.9

.445

23. 10

15
5
29
30
5
9
14
23
11
5
52
17
21
23
4
8
13

239
158
673
651
93
77
243
648
116
128
903
718
337
479
96
336
460

284

6,355

Polishers and rubbers, male
California__________________
Georgia_______________ _____
Illinois_____________________
Indiana____________________
Kentucky _______________
Maryland _ . . . _ . ______
Massachusetts _ __________
Michigan---- -- --------------------M isso u r i_____
N ew Y o rk ... _______
N orth C arolina _ ___________
Ohio.
. . . ______________
.....................
Pennsylvania..
Tennessee______ .
V irginia___________________
Wisconsin _ . . . . . .

6
4
22
22
4
2
12
23
6
40
14
10
23
3
8
8

31
12
106
83
32
6
42
156
11
201
174
39
111
17
113
60

Total _ _______ _______

207

1,194

47. 4 $0. 511 $24. 22
55.0
. 196 10. 78
50.3
.468 23. 54
52. 5
.367 19. 27
54.5
.405 22. 07
51.7
.493 25.49
48.7
.550 26. 79
50.6
.463 23. 43
53. 1 .386 20. 50
52. 7 .496 26. 14
55.0
.305 16. 78
54.5
.462 25. 18
53.6
.423 22. 67
54.4
.253 13. 76
55.0
.229 12.60
54.3
.466 25. 30
52.8

.403

21.28

T otal_______________

10
4
19
10
1
8
11
9
4
4
22
8
10
9
2
2
6

214
95
501
131
15
153
156
79
17
32
307
107
150
52
14
3
93

139

2,119

.538

11
5
21
22
3
4
8
19
5
36
14
13
19
4
8
7

62
46
74
154
24
12
32
89
8
187
175
64
100
19
107
36

199

1,189

.428

22.30

47.3 $0. 430
55.0
. 152
50.3
.452
52. 1 .308
.341
55.0
52.0
.366
49. 8
.481
51.0
.370
52.2
.430
52. 1 .392
55.0
.268
54. 5
.386
53.7
.349
53.3
.227
55.0
.218
54.2
.385
52.8

.331

$20. 34
8. 36
22. 74
16. 05
18. 76
19. 03
23. 95
18. 87
22. 45
20. 42
14. 74
21. 04
18. 74
12. 10
11. 99
20. 87
17. 48

27.06

2

8

19
16
3
1
3
16
2
1
23
10
8
17
2
7
5

85
90
23
1
4
131
5
1
102
70
21
88
2
72
26

50.0
52.0
53.7
0
46.0
50. 6
52.8
(i)
52.4
55.0
54.3
53. 5
52. 5
55.0
55.0

.436
.331
.386
C1)
.928
.470
.398
(i)
.428
.291
.403
.363
.350
.230
. 390

21.80
17. 21
20. 73
(i)
42. 69
23. 78
21.01
(i)
22.43
16.01
21.88
19. 42
18. 38
12. 65
21.45

135

729

52.5

.376

19.74

i For less than 3 wage earners in this establishment, data included in total.


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52. 1

$26. 48
14. 52
26. 30
21. 05
22. 45
24. 00
27. 58
24. 27
21. 91
29. 51
24 38
17. 13
24. 35
22. 27
17. 19
14.80
23. 13

Veneerers, male

46.4 $0. 576 $26. 73
55.0
.405 22. 28
50.4
.470 23. 69
51. 3
.410 21.03
.424 23.32
55.0
48. 9
.601 29. 39
.721
49. 2
35.47
50. 5
.625 31. 56
48. 1 .720 34. 63
48. 2
.793 38. 22
49. 0
.651 31. 90
53. 9
.363 19. 57
51. 8
.536 27. 76
52.0
.548 28. 50
50.4
.407 20. 51
55.0
.409 22. 50
52. 4
.474 24. 84
50.3

48.5 $0. 546
55.0
.264
50. 2 .524
51.6
.408
54. 1 .415
50. 1 .479
48.9
.564
.474
51. 2
.433
50.6
49. 1 . 601
50.9
.479
54.2
.316
54. 6
.446
53. 4
.417
52.4
. 328
55.0
.269
53.8
.430

Sanders, hand, male

Upholsterers, male
California.......... ............... ...........
Georgia____________________
Illinois___________________
Indiana_______ . ________
K e n tu ck y _________________
Maryland ____ _ _______
Massachusetts____________
Michigan
______ . . . .
Missouri
N ew Jersey___ _________ . .
N ew York____ ___________
North Carolina_____________
O h i o . . . _____ ___________
Pennsylvania_______________
T en nessee______ .
Virginia . . .
Wisconsin _.
. . . ______

1
Aver- Aver­ Aver­
age
age
age
full­
fullearn­
time
time
earn­
hours ings
per
ings
per
per
week hour
week

48.0 $0. 430

$20. 64

649

WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR

F a r m W age a n d L abor S it u a t io n in J a n u a r y , 1932

general level of farm wages on January 1, 1932, was 13 per
cent lower than in October, 1931, and 2 per cent below the 1910T HE
1914 average, according to data compiled by the United States Depart­

ment of Agriculture. The decline in the wage index was accompanied
by a further increase in the supply of farm labor and a decline in
demand. The supply on January 1 was 120.9 per cent of normal and
the demand 60.5 per cent of normal; the corresponding figures for
October, 1931, were 113.4 and 68.9, respectively. Supply expressed
as per cent of demand on January 1 was 199.8, which is the highest
ratio recorded by the Department of Agriculture since the beginning
of its record in 1918. Reports received by that department, particu­
larly from the North Central States, cite numerous instances of farm
laborers working for board and lodging alone.
Table 1 shows farm wage rates and index numbers for the years
1928, 1929, and 1930, and for the months of January, April, July, and
October, 1929 to 1931, and for January, 1932, as reported by the
Department of Agriculture.
T a b l e 1 .— FA R M WAGE R A TES A N D IN D E X N U M B E R S, 1928 TO JA N U A R Y , 1932

Average far m wage

Year and month

Per month

With board
1928__________ ____ _____________ ____ _______
1929________________________________________
1930________________________________________
1929—January__ _
___ _ _ _ ___ ___
April__________________________________
July___________________________________
October____ ______________ ____ _____
1930—January__ _________ ________________ _
April- ____ ____
.
___
_ __ _
July___________________________________
October..................
_ __
_______
1931—January..
__ ____________ _ _ ___
April
_ _____
July----------------------------------------------------October. _ _ _ _ _ _
.........
1932—January __ _ ______________________

$34. 66
34. 74
31.14
33. 04
34. 68
36. 08
35. 90
32. 29
33. 83
33. 47
31.23
26. 03
25. 99
25. 35
23. 31
19. 77

Index
numbers
of farm
wages
(1910Without 1914=100)
board

Per day

Without
board
$48. 65
49. 08
44. 59
47. 24
49.00
50. 53
50. 00
46. 80
47.81
47.24
44. 28
39.04
38. 37
37. 00
34. 22
30.53

With
board
$1.88
1.88
1. 65
1.78
1.79
1.89
1.92
1.73
1.72
1.72
1.61
1.38
1.33
1.29
1.18
1.02

$2. 43
2. 42
2.16
2.34
2.34
2. 43
2.46
2.27
2.27
2.23
2.12
1.87
1. 80
1. 73
1.59
1.40

169
170
152
162
167
173
174
159
162
160
150
129
127
123
113
98

Table 2, compiled from figures given in a press release of the
Department of Agriculture, dated January 18, 1932, shows farm wage
rates and farm labor supply and demand in the several geographic
divisions, and in the United States as a whole, on January" 1, 1932.


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650

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

T a b l e 3 .—FA R M W AGE R A TES A N D FA R M LABOR SU P P L Y A N D D E M A N D , JA N U A R Y

1, 1932, B Y GEOGRAPHIC D IV ISIO N , A N D FOR T H E C O U N T R Y AS A WHOLE
Farm labor supply and de­
mand

Wage rates
Geographic division

Per month
With
board

North Atlantic__ ____ _
East North Central. . . . _____
West North Central________
South Atlantic
_________
South Central. . . _ _____
Western. __ ____
United States____

____

Per day

Without
board

With
board

Supply, Demand, Supply,
per cent per cent per cent
Without of normal of normal of de­
mand
board

$29.13
21.97
20. 98
14. 43
14. 76
32.39

$48. 80
33.80
31.65
21.80
21.90
51.45

$1.70
1.17

1.12

$2.37
1.63
1. 55

19. 77

30.53

1.02

.74
.72
1.48

121.0

172.9

1.02
.96
2. 12

128. 5
123.1
114.2
118.0
129.2

70.0
61.1
56.7
63.5
56.9
61.9

217.0
179.8
207.5
208.7

1.40

120.9

60.5

199.8

210.2

W a g e -R a te C h a n g e s in M a n u fa c tu r in g I n d u s tr ie s in J a n u a r y ,

1932

THE 16,197 manufacturing establishments from which data
employment were received, 15,321, or 94.6 per cent of
OFtheconcerning
total number of establishments, reported no wage-rate changes
during the month ending January 15, 1932. A total of 860 establish­
ments, or 5.3 per cent of the total number, reported decreases in wage
rates averaging 10.9 per cent and affecting 94,780 employees, or 3.5
per cent of all the employees. Wage-rate increases averaging 2.1
per cent were reported by 16 establishments in one industry—printing,
book and job—and 1,157 employees were affected.


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651

WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR

W AGE C H ANGES OCC U R R IN G B E T W E E N D E C E M B E R 15, 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y 15, 1932

Industry

Estab­
lish­
Total
ments number of
report­ employees
ing

Number of establishments reporting—

Number of employees
having—

Wage Wage
No
in­
de­
wage
changes creases creases

N o wage
changes

Wage Wage
in­
de­
creases creases

All manufacturing indus­
tries_________________ 16,197
P er cent of total______ 100.0

2,716,535

15,321

860

2,620, 598

100.0

94.6

5.S

96.6

3.5

Slaughtering and meat packing.
Confectionery_______ ______
Ice cream________________ ___
Flour___________________1----Baking----------- ------ --------------

204
323
302
392
834

86,859
31,858
10, 472
15,257
59,918

191
297
294
354
805

13
26
8
38
29

85, 761
29,208
10,306
13; 880
58,543

1,098
2, 650
166
1,377
1,375

Sugar refining, cane.
Beet sugar________
Beverages_________
B utter____________
Cotton goods______

14
46
281
533

7, 854
4,045
9,708
4,997
180,458

14
44
275
181
486

2
6
19
47

7,854
3; 952
9', 666
4,462
170; 582

93
42
535
9,876

Hosiery and knit goods_______
Silk goods___________________
Woolen and worsted goods____
Carpets and rugs_____________
Dyeing and finishing textiles

376
265
180
33
144

86,402
49,494
46,252
15,418
36,950

361
245
166
30
136

15
20
14
3
8

85,155
46; 999
43', 166
1 5 ; 233
35; 673

1,247
2, 495
3,086
1E5
1, 277

Clothing, men’s______________
Shirts and collars____________
Clothing, women’s___________
M illinery and lace goods______
Corsets and allied garments___

348
106
396
133
30

54,588
14, 067
25, 080
10,280
5,127

318
98
392
129
30

30
8
4
4

51,499
1 3 ; 526
24', 700
10; 125
5; 127

3,089
541
330
155

Cotton small wares.
Hats, fur-felt______
M en’s furnishings..
Iron and steel_____
Cast-iron pipe____

103
39
70
203
41

9,680
5, 708
4,732
193, 807
8,698

95
38
66
198
36

8
1
4
5
5

9,418
5; 669
4,438
191,256
7; 256

262
39
294
2, 551
1, 442

Structural-iron work_________
Hardware___________________
Steam fittings________________
Stoves_____________ _________
Bolts, nuts, washers, and rivets.

168
91
105
130
62

19,143
23,149
19,810
12, 302
7,532

160
85
91
114
56

8
6
14
16
6

18,556
', 854
; 459
10; 727
e;79i

587
1,295
4,351
1, 575
' 741

Cutlery and edge tools_______
Forgings, iron and steel_______
Plumbers’ supplies___________
T in cans and other tinware----Tools, not including edge tools.

156
49
63
54
119

13, 769
5, 094
4,795
7,385
7,494

152
48
60
53
110

4
1
3
1
9

13,555
L 744
4 ,678
7; 283
6; 775

214
350
117
102
719

Wirework__________
Lumber, sawmills---Lumber, millwork__
Furniture__________
Turpentine and rosin

61
597
348
432
19

5,036
60,610
19, 938
45, 580
903

58
571
318
393
17

3
26
30
39
2

4, 757
56, 973
18', 457
42; 341
' 872

279
3,637
1,481
3,239
31

Leather______________
Boots and shoes______
Paper and pulp______
Paper boxes__________
Printing, book and job.

137
285
391
294
611

21,800
95, 945
75, 787
21, 205
52, 556

132
268
359
280
577

5
17
32
14
18

21, 281
94; 464
Ik 267
20,141
5i; 036

519
1,481
4, 520
1,064
'363

402

63,320
'20, 747
7,196
46, 728
1, 772

391
108
187
98
42

11
2
14
2

62, 070
20', 266
6; 823
46, 540
1, 772

1,250
' 481
373
188

5,314
3,229
14,146
24,105
8,957

21
20
307
19
58

1

5,289
3; 229
1 3 ; 400
24,105
8,640

746

Printing, newspapers and peri­
odicals____________________
Chemicals___________________
Fertilizers___________________
Petroleum refining______ _____
Cottonseed oil. cake, and meal.
Druggists’ preparations.
Explosives____________
Paints and varnishes__
Rayon________ ______
Soap................... ............. .


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200

110
201
100

42
22
20

324
19

62

16

16

17
4

1,157

21
15

1,157

94, 780

25

317

652

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

WAGE CH A N G ES O C C U R R IN G B E T W E E N D E C E M B E R 15, 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y 15,
1932—Continued

Industry

Estab­
lish­
Total
ments number of
report­ employees
ing

Number of establish­
ments reporting—

Number of employees
having—

Wage Wage
No
in­
wage
de­
changes creases creases

N o wage
changes

100
670
100
178
203

13
19
6
10
9

12, 798
17, 716
13,009
34,179
4,803

822
1,241
670
847
439

Wage

Wage

creases creases

Cement____________________
Brick, tile, and terra cotta____
Pottery........... .................. ..........
Glass______________________
Marble, granite, slate, etc____

113
689
106
188
212

Stamped and enameled w are...
Brass, bronze, and copper pro­
ducts..___ _______________
Aluminum manufactures_____
Clocks, clock movements, etc..
Gas and electric fixtures_____ _

86

13,239

80

6

12,153

1,086

166
24
18
44

27,214
5,493
4,073
5,134

160
24
18
42

6

698

2

26, 516
5,493
4,073
4,971

37

5,019

36

1

4,974

45

26
146

8,938
8,229

26
143

3

8,938
7,624

605

29
188

9,477
42', 748

29
181

7

9,477
42,190

558

Automobiles______ _________
Aircraft____________________
Cars, electric and steam rail­
road....................................... .
Locomotives________________
Shipbuilding_______________

228
35

242,536
6, 945

220
33

8
2

240,783
6,471

1,753
474

30
15
95

3,917
3, 568
33,216

26
14
93

4
1
2

2,297
3,117
33,140

1,620
451
76

Rubber tires and inner tubes...
Rubber boots and shoes______
Rubber goods, other_________
Agricultural implements_____
Electrical machinery, appara­
tus and supplies___________

37
8
95
70

44,039
9,877
18,535
8,948

34
8
91
65

3

40, 314
9,877
17, 723
8, 775 . . . . . . . .

3,725

239

138,889

232

7

137,937

952

71

13,707

68

3

13, 580

127

Plated ware____ ___________
Smelting and refining, copper,
lead, and zinc_____________
Jewelry____________________
Chewing and smoking tobacco,
snuff_______ _____________
Cigars and cigarettes_________

13, 620
18, 957
13, 679
35,026
5,242

4
5

163

812
173

Engines and water wheels____
Cash registers and calculating
machines_________________
Foundry and machine-shop
pro d u cts.................................
Machine tools______________
Textile machinery and p a rts ...

44

15,948

44

959
139
34

116,942
15, 255
7,465

902
132
31

57
7
3

110,055
14,648
7,280

6,887
607
185

Typewriters and supplies_____
Radio_____________________
Electric railroad_____________
Steam railroad______________

17
37
429
473

11, 256
17, 570
23,986
74, 792

16
36
416
438

1
1
13
35

11,247
17,557
23, 566
69,770

9
13
420
5,022

15,948

R e c e n t W age C h a n g e s R e p o r te d b y T r a d e -U n io n s

and hour changes reported by unions and municipalities
during the past month cover 44,345 workers, 605 of whom
WAGE
were reported to have gone on the 5-day week. A tabulation of thes

changes is shown in the table following.
In addition to those reporting changes, bakers, Syracuse, N. Y.;
brewery workers, Buffalo, N. Y.; clothing workers, Cincinnati, Ohio;
awning workers, St. Louis, Mo.; musicians, Kansas City, Mo.; news
compositors, Dallas, Tex.; stereotypers and electrotypers, Houston,
Tex.; and electrotypers in New York City, reported renewed wage
agreements.


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653

WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR

R E C E N T W AGE C H A N G ES, BY IN D U S T R Y , O C C U PA T IO N , A N D LOCALITY, N O V E M ­
B E R , 1931, TO F E B R U A R Y , 1932
Rate of wages
Industry or occupation, and locality

Bakers, Chicago, 111.:
First bakers____ _________________________
Second bakers___ ________________________
Building trades:
Bricklayers—
Bakersfield, Calif., and vicinity
_____
Hannibal, M o., and vicinity___________
Lincoln, N ebr..................... ......................... Carpenters—
Bakersfield, Calif., and vicinity________
Brockton, M ass., and vicinity...... ............
Cleveland, Ohio, and vicinity_______
Danielson, Conn----- - -----------------------Dayton, Ohio_____ ___________________
Duluth, M inn_______________________
Franklin, P a _______________
____
North Adams, M ass., and vicinity_____
Portland, M e________________ ________
Stockton, Calif_______
_ ________ . .
Syracuse, N . Y ........ ..................................
Watsonville, C a l i f . __________ _____
Cement finishers, Waco, Tex., and vicinity..
Electrical workers—
Bakersfield, Calif., and vicinity________
Richmond, Va______ _________________
Laborers, Stockton, Calif___________ ______
Lathers, Bakersfield, Calif., and vicinity___
Painters, decorators, and paper hangers—
Bakersfield, Calif., and v ic in it y ..._____
Dallas, T ex., sign', scene, and pictorial
p a in ters.._________________________
Franklin, P a____ ___________________ _
M oberly, M o................................................ .
Plasterers—
Bakersfield, Calif., and vicinity________
Pasadena, Calif________ . __________
Waco, Tex., and v icinity______________
Plumbers and steamfitters—
Bakersfield, Calif., and vicinity.................
Haverhill, M ass______________________
Spokane, Wash_______________________
Utica, N . Y __________________________
Sheet-metal workers, Bakersfield, Calif., and
v ic in ity ..._____________________________
Chauffeurs and teamsters, Chicago, 111. ______
Clothing:
Neckwear workers, N ew York, N . Y _____.
Shoe cutters, Brockton, Mass_____________
Paper makers:
Holyoke, M ass____ ______________________
Monroe, M ich _. __________ _____________
Printing and publishing:
Compositors—
Chattanooga, Tenn.—
Newspaper, day__________________
Newspaper, night
_____________
Long Beach, C a l i f . . . _____ . . . _____
Tulsa, Okla.—
Newspaper, d a y ...................... ..............
Newspaper, night
_____________ _
Woonsocket, IL I.—
Job work______________ __________
Newspaper __ __ _______________
Pressmen, Portland, Oreg.—
Newspaper, day_________ ___________
N ew spap er,night.. _______________ .
Stereotypers—
Rochester, N . Y .—
Newspaper, day________ __ _______
Newspaper) night..................................

'

Date of
change

Before
change

Per hour

_ _do_
Nov. 1
Jan. 1
— do.
Jan.
Jan.
Feb.
Dec.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
N ov.
Dec.
Jan.
Jan.
N ov.

1.12^
1.25
1.37 H
.8 7 ^
1.25
1.00
1.12^
1.06M
1.00
1.12H
1.32
1 .1 2

1.25

___do_
Jan. 11
Jan. 13
Jan. 1
___do_
Nov. 6
N ov. 15
Jan.
Dec.
Jan.
N ov.

1
23
1
24

Jan.

1

48
48

40
40

1.37y 2
1.25
1.00

40
44
44

40
44
44

1.00
1.15

40
40
40
40
40
44
40
40
44
44
40
40
40

40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
44
44
40
40
40

40
44-48
44
40

40
40
44
40

1 .1 2

y%

.78
1 1. 00
1.00
.95
1.00
.80
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00

1.12M
.80
.50
1.12Vi

1 .12H

1.00

40

40

1.50
1.00
-87^

1.25
.87^
.75

44
44
48

44
40
48

1.50
1.50
1. 75

1. 371/2
1.12M
1.50

40
40
40

40
40
40

1.37^
1.21
1.25
1-37H

1.25
1.01
1.00
1.25

40
40
40
40

40
40
40
40

1.12/4

40

40

1. 25
P er week

P er week

2

31.00-44. 00

28.50-44. 50

60

60

Jan. 18
Jan. 12

(2)
40.80

(3)
37.00

44
48

44
48

Jan.

P er hour

P er hour

.39- .92
.41- .81

1.05- .07
.35- .73

P er week

P er week

Dec. 28
Jan. 1

48
0)

48
0)

Nov. 1
_ do.
Dec. 2

44.50
47.50
(«)

42. 00
45. 00
«

45
45
45

45
45
41M

Feb. 1
— do.

49.00
52.00

50.00
53. 00

48
48

48
48

N ov. 28
„..do.

43. 00
43. 00

44. 00
44. 00

44
48

44
48

48
45

40
37^

48
48

48
48

42
42

42
42

P er day

N ov. 1
— do.

7.50
7.75
P er week

— do.
. -do.

51. 00
55.00
P er day

1 Temporary.

310 per cent reduction.

2 Piecework.

4 Amount of reduction.

103146°—32----- 11

y2

1.25
• 87M
• 62M
1.25

Jan. 1
Dec. 1
Jan. 11
Jan. 1

$43. 00
37. 00
Per hour

1.50
1.50
1.25

4
1
1
21
1
15
11
13
15
1
5
15

Before After
change change

Per week

$48. 00
42.00

1

Tacoma, Wash.—
D ay work____ ___________________ Jan. 3
N ight work________ _____________ — do.


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After
change

P er week

Jan.
__do.

Hours per week

8.00
8. 50

P er day

7.50
7.75
P er week

50. 00
54. 00
P er day

7.25
7.75

®N ot reported.

654

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

R E C E N T W AGE C H A N G E S, BY IN D U S T R Y , O C C U PA T IO N , A N D LOCALITY N O V E M ­
B E R , 1931, TO F E B R U A R Y , 1932—Continued
’

Rate of wages
Industry or occupation, and locality

Stationary steam engineers, Holyoke, Mass., and
vicinity:
1st class________________
2d class____________________________ ____
3d class_________________________ I I I " " " ]
Steam boiler operatives, Holyoke, Mass.,"and
vicinity......................................................................
Street railway workers:
Dayton, Ohio________________________ ___
East St. Louis, 111., conductors, motormen
and shopmen.......................................
M obile, Ala.—
Conductors and motormen____________
Machinists__________________________
Northampton, M ass., car operators and bus
d riv ers.._____ _______________
Textiles:
Sheeting workers, Peabody and Salem, Mass
Municipal:
Detroit, M ich_______________ ____________
Philadelphia, Pa., city and county employees
receiving over $1,200 a year______________
Syracuse, N . Y . employees receiving over
$1,200 a year___________________________
Union County, N . J., park commission
employees receiving 50 cents an hour and
over______________
3 10 per cent reduction.
5 N ot reported.

Date of
change

Jan.

1

___do___
~__do___

Hours per week

Before
change

After
change

P er week

P er week

$53.00
P er hour

.93
.85

Before After
change change

$50.00

48

48

48
48

48
48

P er hour

.87
.79

Dec. 27

.73

.68

48

48

Jan.

.55

.50

« 60

«60

1

do___

.44- .62

(3)

30-63

30-63

_ do___
_ -do___

.49- .53
.67

.45- .49
.64

60
45

60

.63

.55

54

54

Feb.

1

Jan. 18
Jan.

1

P er week

« 22. 20

45

P er week

6 20. 00

35

35

(5)

(7)

(')

(5)

_.do___

(8)

(3)

(5)

(8)

do___

(8)

(3)

(8)

(8)

(*)

(3)

Feb. 1

44

44

6 Average.
8 Various.
7 10 to 17 per cent reduction.

W a g es o f S e a m e n , 1931

HE following data on wages of seamen on American and foreign
vessels are from Merchant Marine Statistics, 1931, compiled by
the Bureau of Navigation of the United States Department of Com­
merce.
All wages, except American, are taken from consular reports. The
American figures are averages taken from reports of the shipping
commissioners. The wages on foreign vessels are stated in the
United States equivalents of the foreign values, taken at the exchange
rate on January 1 of the year named. When more than one rate has
been reported for foreign vessels, due to length of service or other
conditions, the highest is usually given in the table. On Dutch
tank steamers the wages in the deck department are about 10 per
cent more than those stated herein. The wages on American motor
ships average about 10 per cent more than on steamships. On
German motor ships the engineers receive $5 per month more and
the other personnel in the engineer department $3 more than on
steamships.
Table 1 gives average monthly wage rates, on January 1, 1931, of
four typical classes of seamen on vessels of American and loreign
registry.

T


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

655

WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR
T able

1 . — A V ER A G E M O N T H L Y W AGES OF FO UR T Y PIC A L CLASSES OF SE A M E N ON
A M E R IC A N A N D F O R E IG N ST E A M A N D M OTOR CARGO VESSELS OF 5,000 GROSS
T O N S A N D OVER, JA N U A R Y 1, 1931

Able sea­ Carpen­ Chief en­ Firemen
men
ters
gineers

Nationality of vessels

American:
Private____ _________________ ___________________ U nited States Shipping Board__________________________
British______________ __________________________________
D a n is h __________________________________________________
D utch
- _____________________________________________
French
_____________________________________________
German
_ _ _ _____________________ ______ _ ___ Italian
________________ __ __ ____ ___ ___
Norwegian
_ _ _ _____________ ______ ____ _____ ___ Spanish ___________________ ___________________________
Swedish . ________ __________. __ _
___________ _
1

$60
63
43
42
40
23
31
26
43
19
42

$77
79
63
48
46
24
38
32

$280
277
1 147
168
146
152
138
82
141
74
145

22

44

$63
66

46
43
42
26
37
33
44
19
42

After 3 years, $143; after 5 years, $152; on motor vessels, $227.

Data similar to those given in Table 1 are presented in Table 2
for all classes of seamen, as of January 1, of 1929, 1930, and 1931.
T able 2.—AVER A G E M O N T H L Y W AGES OF SE A M E N ON A M E R IC A N A N D FO R E IG N

STEA M A N D M OTOR CARGO V ESSELS OF 5,000 GROSS TONS A N D OVER, JA N U A R Y 1,
1929, 1930, A N D 1931
British

American

Position

Danish

Dutch

U . S. Ship­
ping Board

Private

1929 1930 1931 1929 1930 1931 1929 1930 1931
1929 1930 1931 1929 1930 1931
D eck department:
First m a t e .- ------Second mate______
Third m ate______
Fourth mate ___
B o a ts w a in ..------Carpenter ______
Seaman, able------Seaman, ordinary—
Engineer department:
Chief engineer____
Second engineer.. .
Third engineer . . .
Fourth engineer-. .
F irem a n ________
Greaser_____ ____
Wa t,p,r ton dor __
Coal passer or
wiper____
Radio operators (Class
f J•

$182 $180 $180 $185 $185 $185 1 $ 1 1 2 i $ 1 1 2 1 $ 1 1 2 $137 $138 $137
160 159 158 165 165 165 2 7 7 2 7 7 2 77
97 105 105
59
58
58
143 144 143 150 149 150
60
60
60
121
120
128 1 2 0 127
51
51
51
121
60
60
60
74
74
74
74
75
51
51
51
75
47
48
47
63
63
63
80
80
79
77
77
68
47
48
47
44
43
43
62
62
63
64
60
42
61
42
42
47
47
29
28
28
47
21
45
45
45
21
21
3 147
4 112
« 76
« 58
51
46
7 48
48

44

43

44

280
183
161
145

261
187
168
152

265
187
167
151

63
71
71

64
70
70

63
70
71

65
72
72

66

55

55

53

58

58

59

100

100

105

105

103

123
97

100

100

122

Mess boy________

3 147
‘ 112
«76
« 58
51
46
7 48
48

278
182
161
145

Steward department:
Cook.
. . -. . .
Second cook______

277 3 148
188 4 1 1 2
168 6 7 7
154 e 59
51
66
46
72 7 49
72
49

280
183
161
145

81
49
42

78
51
44

12C
97
99
77
48
43

72
72

121

121

100
100

100

80
51
43

80
47
42

90

120

95
95
80
47
43

«83
51
34
71
46
66

43
4C

68

45
65
43
39

8

168

167

168

121

120

121

91
71
53
43
47
43

89
71
51
43
47
43

90
71
51
43
48
43

29

28

29

84
64
40

67
51
44

83
51
34

84
54

84
54

$108
81
56

46
46
40

46
46
40

46
46
40

$111

$111

20

20

20

151
103
72
50

151
103
72
50

146

42
46

42
46

42
46

34

34

34

145

116
67
27

24

100

74
52

7C
46

78

78

78

66

57
29

57
28

58
29

58
52

52

58
52

11

10

11

10

10

10

43
40

68

> On the largest vessels, w ith superior certificate, after 3 years, $1 2 2 .
On thelargest vessels, w ith superior certificate, after 3 years, $83.
s After 3 years, $143; after 5 years, $152; on motor vessels, $227.
* On motor vessels, $146.
6
On motor vessels, $95.
6 On motor vessels,$62.
7 On motor vessesl, $51.
8 On vessels of Classes II and III, the wages are $72 and $63, respectively; the other grades are unchanged^
2


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656

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

T able 2 .—A V ER A G E M O N T H L Y W AGES OF S E A M E N ON A M E R IC A N A N D F O R E IG N
ST E A M A N D M OTOR CARGO V ESSE L S OF 5,000 GROSS T O N S A N D OVER, JA N U A R Y
1, 1929, 1930, A N D 1931—Continued
French

German

Italian

Norwegian

Spanish

Swedish

9

Position
1929 1930 1931 1929 1930 1931 1929 1930 1931 1929 1930 1931 1929 1930 1931 1929 1930 1931
Deck department:
First mate _. __ _ $ 1 0 2 $ 1 0 2 $ 1 0 2
Second m ate_____
63 62 63
Third m a t e ____ _ 63 62 63
lo u r th m a te . _____
Boatswain__ ______ 24 26 26
Carpenter ______
24 24 24
Seaman, able.— ._
21
22
23
Seaman, ordinary.._ 19 2C 2 0
Engineer department:
Chief engineer.
152 151 152
Second engineer .
96 97 96
Third engineer . .
63 63 63
Fourth engineer . .
63 63 63
Junior engineer___
Fireman_________
24 26 26
Greaser . ___
23 23 23
Water tender ___
Coal passer or wiper. 2 1 2 2 23
Radio operators (Class
^-) •
Grade I _______
41 47
Grade I I _______
27 35
Grade I I I .. .
19 24
Steward department:
Chief ste w a r d ..___
39 39
Second steward____
Cook____ _____
23 23 23
Second cook. _
16 16 16
Mess stew ard.. _
19 19 19
Mess boy...........
9
9
9

$91 $90 $72
69 74 74 6 C
52 56 56 54
3Ç 40 40
35 38 38 46
35 38 38 35
31 32 31 29
14 17 15 19

$86

126 141 138
86
94 95
69 77 78
52 59 61
34 39 39
32 37 37
34 39 39
34 39 39
28 32 32
79

35
26
35

38
32
38
23
15
7

21

14
7

$71 $63 $154 $155 $155 $ 1 2 2 $99 $73 $105 $109 $108
59 52 121 1 2 1 1 2 1 81 6 6 50 80 82 82
54 46 93 94 94 69 56 50 60 61 60
70 71 71
45
36 33 47 48 48 36 29 29 46 46 46
35 32 47 47
33 27 2 2 44 44 44
28 26 42 43 43 32 26 19 42 42 42
19 17 2 2 23 23 28 23 18 30 30 30

91
72
60
54

90
71
59
54

82 140 141 141 195 158
63 103 104 104 1 2 2 99
52 84 84 84 84 6 8
46 70 71 71

31

30
28

33
28
28
25

71
58

51
41

28

44
25
25

44
25
25

81

38
32
38
27
14
7

27

26

24

32
30
30
16

31
29
29
15

28
27
27
16

44
25
25

32
32
36
28

83

26

19

29
23

22

33

34 —

102

102

41

33

80

80

80

37

30

13

14

14

101

74 146 146 145
64 92 92 91
55 69 69 69
50 55 55 55

18

21

17

25
35
18
15

15

12

12

37
43

37
43

42
44

24

24

28

74

74

74

50
16

50
16

51
17

13

13

15

Decrease for 1931 is due to exchange value of peseta.

Table 3 shows the variations in the wage rates of seamen on Ameri­
can merchant vessels of 500 gross tons and over, in 1931, by destination
of vessel.
T able 3.—A V ER A G E M O N T H L Y W AGES PA ID ON A M E R IC A N M E R C H A N T V ESSELS
OF 500 GROSS T O N S A N D OVER IN 1931, B Y D E ST IN A T IO N OF VESSEL
Destination of vessel

Occupation

Steam vessels:
Able seamen___________
Boatswains_________
Carpenters__________
First m a tes................
Second mates_____
Firemen______ .
Trimmers
First en g in eers__ _____
Second engineers
Chief radio operators___
Second radio operators...
Sailing vessels:
Able seamen___________
Boatswains___________
Carpenters __________
First m a te s _____
Second mates__________


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

West
Atlan­
Indies, Atlan­
tic to
Conti­ South Mexico, tic and Asia Pacific
Pacific
Great nental
and coasting
A meri- and
Gulf
Africa ports
B ritain
Aus­
ca
Europe
Central coasting
trade
and
tralia
Ameri­ trade
vice
ca
versa

$64
76
79
185
164
67
59
248
181
105
90

$62
75
78
184
165
65
58
244
180
105
90

$60
74
79
179
156
63
55
252
176
103
87

$60
73
80
178
156
63
54
245
174
104
91

$60
73
77
173
151
65
55
239
170
99
85

$62
74
78
183
161
63
57
266
181
103
90

$65
78
80
171
147
67
54
223
165

$61
73
79
184
162
64
57
260
183

$60
74
77
179
158
62
54
244
174

101

102

78

101

90

90

45
50

45
50

55
60

57
57

51
67

45
57

67
50

45
50

50
57

75

75

82
70

84
73

90
80

87
90

75

127
115

102
110

657

WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR

A v era g e W e e k ly E a r n in g s in N e w Y o rk S t a t e F a c to r ie s,
1918 t o 1931

HE average weekly earnings of office and shop employees in
representative factories in New York State from 1918 to 1931 are
shown in the following table taken from the Industrial Bulletin of
the State department of labor for January, 1932:

T

AVER A G E W E E K L Y E A R N IN G S IN R E P R E SE N T A T IV E N E W Y O R K STATE FA C TO R IES
[Includes all employees in both office and shop. The average weekly earnings are obtained b y dividing
the total weekly pay roll b y the total number of employees on the pay roll for the given week. Reports
cover the week including the 15th of the month]
M onth

1918

January_____
February____
March_______
April. . .
M ay________
June__ ____
July_________
August______
September___
October______
November__
December____

1919

1920

1921

1922

1923

1924

1925

1926

1927

1928

1929

1930

1931

$16. 81 $23.03 $26. 52 $27. 61 $24. 43 $26. 2 1 $27. 81 $28. 30 $29. 05 $29. 52 $29. 21 $29. 71 $29. 80 $27. 01
17. 6 6 22.07 26. 47 26. 77 24. 17 . 25. 87 . 27. 73 27. 96 28.61 29. 39 29. 16 29. 99 29. 46 27. 44
18. 71 2 2 . 2 0 27. 87 26. 97 24. 57 26. 92 28. 16 28. 45 29. 04 29. 78 29.64 30. 35 29.90 27. 96
19. 25 2 2 1 1 27.80 26. 2 0 24. 15 27. 00 27. 70 27. 67 28.85 29. 17 28. 79 30. 07 29.44 27. 35
19. 91 22. 23 28. 45 25.86 24. 59 27. 63 27. 56 28. 07 28. 69 29. 18 29. 19 30. 03 29.10 26. 96
20. 44 22. 51 28. 77 25. 71 24. 91 27. 87 27. 21 27. 94 28. 99 29. 17 29 48 30. 02 28 96 26. 34
20.78 23. 10 28. 49 25. 26 24. 77 27. 54 27 06 27.98 28. 81 28 95 29 15 29.80 28. 50 26. 39
21. 23 23. 85 28. 71 25. 43 25. 10 27. 12 27. 40 28 16 28. 8 6 29. 29 29. 38 30. 09 28. 59 26. 33
22. 31 24. 83 28. 73 25. 07 25. 71 27.41 28.05 28. 33 29. 31 29 57 29. 72 30. 47 28. 94 26. 16
22. 34 24. 41 28 93 24. 53 25.61 27. 72 27. 53 28. 57 . 29. 35 . 29. 28 29. 78 30. 08 28. 03 25. 34
21.60 25. 37 28. 70 24. 32 . 26. 04 . 27. 64 27. 6 6 28.67 29. 15 . 28. 75 29. 62 29. 54 27. 42 24.99
23.18 26. 32 28. 35 24. 91 26. 39 27.98 28.25 29. 05 29. 47 29. 57 30. 12 29. 75 27. 52 24. 74

Average... 20. 35 23. 50 28. 15 25. 72 25.04 27. 24 27.68 28. 26 29. 02 29. 30 29. 44 29. 99 28. 81 26. 42

W a g es a n d L ab or C o n d itio n s in A la sk a , 1930-31

N THE latter part of 1930 conditions affecting labor in Alaska
were in general satisfactory, but in the spring of 1931 some un­
employment was reported. This unemployment for the most part
was the result of an influx of laborers from the States where, it was
stated, labor conditions were generally unfavorable. In the same
spring there was a curtailment in the Territory’s fishing industry and
consequently less work for the fishing population. The situation,
however, improved substantially toward midsummer after a large
number of construction projects throughout Alaska had been started
and seasonal mining operations were under way. No labor shortages
or labor disturbances were reported. Wage schedules continued
“ well stabilized and satisfactorily adjusted to living costs, ” according
to the annual report of the governor of the Territory for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1931, in which the following information is also given.
In 1930 there were 27,568 persons employed in the Alaskan com­
mercial fisheries-—a decrease of 1,715 as compared with the previous
year. Among these 27,568 workers there were 15,451 whites, 4,962
natives, 4,222 Filipinos, 1,258 Japanese, 771 Chinese, 733 Mexicans,
90 Negroes, and 81 miscellaneous (Kanakas, Koreans, Porto Kicans,
etc.).

I

During 1930 there were approximately 3,820 men employed in the mining
industry, which is a decrease of about 220 under the number employed during
1929. This decrease was due largely to the curtailment of operations at the
copper mines. Of the men employed in the mining industry during 1930, approx­
imately 2,220 were engaged in connection with placer mining, 98 in coal mining
and 1,502 in lode mining. In addition to the above, there were perhaps between
300 and 400 men engaged in prospecting for lode and placer deposits in the
Territory. Some of the increased interest in prospecting is probably due to the
fact that a number of men who usually work for wages during the season were
unable to find employment and engaged in prospecting instead.


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658

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

The fishing industry is carried on almost entirely in the coastal
districts of the first and third judicial divisions. The work season
lasts from four to eight months, being dependent upon the nature and
situation of the fishery.
In the first judicial division, which includes all of the southeastern
part of the Territory, from 35 to 50 per cent of the labor supply is
secured from the residents of the Territory, approximately 10 per cent
of those so secured being native Indians. Further labor needs are
met by importation from the States for the fishing season only. About
45 per cent of these imported workers are employed under the socalled “ oriental contract system. ”
Owing to the remoteness of many of the large canneries and the sparsity of
the resident population in the third division, where the largest percentage of
the fishery labor is employed, from 15 to 20 per cent of the total labor is secured
locally, the balance being imported from the States. Of the labor secured locally
in the third division, from 50 to 80 per cent are native Indians. From 35 to 45
per cent of the labor imported into the third division during the fishery season is
contract labor.

Wages
Fishing Industry

I n t h e fiscal year 1930-31 the daily wages for general cannery labor
resident in the Territory were as follows: In the first judicial division
men received from $3.50 to $5 and women from $2 to $3.50; in the
third judicial division men received from $2.50 to $5 and women
from $2 to $4. All other labor in the fishing industry is remunerated
according to the scale shown in the following table. In most cases
board was furnished in addition to wages.
T able 1.—M O N TH LY W AGES IN T H E A L A SK A N FISH IN G IN D U S T R Y , 1930-31

Occupation

Foremen____________________
Outside fore men. . _____
Boat captains___ ______ _______
Boat crews, deck hands, e t c ______
Boat engineers. . . ___ _____
Machinists
_________
M achinists’ helpers __ ________
Carpenters________________
Carpenters’ helpers_____
Pile-driver c r e w s ... ..............

First
divi­
sion

Third
divi­
sion

$225

$230
180
150
80
130
175
95
125
85
90

200

145
100

130
175
100

125
90
90

Occupation

Blacksmiths
Firemen___
Trapmen
Cooks.
... ...
Flunkeys
Iron-chink men___
Retort m en_____
Storekeepers. .
___
Miscellaneous laborers...........

First Third
divi­ divi­
sion
sion
$130
100

90
115
80
115
115

$100
100

80
120

70
125

110

110
100

85

80

Mining Industry

Labor conditions in the mining industry in Alaska differ greatly
according to the location of the mines and the character of the work.
General labor in placer mining received board and from 50 to 80 cents
per hour, 8 to 10 hours constituting a shift. The cost of board per
day was from $1.50 in the Cook Inlet region to $4 in the remote parts
of the Territory such as Koyukuk and Shushana. Skilled workers’
wages range from $5 per day and board for oilers in the Yentna
district to $13 per day and board for dredge masters in the IditarodInnoko district.
Coal miners’ wages were quite uniform.
Underground coal miners and timbermen receive $8.60 per day; underground
laborers, trammers, and rope riders, $7.80 per day; and outside labor, $5.50 per
day. Fire bosses are paid $250 per month and foremen from $250 to $300 per
month. Deductions from the above wages are made for board at rates of from
$1.50 to $2 per day.


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WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR

659

With the exception of small drift-mining operations, prospecting,
and development work, Alaskan placer mining is restricted _to the
open season—ordinarily from May or June to the freeze-up in Sep­
tember or October. In the fall of 1930, in the Nome district, however,
some dredges were able to operate until November, and in the Fair­
banks district two dredges were in operation until the middle of Jan­
uary, 1931. Lode mining is carried on mainly in the coastal regions
of the first and third judicial divisions and absorbs about 1,500 men
throughout the year.
The following table shows the wage scales for the more important
lode mines of the coastal regions in 1930-31.
T able 2 —WAGES IN C E R T A IN A L A SK A N LODE M IN E S, 1930-31

Occupation

Per 8 -hour
shift

Occupation

MacMne-drîll mp,ri
___________
Manhinft hftlppxs
_____________
Muckers
Ti m hprmPTi
Tra ckrn pu
Pj ppmen
Carpenters— - ------ ---------------------

$4. 00-$6.00
4.00- 5. 00
4.10- 5. 25
5.0 0 -6 .0 0
4. 50- 5. 25
5. 00- 5. 50
5.50- 7. 00

Blacksmiths _________________ Carpenters’ helpers
. - ..................Blacksmiths’ helpers- ---------- --Hoisting engineers --------------------C a g e r s -__ - - ___ — — -- -------Laborers--------------- ---------------------

Per 8 -hour
shift
$5.75-$7. 00
4.00- 5.00
4. 00- 5.50
4.00- 5.75
4. 35- 5.25
3.50- 5. 00

From the above wages deductions of $1 to $1.50 per day are made
for board and of $1.50 to $2.40 per month for hospital and medical
care.
Letting contracts for a considerable part of the underground work
is a prevalent practice both at the larger lode mines and at the coal
mines.
A c tu a l E a r n in g s in t h e G e r m a n W o o d w o r k in g I n d u s tr y , M a rch ,
1931

INVESTIGATION of the actual earnings of the workers emin the woodworking industry in Germany, undertaken by
ANLtheployed
Federal Statistical Office, covered 1,262 establishments employing
23,752 workers over 22 years of age; among these are 1,195 establish­
ments with 21,442 male workers engaged in general woodworking
and furniture making, and 67 establishments with 2,310 workers,
including 245 female workers, engaged in musical instrument making.1
The following table shows the average actual hourly and weekly
earnings, average hours of labor, and a comparison of actual earnings
and agreement rates of wages of adult workers:
1 Germany. Statistiches Reichsamt.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Wirtschaft und Statistik, Oct. 2,1931, pp. 734-736.

660

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

A V ER A G E A C TU A L E A R N IN G S, A V ER A G E HOURS OF LABOR, A N D C O M PA R ISO N OF
A C TU A L E A R N IN G S W ITH A G R E E M E N T R A TES, M A RC H , 1931
[Conversions into United States currency on basis of mark=23.8 cents; pfennig=0.238 cent]
Hourly earn­
ings 1
Industry group and class of workers

German United
States
cur­
cur­
rency rency

Weekly net
earnings

Percent
actual
hourly
earnings
hours
are of
per German United
States agree­
week
cur­
cur­
ment
rency rency
rates

Average

W oodworking and furniture manufacture

Skilled workers:
Time work____________________________________
Piecework
_____ ___ ____________________
Semiskilled workers:
Tim ew ork
_
_
______
______ _____ _____ _
Piecework
_ _
Unskilled workers, time work______________________

P fen­
nigs

117.3

Cents

M arks

1 2 0 .8

27.9
28.8

39. 63
40.43

46.49
48.85

$ 1 1 . 06
11.63

107.3
103.0

91.9
90. 6
89.1

21.9
.

40. 62
40.70
41.08

37. 34
36. 89
36. 59

8.89
8.78
8.71

99.4

21 6
2 1 .2

48. 83
43. 70
36. 59
39.39

11.62
10. 40
8.71
9. 37

111.7
103.9
97.1
103.2

99.3

M usical instrum ent manufacture

Male workers:
Skilled workers—
Time work_________________ _ ___________
Piece work
_________________________
Semiskilled workers, time work................
_______
Unskilled workers, time w o r k ______
________
Female workers:
Skilled workers, piece work____________________
Semiskilled workers—
Time work
._
_______________ _____
_____________ _______ _______
Piece work

29.2
30.0
23.3

39.8
34.7
38.2
40.2

74.9

17.8

29.2

2 1 .8 8

5. 20

96.1

65.8
67.6

15.7
16.1

38.5
34.7

25. 34
23.48

6.03
5. 59

1 1 2 .8

1 2 2 .6

126.0
95.9
98.0

2 2 .8

105.1

1 Including additional pay for overtime, night, Sunday, and holiday work, and for installation and repair
work.

A c tu a l E a r n in g s in t h e C o n fe c tio n e r y , B a k in g , a n d P a str y
T r a d e s in G e r m a n y in M a rch , 1931

INVESTIGATION of the actual earnings of workers in the
German confectionery, baking, and pastry trades in March, 1931,
ANLcovering
299 establishments with 33,405 workers in 137 localities in
Germany was undertaken by the German Federal Statistical Office.
The average actual hourly and weekly earnings and weekly working
hours in these trades, as shown by that study, are given in the follow­
ing tables.1
1

Germany.

Statistisches Reichsamt.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Wirtschaft und Statistik, N ov. 1,1931, pp. 767-770.

661

WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR

T able 1.—AVER A G E H O U R L Y E A R N IN G S IN C O N FE C T IO N E R Y , BA K IN G , A N D PA STR Y
T R A D E S, M A RC H , 1931
[Conversions into United States currency on basis of pfennig=0.238 cent]

Average hourly
earnings

Class and age of workers

Agreement hourly
rates on time or
piece work basis

Per cent
actual
earnings
form of
agree­
German United
German United
ment
States currency
States
currency currency
wages
currency

Skilled workers, male:
Pfennigs
20-23 years—time work____ _ ________________
91.8
Over 23 years—
109. 3
Time work_______ _________________ . .
Piece work______________________ ____ _
129.2
Unskilled workers, male:
18-20 years—time work___ _________ ________
60. 9
20-23 years—tim ew o rk .. ______ _ _________
77.9
Over 23 years—
89.3
Time work___________
Piece work______________________
104.1
Female workers:
16-18 years—
Time work______________ _
33.5
Piece work______________ _ . . . ____ . . .
43.0
18-20 years—
Time work________________________ ______
47.1
Piece work___ _______________ __________
57.5
Over 20 years—
T im ew ork__ ___________ _. ______ .
58. 0
Piecew ork_______ . . .
67. 7

Cents

Pfennigs

Cents

2 1 .8

89.3

21.3

1 0 2 .1

26.0
30.7

1 0 1 .1

119.1

24.1
28. 3

107.4
108. 2

14.5
18.5

59. 7
76.0

14. 2
18.1

1 0 0 .1

21. 3
24.8

85. 8
97.8

20 4
23. 3

103 1
105. 9

8 .0
1 0 .2

32.7
38.8

7. 8
9.2

101 6
1 1 0 .1

1 1 .2

46.4
55.1

1 1 .0

100 6

13.7

13.1

104 0

13.8
16.1

56. 0
65.6

13. 3
15.6

1 0 2 .8

101. 3

103 0

T a b l e 2 . —A V ER A G E W E E K L Y HOURS OF LABOR A N D E A R N IN G S IN C O N FE C T IO N E R Y ,
B A K IN G , A N D PA STR Y T R A D E S, M A R C H , 1931
[Conversions into United States currency on basis of mark=23.8 cents]
Weekly earnings
Class and age of workers

Skilled workers, male, tim e and piece w ork______________________
20-23 years, tim e work___________ ____ _ . __ ___ ___ __
Over 23 years—
Time work_________________ ________________
Piecework ___________ ____ _________ . . . . ___ . . . .
Unskilled workers, male, time and piece w ork_______ . . .
18-20 years, tim e work__________ _______ __
______
20-23 years, tim e work________ . . .
...
_ _ _______
Over 23 years—
T im ew ork_________________ _ .
._ . . . ___ _________
P iecew ork_________ ________________ _ ________ . ___
Female workers, time and piece work______________ _ . . ______
16-18 years—
T im ew ork_________________ _ . ______ ______ ______
P iecew ork___
____ _______ ______ . . . . . . _. _ . . . . .
18-20 years—
T im ew o rk .. . ._
...
______ . . . . .
Piece work___________________________________________ ^
Over 2 0 years—
Time work___________________________________ _______
Piece work____________________________________________


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Hours of
labor per
week

German
currency

United
States
currency

M arks

46.6
45.6

51.54
41.81

$12. 27
9. 95

47.0
44.5
46.6
48. 1
47.0

51. 35
57. 48
40.49
29. 32
36. 59

12 22
68

46. 4
47.4
44.4

41. 44
49.31
25.18

9.86
11. 74
5. 99

42.7
40.9

14. 30
17.57

3. 40
4.18

45.0
43.1

21.17
24.82

5.04
5.91

44.8
44.5

25. 97
30. 08

6

.
13.
9.64
6 . 98
8 . 71

. 18
7. 16

662

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

C u t in E n glish D ock W orkers’ W age R ates 1

JANUARY 4, 1932, a new agreement as to wage rates for
dockers in the English ports became effective, as the result of
ONlong
negotiations. Up to that date there had been no change in

wages since 1924, when the daily rate was fixed at 12s. for the large
ports and 11s. for the smaller ports. As early as May, 1931, negotia­
tions for a change were begun, the employers demanding a cut of
2s. a day m wages and drastic changes in conditions of employment
demands which the^ men resisted determinedly. A deadlock was
reached, and for a time serious trouble seemed imminent, but after
consideration both sides receded from their uncompromising attitude,
and the employers presented modified proposals which were referred
to a subcommittee of the industrial council for the port industry.
This body succeeded in evolving a solution which has been accepted
by both sides.
Under the new terms, day wages are reduced by lOd. a day, and
piece rates by 7 per cent, with a minor modification relating to over­
time at the week end. Day rates will therefore be 11s. 2d. in the
large ports and 10s. 2d. in the small ports, rates which, the Manches­
ter Guardian points out, are actually higher than the rates paid from
October, 1922, to June, 1924. No changes are to be made in the
working conditions established by earlier agreements.
i Data are from Economist (London), Dec.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

12

, 1931, p. 1118; and Manchester Guardian, Dec. i l

93

l, ‘

WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR

663

G eneral Survey of W ages in A u stria 1

HERE is no central organization in Austria which compiles sta­
tistics of actual wages for the whole territory of the Republic.
There are seven chambers of labor, at Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg,
Klagenfurt, Innsbruck, and Feldkirch, the one at Vienna being the
most important. All seven chambers collect considerable data on
minimum wages, but, with the exception of the Vienna Chamber, do
not present them in statistical form.

T

Hours of Labor
T h e hours of labor (full tim e ) a re fixed in Austria by law at 8 per
day, and 48 per week. A number of factories, when working full
time, work more than 8 hours per day but close at noon on Saturday.
Due to the prevailing economic depression a large number of com­
panies in Austria are now working short time. In many instances
arrangements have been made between the companies and the work­
ers to cut down the hours of labor instead of dismissing part of the
workmen. At present the 42-hour week is very frequent in Austria,
but in many cases the working hours have been cut down even to 3
or 4 days per week. In some mines the laborers are divided into two
groups which alternate in employment, one group working one week
and the other working the next week.
All weekly wages given in this report are based on the 48-hour
week. In making conclusions as to the actual income of the laborer,
it should be noted that, at present, only a small proportion of labor­
ers are drawing the full weekly wages.

Payment for Overtime
M ost collective agreements provide that ordinary overtime shall
be paid for at 50 per cent above the normal rate. The rates for socalled “ night work” (Nachtarbeit)—usually after 8 p. m.—is 100 per
cent higher than the normal rate. The provisions concerning^ night
work are, of course, not applied in cases of companies working in two
or three 8-hour shifts. Work on Sundays and legal holidays is paid
for at double the normal rate.

Holidays, Vacations, etc.
T h e number of holidays in Austria is relatively very large. It is
difficult to decide which of these holidays are considered as legal, as
there is practically no uniformity as to the recognition of the various
holidays. Certain holidays, such as November 12 and^ May 1, are
considered legal State holidays and are generally recognized as such.
As regards religious holidays, however, certain ones are recognized
by the Government, by banks and various financial institutions as
full holidays and a number as half holidays. The number of church
holidays recognized by industry in general is smaller than that
recognized by Government bureaus, banks, etc.
As regards the payment for holidays, there is the same lack of uni­
formity as in regard to the recognition of holidays. Collective agree1

This report was prepared by Ernest L. Harris, American Consul General, Vienna, Austria.


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664

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

ments differ greatly as regards the number of paid holidays. Accord­
ing to information obtained from the Vienna Chamber of Labor
there are many companies in Austria which pay for no holidays what­
soever. About 90 per cent of the companies in the metal industry,
the most important branch of industry in Vienna, pay for no holi­
days. The allowance of 2 to 5 paid holidays per annum is frequent
in other industries. The largest^ number of paid holidays, 15 per
annum, is found in the graphical industry (<graphische Industrie). It
is not unusual in Austria for the number of holidays recognized by
certain industries to be much larger than the number of paid holi­
days. Consequently, it happens frequently that the wage for certain
weeks which include recognized holidays is smaller than the normal
weekly wage. This should be considered when making conclusions
as to the actual income of the workers.
Sex and Age Differences Recognized in Wage Fixing

I n A u st r ia a system of wage payment according to age is current.
Under this arrangement, a worker in a given occupational group is
graded and paid on a sliding-scale basis. Thus, the young worker may
look forward to automatic increases in wages up to 22 or 24 years of
age. In pertain instances gradations of pay are based on the number
of years m service subsequent to completion of apprenticeship.
Wages of female employees are usually 20 to 30 per cent and even
moie below the wages of males of the same occupational group.
Figures given in Table 2 clearly illustrate the extent to which the
sex difference is recognized in wage fixing.
Payments Supplementary to Wages
A c c o r d i n g to information obtained from the Chamber of Labor
family allowances are not usual in Austria, as far as laborers are con­
cerned. Certain Styrian coal mines pay, in addition to the normal
wage, an allowance of 2 groschens 2 (0.3 cent) per child for every
hour of labor.
J
a7 “ ents 111 kind are usual in Austria as regards farm laborers,
t he latter usually get board and lodging and, in some instances, even
clothes. In industry, however, payments in kind are not customary
I t o t y n M COi mlnes>m addition to the wage, allow 400 kilograms
(882 pounds) of lignite per month to every worker. The sugar industry
f a n * tie following payments in kind, in addition to the normal wage •
3,600 kilograms (7,936 pounds) of coal; 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of
cube sugar; 1 cubic meter (423.799 feet board measure) of hard wood*
30 kilowatt hours of electric current; 12 schillings ($1.69), rent allowance; and the use of 1,000 square meters (0.247 acre) of farming land.
Ike Austrian lobacco Monopoly gives certain quantities of ciga­
rettes or cigars, or tobacco to its workers. Breweries grant a certain
quantity of beer per day, and certain foodstuff industries sell their
products at reduced prices to their employees. With few exceptions
these payments in land are allowed on the basis of private agreements
between the company and the workers and are, therefore, not included
in collective agreements.
2

Conversions into United States currency on basis of schilling (100 groschen) = 14.07 cents.


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WAGES AND HOUES OF LABOE

665

Free housing is usual in case of laborers working on farms and in
forests. Some of the larger factories and mines in rural districts have
their own workmen’s houses. The worker usually pays a rent which
is just large enough to pay for the upkeep of the house. The com­
pany receives no return on the invested capital. The financial
benefit of the worker, however, is negligible, as rents are very low in
Austria.
Most of the new workmen’s houses erected after the war have little
gardens which can be used by the tenants for the cultivation of vege­
tables, fruits, etc. The space is usually very small and the financial
benefit derived from the use of such garden land is comparatively
little.
Deductions from Wages
T h e r e is no special wage tax in Austria. Social insurance contri­
butions are relatively very high in Austria. In Table 1 there is shown
a summary of contributions to be made by both employers and
employees in Vienna toward social welfare institutions, as far as they
are collected by the Vienna Sick Insurance Bureau. These contribu­
tions represent, for the most part, practically all the expenditure for
social welfare. They do not, however, include contributions for
accident insurance, which are paid by theemployer. The latter has
to bear two more items of expenditure which fall under the category
of social welfare, namely, the so-called “ Krankengeld ” or a certain
sum of money which the employee receives from the employer in
case of sickness, and the so-called “ Urlaubsentgelt” or continued
payment of a worker while on his regular leave of absence.
The scale of contributions for social insurance is shown in Table 1.
As may be seen from the table, in the lowest class, comprising wages
up to 95 cents per week, the total contributions for the various funds
amount to 20 cents per week, or more than 20 per cent of the wage.
Of these contributions, 11 cents must be paid by the employee and 9
cents by the employer. Consequently, the laborer earning 95 cents
per week must pay 11.5 per cent of his wage for social contributions.
It should be mentioned, however, that there are very few workers
in Austria earning only 95 cents per week or less; 11 per cent fall in
class 9, thus earning more than $4.05 per week, and 65 per cent fall in
class 10, earning more than $5.07 per week.
A worker who earns $4.10 per week pays 48 cents for social welfare
contributions, or almost 12 per cent, while a worker with a weekly
wage of $5.10 pays 54 cents, or more than 10 per cent of his wage, for
social welfare contributions. However, as the weekly contributions
borne by the laborer can never be more than 54 cents, the percentage
of the wage thus deducted forms a decreasing per cent of the wage.
If he is a highly skilled worker and receives a weekly wage of $12, the
deductions from his wage amount to only 4.5 per cent.
In the classification of the laborers into wage classes, not only the
actual cash wage but also bonuses, tips, payments in kind, etc., are
included.


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666

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

T a b l e 1 .—SC H E D U L E OF W O R K E R S’ C O N T R IB U TIO N S FOR SOCIAL IN S U R A N C E

JU N E

1

, 1931

’

Weekly contribution (in cents) toward—
Sick­
ness
insur­
ance

Unem­
ploy­
ment
relief
fund

D is­
tress
relief
fund

Class 1 (up to $0.95) :
Employee—..............
Employer.......... .......

5.07
2.53

3.37
3. 37

1. 27
1. 27

0. 70
.70

0. 56
.56

0.42

T otal......................

7. 60

6

. 74

2. 54

1.40

1 .1 2

.42

Class 2 ($0.95 to $1.17):
Employee________
Employer________

5.91
2. 95

3.94
3. 94

1.55
1.55

.84
.84

.56
.56

.42

1 .1 2

.42

.56
.56

.42

. 12

.42

.56
.56

.42

. 12

.42

.56
.56

.42

. 12

.42

.56
.56

.42

Wage class (weekly wages)

Total___________

Oldage
pen­
sion

8 .8 6

7.88

3.10

1 .6 8

Class 3 ($1.17 to $1.46):
Employee________
Employer________

7.32
3. 6 6

4.92
4. 92

1.97
1.97

1.13
1. 13

T otal___________

10.98

9.84

3. 94

2

Class 4 ($1.46 to $1.58):
Employee________
Employer........ .........

8 . 44
4. 22

5. 77
5. 77

2.25
2.25

1. 27
1. 27

M ain­
Estab­
tenance Cham­ lish­
of
ber of ment
employ labor ofsettle
ment
ments

. 26

1

T otal......................

12 66

.

11. 54

4. 50

2. 54

Class 5 ($1.58 to $2.03):
Employee________
Employer...... ...........

9.85
4. 92

6.61
6.61

2. 53
2. 53

1.55
1.55

T otal......................

14. 77

13.22

5.06

3.10

1 2 .6 6

. 33

8.58
8.58

3. 38
3. 38

1. 83
1.83

T otal____ ______

18. 99

17.16

6

. 76

3. 6 6

1 .1 2

.42

Class 7 ($2.53 to $3.04):
Employee_________
Employer_________

15. 48
7. 74

10.41
10.41

4.08
4.08

2. 39
2. 39

.56
.56

.70

. 16

4. 78

1 .1 2

.70

.56
.56

.70

Class 6 ($2.03 to $2.53):
Employee—...............
Employer_________

6

Total___________

23. 22

20.82

8

Class 8 ($3.04 to $4.05):
Employee_________
Employer...................

19.70
9. 85

13. 36
13. 36

5. 21
5.21

2. 95’
2. 95

1

1

T otal........................

29. 55

26. 72

10.42

5. 90

1 .1 2

.70

Class 9 ($4.05 to $5.07):
Employee_________
Employer___ ______

22.51
1 1 . 26

15. 19
15.19

5.91
5.91

3. 37
3. 37

.56
.56

.70

. 12

.70

Total........................

33.77

30.38

11.82

Class 1 0 (over $5.07):
Employee_________
Employer_________

25.33
1 2 .6 6

17.16
17.16

6.61
6.61

3. 80
3. 80

.56
.56

.70

T o ta l............ .........

37.99

34.32

13.22

7.60

1 .1 2

.70

6

. 74

1

Total

0.14

11.39
8.57

. 14

19. 96

. 14

13. 22
9. 98

. 14

23. 20

. 14

16. 32
12.38

. 14

28. 70

.14

18. 71
14.21

. 14

32. 92

.14

21.52
16. 31

.14

37.83

. 14

27. 43
20.82

. 14

48. 25

.14

30. 62
25. 32

.14

55. 94

.14

42. 48
32.07

.14

74.55

. 14

48. 24
36. 43

.14

84. 67

.14

54. 16
40.93

.14

95.09

Apprentices, during the first two years of apprenticeship, are usually
grouped under wage class 1. For the remaining time of apprentice­
ship they are included in class 2. However, if their weekly wage exS {°,schllllIlgs ($1-41) they must be grouped the same way as all
other laborers m accordance with the schedule given in the table
the social welfare contributions of apprentices must be paid entirely
by the employer. The same applies to laborers who receive no cash
wage whatsoever.

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WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR

667

The contribution for unemployment insurance is equal to 90 per
cent of the contribution for sickness insurance. In Vienna and Lower
Austria the contribution toward the distress relief fund equals 35 per
cent of the contribution for sickness insurance, while in other Prov­
inces it ranges from 25 to 45 per cent. The contribution for old-age
pensions is equal to 20 per cent of the contribution for sickness insur­
ance fund.
As can be seen from the above table, the contribution toward the
maintenance of the employment bureau and toward the establish­
ment of settlements amounts to 1.12 cents and 0.14 cent, respectively,
for all wage classes, a total of 1.26 cents. For laborers of the Vienna
building industry these two contributions amount to 2.53 cents instead
of 1.26 cents for all wage classes. In this industry employer and
employee each pay 50 per cent of these contributions.
Wage Trends and Living Costs
N u m e r o u s increases in minimum wage rates for the Vienna district
could be noted during the second half of 1929. There were scarcely
any industries where minimum wages remained unchanged during
that period. The increases fluctuated widely, from 2 to 20 per cent.
Wages paid by the electric bulb and cable industry showed an increase
of from 23 to 40 per cent. However, this abnormally large increase
was due to the fact that increases of actual wages since 1925 were
included in a new collective agreement.
The upward trend in wage rates continued during the first half oi
1930, but was far less accentuated than during 1929. The number of
industries which increased their wages and the percentage increases
were proportionally much smaller than during 1929, ranging from
0.72 to 9.24 per cent.
The collective agreements of the strong current and weak current
industry were combined in a new agreement. The latter showed
increases up to 39 per cent. However, actual wages were increased
only slightly. This is accounted for by the fact that for a number of
years actual wages paid had surpassed the minimum rates fixed by the
last collective agreement in 1924. The same was true with regard to
the brass furniture and safe industries, where actual wages remained
practically unchanged, while, on the other hand, minimum wage rates
were increased by as much as 39.5 per cent.
A wage increase in the dyeing industry of about 1 per cent, which was
agreed upon in 1929, became effective during the first half of 1930.
^After June, 1930, the upward trend in minimum wage rates came to
an almost complete standstill. It was during the second half of 1930
that the first wage reduction on the basis of a collective agreement was
reported.
.
, .
A
There were practically no increases m wage rates during 1931. A n
increase which occurred in the building industry was cancelled again.
According to information obtained from the Chamber of Labor,
wao-e reductions have been frequent since the beginning of 1931, but
no statistics are at present available on these reductions. Collective
agreements concluded during 1931 show reductions of 4, 5, and 6 pei
cent in the minimum wages in some groups of the metal industry.


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668

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

Actual wages in many industries were reduced even more, some­
times as much as 15 and even 20 per cent. In many cases, reductions
of actual wages do not necessitate the conclusion of new collective
agreements, because the unreduced actual wages were higher than
those fixed by collective agreements.
Summarizing, it may be said that at present a marked downward
trend in wages can be noted. This trend brings actual wages closer
to the level of the minimum wage rates established by collective
agreements.
The group of workers engaged in manufacturing, commerce, and
traders the most important in Austria. There are certain statistics
compiled on the income of these laborers, but notwithstanding this
fact, it is very difficult to come to a conclusion as to the average
wage of all these laborers.
According to statistics compiled by sickness insurance institutions,
the average weekly wage may be estimated at about 40 schillings
($5.63). On the other hand, the average calculated by the Vienna
Chamber of Labor considerably exceeds this figure. It amounts to
48 schillings ($6.75). This average takes into consideration the dif­
ference between wages paid in Vienna and those paid in other indus­
trial districts of Austria; the Vienna Chamber of Labor estimates the
average weekly wage of a skilled laborer at 54 schillings ($7.60), that
of an unskilled laborer (helper) at about 42 schillings ($5.91).
These averages, when calculated on a gold basis and compared
with corresponding pre-war figures, show an increase of about 42 per
cent. Due to the increase in the cost of living since 1914, the purchas­
ing value of these wages has not kept pace with the increase in wages.
However, it is estimated that since 1914 the purchasing value of
wages of laborers engaged in manufacturing, commerce, and trade
has, on the average, increased by about 37 per cent.
Wages in Vienna
I n J a n u a r y , 1930, comprehensive wage statistics for the Vienna
district were published by the Federal Bureau for Statistics (Bundesamtfur Statistik). Since that time only changes in wage rates dur­
ing 1930 have been published. On the basis of these publications,
the 1929 statistics have been revised and are shown in Table 2.
Changes in wage rates which occurred during 1931 could not be
taken into consideration as they have not been published.


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669

W A G E S AND H O U R S O F LA B O R

T able 2 ..—M IN IM U M W E E K L Y W AGES IN SP E C IF IE D IN D U S T R IE S A N D OCC U PA TIO N S
IN T H E V IE N N A D IS T R IC T , D E C E M B E R 31, 1930

[Conversions into United States currency on basis of schilling= 14.07 cents]
M inim um w eekly wages
Industry, and occupation or class of worker

Brick industry

Skilled workers___________________________
Laborers, m a le ...________________________
Laborers, female----- ------ --------------------------Youthful laborers, male----------------------------Youthful laborers, female---------------------------

Austrian cur­
rency

United
States
currency

Schillings

48.38-53.18
34. 56
23. 42
19.58
15.26

$6.81-$7.48
4. 8 6
3.30
2. 75
2.15

51.84
49. 92
44.16
27.84
22.08
22.08

7.29
7. 02

68.09
48. 26
87.70
60.24

9.58
6 . 79
12.34
8.48

68.09
48.31

9. 58
6 . 80

Cement industry

Skilled workers over 22 years...... ............ ............
Skilled workers under 22 years--------------------Helpers, unskilled, under 22 years----------------Women, 18-22 years old--------------- --------------Laborers, male, under 17 years--------------------Laborers, female, under 18 years-------------------

6 .2 1

3.92
3.11
3.11

Clothing industry

M en’s tailors, large concerns:
Class la fir m s..---------- ---------- ----------Class lib firms_______________________
Cutters, highly skilled________________
Cutters, beginners___________________
M en’s tailors, small concerns:
Class la firms_______________________
Class li b firms------ ------------- -------------Ladies’ tailors:
Laborers, male, working independently.
Jacket workers, female________ ____ _
Women working independently---------Helpers, after five y e a r s . ------- --------Finished apprentices------------------------Ready-made clothes:
Cutters and master tailors-----------------Master tailors, female-----------------------Cutters____________ ____ ___________
Pressers____________________________
Helpers, female, over 16 years------------M en’s ready-made clothes:
Independent workers, male__________
Other workers, male_________________
Finished apprentices, under 20 years.._
Waist making:
Independent waist makers, female-----Independent waist finishers, female----Finished apprentices after 1 year— . . . .
Artificial flower and feather industry:
Forewomen_____________________ ___
Laborers, female, after 4 years------------Finished apprentices------------------------Helpers, female------------------- ------------M en’s hat industry:
Skilled workers, piece rate-----------------Semiskilled workers-------------------------W omen_____________________________
Women’s hat industry:
Finishers, tim e workers—
Under 22 years__________________
Over 22 years____________________
Finishers, piece workers--------------------Straw hat sewers, female, skilled—
Time workers___________________
Piece workers.__________________
Milliners:
Hand workers, fe m a le independent—
N ot independent------------------------Helpers, female_____________________
Furriers:
Male workers_______________________
Machine operators, female----------------Trimmers, female----------------------------Preparers___________________________
Pressers, female_____________________
Helpers, female-------------------------- ------

103146°— 32------12

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

48. 00-71. 04
34. 56-57.12
28. 80-42. 72
23. 04-38.88
13.92-25. 44

6

.75-10. 00
4. 8 6 - 8 . 04
4. 05-6. 01
3.24-5.47
1.96-3. 58
. 85
5.13
7.29
7. 29
4. 6 6

62.88
36. 48
51. 84
51.84
33.12

8

49.44
38.88
28. 80

6.96
5. 47
4.05

33.44
31. 6 8
2 2 .8 8

4.71
4. 46
3. 22

36.50
23. 30
19. 40
19. 40

5.14
3. 28
2. 73
2.73

50. 00-70. 00
37.80-56.70
24.80-34. 00

7. 04-9.85
5. 32-7.98
3.49-4.78

61.00
70. 00
50. 00-80. 00

8.58
9. 85
7. 04-11.26

64.00
28. 00-55. 00

9.00
3.94-7.74

33. 00
27. 00

4. 64
3.80
2.95

2 1 .0 0

38.97-77.93
47. 78
21. 35-42. 6 8
79. 20
35.52
32.16

5. 48-10.96
6 . 72
3. 00-6. 01
11.14
5. 00
4.52

670

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

TiB“ s' m™ ? hew#iIVnVàS?iET?SSlSàiiTS,e^ à S Â acxjrAT10l’s
Minimum weekly wages
Industry, and occupation or class of worker
Austrian cur­
rency

United
States
currency

Chemical industry

Chemical-technical industry:
Skilled workers____________
Skilled helpers_________ I
"
Unskilled helpers over 17 vears
Forewomen______________
Helpers, female______ ” . ” ” ” ” "
Match industry:
Inspectors________________
Skilled workers_________
Machine operators____ ”
""
Machine helpers, fem ale.. ” ” ” *111.1
Unskilled helpers, female
Lacquer and printers’ ink industry:” "
Skilled workers____ ._________
Unskilled helpers over 17 years” ”
Machine operators, female________ III”
Helpers, female, over 17 years.
Od, soap, perfumery, etc., industry: "
Skilled w orkers.___________
Skilled machine attendants"” ” . ” ” ”
Unskilled laborers_____
Forewomen____________ ” ” ”
Machine operators, fem ale.. ” ” ” ”
Mineral oil refineries:
Skilled workers, over 2 2 years____
Steam boiler firemen, over 2 2 vears”
Skilled helpers, male, over 22 years
Skilled laborers, female, over 17 years
Unskilled helpers, male, over 17 years
Unskilled helpers, female, over 17 years____
0
. .. ,
Special laborers_______
First machine helpers
Attendants, under 17 years
Sorters, female__________
Helpers, female______

... .

,

Schillings

46.08
38.88-43. 6 8
37. 92
26.40
24.00

$6.48
5.47-6.15
5. 34
3.71
3. 38

51. 84
50.88
46. 56
27. 36
26.40

7. 29
7. 16
.55
3.85
3.71

54.24
45.12
31.20
29. 76

7.63
6 . 35
4.39
4.19

55.68
53. 76
47. 52
32.44
29.28

7.83
7.56
6.69
4. 56
4.12

65.76
60.48
56.76
36.00
53.76
34.08

9. 25
8.51
7.99
5.07
7.56
4.80

54.72-56.64
44.64-46. 56
20.64
24.00-25.44
20. 64-24. 00

7.70-7.97
6.28-6. 55
2.90
3.38-3.58
2.90-3.38

57. 60
53.80-58.80
43. 60

7.57-8.27
6.13

52.32
48.42
36.24
35.28
16.92

7.36
6.81
5.10
4.96
2.38

37. 30
79.52
1 0 0 .0 0

5.25
11.19
14.07

36.48
50.88
73.44

5.13
7.16
10.33

29.50
58.25

8 .2 0

30.45
47.20

4.28
6.64

14.05
33.75

1.98
4.75

15. 30
35.10

2.15
4.94

25.40
28.15

3.57
3.96

6

P a p er industry

Rubber industry

Skilled workers, piece work. _” ”
Unskilled helpers, male________
Workers i n Sugar refining
Group I ______________
Group II___________ _____ ..............
Group V ___________
Group V II________ ” "
Group I X _________I

8 .1 0

Glass industry

Glass blowers, during first vear
Skilled workers__________2.
Skilled workers, piece rate”
Polishers—
After first half-year___
After first year_______
After fifth year________ I
Bookbinders, during first year
Skilled bookbinders________
Special workers:
During first year____
During third year___
Female workers:
During first half year____
After second half year.
Special workers, female:
During first half year
After two years____
Helpers:
Under 20 years___________
Over 2 0 years___________


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Bookbinding

4.15

671

WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR

T able 2 -M I N I M U M W E E K L Y W AGES IN SP E C IF IE D IN D U S T R IE S A N D O C CUPATIONS
J. able A* iVLi!NiiViUH E yj--gN N A D IS T r i c t , D E C E M B E R 31, 1930—Contmued

Cigarette industry

Machine operators, under 18 years
Skilled helpers, female:
Over 16 years--------------------------------------------Over 18 years--------- ----------------------------------Machine operators over 18 years— --------------------Forewomen------------------------------------------ ---------Mechanics attending tube machines, over 24 years

$3.91
26.50
27.10
40.80
30.90
62.10

3.73
3.81
5.74
4.35
8 .74

63.84-67.20

8.98-9.46

24.00-48.00
45.60-49.44
48.00
44.16
41.76
38.88
32.64

3.38-6.75
6.42-6.96
6 .75
6 . 21
5. 8 8
5.47
4.59

6 6 .0 0

51.30-61.70

9.29
7.22-8 . 6 8

31. 50
46. 50
25. 50
38.00

4.43
6.54
3.59
5.35

49.44-62.40
44.64

6.96-8.78
6.28

65.08
80.00

9.16
11.26

56.16-61.92
54.72

7.90-8.71
7.70

76. 60
77.20
46.30

10.78

75.60
76.10

10.64
10.71

.47
84. 59
74.78
67.69

12.45
11.90
10. 52
9. 52

61.35
38. 07

8.63
5.36

56.16-61.44
52. 80-57. 60
46.08-50. 8 8
27. 28-32.12

7.90-8.64
7.43-8.10
6.48-7.16
3. 84-4. 52

40.80
50. 28
55.92
62. 76
67.68

5. 74
7.07
7.87
8.83
9. 52

W ood industry

Skilled woodworkers, joiners, piano makers, upholsterers, basket makers,
woodcutters------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------Finished apprentices:
During first year------------------------------------------------------------------------During second year---------------------------------------------------------------------Skilled workers, minimum w a g e ...-----------------------------------------------------Skilled helpers, male------------------------------------------------------------- ----------Unskilled helpers, m ale--------------------------------------------------------------------Skilled helpers, female-------------------------------------- -------------------------------Unskilled helpers, female............... — ------------- ------ -----------------------------Leather industry

Pocketbook workers:
Highly skilled workers-------------------------Skilled workers, over 22 years............ ..........
Manufacture of fiber suitcases and trunks:
Helpers, beginners-----------------------------Helpers, skilled________________________
Helpers, female, beginners---------------------Helpers, female, skilled-------------------------Leather-belt making:
Skilled workers, over 22 years----------------Helpers_______________________________
Harness makers:
Over 22 years--------- ------ ---------------------Piece rate, average-------------------- :----------Leather workers:
Skilled workers-----------------------------------Helpers----------------------------------------------Food and drink industries

Workers in mechanically equipped plants
Employing up to 3 helpers------------------------------Employing more than 3 helpers.......... .............. .......
Helpers______________________ ____ ______________
Workers in nonmechanically equipped concerns
Employing up to 3 helpers------------------------------Employing more than 3 helpers-----------------------Breweries:
Foremen------------------------------------------------------------Skilled workers---------------------------------------------------Skilled helpers----------------------------------------------------Fermenting-room helpers-------------------------------------Other helpers—
Males_______________________________________
Females-------------------------------------------------------M illing industry:
First machine attendants-------------------------------------Skilled workers---------------------------------------------------Helpers, m ales---------------------------------------------------Helpers, females-----------------------------------------------Tobacco industry :1
Workers, female, general------------- ---------- -------------Wrappers, female, and general workers, male------Forewomen, overseers, and machine operators, maie_
Tobacco dampers, roasters, cutters, male---------------Skilled workers-----------v---- ------------------ --------------Vinegar and liquor production:
Vinegar masters-------------------------------------------------Coopers, foremen-----------------------------------------------Helpers, m ale------------------------------------------- --------Helpers, female--------------------------------------------------1 Government monopoly.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

88

76.80
6 8 .1 0

60. 50
34.30

1 0 .8 6

6.51

. 81
9.58
8 . 51
4.83

10

672

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

Minimum weekly wages
Industry, and occupation or class of worker
Austrian cur­
rency

United
States
currency

Food and drink industries —Continued

Sugar goods production (in factories) :
Managers of divisions___ _____
Pastry cooks, over 24 years______
Skilled workers, male, drivers___
Helpers, male—
Over 20 years_______________
Under 2 0 years_____________
Helpers, female, under 18 years...

Scnillings

71. 28
60. 96
57.12

$10. 03
8 . 58
8.04

50.40
41.76
25.44

7.09
5.88
3. 58

56.16
50.40
45.10
28.80

7.90
7.09
. 35
4.05

40.80
40. 80
35. 52
20. 64

5.74
5.74
5.00
2.90

M eta l in du stry {factories)

Strong current industry:
Assistant fitters and skilled workers, male, after two years, over 22 years
Assistants of fitters and skilled helpers, over 24 years
Unskilled helpers, male, over 2 2 years
Workers, female, over 2 2 years. _
Weak current industry:
Skilled workers, male, after 3 years____
Skilled helpers, over 24 years________
Unskilled helpers, over 24 years ______
""'-II"_I"’ .I'""
Workers, female, over 2 0 years____
Silversmiths:
Skilled workers, after 3 years_________
Skilled helpers, over 24 years__________
"""
"""
Unskilled helpers, over 24 years_______
Workers, female, over 2 0 years____
Electric bulb industry:
"
.
Skilled workers, after 3 years__________________
Skilled helpers, over 24 years_______________
Unskilled helpers, over 24 years________
_______
Workers, female, over 2 0 years____
_ "~
Cable factories:
Skilled workers, after 3 years__________
Skilled helpers, over 24 years__________
Unskilled helpers, over 2 2 years________
"
Workers, female, over 2 0 years___________
Locomotive factories:
Skilled workers, after 3 years________________
Skilled helpers, over 24 years____________ IIII"""""""'~""""""’_~’ I
Unskilled helpers, over 24 years__________
Workers, female, over 20 years_____
Iron foundries:
Hand molders, after 3 years_______
Other skilled workers, after 3 years______
Semiskilled workers, over 20 years_______
Foundry helpers, after 3 years____________
Other helpers, over 24 years_____________
________
Workers, female, over 18 years___________A
"
"
Iron construction:
Fitters and skilled workers, after 3 years
Assistants of fitters and skilled helpers, over 24 years
Unskilled helpers, over 24 years___________
Workers, female, over 20 years___
China-silver industry:
Skilled workers, after 3 years_______________
Skilled helpers, over 24 years____________
Unskilled helpers, over 24 years__________ IIIIIIIIII
Workers, female, over 2 0 years. _ ____________ I
Brass furniture industry:
Skilled workers, after 3 years_____________________
Skilled helpers, over 24 years____________________II
Unskilled helpers, over 2 2 years_________________ - - - - - - - - - Laborers, female, over 2 0 years_____________
Surgical-instrument makers:
Skilled workers, after 3 years_______________________________
Skilled helpers, over 24 years_______________________ IIIIIIII.
Unskilled helpers, over 24 years___________________ _ ""
Workers, female, over 2 0 y e a r s ______________ IIIIIIIIII
Small concerns:
Mechanics—
Skilled workers, over 2 2 years__________________________
Workers, female, over 18 years______________________IIIIIIII""
Steel and metal polishers, after 3 y ears............................ IIII.II


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

6

57.60
47. 52
42.24
26.40

. 69
5. 94
3.71

56.10
50. 40
45.12
28.80

7.89
7.09
6 . 35
4.05

56.16
50. 40
45.12
28.80

7. 90
7.09
. 35
4.05

52.80
47. 52
42.24
26.40

7.43
6.69
5.94
3.71

8 .1 0
6

6

57.60
52.80
52.80
48.00
42.24
28.80

7. 43
7.43
. 75
5.94
4. 05

56.16
50.40
45.12
28.80

7. 90
7.09
6 . 35
4.05

8 .1 0

6

57.60
50.40
45.12
28.80

7.09
6 . 35
4.05

56.16
50.40
45.12
28.80

7.90
7.09
6 . 35
4. 05

56. 16
50. 40
45.12
28. 50

7.90
7.09
. 35
4.05

57.60
31. 20
72.96

4. 39
10.27

8 .1 0

6

8 .1 0

673

WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR

T able 2.—M IN IM U M W E E K L Y W AGES IN SP E C IFIE D IN D U S T R IE S A N D OCCUPATIONS
1 able
ivlliN^ T H E V IE N N A D ISTR IC T , D E C E M B E R 31, 1930-Contmued
Minimum weekly wages
Industry, and occupation or class of worker

M etal industry (factories )—Continued

Small concerns—Continued.
Lathe operators—
Helpers, after 3 years--------------- ------------ ............
Helpers, over 22 years_-------- ------------------------Workers (helpers), female, over 20 years----------Coppersmiths—
Skilled workers, after 4 years------------------ ------Helpers, over 20 years........................................ ......
M etal pressers—
Helpers, after 3 years--------------------------- --------Helpers, over 22 years------ ----------------------------Helpers, over 20 years------------------------ -----------

Schillings

62.40
45.12
30.72

$8.78
. 35
4.32

62. 40
43.20

8.78
6.08

72. 00
45.12
30.72

10.13
. 35
4. 32

31. 68
44. 50
. 08
. 60
26.88
. 60

22
21
21

4.46
. 26
3.11
3.04
3. 78
3.04

25. 82
34. 50
23. 76
22.08

3. 63
4. 85
3. 34
3.11

6

6

Textile industry

Spinning mills:
Spinners, minimum wage------ ----------------Spinners, average piece rate--------------------Combers, female-----------------------------------Spoolers (winders, reelers), female-----------Helpers, male-------------- ------ -----------------Helpers, female.................................- ............ .
Weaving mills:
Weavers, minimum w a g e ............................Weavers, average piece rate--------------------Weavers, female------------------------ ----------Spoolers, female................................................
Haberdashery:
First haberdasher, first year-------------------Second haberdasher, second year------------Other haberdashers. ------------- ---------------First haberdashers, female, first year------Second haberdashers, second year (female)
Other haberdashers, female................ ...........
Knitting establishments:
Knitters, machine, male and female--------Skilled cutters, female--------------------------Helpers, female, over 17 years------- -----Young workers—
Between 14 and 15 years------------------Between 16 and 17 years. .......................
Hand-printing establishments:
Hand printers------------------------------- -----Skilled helpers, male—
After 6 m onths------------------ ------------Over 17 years............................................
Skilled helpers, female—
After 6 m onths----------- ------ ------------Over 17 y e a r s ................................ ..........
Young workers—
Up to 15 years-------------------------------Between 15 and 17 years-----------------Dyeing establishments:
Skilled dyers--------------------------------------Dyers working independently---------------Skilled helpers________________________
Helpers______ ______ —------ ----------------Skilled helpers, female----------------- --------

39.36
42. 24
42. 72-60. 00
27. 36
29.76
30. 24-36. 00

6

5. 54
5.94

6. 01-8.44

3. 85
4. 19
4. 25-5. 07

49.92
33.16
23. 04

7. 02
4. 67
3.24

14.88
18. 24

2.09
2.57

62.40

8.78

47.04
43.68

6.62
6.15

35. 04
32.16

4.93
4. 52

19.20
23.04

2. 70
3.24

57.12
62. 40
50. 40
46.08
37.44

8.04
. 78
7. 09
. 48
5. 27

8
6

F ilm industry

Studio workers:
Theater managers.......................................
First-class electricians------- ---------------Skilled workers--------------------------------Wardrobe keepers----------------------------Laboratory workers:
Chief laboratory workers------------------Laboratory assistants................................
Helpers—
Over 18 years.................................—
Under 18 years........ .............................
a M onthly rate.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

372.42-381. 84 2 52.40-53. 72
11. 31-11. 52
80. 35-81. 88
10. 72-10. 93
76. 21-77. 65
9. 53-9. 75
67. 74-69. 28
2 355.40
. 00

2 50. 00
9.29

48. 75
30. 09

. 86
4. 23

66

6

674

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

wa§e statistics given in Table 2 represent minimum wage
rates based on collective agreements in force on December 31 1930
m the Vienna district; that is, Vienna and a number of towns and
villages m its vicinity Though this territory is the most important
industrial district, it does not include a number of industries, such as
hgmte, iron ore, and magnesite mining, which are mainly in Styrian
and Carmthian territory.
Wages in Important Austrian Industrial Districts
M ore recent wage statistics have been made available by the
Association of Austrian Industry (Hauptverband der industrie Oesterreichs), namely, for the end of September, 1931, and are shown in
table 3. these statistics include minimum wages, as given in col­
lective agreements for four different kinds of workers— skilled
laborers qualified helpers unqualified helpers, and female helpers
lor the Vienna district and also for industries located in the Provinces
ol Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, and Carinthia.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

T able 3 .—A C TU A L H O U R LY W AGES OF W ORKERS A N D H E L P E R S IN TH E L E A D IN G IN D U S T R IA L D IST R IC T S OF A U ST R IA , E N D OF
S E P T E M B E R , 1931
[Conversions into United States currency on basis of schilling= 14.07 cents]
Actual hourly wages of—

District and industry

Skilled helpers

Skilled workers
United States
currency

Austrian cur­
rency

United States
currency

Austrian cur­
rency

United States
currency

Female helpers
Austrian cur­
rency

United States
currency

Vienna and lower A u stria
Schillings

Schillings

Cement industry___________ ________________
Brick industry:
Time rate______________
______
Piece rate- __ _______________ ___
Lumber industry ________________ . . . ____
Barrel in d u s tr y ... . . . __________________ ..
Furniture ca rp en ters.____ _________
Chemical industry__________________________
Lacquer and printers’ ink industry___________
Oil, fat, tallow , and perfumery industry______
Match industry. _________________ ________
Chemical-technical industry. _______________
Explosives and powder industry_____________
Paper industry_____________________________
Paper manufactures___________ ________ . . .
Leather industry.......................... ............ . . _____
Pocketbook industry:
Males
____ _____ ___ ___ ______
Females
Chocolate and candy________________________
Sugar industry, lower A u stria ------ ---------------Preserved-food industry_____________________
Mills, large concerns_________________ ______
Bread factories.____________ ________________
M en’s hat industry:
Males
Females ___________________ ______ ___
Metal industry:
Vienna, large concerns __________________
Average wages_________________ ____
Piece rate_______ _____ ___________
Average piece ra te...
------------------

See footnotes a t end of table.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

1. 03- 1. 08

$0.14~$0.15

1. 01- 1.10

.14-

1.20- 1. 34
1.46
1.33- 1.40
1.06- 1. 09
1.10- 1. 13
1.16
1.06- 1. 08
.93- .96
1.12
1.01
142.00-60.25
1.21- 1.29

.17-

. 62- 1. 28
.50- .85
1. 27
1.02
1. 26
' 52.80-61.44
' 71.88-82. 28

15

19
21
. 19- 20
15
.15- 16
16
15
.13- 14
16
14
1 5.91- 8 48
.17- 18
.09.07-

18
12
18
14
18
i 7.43- 8 64
i 10.11-11.58

.79- 1.18
.50- .70

. 11.07-

17
10

1.31- 1.53
1.41
1.64- 1.90
1.75

.18.23-

22
20
27
25

0.93- Ö. 96

Schillings

$0.13-$0.14

.72
. 94- 1. 50
. 98- 1.14
1.22- 1. 36
1. 21- 1. 32
. 94- 1. 03
. 97- 1. 07
1.11
.91- .97
.81- .91
. 99- 1.07
.884
i 24.75-49.00
1.21- 1. 29

13.48.17-

.76
.63
1.19
.81
1.11
1 48.00-54.72
' 61. 24-72.58

. 11
.09
.17
.11
. 16
1 6.75- 7.70
1 8.62-10. 21

1.14- 1.36
1.26
1.44- 1.70
1.59

. 13. 14. 17. 17.13.14.13.11.14-

.10
.21
.16
. 19
. 19
. 14
.15
.15
.14
. 13
. 15
. 12
6.89
.18

.16- .19
.18
.20- .24
.22

0. 88- 0.92
.72
.94- 1.50
.94- .98
1.16
1.00- 1. 20
.91- .94
.94- .97
.99
.88
.79- .81
.96
.844
1 22.50-39.25
1.14- 1.17

Schillings

$0.12-$0.13
.10
.13- . 21
. 13- . 14
.16
.14- . 17
.13
. 13- . 14
.14
.12
. 11
. 14
.118
1 3.17-5.52
. 16- . 16

.57- .65

.08- . 09

1.05
.79
1.02
146.08-50.46
' 58. 26

.15
. 11
.14
1 6.48-7.10
'8.20

. 97- 1.10
1.04
1.11- 1. 23
1.16

. 14- . 15
. 15
. 16- . 17
.16

0. 55- 0.58

$0.08

.49
.60- .90
.70- .80
.93

.07
. 08- . 13
. 10- . 11
. 13

. 66
.65
.68
.55
.55
.68
.53
i 16. 50-36.65
.74- .80

.09
. 09
. 10
. 08
. 08
. 10
.07
i 2.32-5.16
.10- . 11

.64
.60
.62
1 27.28-32.12
1 34.46-50.00

.09
.08
.09
1 3.84-4. 52
1 4.85-7. 04

2.09

2.07

.67- .80
.73
.93- 1.00
.95

.09- . 11
. 10
. 13- . 14
.13

. 61.60.58.53.50.64-

. 08. 08. 07. 07.09-

W A G E S AND H O U R S O F LABOR

Austrian cur­
rency

Unskilled helpers

Or

T able 3 .—A C TU A L HOU R LY W AGES OF W OR K ER S A N D H E L PE R S IN T H E L E A D IN G IN D U S T R IA L D ISTR IC T S OF A U ST R IA , F N D OF
_____________________________________________ _________

SE P T E M B E R , 1931—Continued
_____________________________ ____________________________________________ ___________________________

05
•<!
05

Actual hourly wages of—
Skilled workers

District and industry

Austrian cur­
rency

Unskilled helpers

Skilled helpers

United States
currency

Austrian cur­
rency

United States
currency

Austrian cur­
rency

Female helpers

United States
currency

Austrian cur­
rency

United States
currency

Schillings

Schillings

Schillings

Schillings

1. 27- 1.46
1.34
1.54- 1. 80
1. 66

$0.18-$0. 21
. 19
.22- .25
.23

1. 21- 1.40
1.34
1.41- 1. 66
1. 52

$0.17-$0.20
.19
.20- .23
.21

0.97- 1.10
1.02
1.21- 1.40
1.32

$0.14-$0.15
.14
.17- .20
. 19

0.64- 0.73
.68
.74- .92
.84

$0.09-$0.10
. 10
.10- .13
. 12

1. 21- 1. 43
1. 33
1.51- 1. 80
1.64

.17- .20
.19
.21- .25
.23

1.24- 1.43
1.33
1. 47- 1. 80
1. 75

.17- .20
.19
.21- .25
.25

.97- 1.13
1.05
1.14— 1.43
1.35

.14- .16
.15
.16- .20
. 19

.58- .70
.64
. 85- 1.00
.95

.08- .10
.09
.12- .14
. 13

1. 26
1. 56

.18
.22

1.15
1.39

.16
.195

.95
1.24

.133
.174

.60
.72

.08
. 10

1. 12
1. 34

. 16
. 19

1.02
1.27

. 144
.178

.87
1.00

.12
.14

.57
.66

.08
.09

1.03
1.44

.14
.20

.96
1.20

. 135
.168

.71
.85

.10
.12

.51
.62

.07
.09

.94- 1.06

.13- .15

.90

.13

.85

.12

.50- .60

é

.96- 1.03
1.18- 1. 35
1.06- 1.08
1.11
.95
. 90- 1. 00
1.10- 1. 30
1.00- 1. 05

.14
. 19
. 15
.16
.13
.14
.18
.15

.79- .93
. 99- 1. 27
.91- .97
1.07
.79- .85

.11- .13
.14- .18
.13- .14
.15
.11- .12

.07- .08
. 10
.07- .08
.08- .09
.07
.06- .07

.12- . 15
. 13

.11- .12
.13
. 12
.13
. 11
.09- .10
. 12- .13
. 12

.53- .56
.71
.53- .55
.55- .65
.47
.44- .49

. 85- 1. 10
.95

.76- .83
.92
.88
.95
.77
. 65- . 72
.85- .95
85

.60

.08

U pper A u strian D istrict

Iron m in ing..------ -------- ------------ ---------------


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

.

.17-

.13.15.14-

CO
O

M ills________ ____ ______________ _______
Rubber industry:
M inimum wages________________________
Average piece rate__ _____
- Match industry.- __________________ - ____
Soap and tallow industry__________ _________
Cement industry___ _ - - _____
-- ---Brick industry
- - -- ________ - - __

M O N TH LY LA B O R R E V IE W

Vienna and lower A u stria —Continued

Metal industry—Continued.
Medium-sized concerns—
Wages
..
_______ _________
Average wages_______ _ . . . ______
Piece rate___________________ __ . . .
Average piece rate___________________
Small concerns—
Wages
_____________
____
Average wages_____________ _____ Piece rate-- ________________ - --Average piece rate___________________
Neunkirchen district—
Time rate_________________ ____ ____
______ ___ _ Piece rate. _
St. Poelten district, large concerns—
Time rate____________________ - - Piece rate_____ . _ ___________
St. Poelton district, medium and small concerns—
Time rate __________________________
Piece rate_____________________ ____ -

. 901.151.15. 97-

Textile industry____________________________
Cement industry
- ___________ - - —
M atch industry------------------------------------------Brick industry--------------------------------------------Chemical industry----------- --------------------- -----

1.06- 1. 08
.80
. 90- 1. 08

1.40
1.42
1.27
1. 08
----

.13.16.16.14-

. 14
.10
.20
.18
. 15

...................... 1 3 "
. 15
.11
.13- .15

.92
.85- 1.15
.95
05- 1.13
.86- .91
.62- .82
. 70- 1.15
.79- .85
.97

.13
.12- .16
.13
. 15- . 16
.12- .13
.09- .12
.10- .16
.11- . 12
.14

. 85- 1.05

.09

.12- .15

.60- .95
.75
1.03
.65
.54- .74
.60- .80
.77
.88
.63
.75- .90

. 08- . 13
. 11
. 14
09
. 08- . 10
.08- . 11
. 11
. 12
.09
.11- .13

.65
.53- .55
.64
. 53- . 58
.42- .48
.48- .62
.47
.53- .55
.40
.58- .69

.09
. 07- . 08
.06- . 07
. 07- . 09
.07
. 07- . 08
.06
. 08- . 10

.10
.16

.65
1.03

.09
.15

.49
.60

.07
.08

3.15
. 14
.10
.11
. 10
. 14
.11
. 12
.12
.13
. 11
. 14
.12
.15
.11

3.93
.94
.65
.70
.70
.90
.77
.77
.83
.85
.79
.88
.68
.87
.73

3.13
.13
.09
. 10
.09- .10
. 11- . 13
.09- . 11
.11
. 10- . 12
.12
. 11
.12
. 10
. 11- . 12
.10

.60
.45
.45

.08
.06
.06

O
1
O
OO

1 .0 0

Leather industry
____ ____________ —
M etal manufacture
_________ _____
Furnitime industry
_ ____ ____ —
"¡Vfj]]q
_ ______________________
Paper industry--------------------------------------------

U pper Styria

.90
1.30

.13
.18

.73
1.13

____________ —
____________________

3 1.43- 1.55
1. 08- 1.16

3. 20- . 22
.15- .16

Sawmill^ average
_____ _ _ _ _
P pni pn t i nrinst.ry
_____ __________ Brick industry, average-------------------------------Porcelain industry
_____ ___ - - —
___- _____ _ -- ■pyp inrinstry
Pencil industry
_ ___ ____ - -- -----Paper industry
_____ _ _ _ _ _
Board factories pulp mills
__ ___ _ —
Match industry
__ _ ________ ____
Glass industry *------------------------------------------Leather industry
______ - - - Wool industry
_______________ -- ---Coal mining:

.95
.84- .96
1.10
.85- .96
.85- . 95
. 85- . 100
.97- 1.08
.87- .92
1.06- 1. 08
1.12
1.02- 1.12
.93

. 13
.12- .14
.15
.12- .13
.12- .13
.12- .14
.14- .15
.12- . 13
.15
.16
.14- .16
.13

3 1.06
1.00
.70
.75- .78
.70- .74
1.00
.72- .81
.85
.80- .85
.86- .91
.81
.97
.87
.96- 1.06
.81

1.25
.94
.90

.18
.13
. 13

.75
.53
.70

.11
.07
.10

.86
.95
.81
.74
.92
.81
.70- .76
.83- . 90

.11- .12
.10- .13
.11
.09- .10
.11- .13
. 11
.10- .11
.12- .13

______ - ______
_________ •________
Styria

Bread fa^t^ri*'5'
A/mTs

M inimum wagft
<<j j 0 rrenschip.ht.lohn' ’

- __________
_____________

.10.11.12-

.14-

Carinthia

M etal industry
_______________________
Leather branch
____________ - —
Paper board and wo^d pulp industry
___
Wood and saw industry.---------- ------------------Cement industry
_ _____
- - Chemical industry minimum wage. _ _ - __
Magnesite industry------------------------------------Match industry
_________ _____ - --


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

1 Rate per week.
2 Young workers.

.88. 74.87.74. 84-

. 130
1. 20
.89
.84
1.18
.85
.81- .87
. 97- 1. 05

.12.10.12.10.12-

.18
.17
.13
.12
.17
. 12
.11- .12
.14- .15

.80.74.79.64.77-

.65.75.63.68-

.78.71-

.74.65.71.60.60-

.80
.87
.73
.70
.75
.73
.59- .63
.75- .80

.1 0 . 09. 10. 08. 08-

.11
. 12
. 10
. 10
. 11
. 10
.08- . 09
.11

3 Plus 3 per cent for those who work from 4 a. m.

i Married glass blowers receive 1.36 schillings (19 cents).

.53
.32
.50
.44
.58
.51
.43
.48
. 58
.54
.55
.50
.63
. 58

.07
.05
.07
.06
. 06- . 08
.06- .07
.06
.07
. 07- . 08
. 07- . 08
. 07- . 08
.07
. 08- . 09
. 07- . 08

.44
.33
.36

.06
.05
.05

.58
.80
.49
.51
.53
.50
.50- .56
.44- .52

. 07- . 08
.06- .11
.07
.07
. 06- . 07
.07
. 07- . 08
.06- .07

.44.4253.49.53.56. 52-

.48.45.47.47.42-

W A G E S AND H O U E S OF LABOR

•Steel plants:
Time rate
Piece rat**

1

05
-I

-I

678

M O N TH LY LA BO R R E V IE W

According to information obtained from the Vienna Chamber of
Labor, there is a considerable difference between the wages paid in
Vienna and those paid in other Austrian Provinces. In order to
give an idea of these differences, the information in Table 4 was
obtained from the Chamber of Labor. The figures show actual
wages paid m Vienna as compared with actual wages paid in Linz
the capital of upper Austria, and Graz, the capital of Styria.
T able 4 . A C TU A L W E EK LY W AGES IN V IE N N A , LINZ, A N D GRAZ
[Conversions into United States currency on basis of schilling= 14.07 cents|

Actual weekly wages in—

Industry and occupation

Vienna
Austrian
currency

Machine industry:
Fitters (Monteure)
Lathe operators (Dreher)
Hand molders (Eisengiesser, Handformer) _ ___ _ _
Model joiners (Modellmacher)__
Unskilled helpers (Ungelernte Hilfsarbeiter)- .....................
Furniture industry:
Cabinetmakers (Tischler)
Upholsterers (Tapezierer)
Electrical installation industry:
Skilled fitters (Elektromonteure, gelernte)_____ . . .
Foodstuffs industry:
Bakers in small concerns (Baecker in
genossenschaftlichen Betrieben)
Bakers, in factories (Baecker in Fabriksbetrieben)___

Linz

United
United
United
States Austrian States Austrian States
currency currency currency currency currency

Schillings

56.16
62. 40

Graz

$7. 90
8.78

Schillings

Schillings

52.80

$7. 43
7. 43
- n
7. 43
5. 67

29. 76

4.19

9. 46
9. 46

72.00
72.00

10. 13
10.13

65. 76
65.28

9.25
9.18

9.46

OU. uu

8.44

48.00

6.75

76.10

10.71

78.00

10.97

77. 20

10. 86

57. 60
69.60

8.10
9. 79

42.24

5.94

67.20
67. 20
67. 20

52.80
r 2 gQ

38.40
38. 40

$5. 40
5.40

38.40
38. 40

5.40

70.50

9.92

71. 50

10. 06

Wages in Iron and Magnesite Mines
T a b l e 5 was also furnished by the Vienna Chamber of Labor and
shows the distribution of workers by wage classes in Styrian iron ore
and magnesite mines and average actual wages paid.


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T able 5 .—A V ER A G E W E E K L Y W AGES PA ID IN S T Y R IA N IR O N A N D M A G N ESIT E M IN E S , A N D N U M B E R OF W O R K E R S IN E A C H C L A SSIFIE D
E A R N IN G S GROUP
[Conversions into United States currency on basis of sch illing=14.07 cents]
Average wage

Number of workers with weekly earnings of—

Aus­
trian
cur­
rency

United
States
cur­
rency

Schil­
lings

Juveniles (Jugendliche)................................................... ................ .........---

775
116
217
76
371
115
22

2
11

1
13
113
4

Total_______________ ____________________ —............................

1,692

13

136

___________________
PickuiGn (TTqTjpr)
Pushers (Poerflexor)
_ ______________________
Skilled workers ( Professionisten)
___________
Machine attend ants (Maschinisten and W aerter).________________
TTplpp]*s (Hi 1fsa rbei ter)
_ _ ________________ _____

Pickmen (Haner) * Pieee rate
Pushers (Foerderer):
Piece rate
Time rate
Skilled workers (Professionisten):
Piece rate
T jrnpi rate
Foremen (Vorarbeiter) * Piece rate

11
19
15
18
97

-

-

________
______
_

Firemen (Heizer):
Qualified helpers (Qualifizierter Hilfsarbeiter):
Time rate
- - _______
___ __ Piece rate------------------------------------------ - - --------- --------- -----------

2

47
8
25
10
4
7
12
26
8
8
18
39
18
9

41
23
60
11
97

3

2

I

81

162

233

15

1

149
23
29
14
27

173
17
12
4
13

178
4
5
3
6

174
1
6
3
4

64.00
52.00
52. 00
55.00
46. 00
29.00
30.00

221

242

220

196

188

54.00

7.60

66.00

9.29

53.00
45.00

7. 46
6. 33

1

61.00
57.00
63.00
56.00
51.00
62.00
58. 00
59.00
47.00
55.00

8.58
8. 02
8. 86
7.88
7.18
8. 72
8.16
8.30
6.61
7. 74

5

43.00
55.00

6.05
7. 74

50.00
50.00

7.04
7.04

1

6

21

14

21
27

37
15

34
3

16

1

2
1

9

6
4
5
5

14
2
10
3

10
1
7

1

5
4
8

1
4

1
1
1

3

1

2

5
1

$9.00
7. 32
7. 32
7. 74
6.47
4.08
4.22

44
22
89
13
53

10
8

67
118
70

Molders (Former)* Piece rate
M illh rc
■P i'ppp ratp


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

5

5
2
1
9
61

1
1
3

3
1

2
1
4

16
1
2

7

3
1

2
17

16

6

2
3

5
6

1

6

2

19

5
2

1

W A G E S AND H O U R S OF LA B O R

70.00N um ­ 15.00- 25.00- 35.00- 40.00- 45.00- 50.00- 55.00- 60.00- 65.0090.00
ber of 24.99
sch.
69.99
64.99
59.99
49.99
54.99
44.99
39.99
34.99
workers sch.
sch.
($9.85sch.
sch.
sch.
sch.
sch.
sch.
sch.
($2.11- ($3.52- ($4.92- ($5.63- ($6.33- ($7.04- ($7.74- ($8.44- ($9.15- $12.66)
and
$3.52) $4.92) $5.63) $6.33) $7.03) $7.74) $8.44) $9.14) $9.85)
over

Occupation

T able 5.—A V ER A G E W E EK LY W AGES PA ID IN ST Y R IA N IR O N A N D M A G N E SIT E M IN E S, A N D N U M B E R OF W ORKERS IN E A C H C L ASSIFIED

05

00

o

M O N TH LY L A B O R R E V IE W


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

E A R N IN G S GROUP—Continued

W A G E S AND H O U R S O F LA B O R

681

Wages of Farm Laborers

On M a y 1, 1931, Dr. Felix Klezl, a well-known economist, special­
izing in wage and other social statistics, published an article on the
present and pre-war standard of living of the Austrian population.
He comes to the conclusion that the present wages of agricultural
laborers exceed the pre-war rates by about 84 per cent on the average.
The present actual wage of a male farm laborer amounts to 50
schillings ($7.04) per month, as compared with about 25 schillings
($3.52) before the war, an increase of 100 per cent. The cash wage for
female farm laborers increased in about the same proportion, from
about 20 schillings ($2.81) per month before the war to about 40
schillings ($5.63)"at present. However, it must be considered that
in case of farm laborers the cash wage is not so important, while pay­
ments in kind are a very important factor. These payments have
increased to a certain extent, but, of course, not in the same proportion
as cash wages. Cash wages of laborers working on large farms
(Gutsarbeiter) have increased from about 58 schillings ($8.16) in 1914
to about 80 schillings ($11.26) in 1931, an increase of almost 38 per
cent.
.j
By far the most accentuated increases occurred m cash wages paid
to day laborers on farms (landwirtschaftliche Tagloehner). The
daily cash wage of such laborers when receiving no additional pay­
ments in kind, at present amounts to about 4.50 schillings ($0.63) as
compared with 2 schillings ($0.28) before the war
G e n e r a l S u rv ey o f W a g es in G reece, 1 9 3 1 1

W

AGE rates in the manufacturing, mining, and agricultural in­
dustries in Greece given in the following^ tables are based m
general on reports of the Hellenic Ministry of N ational Economy and,
for the Salonild district, upon reports of an inspector of labor, and m
Patras by the local labor bureau.
.
.
There is no tax assessment upon wages m Greece. 1 liere is a
compulsory insurance system,2 however, which covers wage earners
and salaried employees, although it has not yet been extended to all
workers. The contributions which are divided equally between
employer and employees may not be less than 3 nor more than 6 pei
cent of the wages or salaries of the insured. The insurance covers
the risks of sickness, disability, old age, and death and includes certain
benefits to families of insured workers.
.
The industries in the Athens consular district include a number of
manufacturing industries, mining, and agriculture, while m _the
Salonild district, comprising Greek Macedonia and_ Thrace, agricul­
ture is the primary industry, with tobacco as the principal crop.
i This report was prepared by Edwin A. Flitt, American consul, Athens; C. Franklin Yeager, American
P ^ ^ o l d ^ pensions and insurance in the United
States and in foreign countries.


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682

M O N TH LY L A B O R R E V IE W

The following table shows the average daily or monthly wages of
workers in various industries in Greece in 1931:
T able 1 —A V ER A G E W AGES P E R D A Y OR PE R M O N T H OF W O R K ER S IN SP E C IF IE D
IN D U S T R IE S IN G R E E C E , 1931

[Conversions into United States currency on basis of drachma=1.3 cents]
Average wages
Amount

Industry and
occupation
Period

Greek cur­
rency

Average wages
Amount

Industry and
occupation
Period

United
States
currency

Greek cur­
rency

United
States
currency

Foodstuffs —Contd.

B uilding materials

Brick factories:
Foremen______
Brickmakers___
Workmen
Assistants_____
Lime factories:
E ngineers___
F o rem en -------Chief workmen
W o rk m en .__
Assistants_____

Drachmas

D ayi.
D ay1.
D ay1.
D ay1.

6040-

80
80
80
50

$1.04
1.04
. 78- 1. 04
.52- .65

M o ..
M o ..
M o ..
D ay1.
D ay1.

3,200
3,200
3,000
40- 50
30- 35

41.60
41.60
39. 00
.52- .65
. 39-. 45J4

Flour mills:
Millers____ _ _
Assistant millers
Workmen, _
Mixers _______
Macaroni mills:
Superintendents
W orkm en...
Assistants____
W omen_______

Drachmas

D ay1.
D ay1.
D ay1.
D ay1.

88-

D ay2.
D ay2.
D ay2.
D ay2.

80- 100
60- 80
60- 70
30- 40

M o ..
D ay1.
D ay1.
D ay1.

4,000
50- 100
2.5- 40
20- 50

52.00
. 65- 1.30
.32 34- .52
.26- .65

D ay1.
D ay1.

100- 330
30- 100

1.30- 4.29
. 39- 1.30

M o ..
M o ..
M o ..
D ay1.

3,000
4,000
3 500
50- 100

39.00
52. CO
45. 50
.65- 1.30

D ay1.
D ay1.
D ay1.
D ay1.

85- 150
70- 110
40- 75
20- 40

1.10^-1.95
. 91- 1.43
. 52-. 97y2
.26- .52

D ay1.
D ay1.
D ay1.
D ay1.

150
80- 90
80- 100
50- 70

1.95
1.04- 1.17
1. 04- 1.30
.65- .91

C a r d b o a r d -b o x
factories:
Forem en.. . . . . M o .. 1,800-2, 500
40- 50
W orkmen______ D ay1.
30- 40
Women_______ D ay1.

23.40-32.50
.52- .65
.39- .52

100
$1.30
75
.97 14
95 1.14- 1.23J4
100
1.30
1. 04. 78.78.39-

1. 30
1.04
.91
.52

Leather
Chemicals

Rosin factories:
Foremen.______
Firemen---------W orkm en____
P h a rm a ceu tica l
products fac­
tories:
Chemists.............
Foremen______
Workmen______

M o ..
M o ..
D ay1.

50-

2,400
1,800
60

31.20
23.40
.65- .78

M o ..
M o ..
D ay1.

5,000
5,000
20- 34

65.00
65.00
.26- .44

D ay2.
D ay2.
D ay2.

60- 100
40- 50
15- 30

. 78- 1.30
.52- .65
• 19J4- .39

Clothing

Tailors:
Workmen______
Assistants_____
A pprentices___
Hat factories:
Engineers______
Oilers_________
Firemen______
W orkmen______
Assistants_____
Knit goods facto­
ries:
K nitters.. ____
Seamstresses___
Assistants ___
Underwear facto­
ries:
Superintendents
Embroiderers. __
Assistants_____

M o .. 4,000-4, 500
M o ..
2,300
M o ..
2,100
D ay2.
60- 90
D ay2.
25- 50

52. 00-58.50
29. 90
27. 30
. 78- 1.17
.3234- .65

D ay2.
D ay2.
Day’2.

303018-

40
40
20

.39- .52
.39- .52
.23- .26

D ay2.
D ay2.
D ay2.

303015-

45
45
30

. 39- 5834
. 39- 5834
19y r
■39

Leather goods faetories:
Foremen_______
W o rk m en .____
Assistants. ___
W omen_______
Shoe factories:
C utters.. _____
Shoemakers____
Tanneries:
Chemists______
Engineers______
Foremen.............
Workmen___ _
M etal ware

Bed factories:
Bedmakers____
N ickelers............
Workmen_____
Assistants_____
Foundries:
Foremen. _____
Founderers____
Workmen______
Assistants............
P aper

Foodstuffs

Bakeries:
1.04- 1.30
80- 100
B a k e r s ..._____ D ay3
. 78- 1.30
Dough m akers.. D av3_ 60- 100
.39- .65
Assistants___
D ay3.
30- 50
Chocolate
and
candy facto­
ries:
32. 50
Confectioners__ M o—
2,500
39. 00
Engineers______ M o. _
3,000
.78- 1. 30
Workmen______ D ay1.
60- 100
.26-.3234
W omen_______ D ay1.
20- 25
1 8 hours.
2 8 hours on Saturday, 10 hours on other days.
3 Number of hours not reported.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Wood

Furniture factories:
Foremen . . . _
Upholsterers___
Furniture makers___
____
P olish ers______
Assistants............

D ay1.
D ay1.

100- 150
60- 150

1.30- 1.95
. 78- 1.95

D ay1.
D ay1.
D ay1.

60- 150
55- 130
20- 40

. 78- 1.95
. 7134- 1. 69
.26- .52

683

WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR

T a b le 1 —AVERAGE WAGES P E R DAY OR P E R M O N TH OF W ORKERS IN S P EC IFIED

IN D U STR IES IN G R E E C E, 1931—Continued

Average wages

Average wages
Amount

Industry and
occupation
Period

Greek cur­
rency

Period

United
States
currency

Greek cur­
rency

United
States
currency

T e x tile s —Contd.

T e x tile s

Artificial-silk fac­
tories:
Chemists_____
Engineers.-. -Workmen. ---Women. _____
Silk factories:
E ngineers---O i l e r s . . ---Cotton-spinning
mills:
Engineers-------Superintendents
Oilers---- --------Firemen______
W orkm en------Women_______
Packers------C otton-w eaving
mills:
Engineers-------Firemen and oil­
ers---- ---------Women____-Finishers__ . . .
Dyers.-. -------Folders_____ Repairers----- Weavers____..
Washers______
Hosiery factories:
Engineers----- Ironers ------Seamstresses---Knitters____ .
Packers.
Workmen_____
Rug factories:
Dyers________
Designers__
Assistant dyers..
Copy makers__
W ashers.. .
Weaving factories:
Engineers_____
Firemen--------Oilers. ----------Foremen---- -- .
Dyers________
Iro n e rs.---- -- .
Finishers____ _
Folders_______
Repairers.. _ .
W o ol - weav in g
mills:
Weavers_____
Weavers (wom­
en)________
D y e rs_______
Laborers______
Repairers...........

Amount

Industry and
occupation

D rach m as

M o .. 2,100-3,000 $27.30-39. 00
1.56
Day2.
120
Day2.
65- 100 . 8434- 1.30
Day2.
25- 40 .3234- -52
4,500
55

Mo._
Day2.
Day2.
Day2.
Day2,
Day2.
Day2.
Day2.
Day2.

58.50
.71J4

1.95
150
200- 400 2. 60 - 5.20
75- 90 . 9734“ 1-17
1. 30
100
65- 80 . 8414- 1.04
25- 40 .3234- -52
60- 80 .78 - 1.04

M o .. 3,000-5,000

39.00-65.00

1.95
Day2.
150
. 39-. 4514
Day2.
30- 35
M o - 2, 000-4, 000 26. 00-52. 00
M o - 3,000-5,000 39. 00-65. 00
.65- .78
50- 60
Day2.
35- 55 .45)4-. 7114
Day2.
Day2.
35- 55 .4514-. 7114
.65- .78
50- 60
Day2.
M o .. 3,000-4,000 39.00-52. 00
30- 35
.39-. 4514
D ay2.
.39- .65
30- 50
Day2.
35- 50 .4514- -65
D ay2.
. 39-. 4514
Day2.
30- 35
.78
60
Day2.
M o .. 4,000-6,000 52.00-78. 00
M o .. 3,000-6, 000 39.00-78. 00
Mo_- 2,000-4, 000 26. 00-52.00
M o - 1,000-1, 500 13.00-19. 50
.52- .78
40- 60
Day2.
4, 500
50
50
55- 65
4,500
55- 65
45
25- 30
25- 30

58.50
.65
.65
. 71J4-- 84)4
58. 50
. 71J4-. 8414
. 5834
.3214- -39
.3234- -39

M o .. 3, 000-4,000

39.00-52.00

M o ..
Day2.
Day2.
Day2M o ..
Day2.
Day2.
Day2.
Day2.

30- 45
. 39-. 5834
Day2.
M o .. 2,500-4,000 32. 50-52.00
40- 45
. 52-, 5814
Day2.
30- 35
. 39-, 4514
Day2.

1 8 hours.
2 8 hours on Saturday, 10 hours on other days.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Wo o l - s p i n n i n g
mills:
Engineers_____
Oilers and fire­
men_______
Spinners___
Laborers___ ..
P ack ers-------Assistants_____
Flannel factories:
Weavers______
Seamstresses___
Packers_______

D rach m as

150

Day2.
Day2.
Day2.
Day2.
D ay2.
Day2.

$1.95

75- 100 .97J4- 1.30
200- 400 2.60- 5. 20
65- 80 . 8414- 1. 04
60- 80 .78 - 1. 04
25- 60 .32}4- .78

M o .. 2,500-3,500 32.50-45. 50
.26- .52
Day2.
20- 40
.52- .65
Day2.
40- 50

M is c e ll a n e o u s

Automobile-body
builders:
Engineers., . . .
Superintendents
Foremen--------Upholsterers___
Painters _____
Workmen_____
A ssistants____
Bookbinding:
F o re m en .------Bookbinders---Assistants.. . . .
Household uten­
sils:
Superintendents
Workmen_____
A ssistants____
Stone and marble
sawing mills:
E ngineers.----Sawers________
W orkm en------Umbrella facto­
ries:
Cutters----------Workmen_____
Women_______
Mining:
Superintendents
Foremen______
Miners_______
Assistant miners
and transport­
ers_________
Porters (women)
Machinists____
Tobacco:
Mixers________
Cutters_______
Cigarette mak­
ers___________
M anipulators...
Women_______

Day1.
D ay1.
Day1.
Day1.
Day1.
Day1.
Day1.

801005030505020-

110
150
120
120
90
80
50

1.041.30. 65. 39. 65.65.26-

1.43
1.95
1. 56
1. 56
1.17
1.04
.65

Day1.
Day1.
Day1.

90- 100 1.17- 1. 30
45- 90 . 5834- 1.17
15- 25 . 1934-, 3214

Day1.
Day1.

100- 120 1.30- 1.56
55- 85 • 71341 . 1034

Day1.

20-

25

. 26-, 3214

M o ..
Day1.
Day1.

2,700
90- 100
40- 60

35.10
1.17- 1.30
.52- .78

M o .. 2,500-3, 500 32. 50-45. 50
35- 80 . 45}4- 1.04
Day2.
Day2.
25- 50 .32J4- .65
Day1.
Day1.
Day1.

55- 150 . 71J4- 1.95
65- 70 .8414- .91
45- 55 . 5834 -. 7134

D ay1.
Day1.
Day1.

3520-

45 .4534-. 5834
.26- .36
28
120
1.56

Day1.
Day1.

22-

85 . 2834-1.10J4
.5834
45

Day1.
Day1.
Day1.

. 39- 1.43
30- 110
22- 68 .2834- .88
22- 45 . 2834-. 5834

684

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

There is a social and retirement insurance system for employees of
flour mills. The funds for this purpose are obtained by assessment
of 1 lepton 3 on each oke 4 of wheat milled, and by a contribution of 2
per cent of wages by both the employees and the millers.
As for the tobacco workers, there is an organization which on
October 29, 1927, by legal decree was named Treasury of Insurance
of Tobacco Workers (Tarnion Asfaliseos Kapnergaton) whose purpose
is the provision of insurance for members of the organization and their
families covering medical and hospital assistance and drugs; disability,
maternity^and death benefits; pensions; and unemployment benefits!
The plan is financed by compulsory contributions of 4 per cent of
wages by the tobacco workers and by the tobacco merchants, and by a
Government contribution.
Macedonia and Thrace

Spinning and weaving mills.—The spinning and weaving industry
is probably the most important manufacturing industry in the
Province of Macedonia. Yarns and cotton, woolen and silk piece
goods are produced.
1
The working hours per week are 58—10 hours a day the first five
days, and 8 hours on Saturday. The hours observed are from 7 30
a. m. tonoon, and from 1 to 6.30 p. m.
Overtime is paid for at the rate of three-quarters of a day’s pay for
every two hours worked.
The wages paid are as follows:
Spinning:
Men_______________
Women_____________
Dyers______________
Weaving:
Expert weavers, male
Women_____________
Mechanics______________

Per day

5 30 to 45 drachmas (39 to 59 cents).
5 17 to 30 drachmas (22 to 39 cents).
. 70 drachmas (91 cents).
70 drachmas (91 cents).
5 17 to 30 drachmas (22 to 39 cents).
80 drachmas (104 cents).

There is a limited amount of piece work in the weaving mills. For
weaving drill cloth, 50 meters in length and 60 to 75 centimeters in
width, the rate is 35 drachmas (46 cents). For weaving drill cloth
50 meters in length and 1.40 meters in width, the rate is 75 drachmas
(98 cents).
In the cities of Vodena, Naoussa, and Verria, the wages paid to
women are from 2 to 5 drachmas less per day than in Saloniki.
The mill owners are not obliged under present laws to provide their
employees with insurance, pensions, housing, gardens, etc., and do not
do so voluntarily. No payment is made for holidays.
A stamp tax of 1 drachma on each 100 drachmas is payable on all
receipts for wages. This is paid by the employers.
Mining industry.— The mining industry in the Provinces of Greek
Macedonia and Thrace consists of 10 lignite mines, 5 magnesite mines
1 iron pyrite mine, 1 zinc mine, and 1 steatite mine. A number of
these mines are now closed down on account of the economic depres­
sion.
^
Most of the mines are open pits, and there is little underground
work.
3100 leptons =1 drachma.
0ke=1.35 quarts.
6 According to length of service.
4


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WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR

685

The following information is taken from a report of the Mining
Inspection Bureau, dated February, 1930. More recent data is not
available.
U nderground w orkers:

Per day

Head men, first class________________ 56drachmas (73 cents).
Head men, second class_______________ 54 drachmas (70 cents).
Shorers, first class___________________ 53drachmas (69 cents).
Shorers, second class.________________ 51 drachmas (66 cents).
Miners, first class____________________ 49 drachmas (64 cents).
Miners, second class_________________ 47
drachmas (61 cents).
Miners’ helpers, first class____________ 41 drachmas (53 cents).
Miners’ helpers, second class--------------- 39 drachmas (51 cents).
Surface workers:
Common labor______________________ 45
to 50 drachmas (59 to 65 cents).
Specialists__________________
50
to 80 drachmas (65 to 104 cents).

The working time is eight hours per day, six days a week.
The overtime is calculated at the same rate per hour as the day
rate, plus 5 per cent.
In order to attract laborers, the mine operators provide free housing
and restaurants where food may be obtained at a very low cost.
Frequently operators give their workers an extra day’s wage per
week as a bonus but this is not obligatory.
Macaroni mills.—In the paste food or macaroni mills, the minimum
age limit for boys and women is 14 years. Boys between 14 and 18
years of age, and women, are permitted to work 58 hours a week, i. e.,
10 hours a day for 5 days, and 8 hours on Saturdays. Men over 18
years of age may work for longer periods but must have a minimum
of 9 hours’ rest at night, and 2 hours’ rest at noon during the summer
months, and 1% hours during the winter months. The women are
primarily employed in packing.
Wages paid to men range from 40 to 100 drachmas (52 cents to
$1.30) a day according to age and kind of work. Women receive
from 20 to 35 drachmas (26 to 46 cents) a day.
There are no taxes on wages. _ No provision is made for social or
other insurance, and no housing is provided.
Carpet-weaving industry.—The legal working week in the carpet­
weaving industry is 6 days; 5 days of 10 hours, and 8 hours on Satur­
day, making a total of 58 hours per week. This schedule, however,
is not strictly enforced since all the work is on a piecework basis and
many of the workers have looms in their own homes and work at all
hours. All the weavers are women and girls, and there is no minimum
age limit for the latter. Often very old women and very young girls
are employed.
The standard rate of pay is 2.80 drachmas (3.6 cents) per 1,000
knots. The earnings of the most skilled weavers do not exceed 40
drachmas (52 cents) a day, although the average daily earnings are
considerably below this figure.
There are no supplementary payments.
No wage taxes are levied on the weavers.
There is no social insurance.
Soap industry.—In the soap manufacturing industry a minimum
working day is not enforced, on account of the nature of the work.
Laborers work 10 to 12 hours a day, 6 days a week.
Daily wages range from 60 to 80 drachmas (78 cents to $1.04).
No wage taxes are levied.
103146°— 32----- 13

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686

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

There is no social insurance.
Flour mills.—Work in the large flour mills consists of three shifts
a day, each shift consisting of eight hours. Six days constitute a
working week.
Wages range from 55 to 90 drachmas (72 cents to $1.17) a day.
Clothing industry.—In the clothing industry the minimum age
limit is 14 years. Boys 14 to 18 years of age, and woman workers,
are permitted to work 58 hours a week; 10 hours a day for 5 days and
8 hours on Saturday. Males over 18 years of age may work for longer
periods but must have a minimum of 9 hours’ rest at night, and 2
hours’ rest at noon during the summer months, and 1% hours’ rest in
the winter months.
The majority of the workers in the clothing industry are piece­
workers who take work to their homes and considerable difficulty is
encountered in enforcing these regulations.
Clothing workers are paid by the garment, and it is difficult to ascer­
tain their earnings, since the rates vary with the different types of
work, amount of work available, etc. It is said they average between
40 to 50 drachmas (52 and 65 cents) a day for men, and 20 to 40 drach­
mas (26 to 52 cents) a day for women.
No provision is made for social or other insurance.
Agriculture— Agriculture in Macedonia and Thrace is confined to
small individual farms, the average size of which does not exceed
seven and one-half acres. The methods employed are still exceedingly
primitive, and in the case of cereal and other food crops the output
hardly suffices to meet the requirements of the farmers themselves.
Flour and wheat constitute one of the most important items of import
into Greece. The farms being small, however, each farmer is capable
of looking after his own crops although very often they assist each
other at harvest time. Recourse to outside help is seldom necessary.
In prosperous periods when good prices are obtained, the tobacco
growers frequently employ outside help to assist them in the picking
and manipulation of the tobacco. However, not more than 10 per
cent of the farmers resort to outside help at the present time.
Labor for picking is paid at 40 to 50 drachmas (52 to 65 cents) and
for manipulating, 15 to 25 drachmas (20 to 33 cents), a day, including
food and shelter.
s
The manipulation of leaf tobacco, the bulk of which is exported, is
a seasonal industry. All the manipulation is done by hand and no
machinery is used except hand presses for baling. The manipulation
usually commences in the end of January and continues until Septem­
ber or October. In the Provinces of Greek Macedonia and Thrace
25,117 men and 15,875 women are employed each year in this industry.
Handlers (stivndori) and sorters (dcnkdjis) receive in the summer
period 85 to 105 drachmas ($1.11 to $1.37) a day and woman packers
(yastaldjis) 35 to 40 drachmas (46 to 52 cents) a day.
During the winter period, the laborers receive seven-eighths of the
above rates.
Hours. Eight hours constitute a day in the summer period and
seven hours in the winter months. Six days constitute a week, mak­
ing a total of 48 hours in the summer and 42 hours in the winter. No
work is permitted on Sundays except in the case of the handlers who
are allowed to work on Sundays during the period of fermentation of
the tobacco under special permission from the Labor Inspection
Bureau.

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687

WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR

Male workers under 14 years and women under 16 years may not
be employed.
In the summer time tobacco workers are permitted to work two
hours overtime. The overtime rate of pay is figured on the basis of
the regular wage plus 25 per cent. For instance a woman worker
who receives 40 drachmas (52 cents) a day, receives 5 drachmas an
hour overtime plus 25 per cent, or 6% drachmas for each hour of over­
time. For a 10-hour day she receives 52% drachmas (68 cents).
Because of the lack of sunlight, there is no overtime work in the winter
months.
No supplementary payments in kind, paid holidays, free housing,
or land for gardens, are made to the tobacco workers.
There are no wage taxes.
These workers are insured under the system described on page 681.
Patras
A cco rd ing to official figures furnished by the local Bureau of Labor
of the Ministry of National Economy the total number of workers in
industries and occupations at Patras, is from 5,000 to 5,500 divided as
follows:
Male workers in industries__________________________ __________ 1, 500-2, 000
Woman workers in industries__________________________________
2, 000
1, 000
Male workers, nonunion. ________________________ ____________
Woman workers, nonunion____________________________________
500

About one-half of these workers belong to unions or brotherhoods.
There are not more than 50 communist workmen in Patras.
There is no permanent unemployment in Patras, as nearly all the
laborers without steady employment earn one or more days’ wages
each week.
The following table shows the principal classes of workers by in­
dustry and occupation with the wage rates per day and full-time hours
of labor:
T able 2 .—D A IL Y W AGES A N D HOURS OF W ORK IN SP E C IFIE D OCCUPATIONS IN
PA T R A S, G R E EC E , N O V E M B E R , 1931
[Conversions into United States currency on basis of drachma=1.3 cents]

Sex and occupation

Males:
Currant p ack ers________________________ _____ ___
Spinners
___________________ - - _______ _
Distillery workers __ ___________________ _____ ____
Carpenters, factories_________________________________
Tanners ____ - - _____ - _______
___
___
Flour-mill w o rk ers.-______________ . . .
Macaroni factory workers_______________ _ _ _ _ _ ___
Bakery w orkers__
__ _________________ _______
Tobacco workers
_ _ _ ________ ___ _______
Furniture workers _
- _______________________
Printers __
_
_ ________________ _____
Stevedores
_ _ __ _________________
Carpenters, masons, and similar workers________________
Teamsters
______________________________
Females:

Skilled laborers, factories
_
____________________
Apprentices
__ __ ______________________
Nonunion laborers____ _____________________________
Children, aged—
14-16 y e a rs_____ ________
______________________
16-18 years_________________________________________


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Wages per day
Hours
per
day Greek currency United States
currency
Drachmas

125-135
50- 80
60- 75
80-110
45- 65
50- 75
60- 80
60- 70
75-100
80-100
80-100
150
90-125
125-150

$1. 63—
$1. 76
.65- 1.04
.78- .98
1. 04- 1. 43
.59- .85
.65- .98
. 78- 1. 04
.78- .91
. 98- 1. 30
1.04- 1. 30
1.04- 1. 30
1.95
1.17- 1.63
1.63- 1. 95

8-10

8-10

40- 50
20- 30
30- 40

.52- .65
.26- .39
.39- .52

8-10
8-10

20- 35
25- 45

.33- .59

9
10
8
9
8
8
9
9
8
8
8
8
8
8
8-10

.26- .46

688

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

Tailors and shoemakers are paid by the piece, the former being
paid at the rate of 300 drachmas ($3.90) per suit and 200 drachmas
($2.60) per overcoat. Shoemakers are paid from 60 to 80 drachmas
($0.78 to $1.04) for each pair of shoes for adults and from 35 to 50
drachmas (46 to 65 cents) for each pair of children’s shoes.
Twenty-five per cent extra is generally paid for all overtime work.
Double time is paid for work on holidays.
No supplementary payments are made for family allowance. No
payments in kind are made, and free housing and garden is given in
a few instances only.
Deductions from the above wages are made in the form of a special
tax only from the laborers who receive a daily wage rate of 60 drach­
mas (78 cents) or over.
Social insurance has not yet been extended to all classes of laborers.
Only a few classes of workers pay from 2 to 6 per cent of their daily
wages as social insurance.
G eneral Survey o f W ages in S w itzerla n d , 1930 an d 1 9 3 1 1

manufacturing has come to be of great economic im­
portance in Switzerland, agriculture and its branches occupy
W HILE
inore than a third of the Swiss wage earners. The strictlv local indus­
tries, such as building, printing, transportation and the hotel and
restaurant trade account for a great many more, but strictly factory
workers may be reckoned to number another third of the working
population.
Some of the industrial groups which are important in the United
States are not represented in Switzerland, as for instance coal mining
and oil production; in fact, mineral mining in general is unimportant.
Logging and lumbering accounts for the employment of considerable
numbers of mountain _peasants during winter months, but hardly
exists as a year-round industry.
The most important branches of manufacture are textiles, followed
by machine building, clock and watch manufacture, metal working,
and the preparation of foodstuffs. Of these groups, the textile and
clock and _watch industries have been undergoing such a difficult
period during the past few years that their relative position in Swiss
industry is less important to-day than before the war. The machinebuilding trade, however, has been fairly successful right up to the pres­
ent time, as has the food industry, among which latter the cheese,
chocolate, and condensed milk branches lead.
Number of 'persons employed.—Folio wing, is a short table showing
the number of factory workers in Switzerland according to industry,
in 1901, 1911, and 1930.
Payments supplementary to wages.—There are, as a rule, no supple­
mentary payments in industry, such as family allowances, payments
in kind, or free housing or land for gardens. In some cases dwelling
accommodations are provided by factory owners, but a fair rent is
always charged for them. In the rural districts some instances exist
of free garden land being granted to employees if the factory has
available terrain which could not be more profitably used otherwise,
but these cases are infrequent.
} This report was prepared by Gibson G. Blake, American consul, Geneva; Hugh F. Kamsay, American
vice consul, Zurich; J. Tuck Sherman, American vice consul, Berne; Albert W. Scott, American vice
consul, Basel; and Frederick W. Baldwin, American consul, Lausanne


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689

WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR

T a b l e 1 .—N U M B E R OF FA CTORY W ORKERS IN SP E C IFIE D IN D U S T R IE S IN SW ITZER­

L A N D , 1901, 1911, A N D 1930

Number of factory workers in specified
industries in—
Industry
1901
Cotton textiles
__________________ __ _____
Silk and Artificial silk
_ _ _______________________ _
Woolen textiles _ __
_ _______________________
Linen textiles______________________________________
Embroideries. ____________________________________
Other textile b ra n ch es__ - ___
_________________
Clothing and objects of equipment
Food prod nets _______
__ ________ __________
__ __ _
__________
Chemical industry _ __
___________ _____________
Municipal services
Paper , leather, a.nd rubber _____ _
_________
________ -- ________________
Woodworking
Printing and binding
_ ________________
Production and working of metals
__ ______ _
_____
Machine and instrument b u ild in g __
Clocks and watches
________________- ____
PIfirth en ware and stoneworking______ _ ____________

32,297
33,908
4,166
1,043
16,751
3,153
14, 671
18,332
4,196
2,156
7,316
14, 381
7,469
13,043
32,626
24,858
12,168

1911
29, 550
32,024
5,325
1,007
28, 606
4,509
23,443
26,044
7,394
4, 228
9, 262
23, 765
10, 042
23,325
47, 630
34,983
17,704

1930
32,567
28, 533
7,953
1,949
6, 431
7,550
41,015
26,564
11,862
4,242
13,981
25, 421
14,285
35,468
76, 803
41,784
15,416

Paid vacations and certain holidays are the rule for all workers
who work on a weekly or monthly basis, and in a few instances certain
more or less local half holidays are granted with pay to workers on a
daily wage basis.
In most of the collective agreements regarding wages, the granting
of paid vacations and paid holidays are considered, and definite
arrangements made for either granting or refusing them.
The period of compulsory military service is 9 / weeks for infantry
in the first year of service, about 1A weeks for cavalry and artillery
in the first year, and 2 weeks a year for the following 8 years for all
arms, and short periods in the 7 succeeding years. There is no law
obliging employers to pay wages for these periods or even to give
employment to men who leave their service for military service. How­
ever, many of the collective wage agreements cover these questions.
There are unemployment and sick benefit insurance funds in opera­
tion in practically all of the Cantons of Switzerland. Most of these
enjoy Federal subsidy, all of them cantonal subsidy, and all of them
require contributions from the insured workers. These contributions
in the case of unemployment insurance are not large but vary in each
Canton.
Collective agreements —The majority of the collective agreements
relate to the payment of wages or salaries, a smaller number taking up
such questions as hours of labor, paid holidays and vacations, overtime
and the prohibition of piecework. Most of the labor agreements
which deal with the wage question set up a minimum wage, but it
must be realized that in a small, highly developed country such as
Switzerland, minimum wage agreements are relatively unimportant
to skilled workers, who in normal times are able to demand, and to
receive, more than the minimum rates. Piece rates are not_ common
and are most often encountered in the clock and watch industry,
although the tendency is away from this system. The actual piece
rates in this industry are not published, and are the subject of special
agreement in nearly every factory.

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690

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

Average Wages in Specified Industries

T he table which follows shows the average wages per day and per
hour, as computed by insurance funds against accidents, of workmen
injured in industrial accidents:
T able 3 .—A V ER A G E D A IL Y A N D H O U R L Y E A R N IN G S OF W OR K ER S IN JU R E D IN
IN D U S T R IA L A C C ID E N T S I N SW IT ZE R L A N D I N 1930

E a r n i n g s -per d a y
[Conversions into United States currency on basis of franc=19.3 cents]

Men

Foremen
Industry

Skilled and
semiskilled

Unskilled

U.S.

Women,
aged 18
and more

U.S.

Y oung per­
sons under
18 years
of age

U.S.

Swiss U .S . Swiss
Swiss
Swiss
Swiss U .S .
cur­ cur­ cur­ cur­ cur­ cur­ cur­ cur­ cur­ cur­
rency rency rency rency rency rency rency rency rency rency

M etal and machine________
B u ild in g .............................
Wood____________________
Textiles__________________
Watch and clock__________
Stone and earth__________ _
Shoe..................................... .
Paper................................ .........
Printing________ ____ _____
Chemical_________________
Pood, drink, and tobacco___
Transportation____________
Electric light and power___
Warehousing and commerce.
Gas and water works_______
Mines and quarries________
Forestry__________________
All industries______________

Francs

17.16 53.31
15.93 3. 07
15. 65 3. 02
14.69 2. 84
15.64

3.02

16.90
18. 10

3.26
3. 49

18. 18
16. 10

3. 51
3. 11

14. 15
16.22

3.13

Francs

12.13
13.23
11.81
10. 52
12.14
12. 40
10. 97
11. 70
15.88
12. 40
13. 99
11. 35
14. 55
13. 51
15. 86
12. 40
9. 68

$2. 34
2.55
2. 28
2.03
2. 34
2. 39

12.57

2.43

2 . 12

2. 26
3.06
2. 39
2. 70
2. 19
2.81
2. 61
3.06
2. 39
1. 87

Francs

Francs

9. 55 $1.84
10. 28 1.98
8. 89 1. 72
9.22 1. 78
8. 47 1. 63
9. 42 1. 82
9. 13 1. 76
8. 89 1. 72
9. 59 1. 85
10. 33 1. 99
11. 54 2. 23
10. 53 2. 03
10. 84 2. 09
10. 93 2 . 11
13. 45 2. 60
9. 48 1. 83
8.61 1.66
9.90

Francs

6.46 $1. 25
5. 98
6. 44
7.01
5. 26
6. 99
5.81
6.51
6.05
5. 67

1. 15
1.24
1. 35
1.02

1. 35
1. 12

1.26
1. 17
1.09

4. 90
7.86
5.19
4.50
4. 97
5. 39
4. 70
4. 11
4.09
5. 09
4.68

$0. 95
1. 52

7.01
6.70

1.35
1.29

5.45

1.05

1.00

.87
.96
1.04
.91
.79
.79
.98
.90
.97

1.91

E a r n in g s p er ho u r

Metal and machine_______
Building_______________ . . .
W o o d ................................ .
Textiles_______ _________
Watch and clock__________
Stone and earth___________
Shoe— ______ ___________
Paper.___________ ________
Printing__________ _______
Chemical_________________
Food, drink, and tobacco__
Transportation____________
Warehousing and commerce.
Electric light and power___
Gas and water works______
Mines and quarries________
Forestry__________________
All industries________

Francs

1.82 $0. 35
1.71
.33
1.63
.31
1. 39
.27

1.67

.32

Francs

Francs

Francs

1. 50 $0.29
1. 54
.30
1.41
.27
.24
1. 23
1. 48
.29
1.47
.28
1.28
.25
1. 38
.27
2. 00
.39
1. 46
.28
.31
1.61
1.44
.28
1.60
.31
1. 54
.30
1. 70
. 33
1.38
.27
1. 02
.20

1.18 $0.23
1. 17
.23
1.04
.20
1.09
.21
1.01
. 19
1. 12
.22
.21
1.08
.21
1.10
1. 16
.22
.24
1.23
1.45
.28
1.21
.23
1.27
.25
1. 10 .21
1. 38
.27
1.03
.20
.99
. 19

1.49

1.16

.29

.22

Francs

0. 80 $0.15
.73
.77
.86
.68
.82
.67
.78
.74
.68

. 14
. 15
. 17
. 13
. 16
. 13
. 15
. 14
. 13

.78

. 15

.76

.15

0.60
.89
.63
.65
.60
.90
.55
.52
.50
.63
.58

$0.12
. 17
. 12
. 13
.12
. 17
. 11
. 10
. 10
. 12
. 11

.73

. 14

.68

.13

Metal and machine industries.—Wage rates in the metal and
machine industries, published in the 25th annual report of the Em­
ployers’ Association of Swiss Machine and Metal Industrialists for
the year 1930, are as follows:

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691

WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR

T a b l e 3 .— AVER A G E H O U R L Y A N D W EEK LY E A R N IN G S OF W O R K ER S IN M ET A L

A N D M A C H IN E IN D U S T R IE S IN SW IT ZE R L A N D IN 1930

[Conversions into United States currency on basis of franc=19.3 cents]
Average earnings
Per week

Per hour
Occupation
Swiss
currency

United
States
currency

United
States
currency

Francs

Francs

Skilled workers
_________________________
Tfplpp.rs
_ _____________________________________
Average, all w orkers.--------- ----- -------------------------------

Swiss
currency

1. 59
1.26
1.44

$0.31
.24
.28

76.18
60. 34
69.07

$14. 70
11.65
13. 33

The average hourly wages in the silk dying and throwing industry
located in the Canton of Zurich are shown below:
Per hour

Dyers, male__________________________
Dyers, helpers, m ale__________________
Skilled workers, female________________
Unskilled workers, female_______________

1.81
1.43
0.95
0.82

francs
francs
franc
franc

(34.9cents).
(27.6cents).
(18.3cents).
(15.8cents).

Wages in the Basel District
T h e r e are several important manufacturing industries in the
Basel consular district, and agriculture is carried on to some extent.
The principal products of the manufacturing industries in this
district are: Aniline dyes, chemicals, pharmaceutical products,
watches, silk ribbons, spun silk, shoes, magnetos, automatic time
switches, and machinery.
In all instances, wages given are those in effect at the present time,
the figures being furnished by persons connected with Basel indus­
tries. No published material concerning wages paid in local indus­
tries has been found available, and little information on the subject
could be obtained from official sources.
Mechanical industries.—In the Basel district, skilled mechanics
employed in factories making electrical and other kinds of machinery
earn, on the average, 1.70 francs (33 cents) an hour. The 48-hour
week is established in nearly all factories throughout Switzerland.
Foremen in machine shops receive an average of approximately
2 francs (39 cents) an hour. Apprentices, usually youths who begin
their apprenticeship at 14 or 15 years of age and are apprenticed for
3% or 4 years, receive 0.12 franc (2 cents) an hour in the first year,
0.18 franc (3.5 cents) an hour in the second year, 0.24 franc (4.6 cents)
an hour in the third year, and 0.30 franc (5.8 cents) an hour in the
fourth year.
.
Agriculture.—Men employed as skilled farm workers m this district
receive 80 to 100 francs ($15.44 to $19.30) a month, and also their
board and lodging, considered as worth approximately 150 francs
($28.95) a month. Less skilled workers, including youths and
women, receive varying rates of pay less than 80 francs a month,
depending upon their qualifications.
Chemical industry.—In the chemical industry, men with some
training and experience receive an average wage of 1.40 to 1.50 francs

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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

(27 to 29 cents) an hour, “ full time” being 48 hours a week. Fore­
men and specially skilled workers receive as much as 2 francs (39 cents)
an hour. Women and girls employed as packers earn between 0.80
and 0.90 franc (15 and 17 cents) an hour.
Spun-silk industry.—Most of the workers in the Basel spun-silk
industry are women and girls. The usual wage earned by skilled
workers is 8 francs ($1.54) a day, on the basis of five and one-half
working-days to the week. The less skilled woman employees receive
from 6 to 7 francs ($1.16 to $1.35) a day. Men employed as mechanics
to repair looms earn 10 to 12 francs ($1.93 to $2.32) a day.
Ribbon industry.—Wages paid in the Basel ribbon factories are
practically the same as those given for the spun-silk industry. The
manufacture of ribbons in this district was formerly of considerable
importance but has greatly decreased in the last few years. When the
industry was more important, a large part of the work was carried
on in the homes of the workers. Looms were supplied by the employ­
ers and payment was on a piece-rate basis. There is little production
by the home workers at the present time.
Watch industry.—Men employed as skilled workers in watch fac­
tories located in the Basel district earn from 1.50 to 2 francs (29 to
39 cents) an hour. Unskilled men receive 1.20 francs (23 cents) an
hour. Apprentices are paid 0.40 franc (8 cents) an hour.
Women employed as skilled workers are paid from 1.30 to 1.40
francs (25 to 27 cents) an hour, while unskilled woman workers
receive 0.80 franc (15 cents) an hour.
Shoe industry.—Workers in the shoe industry are divided into a
number of classes according to the particular kind of work performed,
but the general division between skilled and unskilled workers and
apprentices may be made. Skilled men are paid on the average 1.50
francs (29 cents) an hour. Unskilled men earn about 1 franc (19
cents) an hour, while apprentices receive from 0.50 to 0.70 franc
(10 to 14 cents) an hour.
Skilled woman workers receive 0.90 francs (17 cents) an hour,
while women and girls employed as apprentices or unskilled workers
are paid 0.50 to 0.60 franc (10 to 12 cents).
Payment for Overtime Work

In Switzerland factory owners desiring to use their employees on
overtime work must obtain special permission from the authorities
and are required to pay a higher rate for overtime work than is paid
for work during the usual hours.
Payments Supplementary to Wages

While few workers in the Basel district receive supplementary
payments in the nature of family allowances, payments in kind, free
housing, or land for gardening, nearly all workers receive an annual
vacation with pay. The duration of the vacation granted varies
considerably in the different industries, but as a rule from 7 to 14
days are given. Usually the number of days of vacation that may be
granted depends upon the length of service.


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WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR

693

Deductions from Wages

Employers in this part of Switzerland make no deductions from
wages in the nature of special wage taxes. Nearly all workers, how­
ever, are subject to income tax as levied by the cantonal governments.
In the Canton of Basel-City, persons without dependents are subject
to income tax if their annual income is 2,000 francs ($386) or more.
The personal exemption for persons having dependent relatives to
support is 3,500 francs ($675.50).
Factory and other workers are required to be insured against un­
employment either with the unemployment insurance office of the
Canton or with a private insurance organization that is officially
recognized and controlled. In the Canton of Basel-City persons
insured with the cantonal institution are classified into five daily
wage classes, the contribution per month for each of these five classes
being as follows :
M onthly contribution

Up to 6 francs ($1.16)_______________________________ 0.70 franc (13.5 cents).
6.01 to 9 francs ($1.16 to $1.74)_____________________ 1.00 franc (19.3 cents).
9.01 to 12 francs ($1.74 to $2.32)____________________ 1.50 francs (29.0 cents).
12.01 to 14 francs ($2.32 to $2.70)____________________ 2.00 francs (38.6 cents).
Over 14 francs ($2.70)_______________________________ 2.50 francs (48.3 cents).

Some of the private unemployment insurance organizations are
conducted by employers in cooperation with employees and in such
instances the employers share in the payment of contributions. Some
employers pay the entire amount. All employers in the Canton of
Basel-City are required to contribute to a so-called “ crisis fund” of
the cantonal unemployment insurance office, the amount of contri­
bution being two-tenths of 1 per cent of the amount of wages paid
out to their employees. This fund is not used unless the cantonal
subsidy, public and private, exceeds five times the contribution of
the employers.
In addition to premiums paid for unemployment insurance, many
employers in this district pay premiums to insure their workers against
accident and illness, and in some cases make provision for pension
funds. It is understood that the total amount paid out in this way
for social insurance contribution often amounts to as much as 1.50
francs (29 cents) a day for each worker, this amount being in addi­
tion, of course, to wages.
Wages in Agriculture

I n 1888 the Swiss census showed 1,092,827 persons engaged in
agriculture. Each successive census since that time has shown a
decrease, there being in 1920 only 971,696 persons so engaged. During
the same period the number of agricultural workers employed de­
creased from 126,020 to 96,575. These figures are part of a study of
conditions in agriculture in Switzerland made in 1929-30 by the
secretariat of the Swiss Farmers’ Union. According to the report,
the number of workers in agriculture has shown a still further decrease
since 1920, so marked a decrease that one of the purposes of the study
was to ascertain to what conditions the exodus of workers has been
due and what could be done to remedy the situation.
The study covered all of the Cantons of Switzerland. Inquiries
were addressed to 3.019 communes and replies were received from

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694

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

2,335, or 77.3 per cent. Among the subjects covered were the ques­
tions of money wages, payments in kind, working hours, and general
farm costs.
Table 4 shows the rates paid in specified occupations in 1930 and
gives comparative figures for the period before the World War and
in 1921, taken from previous studies by the secretariat:
T a b l e 4 .—WAGE R A TES PA ID FO R S P E C IF IE D A G R IC U L T U R A L OCCU PA TION S IN

SW IT ZE R L A N D
[Conversions into United States currency on basis of franc=19.3 cents]
Average wage rates
1921

Pre-war
Occupation
Francs

United
States
currency

Francs

1930

United
States
currency

Francs

United
States
currency

Per week

Head men,

__ _

__

_

Cowherds___________ _______________
Carters. ____ ___ ___ _ ___ ___
__
_____
Field han d s___ _____
Domestic and farm servants.. ____ _____

15. 80

$3.05

29. 65

13. 90
13. 30
10.90
6.85

2. 68
2. 57
2.10
1.32

25. 90
24.90
21. 20
13.00

$5. 72 \f 2127.55
32.90
80
5. 00 /X i2 23.
28.40
4. 81
23.10
4.09
19. 55
2.51
13. 70

i $5. 32
2 6.35
14. 59
2 5.48
4.46
3. 77
2.64

Per day
D ay laborers:
Males—
Summer rate___________________
Winter_____________________
Females—
Summer rate____________ ______
Winter rate__ _
_____ ________
D ay laborers receiving board and lodging:
Males—
Summer rate..
. . . .
Winter rate
Females—
Summer rate
Winter rate__ _ ____
1 Single men.

11. 30
8. 20

$2.18
1.58

9. 60
6. 85

$1.85
1. 32

5.90
4. 45

1. 14
.86

5. 75
4.05

1.11
.78

7. 25
4. 80

1.40
.93

6. 30
4.15

1.22
.80

3.90
2. 85

.75
.55

3.90
2. 70

.75
.52

2 Married men.

In addition to money wages, it is the custom in some places to fur­
nish certain payments in kind. In the case of married workers these
usually include housing accommodations, use of work animals, and
the use of land for gardening. In the case of unmarried workers,
clothing is sometimes furnished, or their laundry work done, etc.
In the 937 cases in which data were obtained, the average annual
value of such additional payments was 57 francs ($11) per capita in
the case of unmarried workers, and 95 francs ($18) in the case of
married workers.
The following table shows the average annual wages of different
classes of farm workers and the value of board and lodging and of
different payments in kind.


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695

WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR
T

able

5 -A V E R A G E A N N U A L WAGES OF SWISS A G R IC U L T U R A L W O RKERS, A N D
A N J it tA W
V A LUE OF PA Y M E N T S IN K IN D , IN 1930

i ABLE o .

[Conversions into United States currency on basis of franc=19.3 cents]
Average annual remuneration of—
Married mas­
ter farmer 1

Single milker

Maid servant

Laborer

Teamster

Item
Swiss
cur­
rency

United Swiss United Swiss United Swiss United Swiss United
States cur­ States cur­ States cur­ States cur­ States
cur­
cur­ rency
cur­ rency
cur­
cur­
rency rency
rency
rency
rency rency rency

T otal_______

___ 3,180

613. 74

1,250 $241. 25
1,000 193. 00
11.58
60
19. 30
100

2,410

465.13

Francs

Francs

Francs

Francs

Francs

Cash wage_____________ 1,720 $331.96
___ ___
__ 1,000 193. 00
Food
19. 30
100
Other payments in kind..
69.48
360
Lodging_______________

1, 200 $231. 60
1,000 193. 00
11.58
60
19.30
100

710
800
60
100

$137.03
154. 40
11.58
19. 30

401. 44

1,670

322. 31

2,080

455. 48

2, 360

920 $177. 56
1,000 193.00
11. 58
60
19. 30
100

1 Does not include remuneration for his wife’s services.

Unmarried foremen may receive a cash wage 8 to 12 francs less per
week than married foremen, the average decrease working out at 5.25
francs. Unmarried stockmen receive on an average 4.60 francs less
per week in cash than married stockmen. It may be remarked that
those described as ordinary laborers are usually young men who later
in life are ranked as waggoners, stockmen, etc.
Table 6 shows the average number of working hours per day m the
various seasons of the year m 1930 as compared with 1909. As is
seen, a slight increase has taken place.
T a b l e 6 . —AVER A G E L E N G T H OF W O R K IN G -D A Y IN A G R IC U L T U R E IN SW ITZER ­

L A N D , 1909 A N D 1930
Average working hours per day

1909
Firs. M in .

Spring
Hay harvest
SllTnrnp.r
A utlim n
Winter-----------

_ _ _ _ — -________________ - __________________ _____ —
______ ____ ___ ____ ------------------------------------ --------- -----

Yearly average

Other male employees

Stable employees

Season

___- _______ ____

1930

1909

1930

Firs. M in .

Firs. M in .

H rs. M in .

12
13
13
12
11

10
30
10
10
10

12
13
13
12
11

25
45
10
10
10

11
13
12
11
9

20
30
25
20
40

11
13
12
11
10

25
30
45
20
00

12

10

12

15

11

15

11

25

An average of 2.10 hours is allowed for meal times so that the
shortest day from home which a stockman, etc., can hope for even in
winter is nearly 13% hours, while his longest day is practically 16
hours; the shortest day for any worker at any season exceeds 12
hours. In addition, there is Sunday work. This is sometimes, but
by no means always, and usually only in the vicinity of towns, com­
pensated by extra remuneration, rather uncertain in amount, being
anything between 80 centimes (15 cents) and 1.20 francs (23 cents)
per hour, or even only a sort of tip.
Vacations— In the course of the year 10.8 free days on an average
are allowed to those engaged in the care of animals and 24 days to
others; the number of days allowed varies a good deal in the different
Cantons, as does in general the amount of Sunday work required.

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TREND OF EMPLOYMENT
S u m m a r y fo r J a n u a r y , 1932

MPLOYMENT decreased 3.9 per cent in January, 1932, as
compared with December, 1931, and total pay rolls decreased
7.5 per cent.
The industrial groups surveyed, the number of establishments
reporting in each group, the number of employees covered, and the
total pay rolls for one week, for both December, 1931, and January,
1932, together with the per cents of change in January, are shown in
the following summary :
SUMMARY or EMPLOYMENT AND TOTAL PAY ROLLS, DECEMBER 1931 AND

E

JANUARY, 1932

Employment
Pay roll in 1 week
EstabPer
lishcent of
ments December, January, change December, January,
1931
1932
1931
1932

Industrial group

1. M a n u fa c tu r in g _____
2. Coal m in in g ___ _

Anthracite __
Bituminous

__

3. M etalliferous m in in g ___
4. Q u a r r y in g a n d n o n m e ta llic m in in g s __
5. C rude petro leu m produ cin g ---------------------------6. P u b lic u tilitie s___

Telephone and telegraph-..
Power, light, and water__
Electric railroad operation
and maintenance, exclusive of car shops..

7. T ra d e_________________
Wholesale
____ ____
Retail-. ______________
8. H o tels________ _ _.

9. C a n n in g a n d p reserv in g ..
1 0 . L a u n d r ie s ..
11. D y ein g a n d c le a n in g ____
T o ta l_____________

R

16,197
1,359

160
1,199

2,788,626
297,841

109,138
188, 703

239

29,586

618

22,158

236
12,059

20,659
661,261

8,178
3, 383

294,116
233,119

498

134, 026

14,390

488,674

2,457
11,933

67,692
420, 982

2,262
783
813
295
49,251

140,675
26,531
55,295
9,726

4,541,032

e c a p it u l a t io n

by

2, 716,535 1 - 2 .8 157,775, 112 154,022,362
291,970
- 2 .0
6,263,328
5,268,642

104,183
187, 787

-4.5
-0.5

3,114,085
3,149, 243

2,441, 555
2,827’ 087

Per
cent of
change

1 - 6 .9
-1 5 9

—21. 6
—10. 2

28,465

- 3 .8

20,088

- 9 .3

408,000

334,354

-1 8 .1

- 5 .6
- 0 .6

751,193
20,459,614

635,767
19,699,312

—IS 4
—3* 7

19,509
657,597

293, 708
230,528
133, 361
400,489

66,213
334, 276
140,772
22,792
54,882
9,404

4,362,503

-0.1
-1.1
-0.5
-1 8 .0

-2.2
-20.6
+ 0 .1

-1 4 .1
- 0 .7
-3 .3

613,150

8, 856,828
7, 416, 966

4,185,820
11,056,830

2, Oil, 045
9, 045, 785

531,045

8,515' 984
7 , 186j 307

3, 997, 021
9,414,246

1,916,984
7, 497, 262

2 2,202,488 2 2,157,811
421,119
362,503
968,895
955,826
198,201
192,024

- 3 .9 101,117,930

93,573,892

-1 3 .4

—3 8
-3.1

—4. 5
-1 4 .9

-4 7
—17.1
—2 n
13 9
13
- 3 .1

-7 .5

G e o g r a p h ic D i v i s i o n s

GEOGRAPHIC DIVISION

New England__________
Middle Atlantic________
East North Central_____
West North Central_____
South Atlantic_________
East South Central_____
West South Central_____
Mountain_____________
Pacific________________
All divisions_______

7,174
500,075
480, 714 -3.9 *10, 944, 573 $10, 364, 755
8, 727 1, 379, 535 1,311, 866 -4.9 32, 828, 654 29, 865, 254
10, 332 1,196, 711 1,168, 826 -2.3 27,490, 754 25, 778, 203
5,108
285, 840
274, 620 -3.9
6, 533, 513 6, 105, 566
5,242
493, 366
484, 588 -1.8
8, 546, 227 8, 082,126
2,493
185, 643
178, 098 -4. 1 2, 854, 579 2, 629, 322
2,933
154, 831
146, 779 -5.2
3, 475, 228 3,150, 702
1,826
84, 361
75, 707 -10.3 2, 030, 475 1,746,775
5,416
260, 670
241, 305 -7.4
6, 413, 927 5,851,189
49,251

4,541,032

4,362, 503

- 3 .9

101,117,930

93,573,892

-5.3
-9. 0
-6. 2
—6. 6
—5. 4
-7. 9
-9. 3
-14.0
-8.8
- 7 .5

1 Weighted per cent of change for the combined 89 manufacturing industries, repeated from Table 1
manufacturing industries; the remaining per cents of change, including total, are unweighted
A- amounl of pay roll given represents cash payments only; the additional value of board, room
and tips can not be computed.
’
J ,NeJ? E^ 9 land: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont. Middle
Atlantic. New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania. East North Central: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio,
Wisconsin. West North Central: Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South
Dakota South Atlantic: Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina,
South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia. East South Central: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennes­
see. West South Central: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas. Mountain: Arizona, Colorado Idaho
Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming. Pacific: California, Oregon, Washington
’

696


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697

TREND OF EMPLOYMENT

All of these industrial groups, with the exception of hotels, reported
decreases, over the month interval, in both employment and earnings.
As regards number of persons employed, the decreases ranged from
0.1 per cent in the telephone and telegraph group to 20.6 per cent in
the retail trade group. As regards total pay roll, the decreases ranged
from 1.3 per cent in laundries to 21.6 per cent in anthracite mining.
The hotel group reported an increase in employment of 0.1 per cent
and a decrease in earnings of 2 per cent.
All the geographic divisions reported decreases in employment in
January, 1932, as compared with December, 1931, coupled with
larger decreases in total pay roll. The South Atlantic group showed
the smallest change in numbers employed, 1.8 per cent, while the New
England States had the smallest decrease in pay rolls, 5.3 per cent.
The Mountain division reported the largest decreases in both items,
namely, 10.3 per cent in employment and 14 per cent in earnings.
PE R CA PITA W E EK LY E A R N IN G S IN JA N U A R Y , 1932, A N D C OM PARISON W ITH
D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y , 1931
Per cent of change,
January, 1932, com­
Per capita
pared with—•
weekly
earnings in
January,
December, January,
1932
1931
1931

Industrial group

1 Manufacturing (89 industries)
__ _____ __ ______
2. Coal mining:
An thm oi to
_ _ _ _____ - —
Bituminous
_ _ ________________ _ ------------------- —
3 "Metalliferons mining
_ ____ 4 Quarrying and non metallic mining
_ ______ ________
5 Prude petroleum producing
_
- _ _ _ ---- -6. Public utilities:
Telephone and telegraph
_ ________________ -Power light and water
Electric railroads
________ ___ ______ —
7. Trade:
Wholesale
__
Retail
_________
8. Hotels (cash payments only) 1---------------------------------------------9. Canning and preserving------------------------------------------------------10 Laundries
__ ______ ___
-- —
------- 11 Dyeing and cleaning
_ __
-_ -- -- -Total

___

___

$19.89

- 4 .2

-1 2 .2

23. 44
15. 05
18. 66
16. 64
32. 59

-1 7 .9
- 9 .6
-1 0 .0
- 9 .8
-1 0 .3

-1 8 .3
-2 5 .5
-2 5 .1
-2 1 .1
-1 1 .5

28. 99
31.17
29.97

- 3 .8
-2 .0
-4 .0

+ 0 .9
- 0 .4
- 5 .1

28. 95
22.43
15.33
15. 90
17.42
20.42

-2 .6
+ 4 .5
- 2 .1
(2)
- 0 .5
+ 0 .2

-7 .4
-6 .7
- 8 .4
- 3 .8
- 5 .8
-8 .0

21.45

- 3 .7

- 9 .6

1 The additional value of board, room, and tips can not be computed.
2 No change.

Per capita earnings for January, 1932, given in the preceding table,
must not be confused with full-time weekly rates of wages; they are
actual per capita weekly earnings, computed by dividing the total
amount of pay roll for the wTeek by the total number of employees
(part-time as well as full-time workers). Comparisons are made with
per capita earnings in December, 1931, and in January , 1931.
Data are not yet available showing railroad employment for Jan­
uary, 1932. Reports of the Interstate Commerce Commission for
Class I railroads show that the number of employees (exclusive of
executives and officials) decreased from 1,154,540 on November 15,
1931, to 1,119,396 on December 15, 1931, or 3.0 per cent; the amount
of pay roll decreased from $148,646,952 in November to $147,562,367
in December, or 0.7 per cent.

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698

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

E m p lo y m e n t in S e le c te d M a n u fa c tu r in g I n d u s tr ie s in J a n u a r y ,
1932
C o m p a riso n o f E m p lo y m e n t a n d P a y R o lls in J a n u a r y , 1932, w ith D e c e m b e r ,
1931, a n d J a n u a r y , 1931

MPLOYMENT in manufacturing industries decreased 2.8 per
cent, while earnings fell 6.9 per cent in January, 1932, as com­
pared with December, 1931. During the year ending with January,
1932, the number of persons employed decreased 13.1 per cent, while
the total pay roll decreased 23.7 per cent.
The per cents of change in employment and earnings in January,
1932, as compared with December, 1931, are based on returns made
by 16,197 establishments in 89 of the principal manufacturing in­
dustries in the United States, having in January 2,716,535 employees
whose earnings in one week were $54,022,362.
Recently the bureau has obtained for the year 1926 data as to
employment and pay rolls from 31 industries heretofore not included
in the index numbers. Six industries which have heretofore been
included with other industries are now presented separately. Two
small industries have been discontinued. The 1931 index numbers
have been recomputed for all manufacturing and for the industry
groups affected by the changes.
This revision shows an average index number for employment of
72.2 for the year 1931 as compared with the old index number, 70.9.
This difference in the index is due to the fact that there has been,
since 1926, less shrinkage in the industries just added than in those
previously covered. The old and new general index numbers for
1931 are shown in Table 3.
The index of employment in January, 1932, is 64.8 as compared
with 66.7 in December, 1931, 67.1 in November, 1931, and 74.6 in
January, 1931. The index of the total pay roll for January, 1932, is
48.6, as compared with 52.2 for December, 1931, 52.5 for November,
1931, and 63.7 for January, 1931. The 12-month average for 1926
equals 100.
Of the_ 14 groups of manufacturing industries upon which the
bureau’s indexes of employment and pay roll are based, the leather
group reported increases in both employment and earnings over the
month interval—3.5 and 6 per cent, respectively. The transportation
equipment group showed a gain of 3.1 per cent in employment and
a loss of 1.7 per cent in earnings. The remaining 12 groups reported
losses in both items, the largest decreases in employment occurring
in the stone, food, railroad repair shop, and lumber groups. In
January, 1932, as compared with January, 1931, the transportation
equipment group showed a loss of 10.7 per cent in employment and
a gain of 5.9 per cent in earnings, while the remaining 13 groups showed
losses in both employment and earnings.
Increases in employment from December to January were shown
in 18 of the 89 separate manufacturing industries covered, while in­
creased pay rolls were reported in 9 industries. The most pronounced
increase in employment was shown in the millinery industry, but
the fertilizer, automobile, and agricultural-implement industries also
showed substantial gains. Seventy industries reported losses in both

E


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

TREND OF EMPLOYMENT

699

employment and earnings, and one industry, men’s clothing, showed
a loss in employment coupled with an increase in pay roll.
A comparison of January, 1932, with January of the previous year
shows that five industries—millinery, corsets, hosiery, rayon, and
wirework—gained in numbers employed. One industry, automobiles,
showed an increase in earnings. The remaining 83 industries showed
decreases in both items.
In January, 1932, as compared with December, 1931, decreases m
both number of employees and total pay rolls were reported by all
the geographic divisions. These ranged from 0.7 per cent in employ­
ment in the East North Central States to 23.5 per cent in the Moun­
tain division. Pay rolls in the New England division suffered a falling
off over the month interval of only 4.7 per cent, while the Mountain
States had a loss of 26.4 per cent. The decreases in the Mountain
States are due largely to a seasonal decline in the beet-sugar industry.
All the geographic divisions also had losses in both items in Janu­
ary, 1932," as compared with January, 1931. The South Atlantic
States showed the smallest drop in employment and in pay rolls ovei
the year interval—namely, 2.9 per cent and 15.7 per cent, respectively.
The" Mountain division registered the greatest falling off over the
same period—36.0 per cent in employment and 36.9 per cent m pay
In Table 1, which follows, are shown the number of identical estab­
lishments reporting in both December, 1931, and January, 1932, in
the 89 manufacturing industries, together with the total number of
employees on the pay rolls of these establishments during the pay
period ending nearest January 15 and the amount of their weekly
earnings in January, the per cents of change over the month and the
year intervals, and the index numbers of employment and total pay
rolls in January, 1932.
.
The monthly per cents of change in employment and earnings tor
each of the 89 separate industries are computed by direct comparison
of the total number of employees for the former and of the amount of
weekly earnings for the latter in identical establishments lor the two
months considered. The per cents of change over the month interva
in the several groups and in the total of the 89 manufactuimg indus­
tries are computed from the index numbers of these groups, which are
obtained by weighting the index numbers of the several industries in
the groups by the number of employees or wages paid m the industries.
The" per cents of change over the year interval in the separate indus­
tries in the groups and in the totals are computed from the index
numbers of employment and total pay rolls.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

700

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

^ M V ^ Ì F iL C ^ Ì lB I N ^ E ^ T A B U S ^ M E N ^ S ^ I ^ D I ^ E M B E R ^ g S l^ A N I ? JA N U A R Y ^1932^PER

AND IN D E i
Employment

n u m b e r s Ao J e m 2
ploEyR

Total pay rolls

Per cent of
change

Per cent of
change

Estab
lishments
report Number D e­
ing in on pay
cem­
both rolls, Jan­ ber,
mos. uary, 1931 1931,
to
Jan­
uary,
1932

Amount
Jan­ of pay rolls
uary- (1 week)
1931, January,
to
1932
Jan­
uary,
1932

Food a n d kindred products
Slaughtering and meat
packing______________
Confectionery___________
lee cream_______________
Flour___________________
Baking_________________
Sugar refining, cane_____ _
Beet sugar______________
Beverages_______________
Butter__________________

2, 596
204

- 8 .2 $5,372, 942
- 5 .3 2, 027,416

T extiles a n d th eir produ ets
Cotton goods___________
Hosiery and knit goods___
Silk goods______________
Woolen and worsted goods
Carpets and rugs_______
Dyeing and finishing tex­
tiles__________________
Clothing, men’s _________
Shirts and collars________
Clothing, women’s_______
M illinery and lace goods__.
Corsets and allied gar­
m ents________________
Cotton small wares______
Hats, fur-felt____________
M en’s furnishings_______

2,756
533
376
265
180
33

Industry

323
302
392
834
14
46
281
200

- 6 .8
- 1 .9

31,858 -15. 1 - 8 .9
10, 472 - 0 .6 - 8 .2
15, 257 - 0 .7 - 5 . 9
59,918 - 2 .8 - 6 .9
7,854 - 1 . 0 - 2 . 7
4,045 -7 1 .7 -6 3 . 1
9,708 - 2 .6 - 8 .0
4,997 - 6 .9 - 6 . 2
544,236
180, 458
86, 402
49,494
46, 252
15, 418

- 1 .2 - 5 .0
- 1 . 3 - 0 .4
- 5 . 2 + 6 .8
- 1 .9 -1 4 .8
+ 2 .0 - 2 . 2
- 0 .3 - 6 . 1

144
348
106
396
133

36,950 -(>) -1 0 .7
54,588 - 0 . 3 - 6 .5
14, 067 - 8 . 1 -1 0 .7
25,080 - 2 .8 -1 8 .6
10,280 +14. 1 + 0 .3

30
103
39
70

5,127 + 3 .4 + 2 .4
9,680 + 2 .4 - 9 .8
5,708 -1 .1 -2 0 . 7
4, 732 -13. 9 -1 3 .8

Iron a n d steel a n d th eir
p rod u cts, n o t in c lu d in g
m a c h in e r y _______________ 1,302
Iron and steel___________
203
Cast-iron pipe___________
41
Structural-iron work_____
168
Hardware_______________
91
Steam fittings and steam
and hot-water heating
apparatus______ _______
105
Stoves__________________
130
Bolts, nuts, washers, and
rivets_________________
62
Cutlery and edge tools___
156
Forgings, iron and steel___
49
Plumbers’ supplies_______
63
Tin cans and other tinware.
54
Tools, not including edge
tools__________________
119
Wirework_______________
61
L u m b er a n d allied p rodu cts
Lumber, sawm ills_______
Lumber, millwork_______
Furniture_______________
Turpentine and rosin____

230,968
86,859

328,014
193,807
8, 698
19,143
23,149

- 3 .0
- 0 .9
- 7 .4
- 5 .5
- 1 .9

Em ­ Total
ploy­ Pay
ment rolls

83.1
91.5

75.2
83.0

535, 240 -1 6 .2 -1 8 .4
321,175 - 1 .6 -1 5 .0
346,103 - 2 .3 -16. 1
1,475, 418 - 3 .2 -1 3 .2
199, 619 - 3 .5 -1 4 .0
88, 667 -6 8 .7 -5 5 .6
257,586 - 4 .6 -1 6 .9
121, 718 - 8 .9 -1 4 .1

75.7
68.2
85.1
84.3
79.2
51.0
73.3
91.5

66.2
62.8
73.6
77.8
68.2
42.4
61.6
82.7

8,222,472 - 3 .6 -1 7 ,2
2,173, 509 - 2 . 6 -1 5 .3
1,198, 324 -1 4 .0 - 8 . 1
769, 681 - 8 .7 -2 5 .3
862, 562 + 3 .2 - 8 .1
287, 781 - 0 .9 -1 1 .4

72.2
72.9
80. 1
69.5
67. 3
62.9

54.0
55.3
59. 2
52.9
56.9
44.5

-1 8 .5
-19. 5
-2 4 .4
-3 0 .5
- 3 .8

83.0
66.6
60.0
71.5
77.0

70.0
43.4
40.0
50.1
60.9

80,198 + 5.4 - 7 . 1
168, 957 + 4 .5 -1 9 .3
100, 719 - 0 .4 -3 3 .0
63,353 -2 1 .9 -25. 1

101.4
84.8
69. 1
62.4

86. 1
71.9
42. 3
46.8

786, 926 - 2 .1
858, 498 + 1.3
163, 534 - 6 .8
504, 605 - 9 .6
203, 825 +22.0

-1 5 .9
-1 6 .4
-1 5 .4
-2 5 .5
-1 4 .9

5,583,036 -11.1 -3 8 .0
3,112,282 -1 1 .3 -4 4 .0
140, 640 -1 7 .5 -3 4 .8
405,143 - 9 .4 -4 0 .2
397,348 - 5 . 7 -2 9 .3

62.1
62.5
45.5
58.8
59.3

36.0
32.9
30. 5
40.3
37.8

19,810 - 8 .2 -2 7 .6
12, 302 -1 7 .0 -1 5 .7

354,403 -1 4 .8 -4 6 .0
220, 929 -2 1 .9 -3 1 .4

44.1
44.4

26.9
26.4

7,532
13, 769
5,094
4,795
7,385

+ 0.1 -1 2 .3
- 2 .3 - 7 .7
- 4 .7 - 8 .4
+ 0 .8 -1 4 .3
- 2 .4 -1 4 .7

139, 077 - 3 .5
266, 246 - 4 .4
95,431 -1 0 .9
73,194 -14. 2
157, 432 - 2 .4

-2 6 .2
-1 9 .8
-2 6 .3
-3 1 .5
-1 9 .6

71.5
70.7
67.2
70.6
74.4

47. 7
52.3
41.8
43.3
48.0

7,494
5,036

- 5 .7 -1 2 .7
- 5 .8 +10.1

125,187 -1 2 .2 -2 1 .8
95, 724 -1 1 .5 - 4 .9

77.5
100.6

49.6
77.1

42.2
37.4
43.3
53.3
47.7

26. 3
21.1
30.1
33.4
40.0

+6.0 -12.1
74.9
- 4 .3 -20. 7
70.3
+ 9.5 - 9 .0 I 76.0

51.5
55.4
50.4

127,031
60, 610
19, 938
45, 580
903

- 5 .8
- 5 .8
- 6 .9
- 6 .2
+ 0 .7

-2 2 .3
-2 6 .5
-1 9 .2
-1 5 .0
-2 0 .9

1,784,132
728, 994
333, 573
707,885
13, 680

422
137
285
iLess than one-tenth of 1 per cent.

117,745
21,800
95, 945

+ 3 .5
+ 0 .6
+ 4.1

- 2 .3
- 9 .4
- 0 .7

1, 928, 240
435, 050
1, 493,190


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Jan­
uary,
1931,
to
Jan­
uary,
1932

- 7 .2 -1 6 .6
- 4 .8 -1 8 .4

1,396
597
348
432
19

L eather a n d its m a n u fa c ­
tu r e s_____________________
Leather_______________ ..
Boots and shoes_________

D e­
cem­
ber,
1931,
to
Jan­
uary,
1932

Index numbers January,
1932 (average,
1926=100)

-1 4 .3
-17. 1
-1 2 .2
-1 3 .4
- 1 .6

-3 9 .4
-4 7 .2
-3 3 .0
-3 1 .0
-2 7 .4

701

TREND OF EMPLOYMENT

T a b l e 1 . — COM PARISON OF E M P L O Y M E N T A N D TO TAL PA Y ROLLS IN ID E N T IC A L

M A N U F A C T U R IN G E ST A B L ISH M E N T S IN D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932,
PE R C E N T S OF CHANGE OVER A Y E A R IN T E R V A L , A N D IN D E X N U M B E R S OF E M ­
PL O Y M E N T A N D PA Y ROLLS, JA N U A R Y , 1932—Continued
Total pay rolls

Employment

Industry

Estab­
lishments
report­ Number
ing in on pay
both rolls, Jan­
mos. uary, 1932

Paper a n d p r in tin g ________ 1,698
Paper and pulp__________
391
294
Paper boxes_____________
Printing, book and job___
611
Printing, newspapers and
periodicals......... ..............
402
C h em ica ls a n d allied prod­
u c ts ______________________
Chemicals_______________
Fertilizers___ ___________
Petroleum refining_______
Cottonseed oil, cake, and
meal__________ ______
Druggists’ preparations__
Explosives_______ _______
Paints and varnishes_____
R ayo n ..________________
Soap.___ _______________

900
no
201
100

212,868
75,787
21, 205
52,556

Amount
Jan­ of pay rolls
uary- (1 week)
1931, January,
1932
to
Jan­
uary,
1932

D e­
cem­
ber,
1931,
to
Jan­
uary,
1932

Jan­
uary,
1931,
to
Jan­
uary,
1932

- 2 .1 - 7 . 6 $5,894,870 - 5 .9
- 0 .3 - 6 . 2 1,509,994 - 5 .9
- 8 .4 - 9 .9
409, 527 -1 2 .1
- 1 . 0 -1 1 .3 1,594,051 - 4 .3

-1 5 .4
-2 2 .7
-1 7 .8
-1 8 .2

86.5
77.4
74.6
85.9

79.4
57.9
65.6
79.6

D e­
cem­
ber,
1931,
to
Jan­
uary,
1932

Em ­ Total
ploy­ Pay
ment rolls

63,320

-2 .2

- 4 .0

2,381,298

- 6 .3

- 8 .9

102.8

98.5

132,194
20,747
7,196
46, 728

- 1 .0
-1 .2
+ 5 .5
- 0 .2

-1 3 .3
-1 1 .4
-3 0 .3
-1 7 .0

3,185,302
540, 507
104,608
1,388,440

-4 .5
- 5 .3
-1 .6
- 2 .5

-2 0 .3
-1 7 .0
-3 9 .0
-2 3 .6

80.2
89.9
51.2
67.2

70.1
71.1
40.6
62.5

23,901 -1 9 .2 -3 9 .8
112,148 - 4 .9 -1 2 .9
60, 561 -1 6 .6 -2 6 .8
338, 554 - 6 .0 -1 8 .9
406, 995 - 3 .1 - 9 . 0
209,588 - 2 .9 -1 9 .9

45.5
80.7
86.8
73.4
149.9
95.9

49.0
82.8
56.0
63.2
128.5
87.9

-1 8 .6
-1 6 .4
-2 7 .0
-1 2 .4
-1 3 .1
-2 5 .0

-3 8 .5
-3 4 .2
-5 0 .3
-2 6 .1
-2 2 .9
-5 3 .3

47.1
44.2
31.0
65.6
60.1
52.3

32.0
29.2
15.9
44.4
45 7
39.2

- 9 .8

42
22
20
324
19
62

1,772 -1 5 .3 -4 8 .2
5,314 + 0 .4 - 4 .9
3,229 - 3 .5 -2 1 .4
14,146 - 1 .7 - 9 .4
24,105 + 1 .4 + 9 .2
8,957 - 1 .9 - 3 .0

S to n e , clay, a n d glass prod­
u c ts ________________ ____ _ 1,308
C em ent. _______________
113
Brick, tile, and terra cotta.
689
Pottery_______ . . . ______
106
Glass___________________
188
Marble, granite, slate, e tc ..
212

86,524 -1 1 .6 -2 3 .4
13,620 - 9 . 9 -2 1 .2
18,957 -1 6 .9 -2 9 .4
13, 679 - 5 .1 -1 6 .6
35,026 - 8 . 2 -1 0 .7
5,242 -1 8 .3 -4 0 .6

N on ferrou s m e ta ls, a n d
th eir p r o d u cts____ _____
Stamped and enameled
ware______________
Brass, bronze, and copper
products______________
Aluminum manufactures. .
Clocks, clock movements,
etc__________________ _
Gas and electric fixtures.. .
Plated ware _. _ . . ______
Smelting and refining, cop­
per, lead, and z in c ..........
Jewelry_________________

Per cent of
change

Per cent of
change

Index num­
bers January
1932 (average,
1926=100)

1,567,725
266, 200
255, 509
239,306
680, 221
126,489

-2 9 .9

60.8

44.4

229,077 -1 2 .7 -2 0 .6

63.0

43.5

- 4 .7 -2 7 .6
- 1 .6 -3 4 .5

60.9
54.6

43.5
38.7

- 9 .2 -1 1 .8
- 6 .5 -1 7 .3
- 9 .0 -1 7 .4

59,679 -1 6 .0 -3 5 .7
116, 265 -1 3 .6 -2 9 .9
105, 339 -1 9 .2 -2 4 .9

56.0
77.5
64.3

37.8
59.2
44.0

+ 0 .3 -1 5 .3
- 9 .3 -2 0 .4

168,909 - 2 .9 -4 2 .4
169,528 -1 6 .6 -2 6 .8

69.3
41.7

50.5
33.3

547

77,339

- 3 . 8 -1 5 .2 1,478,553

86

13,239

- 4 .8

166
24

27,214
5,493

- 2 . 3 -1 3 .2
- 0 .2 -2 7 .8

528,309
101,447

18
44
37

4,073
5,134
5,019

26
146

8,938
8,229

T ob acco m a n u fa c tu r e s ___
Chewing and smoking to­
bacco and snuff. _______
Cigars and cigarettes_____

217

52,225

- 3 .4

- 8 .4

708,421

- 9 .6 -1 7 .2

71.2

56.5

29
188

9,477
42,748

+ 3 .5
-4 .6

- 1 .8
- 9 .4

142,834 + 5 .5 - 4 .1
565,587 -1 2 .0 -1 9 .3

92.0
68.5

83.6
53.2

T ra n sp o rta tio n e q u ip m e n t.
A utom obiles........................
A ir cr a ft....................... .........
Cars, electric and steam
railroad..______________
Locomotives____________
Shipbuilding__ ____ _____

403
228
35

290,182
242, 536
6,945

- 1 .7 + 5 .9
- 0 .7 +19. 3
- 4 .1 -2 3 .6

62.7
64.9
228.2

46.3
46.4
233.5

66,947 -1 6 .9 -6 0 .5
85, 055 - 7 .6 -3 3 .3
859,018 - 4 .4 -18. 9

17.5
20.8
90.1

10.3
17.4
79.7

R ubb er p ro d u cts________ .
Rubber tires and inner
tubes_________________
Rubber boots and shoes. _.
Rubber goods, other than
boots, shoes, tires, and
inner tu b e s .................. .

140

72,451

- 1 .7

- 5 .9

1,535,162

-0 .4 . -1 6 .8

69.6

51.4

37
8

44,039
9,877

+ 0 .5
- 6 .1

-5 .2
- 5 .9

1,009,489 + 6 .7 -1 6 .6
158,955 -1 4 .8 -1 7 .4

65.3
65.6

49.2
45.2

95

18, 535

-3 .5

- 7 .3

-1 7 .2

82.9

61.8

103146°—32---- 14

https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

30
15
95

- 8 .2

+ 3 .1 -1 0 .7
+ 5 .4 - 7 .2
- 3 .1 -2 7 .2

3,917 -1 5 .8 -4 8 .4
3,568 - 3 .3 -3 7 .7
33,216 - 4 .1 -1 3 .1

6,812,231
5,576,948
224,263

366,718

- 7 .1

702

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

T a b l e 1 .— C OM PARISON OF E M P L O Y M E N T A N D TO TAL PA Y ROLLS IN ID E N T IC A L

M A N U F A C T U R IN G E ST A B L ISH M E N T S IN D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JANUARY 1932
PE R C E N T S OF CHA N G E OVER A Y E A R IN T E R V A L , A N D IN D E X N U M B E R S OF E M ­
P L O Y M E N T A N D PA Y ROLLS, JA N U A R Y , 1932—Continued
Employment

Estab­
lishments
report­ Number
ing in on pay
both rolls, Jan­
mos. uary, 1932

Industry

M ach in ery, n o t in c lu d in g
tra n sp o r ta tio n
eq u ip m e n t _____ _ _____
1,610
Agricultural im plem ents...
70
Electrical machinery, apparatus, and supplies
239
Engines and water wheels.
71
Cash registers and calculating machines_____ _____
44
Foundry and machine
shop products.............. .
959
Machine tools___________
139
Textile machinery and
parts_________________
34
Typewriters and supplies..
17
Radio_____ ________
37

345,980
8,948

Total pay rolls

Per cent of
change
D e­
cem­
ber,
1931,
to
Jan­
uary,
1932

Per cent of
change

Amount
Jan­ of pay rolls
uary- (1 week)
1931, January,
to
1932
Jan­
uary,
1932

- 4 .2 -2 4 .5 $7,420,064
+ 5 .3 -5 0 .0
136,479

138,889 - 1 .1 -1 8 .2
13, 707 -2 2 .7 -4 6 .9
15,948

+ 1 .1 -1 0 .1

116,942
15,255

- 4 .6 -2 4 .5
- 4 .6 -3 5 .8

7,465
11,256
17,570

- 0 .5 -1 1 .5
- 4 .0 -1 8 .2
- 3 .8 -2 2 .3

98,778
23,986
74, 792

- 6 .2 -2 4 .8
- 0 .4 -1 1 .2
- 6 . 7 -2 6 .1

D e­
cem­
ber,
1931,
to
Jan­
uary,
1932

Jan­
uary,
1931,
to
Jan­
uary,
1932

Index numbers January,
1932 (average,
1926=100)

Em ­ Total
ploy­ pay
ment rolls

- 8 .4 -3 5 .3
+ 3 .3 -5 8 .7

59 8
38.8

42 4
27. 6

3,317,477 - 4 .3 -2 6 .5
296,408 -2 2 .7 -5 6 .9

71.9
44.2

57 Q
30.7

393,380

- 4 . 4 -2 2 .0

77.7

59.6

2,170,259 -1 2 .1 -3 9 .3
342,817 - 6 .5 -3 8 .5

55.0
47.8

84 5
34.8

- 2 .1 —16 0
- 9 .1 -3 5 .2
- 0 . 4 -2 0 .8

88 0
74.1
77.9

46 3
73.0

2,529,212 —10.5 -3 0 8
687, 774 - 4 .3 —15.1
1,84i; 438 -1 1 .3 -3 2 .4

51 5
73 3
49.8

67*4

T o ta l—8 9 in d u stries
used in c o m p u tin g
ind ex n u m b e r s o f
e m p lo y m e n t
and
pa y roll____________ 16,197 2,716,535 2- 2 .8 2-13.1 54,022,362 2- 6 .9 2-23.7

64.8

48.6

R ailroad repair sh o p s ___ .
Electric railroad ________
Steam railroad___ ______

R

902
429
473

e c a p it u l a t io n

by

173,879
178,797
410, 568

G e o g r a p h ic D

5fi Q

44 4
42.6

iv is io n s

GEOGRAPHIC DIVISION

N ew E ngland-.......... ........
Middle Atlantic________
East North Central_____
West North Central_____
South A tlan tic...................
East South Central_____
West South Central_____
M ountain______________
Pacific_________________
All division s______

1,971
4,000
3,806
1,613
2,012
690
748
381
976

332,079 - 2 .4
799,963 - 3 .9
830, 991 - 0 .7
144,489 - 2 . 7
328,065 - 0 .8
99,384 - 3 .6
69,086 - 4 .3
21,413 -2 3 .5
91,065 - 5 .4

-1 2 .5 $6,360, 235 - 4 . 7
-1 3 .8 16,974, 791 - 7 .3
-1 3 .5 17,492,323 - 5 . 7
-1 2 .0 3,051, 412 - 6 .3
- 2 .9 4,969, 678 - 4 .8
-1 1 .2 1,419, 269 - 6 . 2
-1 8 .0 1,358, 203 - 7 .1
-3 6 .0
468, 069 -2 6 .4
-1 8 .6 1,928, 382 -1 0 .6

-2 3 .0
-2 5 .3
-1 8 .9
-2 1 .3
-1 5 .7
-2 4 .7
-2 8 .4
-3 6 .9
-3 1 .8

16,197 2,716,535 2 -2 .8 2-13.1 54,022,362 2-6 .9 2-23. 7

2 Weighted per cent of change for the combined 89 manufacturing industries.
z N ew England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, N ew Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont. M iddle
A tlantic: New Jersey, N ew York, Pennsylvania. E ast North Central: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio,
Wisconsin W est N orth Central: Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South
Dakota. South A tlantic: Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina
South Carolina Virginia, West Virginia. E ast South Central: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee. West South Central: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas. M ountain: Arizona, Colorado. Idaho.
Montana, N ew Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming. Pacific: California, Oregon, Washington.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

703

TREND OF EMPLOYMENT
P er C a p ita E a r n in g s in M a n u fa c tu r in g I n d u s tr ie s

A c tual per capita weekly earnings in January, 1932, for each of
the 89 manufacturing industries surveyed by the Bureau of Labor
Statistics, together with per cents of change in January, 1932, as com­
pared with December, 1931, and January, 1931, are shown in Table 2.
Per capita earnings in January, 1932, for the combined 89 manu­
facturing industries were 4.2 per cent lower than for December, 1931,
and 12.2 per cent lower than for January, 1931.
The average per capita weekly earnings in January, 1932, for the
combined 89 manufacturing industries were $19.89.
Per capita earnings given in Table 2 must not be confused with full­
time weekly rates of wages. They are actual per capita weekly
earnings, computed by dividing the total amount of pay roll for the
week by the total number of employees (part-time workers as well as
full-time workers).
—PER CAPITA WEEKLY EARNINGS IN M A N U F A C T U R IN G INDUSTRIES IN
JANUARY, 1932, AND COMPARISON WITH DECEMBER, 1931, AND JANUARY, 1931

T able 2

Industry

Food and kindred products:
Slaughtering an<i meat, packing
_ _______________________
n on feet i onery
_______ __________________________
Tce cream
_ ________
__ ___ ___________ - — Flour
_________________ _________________ —
Baking
_______ _ - ______— ------ -------------- -Sugar rp.finingTcane
______________________________ —
__________ - ___ - ---------------Beet sugar
Beverages
___________________________________
Butter
___________________________________
Textiles and their products:
Cotton goods
______________________________
_______________________________
Ho^ipry and knit, goods
Silk goods
______ ___ ______ _____________ _____ tWoolen and worst-pd goods
____ ____________________
Carpets and pngs
_____________________________
Pyeing and finishing textiles
__ ___________________
Clothing men’s
______________________________
Shirts and collars
_ _____________________________
frothing women’s
_______________________________
Millinery and laee goods
_____________ - ___________
Corsets and allied garments
_______________________
Cotton small wares
- __________ _________________
BTats fur-felt
______________________ ________
M en’s furnishings
______________________________
Iron and steel and their products not including machinery:
Iron and steel
- __________________________________
f^st-iron pipe
_ _______________________________
Structural-iron work
_ ________________________
Hardware
________ ______________ _
Otea ILL IILLlligo ct11LI ol/Ucllll cl11LI llUfWalcl liccLLixAg,
—- —Stoves
_______ _______________ ______
Bolts nuts washers, and rivets
_ ______________________
Cutlery and edge tools
_ ________________________
Forging*5 iron end steel
_ ____________________
Plumber^’ supplies
__________ _____________
Tin cans and Other tinware
_ __ ________________
Tools not including edge tools
- ____________________
Wirewnrk
_________________ __________ ______
Lumber and allied products:
Lumber sawmills
_____________________________
Lumber mill work
_______________________
Furniture
________ _____ _______________________
Turpentine and rosin---------- -------------- -------------------------------1 No change.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Per capita Per cent of change com­
pared with—
weekly
earnings
in
January, December, January,
1931
1931
1932

$23. 34
16.80
30. 67
22.68
24. 64
25.42
21. 92
26.53
24.36

-3 .0
- 1 .3
-1 .0
-1 .6
-0 .4
- 2 .5
+10.8
-2 .0
- 2 .1

-1 4 .0
-1 0 .3
-7 .4
-1 1 .2
-6 .9
-1 1 .5
+20. 1
- 9 .7
-8 .6

12.04
13. 87
15. 55
18. 65
18.67
21. 30
15.73
11.63
20. 12
19.83
15.64
17. 45
17.65
13. 39

-1 .4
- 9 .3
-7 .0
+ 1.1
-0 .6
- 2 .1
+ 1 .7
+ 1 .4
-7 .0
+ 7 .0
+ 1 .9
+ 2 .0
+ 0 .7
- 9 .3

-1 4 .9
-1 3 .6
-12. 5
-6 .5
-5 .8
-9 .0
-1 4 .0
-1 5 .1
-1 4 .9
-3 .8
-9 .5
-1 0 . 7
-1 5 .2
-1 2 .9

16.06
16. 17
21.16
17.16
17.89
17.96
18.46
19.34
18.73
15.26
21.32
16.70
19.01

-1 0 .5
-1 0 .9
-4 .2
- 3 .9
-7 .2
-6 .0
-3 .6
- 2 .1
-6 .5
-1 4 .9
(l)
-6 .9
- 6 .0

-3 3 .0
-2 2 .9
-1 9 .9
-1 7 .2
-2 5 .5
-1 8 .8
-1 5 .7
-1 2 .9
- 1 9 .5
-2 4 .9
-5 .6
-1 0 .4
-1 3 .7

12.03
16.73
15.53
15.15

-1 1 .9
-5 .7
- 7 .7
- 2 .3

-2 8 .2
-1 7 .2
-1 8 .9
-8 .0

704

MONTHLY LA.BOR REVIEW

Industry

Per capita Per cent of change com­
pared with—
weekly
earnings
January,
1932

Leather and its manufactures:
Leather______ _____ ______
Boots and shoes-_ _ ____
Paper and printing:
Paper and pulp ____
Paper boxes__ __
___ .
Printing, book and job. __ __
Printing, newspapers and periodicals..
Chemicals and allied products:
Chemicals_________ ______
Fertilizers. ______ _ ____ .
Petroleum refining________
Cottonseed oil, cake, and meal
Druggists preparations_____ ____
Explosives____ _
_
Paints and varnishes______
Rayon___________ ____ _
S o a p ___ _____ _ . . . .
Stone, clay, and glass products:
Cement___________
Brick, tile, and terra cotta______
Pottery________________
Glass_________________ .
Marble, granite, slate, etc_________
Nonferrous metals, and their products:
Stamped and enameled w are.. _
Brass, bronze, and copper p r o d u cts.____
Aluminum manufactures___
___
Clocks, clock movements, etc ____
Gas and electric fixtures. .
_____
Plated ware . . _____ . . .
Smelting and refining, copper, lead, and zinc
Jewelry___ ________
Tobacco manufactures:
Chewing and smoking tobacco and snuff .
Cigars and cigarettes____ _____
Transportation equipment:
Automobiles _ ___
Aircraft ___________
Cars, electric and steam-railroad _ . . .
Locom otives..______
Shipbuilding___________ _
Rubber products:
Rubber tires and inner tubes__ _______
Rubber boots and shoes__ _____
Rubber goods, other than boots, shoes, tires, and inner tu b e s...
Machinery, not including transportation equipment:
Agricultural implements
Electrical machinery, apparatus, and supplies
Engines and water wheels ______
Cash registers and calculating machines
Foundry and machine shop products____
Machine tools__ . _
Textile machinery and parts. . . _____
Typewriters and supplies. ___ ___ _
Radio__ ____
_______
Railroad repair shops:
Electric railroad_____ ____
Steam railroad________ . ___
1 No change,


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

December,
1931

AQ
1g 1

15. 56

29. 71
13.49
21.10

22
4 ^

23. 93

—4 lf
4 Z
7 3
-

1 2 .1

7 7

24. 13
17. 30
19.41
18.47
14. 65
22. 65
20.99
18. 90

9

0

-

8 .3
2 .5

14
- 7 .6
76
^3

1

0 .1

15. 07
13.23

+

1n 0
Li.
6

1.

1

l

.u

r

22.92
16.09
19.79

_i_R 11
TO,
- 9 .4
- 3 .7

15. 25
23.89
21.62
24. 67
18.56
22.47
23.29
15.88
23. 37

- 1 .9
- 3 .1
(>)
- 5 .4
- 7 .8
- 2 .0
- 1 .6
- 5 .3
_l_o C

7 0

_1_16 2
-8.' 1
6. 9
1C ‘A
10.
t
17 O
Z
Li.

16. 6
_ 4y.
on 00
11. 2
13. 5
0 1L. 0
«
l
13 3
n 40
y.
97. n
u
_ 1itr0 . ‘1±
9. 3
, .go Q
8. 0
9. £
9
L
11 0

.

—
f—
27. 8
+ 5.3

8

^

nA

39
. ii

4

i

6. 0
12. 6

1 .9

4

-

8. 5
—0k. ou

78

17.09
23.84
25. 8 6

28. 67
24.62

12. 5
QC
0.O

a’ ?
3 3
—4 ! 2

30. 33
37.61

13. 48

J anuary,
1931

+

6.’ 8
6

.7

19 9

— ±4. L
1
A
L9
a.

-1 0 .5
17 4
—1 6 ! i
n . z9
u

-1 3 .2
-1 9 .4
4
— ï4 . “I

-

5 .1
90 O
11 0
+ 1 . O

^

A. O
4
Q A
0. 0

705

TREND OF EMPLOYMENT

G en er a l In d ex N u m b e r s o f E m p lo y m e n t a n d P ay R o lls in M a n u fa c tu r in g
In d u str ie s

G e n e r a l index numbers of employment and pay rolls m manu­
facturing industries by months from January, 1926, to December,
1931, inclusive, are shown in the following table for the 54 industries
which were formerly used in constructing indexes of employment and
earnings. In addition, similar indexes computed from the 89 indus­
tries listed in Table 1 are presented for each of the 12 months of 1931
and for January, 1932. Twelve-month averages for each complete
year in question are also shown.
Following Table 3 are graphs plotted from these index numbers,
showing the trend in employment and earnings by months from
January, 1926, to January, 1932, inclusive.
rr>»TjTT? q _p e n e p AT IN D E X E S OF EM PLO Y M E N T AND TOTAL PAY ROLL IN M ANUT PA CTIIRIN G tX D U S T R I R S I ANUA R Y, 1926, TO D E C E M B E R , 1931, BASED ON 54 INDUST R IE sV a ND FROM JANUARY, 1931, T 6 JANUARY, 1932, BASED ON 89 IN D U STR IES
[12-month average, 1926= 100]
Total pay roll

Employment

Month

January______
February_____
March________
April_________
M ay_________
June_________
July__________
A ugusts _------September-----October______
November____
December____
Average..

Based on 54 industries

Based on
89 indus­
tries

1926 1927

1929 1930

1931 1932

100.4 97.3 91.6
101. 5 99.0 93.0
102.0 99. 5 93. 7
101.0 98.6 93.3
99.8 97.6 93.0
99.3 97.0 93. 1
97.7 95. 0 92. 2
98.7 95. 1 93. 6
100. 3 95.8 95.0
100.7 95.3 95.9
99.5 93.5 95.4
98.9 92. 95. 5

95. 2
97.4
98. 6
99. 1
99.2
98. 8
98.2
98.6
99.3
98.3
94.8
91.9

90.2
90.3
89.8
89.1
87.7
85.5
81
79.9
79.7
78.
76.5
75.

73.1
74. 1
74.
74.5
74. 1
72. 2
70.4
70.0
69.
67.3
65.4
65.3


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1931 1932

74.6 64.8 98.0 94.9 89.6 95.5
100. 6 93.9 101.8
75.3
102.0 95.2 103.9
75.9
100.8 93.8 104. 6
75.7
99.8 94. 1 104. 8
75.2
97.4 94. 2 102.8
73.4
93. 0 91. 2 98. 2
71.7
95.0 94. 2 102. 1
71. 2
94. 1 95.4 102. 6
70.9
95.2 99. C102. 3
68.9
91.6 96. 1 95. 1
67.1
93. 2 97.7 92.0

100.0 96.4 93.8 97.5 83.7 70.9 73.3

Based on
89 indus­
tries

Based on 54 industries

87.6
90. 7
90.8
89.8
87.6
84. 1
75.9
73.9
74.2
72.7
68.3
67.4

100.0 96.5 94.5 100.4 80.3

62.3
67.0
68.5
67.4
66.

62.5
59. 1
58. 5
55.4
53. 7
51.0
50.9

63.7
68.1

.

69.6.
68.5.
67.7.
63.
60.3.
59.7.
56.7.
55.3 .
52.5.
52.2.

706

M O N TH LY LA B O R R E V IE W

MANUFACTURING
MONTHLY IN D EX ES
MONTHLY

AVERAGE.

INDUSTRIES.
1926-1931.
192.6=100.

EMPLOYMENT

105

100

35

30

65

80

75

70

65

60

55

SO
JAN.

FEB.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

MAR. APR.

M AY

JUNE JULY

AUG. SEPT

OCT.

NOV. DEC

707

T R E N D O F E M PL O Y M E N T

MANUFACTURING
MONTHLY IN D E X E S
MONTHLY AVERAGE.

INDUSTRIES
1926-1931.

132.6 =

IOO.

PAY-ROLL TOTALS.

OS

00

95

90

65

80

75
70

65

60

55

50

45
JAN.

FEB.

MAR.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

APR

MAY

JUNE JULY

AUG. ÓEPT. OCT

NOV

DEC

708

M O N TH LY L A B O R R E V IE W
T im e W orked in M a n u fa c tu r in g In d u s tr ie s in J a n u a r y , 1932

R e p o r t s as to working time in January were received from 11,762
establishments in 68 manufacturing industries. Three per cent of
these establishments were idle, 48 per cent operated on a full-time
basis, and 49 per cent worked on a part-time schedule.
An average of 86 per cent of full-time operation in January was
shown by reports received from all the operating establishments in­
cluded in this tabulation. In the establishments reporting only
part-time operation, the average percentage of full-time operation
was 73.
T a b l e 4 .—PR O PO R T IO N OF FU L L T IM E W O R K E D IN M A N U F A C T U R IN G IN D U S T R IE S

B Y E ST A B L ISH M E N T S R E P O R T IN G IN JA N U A R Y , 1932

Establishments
reporting

Per cent of estab­
lishments in
Average per cent of
which employees full time reported by—
worked—

Industry
Total Per cent
number
idle

Food a n d kin dred produ cts .
..........
Slaughtering and meat packin g_______
Confectionery______________ ~_________
Ice cream____________________ __
Flour_______________________________
B a k in g ___
. . ___________________
Sugar refining, cane_________________ Beet sugar______
_ __________ ____
Beverages___ ________________________

Î, 930
167
260
238
351
610
11
44
249

Textiles a n d th eir p ro d u cts . . ________
Cotton goods_________ _____________ _
Hosiery and knit goods______________
Silk goods,- _______________________ Woolen and worsted goods. __________
Carpets and rugs_________ ___ ________
Dyeing and finishing textiles _ _______
Clothing, men’s___ I __________________
Shirts and collars____ _______ - ______
Clothing, women’s __________________
Millinery and lace goods______________

1,975
501
316
236
166
24
124
228
77
218
85

Iron a n d steel a n d th eir p ro d u cts, n o t
in c lu d in g m a c h in e r y _______________
Iron and steel________________________
Cast-iron pipe_________ ______________
Structural-iron work _______ __
- _
Hardw are___________________ . ..
Steam fittings and hot-water heating
apparatus.............. . ..............................
Stoves_______________________________

C1)
(>)
1
(>)
1
4
2
3
6
3
8
9
9
1

Full
time

Part
time

All operat­ Establish­
ments
ing estab­
lishments operating
part time

72
79
51
63
74
86
18
73
65

28
21
48
37
26
14
82
27
34

94
98
89
95
92
97
79
95
91

78
89
77
86
71
81
74
83
73

59
53
59
72
60
29
47
56
51
72
68

37
45
39
22
37
71
53
36
40
20
31

91
87
91
96
90
80
88
94
92
94
93

76
73
76
81
75
72
76
79
82
72
79

579
138
40
145
53

5
7
10
3

15
24
10
14
23

80
70
80
83
77

71
75
60
76
77

66
67
55
72
70

96
107

2
8

3
14

95
79

61
71

59
06

L um b er a n d allied p r o d u cts___________
Lumber, sawmills____________________
Lumber, millwork___ _ _ ___________
Furniture_______ ______ ____________

1,000
450
281
335

4
5
1
4

31
28
22
42

65
67
76
54

79
78
77
83

70
69
70
71

L eather a n d its m a n u fa c tu r e s _________
Leather________
__ _ _ ________
Boots and shoes.-.
- _________

350
114
236

2
1
3

43
45
42

55
54
56

86
88
85

77
73

1 Less than one-half of 1 per cent.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

75

709

TREND OF EMPLOYMENT

T able 4 —PR O PO R T IO N OF FU L L T IM E W O RKED IN M A N U F A C T U R IN G IN D U S T R IE S
BY E ST A B L ISH M E N T S R E PO R T IN G IN JA N U A R Y , 1932—Continued

Establishments
reporting

Per cent of estab­
lishments in
Average per cent of
which employees full time reported by—
worked—

Industry
Total Per cent
number
idle

89
84
82
89
99

78
74
76
81
88

64
76
67
82
53
59
57
29

35
23
32
16
47
41
41
71

92
95
93
98
94
82
90
83

77
79
78
89
87
55
75
76

16
23
22
4
9

37
65
17
23
72

47
12
61
73
19

80
96
69
72
95

63
74
61
63
76

1

35
21
31
46

64
79
68
53

82
78
81
84

72
72
73
70

25
52
21

69
48
72

81
92
79

74
84
73

44
30
70
12
50
73

53
69
24
88
50
23

86
81
95
77
84
95

74
73
77
74
67
78

34
18
14
41

66
82
86
59

84
80
82
85

75
76
79
75

30
30

69
68

78
81

68
72

22
25
60
30
19
39
46
71

78
72
40
68
81
61
54
29

80
73
88
76
74
86
78
96

75
64
69
66
69
78
58
85

1

50
70
33

49
30
66

91
96
86

81
85
79

3

48

49

86

73

C h em icals a n d allied p ro d u cts-------------Chemicals
Fertilizers_____ -- . . -------------- - Petroleum refining- - Druggists’ preparations
... ..
Explosives
Paints and varnishes - - ---Rayon___

«64
88
159
68
19
17
296
17

S to n e , clay, a n d glass p r o d u c t s . - _____
Cement __
Brick, tile, and terra cotta
. . . .
_
P ottery.. _______________ _________
Glass_____________ _______ ________

649
84
314
96
155

N onferrous m e ta ls a n d th eir p ro d u cts.
Stamped and enameled ware
Brass*, bronze, and copper products
Jewelry___ _ ______________________

341
71
136
134

1

T obacco m a n u fa c tu r e s ------------------------Chewing and smoking tobacco and snuff.
Cigars and cigarettes---- ------- ---------

192
25
167

T ra n sp o rta tio n e q u ip m e n t-----------------A utom obiles.. . .
--------------Aircraft. _ . .
------ . . . .
..........
Cars, electric and steam railroad_____ _
Locomotives____
. . .
.
__
Shipbuilding_____

315
166
33
25
12
79

R ubb er produ cts
Rubber tires and inner tubes.
____
Rubber boots and shoes
________
Rubber goods, other
.....

128
34
7
87

R ailroad repair s h o p s __________________
Electric railroad
Steam railroad . ---------------- . .
T o ta l____ ______________
1 Less than one-half of 1 per cent.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

.

.

.

1
1
1
1
1

«
6
7
2
1
6
4

1
2

179
61
40
804
129
31
13
31
787
364
423
11,762

1
1

1,354
66

All operat­ E stablish­
ments
ing estab­
lishments operating
part time

50
58
75
59
10

1,432
294
250
542
346

M ach in ery , n o t in c lu d in g tra n sp o rta tio n e q u ip m e n t
....
Agricultural implements . --------------Electrical machinery, apparatus, and
supplies
________ _____
Engines and water wheels-------------- . . .
Cash registers and calculating machines.
Foundry and machine-shop products—
Machine tools.. ______ _ . . .
------Textile machinery and parts__ ____
Typewriters and supplies-----------Radio ___________ _____

Part
time

50
41
25
41
90

Paper a n d p r in tin g _________________ * Paper and pulp. . . . .
. ------ Paper boxes _ _
__ ________ _
Printing, book and job__
Printing, newspapers and periodicals----

0

Full
time

3
1
1

0

710

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

E m p lo y m e n t in N o n m a n u f a c t u r in g I n d u s tr ie s in J a n u a r y , 1932

N THE following table are presented employment and pay-roll
data for 14 groups of nonmanufacturing industries, the totals of
which also appear in the summary table of employment and total
pay roll.
With one exception, each group showed decreases in both employ­
ment and earnings from December, 1931, to January, 1932, and from
January, 1931, to January, 1932. The exception was an increase in
employment of 0.1 per cent in hotels over the month interval.

I

T able 1 .—C O M PARISON OF E M P L O Y M E N T A N D TO TAL PA Y R OLL IN ID E N T IC A L
N O N M A N U F A C T U R IN G E ST A B L ISH M E N T S IN D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y
1932, PE R C E N T OF CHA N G E OVER A Y E A R IN T E R V A L , A N D IN D E X N U M B E R S OF
E M P L O Y M E N T A N D TOTAL PA Y ROLL, JA N U A R Y , 1932.
Employment

Industrial group

Anthracite mining_____ . . .
Bituminous coal mining______
Metalliferous mining________
Quarrying and nonmetallic
mining_______________ __
Crude petroleum producing__
Telephone and telegraph____
Power, light, and water______
Electric railroad operation and
maintenance exclusive of car
shops________________
Wholesale trade____ _______
Retail trade______ _
H o te ls_________________ . .
Canning and preserving______
Laundries_________________
Dyeing and cleaning_________

Estab­
lish­
ments
report­ Number
ing in on pay
roll,
both
mos. January,
1932

Per cent of
change
D e­
cem­
ber,
1931,
to
Jan­
uary,
1932

Jan­
uary,
1931,
to
Jan­
uary,
1932

Total pay roll
Per cent of
change
Amount of
D e­
pay roll
(1 week), cem­
ber,
January,
1931,
1932
to
Jan­
uary,
1932

Index num­
bers January,
1982 (average,
1929=1,00)

Jan­
uary,
1931,
to
Jan­
uary,
1932

Em ­
ploy
ment

Total
pay
roll

160
1,199
239

104,183
187, 787
28,465

- 4 .5 -1 5 .9 $2,441,555 -2 1 .6 -3 1 .1
- 0 .5 -1 4 .0 % 827,087 -10. 2 -3 5 .9
- 3 . 8 -2 7 .8
531,045 -1 3 .4 -4 6 .0

76.2
80.8
49.3

61. 5
47.0
29.7

618
236
8, 178
3, 383

20, 088
19, 509
293, 708
230, 528

- 9 .3 -2 4 .1
- 5 . 6 -2 6 .6
- 0 .1 - 8 .3
- 1. 1 -1 0 .0

334, 354 -1 8 . 1 -4 0 .1
635, 767 -1 5 .4 -3 5 .0
8, 515, 984 - 3 .8 - 7 . 5
7,186,307 - 3 .1 -1 0 .3

48.9
54.9
83.0
89.3

30. 2
46. 5
89.1
88.4

133, 361 - 0 . 5 - 8 . 5
66, 213 - 2 .2 - 8 . 6
334, 276 -2 0 .6 - 6 .3
140, 772 + 0.1 -1 1 .4
22, 792 -1 4 . 1 -2 8 .4
54,882 - 0 . 7 - 6 .4
9,404 - 3 .3 - 7 .8

3, 997, 021 - 4 . 5 -1 3 .2
1, 916, 984 - 4 . 7 -1 5 .3
7,497, 262 -1 7 . 1 -1 2 .8
2,157,811 - 2 . 0 -1 8 .8
362, 503 -1 3 .9 -3 1 .0
955, 826 - 1 . 3 -11. 9
192,024 - 3 .1 -1 5 .2

79.5
81.8
84.3
84. 2
35.0
(0
(0

74.3
74.1
78.0
73.9
31.8
(i)
(>)

498
2,457
11, 933
2,262
783
813
295

1 Data not available.

In d e x e s o f E m p lo y m e n t a n d T o ta l P ay R o ll for N o n m a n u fa c tu r in g In d u str ie s

I n d e x numbers of employment and total pay roll for the years
1929, 1930, and 1931, and by months, January, 1931, to January,
1932, for 12 of the 14 nonmanufacturing industries appearing in the
preceding table, are shown in Table 2. Index numbers for the laun­
dering and the dyeing and cleaning groups are not presented, as data
for the index base year (1929) are not available.


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T a b l e 2 .—IN D E X E S OF E M P L O Y M E N T A N D TO TAL PA Y ROLL FOR N O N M A N U F A C T U R IN G IN D U S T R IE S , 1929 TO JA N U A R Y , 1932

[12-month average, 1929=100]

Anthracite Bituminous Metallifer­
coal mining ous mining
mining

Quarrying
and nonmetallie
mining

Crude
petroleum
producing

Telephone
and tele­
graph

Power,
light, and
water

Operation
and main­
tenance
of electric
railroads 1

Wholesale
trade

Retail
trade

Canning
and pre­
serving

Hotels

Year and month
E m ­ Pay­
Em­ Pay­ Em­ Pay­ Em ­ Pay­ Em­ Pay­ Em­ Pay­ Em­ Pay­ Em ­ Pay­ Em­ Pay­ Em­ Pay­ Em­ Pay­ Em­ Pay­
roll ploy­ roll
ploy­ roll ploy­ roll ploy­ roll ploy­ roll ploy­ roll ploy­ roll ploy­ roll ploy­ roll ploy­ roll ploy­ roll ploy­
ment totals ment totals ment totals ment totals ment totals ment totals ment totals ment totals ment totals ment totals ment totals ment totals
100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

96.2

99.2

98.5 103.9

96.1

100

95.3

93.1

81.3

83.2

78.0

81.3

79.3

87.1

85.9

97.9 102.9 103.0 104.3

93.1

93.5

96.0

95.9 • 95.9

1931
January ____________
February____________
March............ ..................

90.6 89.3
89.5 101.9
82.0 71.3

93.9
91.5
88.8

73.3
68.3
65.2

68.3
65.3
63.5

55. 0
54.6
52.8

64.4
66.6
70.0

50.4
54.4
58.2

74.8
73.2
72.2

71.5
70.0
73.2

90.5
89.2
88.6

96.3
94.8
97.9

99.2 98.6
97.8 99.7
96.7 102.4

86.9
86.6
86.4

85.6
87.1
88.1

89.5
88.2
87.4

87.5
88.4
89.1

90.0
87.1
87. 8

89.4
86. 7
87. 5

95.0
96.8
96.8

91.0
93.7
93.4

48.9
48.3
53.0

46.1
48.6
50.3

April ______________
M ay. _______________
June_________________

85.2
80.3
76.1

75.2
76.1
66.7

85.9
82.4
78.4

58.6
54.4
52.4

63.9
62.4
60.0

51.4
49.3
46.1

76.1
75.0
72.3

62.6
62.3
60.1

69.8
67.8
65.0

66.3
64.7
62.7

88.1
87.4
86.9

95.0
94.1
95.0

97.1
97.6
97.2

97.6
98.7
98.3

86.8
85.9
85.3

86.6
85.1
84.8

87.4
87.1
87.1

85.2
84. 7
84.1

90.1
89.9
89.1

88.3
88.0
87. 6

95.9
92.5
91.6

89.9
87.7
85.4

59.6
56.0
70.6

57.1
56.0
58.6

July
____________
August ____________
September......................-

65.1
67.3
80.0

53.7
56.4
64.9

76.4
77.0
80.4

50.4
50.6
53.6

56.2
55.8
55.5

41.3
40.2
40.0

71.0
68.9
66.6

57.3
55.1
51.2

65.3
62.4
61.2

59.2
56.3
55.2

86.6
85.9
85.0

93.3
92.3
92.1

96.7
95.9
94.7

97.4
96.2
94.3

85.6
84.8
84.0

83.3
81.9
81. 2

86.8
86. 5
86.1

83.3
82.1
81.4

83.9
81. 8
86. 6

83.3
80. 3
83. 5

93.3
92.8
90.6

85.2 102.2 74.2
83.8 142.9 104.7
81.9 180.1 129.4

October______________ 86.8 91.1
November___________ 2 83. 5 2 79. 5
December____________ 2 79.8 2 78. 4

81.3
81.1
81.2

56.2
54.6
52.3

53.8
52.8
51.2

37.4
35. 1
34.3

64.5
59.3
53.9

48.7
43.3
36.9

60.4
57.6
58.2

54.4
52.0
54.9

84.1 91.6
83.5 89.7
83. 1 92.7

92.7
91.3
90.3

93.2
93.3
91.2

82.7
81.5
79.9

79.0
79.7
77.8

85.2
84.1
83.7

79.9 89.8
79. 7 90.9
77.8 106. 2

84.6
85. 4
94.1

88.5
85. 9
84. 1

79.7 108.1
77.1 60.8
75.4 40.7

77.6
48.1
36.9

1931: A verage___ 2 80.5

75.1

83.2

57.5

59.1

14.8

67.1

53.1

65.7

61.7

86.6

93.7

95.6

96.7

81.7

83.1

86.6

83.6

89.1

86.6

92.0

85.1

80.9

65.6

61.5

80.8

47.0

49.3

29.7

48.9

30.2

54.9

46.5

83.0

89.1

89.3

88.4

79.5

74.3

81.8

74.1

84.3

78.0

84.2

73.9

35.0

31.8

1930: A verage___

1932
January___ _________

93.1

76.2

1 N ot including electric-railroad car building and repairing; see transportation equipment and electric repair shop groups, manufacturing industries, Table 1.
2 Revised.


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TREND OF EMPLOYMENT

1929: A verage----

712

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

T rend o f E m p lo y m e n t in J an u ary, 1932, by S ta te s

N THE following table are shown the fluctuations in employment
and earnings in January, 1932, as compared with December, 1931,
in certain industrial groups, by States. These tabulations have been
prepared from information secured directly from reporting establish­
ments and from data supplied by cooperating State agencies. The
fluctuations in employment and earnings over the month interval
in the combined total of the 15 industrial groups included in this
monthly survey are presented, together with the changes in the
manufacturing, public utility, hotel, wholesale trade, retail trade,
bituminous coal mining, crude petroleum producing, quarrying and
nonmetallic mining, metalliferous mining, laundries, and dyeing and
cleaning groups. In presenting data concerning the public utility
group, the totals ol the telephone and telegraph, water-light-power,
and electric railroad operation groups have been combined and are
presented as one group in this State compilation. Due to the extreme
seasonal fluctuations in the canning and preserving industry, and the
fact that during certain months the activity in "this industry in a
number of States is negligible, data for this industry are not presented
separately. The number of employees and the amount of weekly
earnings in December and January as reported by identical establish­
ments m this industry are included, however, in the tabulation of “ all
groups” by States.
As the anthracite mining industry is confined entirely to the State of
Pennsylvania, the changes reported in this industry in the summary
table are the fluctuations in this industry by State total.
Where the identity of any reporting company would be disclosed by
the publication of a State total for any industrial group, figures for the
group do not appear in the separate'industrial group tabulation, but
have been included in the State totals for “ all groups.” Data are not
presented for any industrial group where the representation covers
less than three establishments.

I


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

713

TREND OF EMPLOYMENT

C O M PA R ISO N OF E M P L O Y M E N T A N D TO T A L PA Y ROLL IN ID E N T IC A L ESTAB* L IS H M E N T S IN D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932, BY ST A T ES, FO R 11 IN D U S T R IA L G R O U PS A N D TO TAL OF GROUPS C O M B IN E D
[Figures in italics are not compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but are taken from reports issued by
cooperating State organizations]
Manufacturing

Total—all groups

State

N um ­ Number
Per
ber of on pay
estab­ roll Jan­ cent of
lish­
uary, change
1932
ments

451
Alabama______ -Arkansas_________
356
Arizona____- ____
California___ ___ - 1,378
Colorado.. . . . . . - '493

Amount
of pay roll Per
(1 week) cent of
January, change
1932

48, 742

- 3 .0

$636, 629

14,443

- 2 .6

230,517

Amount
N um ­ Number
Per of pay roll Per
ber of on pay
estab­ roll Jan­ cent of (1 week) cent of
lish­
uary, change January, change
1932
1932
ments

—5. 6

51,162

—10. 4

- 3 .4

2 , 9 9 4 ,4 9 9

—6.4

186,410

—31.4

106,462 - 4 .2 1,967,964
116, 528
5,415 +Ò. !
223, 851
14, 355 +12.9
5 3 3 ,9 5 0
46,781 - 0 .7
5 9 ,4 9 7
3, 564 -2 4 .4

- 8 .0
+ 4 .4
+ 9.1
—6. 4
—3 4 . 4

3 , 9 5 5 ,4 2 5

- 3 .3

1,131

10,981

- 6 .4

262,096

- 6 .3

5,316,833

- 6 .8

25,986 -1 5 .3

615,188 -1 5 .7

121

126,108 - 4 .2
7,887 - 0 .7
25, 560 +13.3
60,029 - 0 .8
7,061 -1 4 .1

2,516,897 - 7 .1
170,841 +0.1
459, 952 + 5 .9
852,624 - 4 .0
131,936 -2 0 .9

572
48
132
257
38

- 2 .7

1,056

Connecticut______
Delaware___ _____
Florida ________
Georgia__________
Idaho____________

928
122
534
566
148

Illinois___________
Indiana________
I o w a ____________
Kansas _____
Kentucky________

1,354

289,105

- 2 .8

6,964,705

1, 239
1,150
617
933

125, 254
46,006
28, 327
57,971

- 3 .6
- 2 .7
- 0 .3
- 3 .6

2,646,407
961,433
619,462
926, 579

- 6 .5
- 8 .4
- 1 .9
- 8 .5

441
Louisiana________
508
Maine
________
i
869
Maryland________
M assachusetts____ 7,357
Michigan_________ 1,660

27,679
37,180

- 7 .5
- 1 .0

454,869
714,693

-4 -4
- 4 .7

1,699,688
7,683, 202

296,240

Minnesota ______ 1,079
386
M ississip p i______
Missouri ___ ____ 1.102
250
Montana
_____
628
Nebraska-------------

61,477 - 6 .5
10,411 - 3 .5
107, 208 - 2 .0
7, 803 - 5 .0
22,403 -1 2 .4

378
N ew Hampshire . .
N ew Jersey__ ____ 1, 450
122
N ew Mexico
84
N evada. . . - __
N ew York--------- . 3,128

25,073
200,194
4,240
1, 165
508,860

+ 1 .2

1 2 0 ,4 4 1

- 6 .2

8,896

58

203, 568

80,205
329,180

$415,781

-2 .9

31, 729

181

- 7 .2

2,134
119,504

8,046 -2 9 .7

182,480

- 3 .1

574
449
167
158

92, 330
25,347
15,481
18,139

- 2 .3 1,915, 571
503,460
- 2 .1
350, 559
+ 0.3
307,735
- 3 .7

- 9 .6
- 4 .8

162
172

15,925
30,857

-6 .8
+ 0 .3

- 6 .0
- 6 .2

- 3 .3

506
1,051
446

58,950
150,499
218,754

1,408,711 - 8 .4
134, 389 -1 0 .2
2,358, 607 - 5 .0
201,472 -1 1 .9
534, 589 -1 0 .3

263
76
502
46
122

6,810,575

136
452,862 - 3 .5
- 5 .2
2 756
- 4 . 1 4, 898, 782 - 5 .4
22
78,185 -1 1 .3
+ 0.1
12
34,001 - 2 .5
+ 1 .4
- 5 . 5 13,037,634 - 7 . 2 *1,692

- 1 0 .2
—11. 8
—2.9
—10.6
—11.9

357,124
- 5 .0
- 2.8 4,411,076
6, 621
+ 1 .3
6, 856
(3)

- 2 .8

21,389
183,584

462
195
341,384

—5.5

- 4 .3
—1 0 . 3
—5. 5
—6. 2
—16. 3

- 4 .6 5,952,038
838, 650
- 0 .4
_(5)
458,629
42, /29
- 0 .1
628,338
-4 . 1

-1 0 .5
—1. 3
+ 0 .5
—4. 1
—6. 8

77, 287 - 0 .3
1,088 - 4 . 7
250, 736 - 1 .3
8,334 - 0 . 9
14,043 -1 1 .0

Pennsylvania_____ 4,692
500
Rhode Island___ _
392
South Carolina____
216
South Dakota_____
727
Tennessee________

610, 944
54,347
47,040
5, 555
60,959

- 4 .5 12,153,190 -1 2 .0
- 2 .0 1,134, 942 - 2 . 1
531,370 +0. 1
- 0 .6
138, 516 - 5 .4
- 3 .2
930,318 - 8 .1
- 5 .4

1,868
271
175
45
264

333,840
42,744
42, 938
2,003
43,083

Texas ____ _____
U tah
_____
V erm on t________
Virginia..
---------

505

58, 844

- 4 .2

300

37,003

239
353
899

13, 212
9, 509
65,804

-6 . 1
- 6 .4
- 3 .7

283,217 -1 1 .9
201,010 - 8 .5
1,124,388 - 5 .3

Washington______
West Virginia_____

803
684

46, 512
83,145

- 8 .3
- 1 .0

1,043,809 -1 0 . 5
1,454,107 - 8 .6

Wyoming-------------

’ 135

5’ 794

1 Includes building construction.
2 Includes laundries.
2 N o change.
< Includes laundering and cleaning,
s Less than one-tenth of 1 per cent.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

7 .3

—2. 8
—2. 3

971,136
29,187
5,097,195
181,656
261,142

441
56
1,437
95
176

-

—2.3

- 4 .O 8,313,305

1,077, 747 - 4 .4
82,122 - 6 .5
7,117,117 - 7 .0
514,975 - 9 .6
552,476 -1 1 .0

674, 808 - 1 2 .3
152,862 -1 8 .2

1 0 .2

—4. 4

653,096
30,012 - 5 .3
66, UU8
6,418 - 3 .3
59,499 + 0 .6 1,206, 799
63,866
2,882 - 7 .0
263,407
10,884 -1 6 .8

- 0 .2
- 2 .6
- 3 .5
- 5 .4
- 8 .8

—11.6

-

—6.6
—2. 2
—0.5

83, 538
3,492
344,409
22, 692
25, 510

- 5 .7

233,816
558, 562

—5. 8
—8. 8
—1.1
—4. 4

- 3 . 0 1,100,619
- 0 . 7 2,940, 823
+ 5 .0 5,197,043

North Carolina__ 1,021
308
North Dakota __
Ohio ___________ 3,174
547
Oklahoma
____
738
Oregon_________ -

1,464,306

- 5 .7

- 2 .8

196

- 5 .2

-6 .2

-4 -0

955,914

- 6 .0

60
127
252

3,154 -2 2 .3
5,215 - 9 .6
47,120 - 2 .0

58,121
104,885
778, 733

—31.9
—13. 7
—3. 7

248
185

23,414
32,088

- 5 .5
- 3 .3

449, 213
644,256

-1 0 .8
—9.0

836

23

—2.6

1,456 -2 2 .6

46,290

—9. 7

-

1 2 .4

714

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

COM PA R ISO N OP E M P L O Y M E N T A N D TO TAL PA Y ROLL IN ID E N T IC A L E ST A B L ISH ­
M E N T S IN D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932, B Y ST A T EST f O R 1 1 IN D U S T R IA L
GROUPS A N D TO TAL OF GROUPS C O M B IN E D -C ontin ued
UND US 1 R IAL
[Figures in italics are not compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but are taken from reports issued by
cooperating State organizations]
Wholesale trade
State

Alabama_______
Arkansas_________
Arizona_______ _
California_______
Colorado________

N um ­ Number
ber of on pay
Per
estab­ roll Jan­ cent of
lish­
uary, change
ments
1932

Retail trade

Amount
of pay roll Per
(1 week) cent of
January, change
1932

N um ­ Number
Amount
ber of on pay
Per of pay rol Per
estab­ roll Jan­ cent of (1 week) cent of
lish­
uary, change January, change
ments
1932
1932

16

554

18

- 2 .8

453

$16,501

32

138

-0 .4

-5 .8

17

13,482

- 3 .2

136

1,532

65

3,769

- 3 .1

179

1,262 -2 1 .4

21

640

95

28,757 - 2 3 .9

Connecticut______
Delaware . . . .
Florida__________
Georgia_________
Idaho_________

55
9
38
31
8

1,214
108
590
369
121

Illinois_________
Indiana_________
Iowa____________
Kansas____ _ . . .
Kentucky________

53
35
21
19

Louisiana________
M aine___________
M a r y la n d ..._____
M assachusetts____
M ichigan________

16

- 2 .8

119,978

+ 1 .4

- 2 .7

21, 327

+ 0 .8

+ 1 .6
+ 5 .9
- 1 .3
- 3 .1
-3 .2

36,997
2,281
15,393
10, 694
3,488

- 0 .8
-4 .0
- 7 .6
- 4 .6
- 9 .3

-1 -4

868 - 1 2 .7

1,180
1,114
627
511

3,681

+ 0 .7
- 1 .9
-0 .8
+ 5 .4

23,247 - 1 0 .2

33, 272
33,192
18, 432
11, 026

- 5 .5
- 5 .8
+ 5 .3
- 3 .4

37
101
13
76
35
24
54

243
113
30
198

2,546 -1 5 .4

3,692 -2 3 .1

4,722 -1 4 .7
143 -2 8 .5
1,286 - 0 . 2
2,095 -1 9 .9
630 - 3 . 4
18,317

31
13

800
329

- 0 .6
- 3 .8

80b
14, 171

18,123
8,595

- 4 .1
- 5 .1

1,296

- 1 .4
-6 .3

19,872
425,430

+ 1 .9

42, 392

- 1 .5
- 7 .3

4,052
134
5,142
218
887

- 1 .9
+ 0 .8
- 2 .1
+ 0 .9
- 2 .5

117,981
2,936
133, 078
8,006
26, 228

- 5 .6
+ 0 .6
- 3 .0
+ 0 .8
- 3 .8

344
71
136
20
90

7,609
427
6,196
345
1,358

172 - 2 .3
675 - 4 .8
108 -1 2 .9

5,120
21, 269
3,931

- 1 .7
- 2 .1
- 4 .4

49
412
10

50

-3 .2

53
63
428

-6 .3

6,528 -1 9 .6
3,036 -2 0 .9
1,285 -1 7 .3
2,010 - 9 .7

30
693

43
3,947

- 7 .1

3,021 -2 2 .3
1,128 - 8 .3

$42,453

- 9 .1

25, 610

—4.2

654,924

-1 8 .8

76, 62Ì

-1 7 .9

101,971
2, 628
29' 750
36, 833
12; 436

-9 . 6
-16. 5
—6. 2
—15. 6
- 5 .0

471,897

- 5 .5

Ì31, 484
63; 600
25; 403
38| 464

-1 4 .8
-31. 0
- 8 .0
- 9 .2

49,197
23; 885

-1 8 .1
—8. 5

5,101 —23.6
93, 055
60,259 - 1 2 .1 l, 357,082

11,871 -2 5 .9

-1 2 .9

28,165

18 R

1 2 .0

281, 797

-

-2 0 .5
-2 0 .5
-2 6 .5
-1 4 .2
-2 6 .1

152,178
5; 840
130, 536
7; 948
27; 928

—14.3
—18 0
—23. 0
—7.9
-2 4 .4

520 -2 2 .7
7,892 -3 1 .4
95 - 5 .9

11, 208
19i; 008
2,449

—12 4
—25. fi
- 1 0 .1

2 2 .1

M innesota-..............
Mississippi___ ..
M is s o u r i.._____
Montana______
Nebraska________

61
5
53
11
31

New Ham pshire.. .
N ew Jersey____
N ew Mexico_____
N evada__________
N ew York___ _

14
30
6
128

2,281

- 2 .3

75,960

- 6 .9

184

47, 070 -2 5 .9 1, 201, 262

-2 2 .5

North Carolina___
North Dakota
O h i o . . . _____
Oklahoma .. _
Oregon___________

21
15
147
37
42

478
191
3,798
640
1,035

-5 .2
-2 .6
- 0 .5
- 3 .6
-5 .0

12,468
6,084
107,973
17,164
29, 728

- 4 .9
- 8 .2
- 3 .4
- 6 .5
-5 .4

438
39
674
45
255

1, 862
'384
26,321
1,185
2,321

- 2 .2
-1 5 .4
-2 5 .6
-1 2 .9
-1 3 .3

29 902
7,106
557, 293
22; 296
53; 773

—10 2
—8 5
—22 0
—h 9
- 6 .3

Pennsylvania_____
Rhode Island___ _
South Carolina___
South D a k ota... . .
Tennessee________

137
38
19
6
32

3,445 - 0 .7
930 -1 3 .8
247 - 0 .4
98 - 3 .0
728 - 7 .4

96,007
23, 043
5,986
3,085
16,382

-3 .4
- 8 .4
-4 .0
-6 .0
-4 .8

588
115
90
18
69

27, 782
5,014
694
253
3, 530

-1 7 .9
-1 3 .3
-2 8 .5
—18.4
-2 7 .1

603, 026
115, 240
10, 533
4 974
60,291

—15 2
—9 3
—12 5
—11 0
-2 7 .7

Texas___________ _
U tah______ _____ _
Vermont_________
Virginia_________

b5

2,657

13
5
33

440
111
827

77,027

+ 1 .7

59

- 8 .5
- 0 .3
- 4 .9

23
35
371

6,967 - 9 . 7
1,053 - 6 .1
326 - 5 . 8
2,878 -2 2 .8

W , 646

Washington______
West V irg in ia____
Wisconsin___ ___
W yoming______
3 N o change.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

3

+ 2 .7

- 0 .2
- 0 .9
- 1 .8

11, 709
3,053
21,121

85
37

2,087
612

\5

-1 .5
-3 .9

1,918

64,515
19, 916

-3 .6
-2 .2

46

46,612

140
50

9

- 2 .4

-6 .8

1,586

- 9 .4

59

0

15

5,726 -2 7 .5
982 -1 8 .3
8,504 - 2 4 .9

156

- 4 .9

Ì5, 452
7; 118
56; 460

- 9 .4

—8.4
—5. 0
-1 8 .0

116, 388
19, 511

—20 1
—12 3

1 4 0 ,4 0 0

- 2 2 .4

4,406

-

6 .1

715

TREND OF EMPLOYMENT

COM PA R ISO N OF E M P L O Y M E N T A N D TOTAL PA Y ROLL IN ID E N T IC A L E ST A B L ISH ­
M E N T S IN D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932, B Y ST A T ES, FO R 11 IN D U S T R IA L
GROUPS A N D TO TAL OF GROUPS C O M B IN E D —Continued
[Figures in italics are not compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but are taken from reports issued by
cooperating State organizations]
Metalliferous mining

Quarrying and nonmetallic mining

State

Num ­ Number
Per
ber of on pay
estab­ roll Jan- cent of
lish­
uary, change
1932
ments

Amount
of pay roll Per
(1 week) cent of
January, change
1932

Alabam a.- -- -- -- --A i k<iii&as_-- -- -- - —

g
g

421 - 2 .1
201 -f 45 7

$5,035 —28.0
2,546 +17.6

California________

25

654 -1 6 .6

13,143 -2 4 .3

Connecticut— —
—
-—

7

Florida---------------Georgia----------------

7
19

Illinois----------------Indiana. - - - - - —- —
Iowa_____________
Kansas __________
Kentucky-------------

28
97
15
14
26

Louisiana------------M aine___________
Maryland------------

in

Michigan________

20

O
K

5

Minnesota ___ _ _

607
537

_j_2 R

2 278 -3 2 .9

-f-3 9
19 5

7 681
5^ 747

+ 3 .6
- 7 .4

463 -2 2 .3
1, 620 -j-4 9
900 -(-19 0
468 + 1 . 3
470 -2 9 .6

8 597 -1 5 .6
30, 475 - 3 .7
3,287 - 2 .1
10,356 + 1 .3
3,962 -3 8 .3

340 -f19 6
150 -4 4 .0

4,616 +10.5
5,225 —34.9

b

354
84 285

-

7

5 .9
2 1 .5

+

e ,m

1,124 -4 4 .8
4,028

- 9 .5

17

Nebraska-------------

Af\

61 5

374 —62.7

N ew Hampshire—
N ew Jersey_______

13
3

-4 0 .8
48 -2 0 .0

2,094 -4 5 .2
1,278 -3 3 .2

7

A7

1, 102

North Carolina___

9

190

-1 9 .3

1,609

29,240 -2 0 .9

56

Ohio_______-

P en n sy lv a n ia -----South Carolina.-

50
------ ""

16

95 856 -1 8 .9

8 .5

16, 759

18

8

Texas____________
Utah______ a_____
Vermont_________
Virginia - -

39
18

Washington---------W est Virginia - -

7
6
—

a No change.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

(3>

39,089

- 4 .2

218 + 4 5 . 3

3,978

+51.2

-6 .3
- 4 .9
—5. 6

8

1,821

9

41

8,703

4 .7

92,374

-2 9 .9

33

1,373 -1 3 .5

26, 023

-2 4 .1

16
14

2,008 + 7 .6
127 -1 3 .0

30, 656
3,062

+ 4 .9
- 4 .6

-

3

113

- 3 .4

2,272

-1 9 .1

16

374

+ 8.1

10,341

-0 .2

25
3

376 -3 3 .1
45 -2 2 .4

8,077
877

-3 2 .3
-4 8 .3

-2 4 .5

0

Tennessee ______

W yoming________

2,565

- 9 .5
-1 1 .3
-1 0 .1

4,976
1,563
589

24 646 —50.3

N ew York----------

38

$123, 092
39,969
16, 663

16
17
12

- 1 7 .2

5,696 -1 9 .1

Missouri__ ______

3 .3

Amount
N um ­ Number
Per of pay roll Per
ber of on pay
estab­ roll Jan­ cent of (1 week) cent of
uary, change January, change
lish­
1932
1932
ments

1,126

-

- 3 .3
- 6 .0

704
2,314 - 2 . 6
888 —20. 4

52, 733

+ 0 .3
-3 1 .8

+ 8 .8
2. 1

2,095

- 0 .4
-1 1 .0

111
469

4

302

-1 .0

5,118

+Ò.7

8

2,421

+ 1 .7

51,052

-7 .8

70 -3 2 .0

1,246

-4 6 .4

—2.7

11,629

- 2 0 .6

3

767

716

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

COM PA R ISO N OP E M P L O Y M E N T A N D TO TAL P A Y ROLL IN ID E N T IC A L E ST A B L ISH ­
M E N T S IN D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932, B Y ST A T ES, PO R 11 IN D U S T R IA L
GROUPS A N D T O TAL OF GROUPS C O M B IN E D -C on tin u ed
^
[Figures in italics are not compiled By the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but are taken from reports issued by
cooperating State organizations]

State

Bituminous coal mining

Crude petroleum producing

Num ­ Number
Amount
ber of on pay
Per
of pay roll Per
estab­ roll Jan­ cent of (1 week) cent ol
lish­
uary,
change January, change
ments
1932
1932

N um ­ Number
Amount
ber of on pay
Per of pay roll Per
estab­ roll Jan- cent of (1 week) cent of
lish­
uary, change January, change
ments
1932
1932

A labam a______
Arkansas______
Arizona________
California______
Colorado______

39
6

8,693

- 0 .9

545

- 6 .8

$80,945

- 5 .5

7,334 - 1 0 .8

6

165

- 4 .1

$3,938

- 5 .3

39

5,070

- 1 .8

173,055

- 5 .3

7

191

-0 .5

3,954

- 1 .3

24

817

+ 0 .5

20, 419

- 0 .3

7

143

-0 .7

4,012

-4 5 .5

5

43

+ 2 .4

1,249

- 2 .5

35

4,383

- 0 .5

101,983

SO

8,188

+ 0 .9

47
19
14
152

6,215
2,399
1,511
25,806

- 0 .7
+ 2 .6
- 2 .3
- 3 .9

+ 7 .1
148,146 - 9 . 2
58,865 + 9 .1
22,938 -1 0 .5
334,888 -1 4 .5

U

1,243

- 2 .8

18,273 - 1 0 .0

18
10

1, 232
987

+ 2 .9
+11.1

28,190 + 6 .2
24 417 -1 7 .5

N ew HampshireN ew J e r s e y ___
N ew M exico____
Nevada _ __ _
N ew 1 ork-_

13

2,092

+ 3 .1

36,621 -1 4 .2

North Carolina
North D akota__
Ohio___________
Oklahoma____ O regon.............

62
14

12,388
600

+ 2 .3
-3 9 .4

163,690 -1 3 .3
9,949 -4 1 .3

5
53

58
3,646

386

54,487

-0 .8

772,193 -1 0 .3

20

16

3,061

- 1 .7

33,794

- 5 .8

13

2,536

+ 4 .2

72,943

- 1 .3

26

4,510

-2 .3

49,544 -1 2 .3

9
247

1,487
40, 620

- 1 .1
+ 1 .2

25

3,387

- 0 .1

+ 0.1

ConnecticutDelaware_____
Florida________
Georgia________
Idaho__________
Illinois-........ .........
Indiana________
I o w a .--........ .........
K a n sa s,_______
K en tu ck y ______
Louisiana_______
M aine____ _____
Maryland---------Massachusetts__
Michigan..............
M innesota______
Mississippi ___
Missouri_______
Montana_______
Nebraska ____

Pennsylvania___
Rhode Island
South Carolina.
South D akota__
Tennessee______
Texas.................
U tah. ________
Vermont. . ___
Virginia________
Washington____
West Virginia___
W isconsin___
Wyoming---- -- _


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

172,023

3

26 -3 1 .6

878

-3 9 .3

4

156 -1 2 .4

4,496

- 1 .1

- 1 .7
-4 .5

921
99, 569

- 8 .4
- 8 .5

388

+ 2 .4

10,243

- 5 .8

43

8,193

- 9 .2

298,138

-1 8 .9

34,641 -2 3 .8
556,037 -1 0 .5

7

384

-4 .7

9,031

- 9 .5

81,902 -2 3 .7

4

135

-6 .2

4,224

-3 .0

717

TREND OF EMPLOYMENT

C O M PA R ISO N OF E M P L O Y M E N T A N D TOTAL PA Y ROLL IN ID E N T IC A L E ST A B L ISH ­
M E N T S IN D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932, B Y ST A T ES, FOR 11 IN D U S T R IA L
GROUPS A N D TOTAL OF GROUPS C O M B IN E D —Continued
[Figures in italics are not compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but are taken from reports issued
by cooperating State organizations]
Public utilities

State

N um ­ Numbet
ber of on pay
Per
estab­ roll Jan­ cent ol
lish­
uary, change
ments
1932

Hotels

Amount
of pay roll Per
(1 week) cent of
January, change
1932

N um ­ Number
Amount
ber of on pay
Per of pay roll Per
estab­ roll Jan­ cent of (1 week) cent of
lish­
uary, change January, change
ments
1932
1932

121

2,205

- 6 .5

25

1,205

50

1,498

-0 .8

1,669

+ 3 .2

- 3 .1

17

44,824

46,388

-0 .8

1 , 4 4 0 ,2 0 4

- 1 .5

- 5 .4

14
257
31

897

- 1 .3

- 1 .8
- 5 .4
- 4 .7
+ 4 .3
- 7 .3

20
6
58
24
13

Alabama_________
Arkansas_________
Arizona _________
California________
Colorado_________

198

6,018

- 1 .7

166,15i

Connecticut______
Delaware- ______
Florida___________
Georgia__________
Idaho____________

135
28
201
182
53

10,887
1,086
4, 535
8,120
602

- 0 .7
- 6 .6
+ 0 .2
+ 6.7
-2 .0

359,119
31, 506
132, 672
243,925
12, 551

Illinois___________
Indiana__________
Iowa_____________
Kansas _________
K entucky,...............

55

67,422

- 1 .5

132
441
292
310

11, 252
10, 680
6, 642
7, 709

+ 0 .1
- 0 .1
+ 2 .2
- 0 .1

2,104,713

- 1 .3

299,091
261,992
151,442
186,359

- 2 .2
- 4 .2
- 3 .2
- 4 .2

6 51
64
59
35
32

8, 953
2,845
2,694
933
1,821

- 0 .5
+ 4 ,0
- 4 .3
(3)

153
174

64
86

- 0 .2

Louisiana________
Maine - . . _____
Maryland____
M assachusetts___
Michigan________

4,824
3, 252

- 0 .6
- 3 .5

80
139

8,523
49,310

-2 .0
- 1 .1

421

25,667

+ 0 .3

M innesota___ _ _
Mississippi ___ - _
Missouri. _ ___
M ontana_________
Nebraska________

271
1S8
214
115
291

13,738
2,405
24,225
2, 659
6,471

N ew Hampshire__
N ew Jersey. . ___
N ew Mexico______
N evada__________
N ew Y ork________

145
269
53
40

2,448
24, 431
425
384

17

5,974

North Carolina___
North Dakota____
Ohio_____________
Oklahoma________
Oregon___________

77
171
481
233
188

Pennsylvania_____
Rhode Island_____
South Carolina___
South Dakota
T en nessee_______
Texas____________
U tah.. . . .
.
_
Vermont_________
Virginia__________
Washington______
West Virginia____
Wisconsin______ _
Wyoming __

$46,998
40,424

510
11,760
1, 229

- 3 .2

$12,364

- 0 .4

11,312

- 0 .8

8, 577
213, 273
19, 673

+ 3 .6
-1 .5
-2 .0

14,364
3, 745
35,516
13,236
3,470

- 9 .5
- 0 .7
+69.0
-1 0 .5
- 3 .6

+ 3.4
- 0 .6
- 1 .7

1,008 - 3 .4
271 - 0 .4
2,564 +92.6
1,323 - 5 .4
247 +10.3

-5 .2

162,684

- 2 .8

36, 890
29, 726
10, 557
22,642

- 1 .4
- 0 .1
-2 .2
+ 3 .2
-3 .3
+ 4 .3

- 4 .3
- 3 .6

20
7

2,102
540

- 0 .7
+ 3.8

25, 213
8,427

24
92

1 ,4 0 2

1,571,441

+ 2 .4
- 1 ,8

5,343

790,447

4,879

19,362
8 6 ,147

- 2 .7
- 1 .6

- 1 .6

74

- 1 .2
-2 .6

+ 3 .6

76,161

+ 1 .4

- 1 .2
- 0 .8
- 1 .4
- 6 .8
- 4 .8

387,146 - 2 .9
49,959 - 9 .8
699,999 - 5 .7
82,964 -1 3 .6
176,272 - 7 .1

63
22
83
17
36

3,292
662
4,845
274
1,723

- 2 .5
+ 1 .2
- 2 .0
- 2 .1
- 6 .1

47,606
6,054
65, 007
4, 661
22,976

- 2 .4
- 0 .5
-4 .2
-4 .2
- 3 .7

-0 .9
- 0 .5
- 6 .8
t3)

70, 400
802,966
9,646
11,968

- 3 .8
- 3 .7
- 5 .6
-2 .2

- 1 .1

214,043

- 1 .3

8
55
9
7
151

185
3,413
247
109
23,027

- 3 .1
- 0 .9
- 2 .4
(3)
- 2 .4

2, 551
52,952
3, 254
1,982
407,030

+ 1.4
- 2 .7
- 2 .0
-1 1 .0
- 5 .4

2,102
1.327
32, 840
6,532
6,105

+ 0 .2
+ 3 .5
- 0 .5
- 3 .4
- 1 .3

43,355
33,238
895. 603
159,736
174, 686

- 5 .8
- 2 .1
- 4 .1
- 9 .3
- 4 .5

28
21
163
38
43

1,310 +13.1
402 - 2 .0
9,452 - 1 .1
908 - 1 .1
1,152 - 4 .9

14,852
4,644
137, 084
9, 257
18, 613

+ 8 .4
- 8 .0
- 3 .8
-8 .3
- 7 .9

682
36
70
127
251

55,938
4, 013
1,760
1,186
5,408

- 0 .5
-0 .1
- 0 .8
- 8 .4
- 0 .7

1, 697,051 - 3 .1
127,187 + 0 .6
43, 551 - 0 .6
31,144 -1 1 .6
128,474 - 5 .8

141
12
15
15
41

9,739 - 0 .5
243 - 1 .2
486 +29.6
302 - 5 .3
2,590 - 1 .3

143,258
3,748
4, 819
4, 240
26, 711

-2 .2
+ 8 .4
+36.1
- 2 .4
-3 .8

16

7,937

68
125
136
206

1,981
1,091
6,461
10, 511

+ 0 .2
+ 0.3
- 0 .6
+ 0.2

112

6,634

+ 0.7

180,873

- 1 .6

18

48

11,953

- 1 .9

362,807

-6 .6

47

462

- 1 .5

11, 698

- 9 .5

6 43

3 No change.
6 Less than one-tenth of 1 per cent.
6 Includes restaurants.

103146°—32----- 15


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

- 4 .4

116, 813
95, 674
271, 698

226,637

- 5 .3

46,195
27,414
167,258
325, 783

- 4 .2
-4 0
- 3 .3
- 4 .3

57

17
16
28
64

10

3,576

+ 1 .0

565
381
1,817
2,297

46,776

- 0 .4

- 6 .9
- 2 .3
- 5 .9
—G)

9,136
4,710
23, 704
33, 603

- 1 .6
- 8 .9
-4 .2
- 3 .3

683

- 3 .0

8, 562

- 4 .5

1 ,4 0 2

-4 -4

2,465

-1 .6

136

- 2 .9

718

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

C O M PA R ISO N OF E M P L O Y M E N T A N D TOTAL PA Y ROLL IN ID E N T IC A L E ST A B L ISH ­
M E N T S IN D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932, B Y ST A TES, FO R 11 IN D U S T R IA L
GROUPS A N D T O TAL OF GROUPS C O M B IN E D —Continued
[Figures in italics are not compiled by the Bureau of LaboLStatistics, but are taken[from reports issued by
cooperating State organizations]
Laundries
Num- Number
ber of on pay
Per
estab- roll Jan- cent of
lishuary, change
1932
ments
A labam a________
Arkansas____ _
Arizona _ _ ______
C alifornia______
C olorado______

Dyeing and cleaning

Amount
of pay roll Per
(1 week) cent of
January, change
1932

6

675

- 2 .9

$8,197

12

367

—2.1

4,305

4

240

+ 2 .6

4,067

T 61

6,150

- 0 .8

'908

- 1 .6

107,228
l i , 660

- 1 .4

1,391
439
541

- 0 .1
+ 0.7
- 4 .2

27, 231
5,314
5', 925

- 1 .6
+ 0 .9
+ 1 .8

1,662

- 0 .1

28,652

- 0 .6

1,566

+ 1 .6

23,591

- 5 .2

11

—1.6
_9 O
+ 2 .0

5

203

+ 0 .5

$2, 631

- 0 .1

12

149

- 3 .2

3,076

- 3 .9

10

263

- 5 .4

6,742

- 4 .0

4

131

- 6 .4

1,706

-1 3 .4

6

117

- 6 .4

2,185

- 6 .8

- 2 .2

Connecticut-... .
Florida______ _ _
Georgia-,
_____
Illinois_____
Indiana__________

27
5
11

Iowa______ . . _
Kansas_______
Kentucky________
M a in e ___ ,
_ _
Maryland________

4
9
21
19

236
303
975
350

- 3 .7
- 1 .9
- 0 .4
- 1 .7

4,047
4 ,536
13, 695
5,477

- 2 .8
- 4 .0
- 2 .2
+ 2 .3

23

1,879

-1 .0

31,407

-0 .2

M assachusetts.. _
Michigan____ _ __
M innesota.- _ ___
M ississippi.-_
Missouri
- _

62

2,494.

27
15
3
37

- 3 .4

47,593

-5 .5

1,952
863
124
3, 032

- 1. i
- 1 .8
+ 5.1
+ 2 .5

31,340 + 1 .4
15,756 - 0 .2
1,351 +11.5
45, 631 - 2 .1

Montana_________
Nebraska__ ____ .
N ew Hampshire .
N ew Jersey
_ _
N ew M e x ic o _____

8
10
11
28
3

244
877
235
3,099
107

- 3 .2
+ 5 .5
- 2 .1
- 1 .6
+ 4 .9

4,824
14,647
3,970
68,969
1,714

N evada_____
New York __ _
North Carolina___
North Dakota—_ —
O h io ........... .......

4
61
5
4
68

61 -1 2 .9
6,923 - 1 .1
280 - 9 .1
78 - 1 .3
4,587 + 0 .7

Oklahoma________
Oregon___________
Pennsylvania_____
Rhode Island_____
South C arolina___

3
6
51
18
7

328
357
3,756
1,090
342

- 8 .1
- 0 .8
- 1 .9
- 0 .7
-1 .2

5,010
6,578
64,253
20,876
3,821

- 7 .0
+ 1 .0
- 1 .9
- 1 .4
- 0 .4

South Dakota____
Tennessee________
Texas____________
Utah_____________
Vermont_________

3
12
19
7
3

89
758
919
584
36

- 4 .3
- 1 .9
- 3 .3
- 1 .0
- 7 .7

Virginia__________
Washington _____
West Virginia_____
W isconsin-- . . . . . . .

11
4
17

910
109
584

i 28

1,048

21

Num- Number
Amount
ber of on pay
Per of pay roll Per
estab- roll Jan- cent of (1 week) cent of
lishuary, change January, change
1932
ments
1932

6

269

+ 0 .4

4,146

- 0 .7

16

428

+ 0 .6

6,938

- 4 .2

16
9

373
259

- 3 .1
- 2 .3

7,940
5,023

- 4 .7
- 6 .1

17

449

- 6 .5

8,418

-6 .2

4

65

+ 4 .8

1,282

- 7 .6

7

326

- 5 .2

9,197

- 2 .6

16

621

- 2 .8

14,923

- 1 .7

19

1, 390

- 1 .2

26,777

- 1 .6

5
23
8

52
880
293

- 3 .7
- 6 .7
—5.5

1,238
18,084
5,840

-4 .0
- 3 .6
-7 .0

1, 572 + 0 .8
7,801 - 3 .4
12,864 - 5 .5
9,453 - 4 .3
486 -1 4 .9

9
14
5

205 - 6 . 4
271 - 4 . 2
91 - 1 0 . 8

4,129
5,174
1,718

- 9 .2
- 1 .3
-1 5 .1

- 1 .6
-6 .0
-0 .2

12,035
2,345
9,006

+ 2 .2
- 3 .5
+ 2 .3

17
3
5

288 - 2 . 0
31 + 3 . 3
89 -1 6 .0

4,635
567
1,845

- 5 .2
- 0 .4
+ 9 .8

-1 .6

17,264

- 1 .9

- 5 .3
+ 1 .5
- 1 .5
- 1 .6
+ 0 .8

1, 541 - 1 .7
133, 799 - 1 .6
3,393 +10.6
L 433 - 2 .8
82,419 - 0 .8

’ Includes dyeing and cleaning.

E m p lo y m e n t a n d P a y R o lls in J a n u a r y , 1932, in C itie s o f O ver
500,000 P o p u la tio n

N THE following table are presented the fluctuations in employ­
ment and earnings in January, 1932, as compared with December,
1931, in 13 cities of the United States having a population of 500,000
or over. These fluctuations are based on reports received from
identical establishments in each of the months considered.
These city tabulations include all establishments reporting in the
15 industrial groups in these 13 cities, and also additional employ­
ment information secured from banks, insurance companies, garages,

I


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

719

TEEND OF EMPLOYMENT

and other establishments in these 13 cities. Building construction
data are not included in these totals, as information is not available
for all cities at this time. Decreases in both employment and earn­
ings are shown in 12 of these cities. An increase of 3.1 per cent in
employment coupled with a loss of 1 per cent in pay-roll totals is
shown in Detroit. This increase is due principally to increased
employment in the automobile industry.
C H A N G E S IN E M P L O Y M E N T A N D PA Y ROLL IN 13 C IT IES, D E C E M B E R , 1931, TO
JA N U A R Y , 1932

Cities

Number
N umber on pay roll
of estab­
lishments
reporting
in both December, January,
1932
months
1931

New York C ity___________
Chicago, 111______________
Philadelphia, Pa ________
Detroit, Mich ___________
Los Angeles, Calif________
Cleveland, Ohio....................
St. Louis, M o______ ______
Baltimore, M d ___________
Boston, Mass_____________
Pittsburgh, P a . . _______
San Francisco, Calif______
Buffalo, N . Y ____________
Milwaukee, Wis__________

1,819
1,790
556
392
527
422
460
458
2,135
260
1,043
224
259

289,347
222,739
117,855
175, 777
54, 231
73,487
68,375
53,131
78,174
52,171
41,722
43,549
40, 345

267,240
217, 635
112,133
181, 259
49, 384
68,379
67, 399
49, 557
74, 254
47,824
40,262
43,107
34,838

Amount of pay roll
(1 week)
Per
cent of
change December, January,
1931
1932
-7 .6
- 2 .3
- 4 .9
+ 3.1
- 8 .9
-7 .0
- 1 .4
- 6 .7
-5 .0
- 8 .3
- 3 .5
- 1 .0
-1 3 .6

$8,281, 264
6,058, 226
2,889,447
4, 332,491
1, 352,999
1, 656,030
1, 559, 680
1,117,946
2,151, 656
1,151,960
1,119,949
1,095,715
856,709

$7, 592, 373
5,682,734
2, 644,181
4, 289,089
1,231,943
1,514,565
1,498,761
1, 028,417
2,014,536
1, 025, 539
1,057, 244
1,015,198
719,259

Per
cent of
change

- 8 .3
-6 .2
- 8 .5
- 1 .0
- 8 .9
- 8 .5
- 3 .9
- 8 .0
- 6 .4
-1 1 .0
- 5 .6
- 7 .3
-1 6 .0

E m p lo y e e s in E x e c u tiv e C ivil S erv ice o f t h e U n ite d S t a t e s ,
J a n u a r y , 1932

HE table following shows for specified months the number of
officers and employees in the executive civil service of the United
States Government. The figures are complete except for temporary
employees in the field service of the Post Office Department. The
number of such employees varies greatly, mainly because of seasonal
demands, the principal demand for temporary Post Office employees
being during the Christmas mail rush. Their term of service is usually
quite brief.
As indicated by the title of this article, the figures do not include
the legislative, judicial, Army, or Navy services.
The figures are compiled by the several departments and offices
and sent to the United States Civil Service Commission where they
are assembled. They are here published by courtesy of the commis­
sion and in compliance with the direction of Congress. Data relating
to pay rolls have not yet been collected.
Because of the importance of Washington as a Government center,
the figures are given for the District of Columbia separately. The
District of Columbia figures are included in the grand total for the
entire service.
At the end of January, 1932, there were 609,283 employees on the
pay rolls of the executive civil service of the United States. Of this
number, 581,131 were permanent employees and 28,152 were tem­
porary employees. In the interval between December 31, 1931, and
January 31, 1932, there was a gain of 2,915 employees, or 0.48 per
cent. Comparing the number on the pay roll on January 31, 1932,
with those on the pay roll on the last day of January, 1931, there
was a gain of 10,663 or 1.78 per cent. During the month of January,

T


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

720

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

1932, 12,119 employees were separated from the service because of
resignations, termination of appointments, deaths, or other causes,
and there were 15,034 new employees hired. This gives a net turn­
over rate of 1.99 per 100 employees during the month.
The turnover rate for the service as a whole is considerably higher
than the turnover rate for the District of Columbia. There were
69,710 employees on the Government pay rolls in the District of
Columbia at the end of January, 1932.
E M P L O Y E E S IN E X E C U T IV E CIVIL SER V IC E OF T H E U N IT E D STA TES, JA N U A R Y ,
1931, D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y , 1932
District of Columbia

Entire service

Class
January,
1931

December,
1931

January,
1932

January,
1931

December,
1931

January,
1932

Permanent employees_______
Temporary employees (not
including those in field serv­
ice of the Post Office D e­
partment). ___________ . . .

63, 309

7,943

3,766

3,667

35,140

27, 985

28,152

T otal..................................

71,252

69,435

69, 710

598, 620

606, 368

609, 283

65,669

66, 043

563,480

District of Columbia

578, 383

581,131

Entire service

Gain or loss
Number
January, 1931, to January, 1932____________ _____ ____
December, 1931, to January, 1932.. _________________

- 1 , 542
+275

Per cent
-2 .1 6
+ .4 0

Labor turnover

Additions in January, 1932 ______ __________________ ____ __________________
Separations in January, 1932____________ . . . _____________________________
M onthly turnover, 1932________________________________________ __________

Number

Per cent

+10, 663
+2,915

+1.78
+ .4 8

District of
Columbia

Entire
service

N um ber

N um ber

1,207
932
1.34

15, 034
12,119
1.99

E m p lo y m e n t in B u ild in g C o n s tr u c tio n in J a n u a r y , 1932

MPLOYMENT in building construction decreased 14.9 per cent
in January, 1932, as compared with December, 1931, and pay
rolls decreased 16.9 per cent during the same period. This informa­
tion is based on reports received from 6,822 firms engaged in building
operations in 43 cities covered by the Federal bureau and 2,501
additional firms in various localities in Pennsylvania, California,
Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and the city of Baltimore, Md.
As shown by the following table, these firms reported a combined
employment of 77,576 for a week ending near January 15 as compared
with 91,131 for a similar period in December. The total pay roll for
these employees was $2,063,168 for a week ending near January 15
as compared with $2,481,857 for a similar period in December.
In the 43 cities covered by the Federal bureau, reports were received
from 6,822 identical contractors and subcontractors whose total
employment for a week ending near January 15 was 50,340 as com­
pared with 59,317 for a similar period in December. This is a decrease
of 15.1 per cent, which is practically the same as the decrease for the
9,323 firms engaged on building construction in all localities. Four

E


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

721

TREND OF EMPLOYMENT

cities reported increased employment ranging from 0.3 per cent for
Grand Rapids to 14.0 per cent for Nashville. These 6,822 firms
reported a combined pay roll of $1,348,383 for a week ending near
January 15 as compared with $1,623,386 for a similar period in
December. This is a decrease of 16.9 per cent, which is the same
percentage of decrease in total pay roll as was reported by the 9,323
firms for all localities. Two cities showed increased pay rolls, the
increase for Louisville being 3.5 per cent and for Nashville 11.8 per
cent.
The data for the 14 cities in Pennsylvania, based on returns from
1,350 identical firms, show a decrease of 18.5 per cent in employment
and 18.6 per cent in pay rolls.
Employment and pay-roll information for California covers 194
identical firms whose combined employment and pay rolls decreased
6.5 and 4.8 per cent, respectively, when January is compared with
December. However, there was an increase of 0.3 per cent in the
total pay roll for the reporting firms from San Francisco-Oakland.
Decreased employment and pay rolls are also reported for the city
of Baltimore and the States of Massachusetts and Wisconsin.
Data concerning the building construction industry appearing in
the following table have not been included in the summary table
shown at the beginning of this trend of employment article.
C O M PA R ISO N OP E M P L O Y M E N T A N D TO TAL PA Y ROLL IN T H E B U IL D IN G CON­
ST R U C T IO N IN D U S T R Y IN ID E N T IC A L FIR M S, D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y ,
1932

Locality

N um ­
ber of
firms
report­
ing

Number on pay roll
week ending near—
Dec. 15

Jan. 15

340
Akron
__
____
456
77
1,287
1,281
131
A tlanta_____________ __
598
535
Birmingham. _ ____
87
553
131
731
Bridgeport___ ___________
311
281
Charlotte _ ________ _ __
37
3,106
2, 692
C incinnati1 _ . _ _ _____
496
2,944
2,628
464
C leveland..
. _____
815
810
109
D a lla s - - __ - ________
934
939
197
Denver ............
735
98
583
Des M oines___
______
4,
791
3,820
474
Detroit - .
- ___
221
175
44
Duluth
464
521
110
Fort Wayne
- ___ 364
365
78
Grand Rapids _
1,323
239
1, 716
Hartford
_____
608
645
95
Houston- ________ _ 1,364
1,027
169
Indianapolis______ _____
443
305
55
Jacksonville. _
___
1,674
1,386
219
Kansas C ity 2- __ _____1,030
1,013
122
Louisville-- _______ _
863
689
102
M em phis_______ _
__
608
1,224
77
M iami
_ _
1,734
1,463
219
Minneapolis____________
921
808
63
N ashville ______ _
2,672
2,456
200
N ew Haven
1,741
1,337
116
N ew Orleans__ __
- ..
503
446
Norfolk-Portsmouth82
1,293
1,069
98
Oklahoma C ity- ________
552
780
117
Omaha_____
_____358
524
77
Portland, M e.. __
___
958
960
200
Portland, Oreg - - ___
1,933
2, 210
229
Providence-.. __ ________
1,054
1,166
140
Richmond ............................
2,468
3,104
459
St. Louis__ - ________
943
1,430
121
St. Paul__________________
1 Includes Covington and Newport, K y.
2 Includes both Kansas City, Kans., and Kansas City, Mo.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Per cent
of change

Amount of pay roll
week ending near—
Dec. 15

-2 5 .4
- 0 .5
-1 0 .5
-2 4 .4
- 9 .7
-1 3 .3
-1 0 .7
- 0 .6
+0. 5
-20. 7
-2 0 .3
-2 0 .8
-1 0 .9
+ 0 .3
-2 2 .9
+6. 1
-24. 7
-3 1 .2
-1 7 .2
- 1 .7
-2 0 .2
-5 0 .3
-1 5 .6
+14.0
-8 . 1
-2 3 .2
-1 1 .3
-1 7 .3
-29. 2
-31. 7
—0. 2
-1 2 .5
- 9 .6
-2 0 .5
-3 4 .]

$9,982
21, 707
10,881
20, 217
5, 974
90, 836
96, 959
17, 529
25,492
17, 012
129, 567
4, 988
12, 787
8,426
52, 226
12, 989
42,186
7, 019
55, 838
21, 624
16, 896
29,150
51, 383
14,146
97,393
33,412
10, 034
29, 313
19, 908
14, 001
25,154
61, 297
27, 896
103,128
40,887

Per cent
of change

Jan. 15
$7, 939
19,944
8, 665
15,172
4, 642
82, 286
83, 496
16,113
23, 624
13,317
109, 046
3, 377
10, 477
7, 763
39, 966
12, 582
27, 212
5,230
41, 893
22, 389
12, 335
16, 233
39,447
15, 814
93, 892
25, 028
9, 457
28, 739
13, 784
9, 541
24, 038
50, 080
23, 029
81, 238
22, 765

-2 0 .5
- 8 .1
-2 0 .4
-2 5 .0
-22. 3
-9 .4
-1 3 .9
-8 . 1
- 7 .3
-2 1 .7
-15. 8
-3 2 .3
-18. 1
- 7 .9
-23. 5
-3 . 1
-3 5 .5
-2 5 .5
-25. 0
+ 3 .5
-2 7 .0
-4 4 .3
-2 3 .2
+11.8
- 3 .6
-2 5 . 1
- 5 .8
- 2 .0
-3 0 .8
-3 1 .9
- 4 .4
-1 8 .3
-1 7 .4
-21. 2
-4 4 .3

722

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

C OM PARISON OP E M P L O Y M E N T A N D TO TAL PA Y ROLL IN T H E B U IL D IN G CON­
ST R U C TIO N IN D U S T R Y IN ID E N T IC A L FIR M S, D E C E M B E R , 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y ,
1932—Continued
N um ­
ber of
firms
report­
ing

Locality

Number on pay roll
week ending near—
Dec. 15

Per cent
of change

Jan. 15

Amount of pay roll
week ending near—
Dec. 15

Per cent
of change

Jan. 15

86
198
34
51
503
53
62
103

671
1,375
144
375
8,854
239
386
1, 612

498
1,356
136
327
7,583
226
314
1,480

-2 5 .8
- 1 .4
- 5 .6
-1 2 .8
-1 4 .4
- 5 .4
-1 8 .7
- 8 .2

$14, 633
37,657
3, 725
7,692
269, 512
5,431
7,865
38,634

$9,266
36,363
3,150
7,319
225, 904
5,020
6, 325
34,483

-3 6 .7
-3 . 4
-1 5 .4
- 4 .8
-16. 2
- 7 .6
-1 9 .6
-1 0 .7

6,822

59,317

50,340

-1 5 .1

1, 623, 386

1,348, 383

-1 6 .9

Erie 3 _ ___________ _____
Philadelphia 3_______ _____
Pittsburgh 3___.......... ............
Reading 3________________
Scranton 3____ . . _________
Nine additional cities over
50,000 under 100,000 3____

31
671
286
77
48

218
5,033
2,652
562
276

130
4,222
2,072
519
239

-4 0 .4
-16. 1
-2 1 .9
- 7 .7
-1 3 .4

4,820
136, 862
89, 486
11,653
7, 013

3,653
111, 074
71, 944
11,220
5,939

-2 4 .2
-1 8 .8
-1 9 .6
- 3 .7
-1 5 .3

237

1,374

1,058

-2 3 .0

27, 520

22, 021

-2 0 .0

Total, 14 c i t i e s .. . ___

1,350

10,115

8,240

-18. 5

277,354

225,851

-1 8 .6

Los Angeles3 . . .
. . ___
San Francisco-Oakland 3_.
California (including all
localities) 3________ _____

47
76

3, 345
3,923

3, 279
3, 715

- 2 .0
- 5 .3

74,919
95, 702

72, 516
96, Oil

- 3 .2
+ 0.3

194

10,168

9, 512

- 6 .5

231, 315

220,243

- 4 .8

Baltimore, M d.3_______ . .
M assachusetts3___________
W isconsin3____________ _

143
749
65

1,326
8,246
1,959

1,270
6, 634
1,580

- 4 .2
-1 9 . 5
-1 9 .3

33, 383
269, 683
46,736

29, 277
204, 057
35, 357

-1 2 .3
-2 4 .3
-2 4 .3

Grand total, all lo­
calities____________

9,323

91,131

77, 576

-1 4 .9

2,481,857

2,063,168

-1 6 .9

Salt Lake C ity___________
Seattle— ________ _______
Spokane........ ..........................Tulsa__
________________
Washington, D . C________
Wheeling, _________ _____
W ichita___ _____ _ . ______
W ilmington______________
Total, 43 cities______

3 Data supplied by cooperating State bureaus.

E m p lo y m e n t o n C la ss I S t e a m R a ilr o a d s in t h e U n ite d S ta te s

HE monthly trend of employment from January, 1923, to Decem­
ber, 1931, on Class I railroads—that is, all roads having operating
revenues of $1,000,000 or over—is shown by the index numbers pub­
lished in Table 1. These index numbers are constructed from monthly
reports of the Interstate Commerce Commission, using the monthly
average for 1926 as 100.

T

T a b l e 1 .—I N D E X OP E M P L O Y M E N T ON CLASS I STEA M R A ILROADS IN T H E U N IT E D

STATES, JA N U A R Y , 1923, TO D E C E M B E R , 1931
fM onthly average, 1926=100]
1930

1931

1923

1924

1925

1926

1927

January.. -----------------------February. ._ _____________
March________________
April _____________ . . - M ay_________ ___________
June_____ . ____________
July.......... .............— .........— A ugust. __________________
September---- ------ -----------October___ ____ _____ . .
November_______________ December_________________

98.3
98.6
100. 5
102.0
105.0
107.1
108.2
109.4
107.8
107. 3
105. 2
99.4

96.9
97.0
97. 4
98.9
99.2
98.0
98.1
99.0
99.7
100. 8
99. 0
96.0

95.6
95.4
95.2
96.6
97.8
98.6
99.4
99.7
99.9
100. 7
99. 1
97.1

95.8
96.0
96.7
98.9
100.2
101.6
102.9
102.7
102.8
103.4
101. 2
98. 2

95.5
95.3
95.8
97.4
99.4
100.9
101.0
99.5
99. 1
98.9
95. 7
91.9

89.3
89.0
89. 9
91.7
94. 5
95.9
95.6
95.7
95.3
95.3
92.9
89.7

88.2
88.9
90. 1
92.2
94.9
96.1
96. 6
97.4
96.8
96.9
93. 0
88.8

86.3
85.4
85.5
97.0
88.6
86.5
84.7
83.7
82.2
80.4
77. 0
74.9

73.7
72.7
72.9
73.5
73.9
72.8
72.4
71.2
69.3
67.7
64.5
62.6

Average_____________

104. 1

98.3

97.9

100.0

97. 5

92.9

93.3

83.5

70.6


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

1928

1929

Month

723

TEEND OF EMPLOYMENT

Table 2 shows the total number of employees on the 15th day each
of December, 1930, and November and December, 1931, and pay­
roll totals for the entire months.
In these tabulations data for the occupational group reported as
“executives, officials, and staff assistants” are omitted.
T able 2 .—E M P L O Y M E N T A N D E A R N IN G S OF R A ILROAD E M P L O Y E E S, D E C E M B E R ,
1930, A N D N O V E M B E R A N D D E C E M B E R , 1931
[From m onthly reports of Interstate Commerce Commission. As data for only the more important occu­
pations are shown separately, the group totals are not the sum of the items under the respective groups]
Number of employees at mid­
dle of month

Total earnings

Occupation
Decem­
ber 15,
1930

Novem ­
ber 15,
1931

Decem­ December, November,
December,
ber 15,
1930
1931
1931
1931

Professional, clerical, and general-- .
Clerks________________________
Stenographers and typists______

239, 506
131, 874
22. 248

209, 224
113,086
19,461

205, 788 $35,480,420 $29, 720,407 $29, 808, 212
110,640 18,416, 619 15,028,441 15,101,063
2,938,400
19, 244
2, 479, 268
2,487; 425

Maintenance of w ay and structures..
Laborers, extra gang and work
train______________________ _
Laborers, track and roadway
section............................ ................

274,479

234, 886

217,195

25, 481,474

19,495, 096

24,148

18,105

13, 789

1, 627, 868

1,032, 633

800, 998

141, 546

125,159

116,197

9.343,103

7, 003, 005

6, 623, 490

Maintenance of equipment and stores
Carmen_____________________ _
M achinists____________________
Skilled trades helpers__________
Laborers (shops, engine houses,
power plants, and stores) _
Common laborers (shops, engine
houses, power plants, and
sto r e s).._________ __________

375,160
78, 647
48,077
82,391

313,116
64, 788
42, 066
68, 295

310, 636
63, 843
42, 319
68,041

47, 968, 887
11, 217, 057
7, 215,944
8, 821, 751

35, 620, 205
8, 289, 738
5,428, 597
6,367, 696

35, 934, 895
8, 291, 894
5, 554,186
6,430, 882

31, 558

26, 278

25, 766

2,998, 569

2, 292,091

2,326, 506

40, 251

32,674

32,042

2,990, 203

2,108, 231

2,139, 663

168, 939
28,298

150,136
27,105

146, 450
26, 877

21, 537, 554
4,547, 678

18, 218, 805
4, 097, 744

18, 453, 385
4, 238, 256

Transportation, other than train,
engine, and yard______ _ ____
Station agents.-. . . ____. . .
Telegraphers, telephoners, and
towermen
______________
Truckers (stations, warehouses,
and platforms)______ ____ _
Crossing and bridge flagmen and
gatemen ----------------------------

18,339, 454

20, 737

18,458

18,185

3, 292,425

2, 812, 695

2, 865,381

25,151

21,632

20, 497

2, 259, 704

1, 832, 883

1, 771, 961

19,226

18,663

18, 542

1, 502,394

1,421,852

1,425, 624

Transportation (yardmasters, switch
tenders, and hostlers)____________

19,027

16, 417

16, 035

3, 746, 253

3, 030, 751

3, 017, 659

Transportation, train and engine.
Road conductors_______________
Road brakemen and flagmen____
Y ard brakemen and yard helpers _
Road engineers and motormen _ ..
Road firemen and helpers______

263, 359
29, 707
57, 720
44, 611
35,344
36, 289

230, 761
26,107
50, 605
39, 878
30, 924
31, 588

223, 292
25, 292
48, 948
38,479
29, 956
30, 650

51,181,921
6,939, 799
9, 505, 914
7,443,911
9, 242,135
6, 725, 785

42, 561, 688
5, 892,090
7,988,732
6,046, 778
7, 786, 014
5, 624, 313

42, 008, 762
5, 861, 596
7, 804, 790
5,893, 951
7, 733, 860
5 , 585, 455

All em ployees.._____________ 1,340,470 1,154, 540 1,119, 396 185,396, 509 148, 646,952 147, 562, 367


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES
R e ta il P r ic e s o f F o o d in J a n u a r y , 1932

T HAS been the custom of the Bureau of Labor Statistics to pub­
lish each month the retail prices of food and coal, by cities, and
index numbers of individual food articles for the United States for all
years back to 1913. Rates of electricity for household use and price
per 1,000 cubic feet of gas, by cities, have been published for June
and December of each year.
In the interest of economy in the cost of printing, these detailed
statistics are eliminated from current publications, only summaries for
the United States and limited comparisons being shown. Comparable
information with that shown in previous publications is on record in
the files of the bureau and available to those desiring to make use of it.
Table 1 shows for the United States retail prices and index numbers
of food on January 15, and December 15, 1931, and January 15, 1932.
These prices are simple averages of actual selling prices reported
monthly by retail dealers in 51 cities. The index numbers are based
on the average prices in 1913.

I

T a b l e 1 .— A V ER A G E R E T A IL PR IC ES A N D I N D E X N U M B E R S OF FOOD IN T H E U N IT E D

ST A TES ON JA N U A R Y 15 A N D D E C E M B E R 15, 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y 15, 1932
[1913 = 100.0]
Average retail price on—
Article

Index numbers

Unit
Ian. 15, Dec. 15, Jan. 15, Jan. 15,
1931
1931
1932
1931

Sirloin ste a k ... . . .
Round steak
Rib roast_______
Chuck roast.. . . . .
Plate beef . . .

Pound
do
do
do
do

Cents

Cents

42.5
37.5
31.5
24.4
16.7

36.3
31.3
26.7
19.6
13.1

29.8
40. 2
50. 6
31.4
32.7

Dec. 15,
1931

Jan. 15,
1932

Cents

34.9
30. 1
25.7
18.5
12.3

167.3
168.2
159.1
152.5
138.0

142.9
140.4
134.8
122.5
108.3

137.4
135.0
129.8
115. 6
101.7

21.8
30.3
39.7
24.9
28. 6

20.9
27.4
37.6
24.1
27.9

141.9
148.9
188.1
166. 1
153.5

103.8
112.2
147. 6
131.7
134.3

99.5
101.5
139.8
127.5
131.0

34.4
13.3
8.9
37.7
23.7

29. 6
11. 6
8.0
36.5
18.8

29.4
11.5
8.0
32.3
17.9

149.4

130.3

129. 2

98.4

95.3

84.3

do
do
do _
Dozen
Pound

32. 1
15.7
23.8
36.1
8.2

26.2
11.2
22.0
38.5
7.2

25.5
10.1
21.9
29.7
7.1

145.2
99.4

118. 6
70.9

115.4
63.9

104. 6
146.4

111. 6
128. 6

86. 1
126.8

Flour_____________
Corn meal______
Rolled oats______
Corn flakes______ .
Wheat cereal_______

do
do
do
8-oz. package..
28-oz. package.

4.0
5.1
8.5
9.3
25.2

3.3
4,1
7.9
8.7
23.0

3.3
4. 0
7.7
8.6
22.8

121.2
170. 0

100. 0
136. 7

100.0
133. 3

Macaroni___________
R ic e... ._ . . .
Beans, navy_____
Potatoes_________
Onions.........................

Ponnd
_ do
do
do
........ do— .........

18.2
8.9
9.2
2.9
3.9

16.0
7.4
6.2
1.8
5.2

15.9
7.4
5.8
1.7
6.6

102.3

m 85.1

85. 1

170. 6

105.9

100.0

Pork chops . . . . . .
Bacon, sliced__ _________
Ham, sliced. _____
Lamb, leg of__________
Hens____________
Salmon, red, canned.. .
Milk, fresh__ ___ _ _ . . .
Milk, evaporated_________
Butter__________ _______
Oleomargarine (all butter sub­
stitutes) .
Cheese. ________
Lard. „. . ____
Vegetable lard substitute____
Eggs, strictly fresh_________
Bread____ _______

724


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

do - do
do
do
do
do
Quart
14J^-oz. can__
Pound
____ do_____

725

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES

T a b l e 1 .— AVER A G E R E T A IL PRIC ES A N D IN D E X N U M B E R S OE FOOD IN TH E U N IT E D

ST A T ES ON JA N U A R Y 15 A N D D E C E M B E R 15, 1931, A N D JA N U A R Y 15, 1932—Contd.
Average retail price on—
Unit

Article

Jan. 15, Dec. 15, Jan. 15, Jan. 15,
1931
1932
1931
1931
Cents

Cents

4. 3
8. 4
14.7
15. 5

3.4
8.2
11.9
13.5

Tomatoes, canned __
„ d o ______
Pound_______
Sugar _____ ___
____ do _____
Tea
Coffee.- _____ ______ _______ ____do_______

11.2
5.9
76.7
37.8

9. 6
5.5
75.1
31.5

9.5
5.4
74.1
31.0

Prunes
_ . __________ __ _do_______
_ _do_______
R a isin s___________________
Bananas
Dozen _____
Oranges__
____________ ____do_.............

12.9
11.3
29.1
32. 5

10.5
11.5
24.8
31.3

10. 3
11.5
23.8
29.7

_____ ____

Dec. 15,
1931

Jan. 15,
1932

Cents

Pound __ . .
16 oz. can___
No. 2 can
__ do
____

Cabbage
Pork and beans
Corn, canned
Peas, canned

Index numbers

4. 1
8.4
11.5
13.4

Weighted food index________

107.3
141.0
126.8

100.0
138.1
105. 7

98. 2
136.2
104. 0

132.8

114.3

109.3

Table 2 shows the trend in the retail cost of three important groups
of food commodities, viz, cereals, meats, and dairy products, by years
and by months for 1931 and 1932. The articles within these groups
are as follows:
Cereals: Bread, flour, com meal, rice, rolled oats, corn flakes, wheat
cereal, and macaroni.
Meats: Sirloin steak, round steak, rib roast, chuck roast, plate
beef, pork chops, bacon, ham, hens, and leg of lamb.
Dairy products: Butter, cheese, fresh milk, and evaporated milk.
T a b l e 2 .—I N D E X N U M B E R S OF R E T A IL COST OF CEREA LS, M EA TS, A N D D A IR Y

PR O D U C T S FOR T H E U N IT E D ST A TES, B Y M O N TH S, 1931 A N D 1932
[Average cost in 1913=100.0]

Y ear and month

1931: Average for year___
January
February
March
April
May
June______ . . . .
July

Cereals Meats

135.9
147. 1
144. 6
142. 4
138.9
137. 7
136.3
134.3

147.0
159. 5
153. 4
152. 5
151. 4
149. 3
145.7
147.8

Dairy
prod­
ucts
114.6
123. 6
120.2
120. 5
116. 5
110. 3
108.3
109.6

Year and month

1931—Continued.
August _ ________
Septem ber.. _
_
October..
N o v em b er________
December__________
1932:
January _________

Cereals Meats

Dairy
prod­
ucts

132.0
130.2
129.8
129. 1
127.8

149. 1
147.7
142.7
135.4
129.3

111.9
114.3
117.0
114.4
111.4

126.3

123.4

106.5

The curve shown in the chart (p. 727) pictures more readily to the
eye the changes in the cost of the food budget than do the index
numbers given in the table.
C o m p a r iso n o f R e ta il F ood C o sts in 51 C itie s

T a b le 3 shows for 39 cities the percentage of increase or decrease
in the retail cost of food in the United States in January, 1932, com­
pared with the average cost in the year 1913, in January, 1931, and
December, 1931. For 12 other cities comparisons are given for the
1-year and the 1-month periods; these cities have been scheduled by
the bureau at different dates since 1913. The percentage changes

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

726

M ONTHLY

LABOR

R E V IE W

are based on actual retail prices secured each month from retail
dealers and on the average consumption of these articles in each city.
The consumption figures which have been used since January, 1921,
are given in the Labor Review for March, 1921 (p. 26). Those used
for prior dates are given in the Labor Review for November, 1918
(pp. 94 and 95).
Effort has been made by the bureau each month to have all sched­
ules for each city included in the average prices. For the month
of January schedules were received from 99 per cent of the firms in
the 51 cities from which retail prices of food are collected.
Out of about 1,245 food reports 19 were not received—1 each in
Charleston, Dallas, Detroit, Jacksonville, Minneapolis, New Orleans,
New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco; 2 each in Milwaukee,
Pittsburgh, and Portland (Me.).
Out of about 350 bread reports 4 were missing, 1 each in Hous­
ton, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Pittsburgh.
A perfect record is shown for the following-named cities: Atlanta,
Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Bridgeport, Buffalo, Butte, Chicago,
Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Denver, Fall River, Indianapolis,
Kansas City, Little Rock, Louisville, Manchester, Memphis, Mobile,
Newark, New Haven, Norfolk, Omaha, Peoria, Portland (Oreg.),
Providence, Richmond, Rochester, St. Louis, St. Paul, Salt Lake
City, Savannah, Scranton, Seattle, Springfield (111.), and Washington.
T able 3.—P E R C E N T A G E CHA N G E IN T H E R E T A IL COST OF FOOD IN JA N U A R Y , 1932

C O M PA R E D W ITH T H E COST IN D E C E M B E R , 1931, JA N U A R Y , 1931, A N D W ITH T H E
A V ER A G E COST IN T H E Y E A R 1913, B Y CITIES

City

Percent­ Percentage decrease
January,
1932,
age in­
compared with—
crease
January,
1932, com­
pared
January, Decem­
with 1913
1931
ber, 1931

Percent­ Percentage decrease
January, 1932,
age in­
compared with—
crease
January,
1932, com­
pared
January, Decem­
with 1913
1931
ber, 1931

City

United States_____

9. 3

17.7

4. 4

Minneapolis

10.4

17 8

3 3

A tlanta__________
Baltimore________
Birmingham______
Boston, _ _______
Bridgeport_______

6.0
13.9
6.0
9.4

20.5
18.1
22.4
18.9
13.8

5. 2
3.8
3.8
7.2
3.9

Newark
New Haven
New Orleans

9 4
18 8
9.3

16 4
14 3
17.4

4 2
2 1
2.6

7.6

19.7
9.7
16.8
18.2
20. 4

2.5
2.8
2.5
6.2
6.2

N ew York
Norfolk__________
Omaha _______
Peoria
Philadelphia______

15.9

Buffalo__________
B u tte ,,
Charleston, S. C .._
Chicago. ________
Cincinnati________

15 4
16.9
17.1
19. 0
17.3

3 n
20 9
2 3
3 8
8.8

6 2

18.6
20.4
21.3
16.3

2.6
7.0
6.4
6.2

Pittsburgh
Portland, M e_____
Portland, Oreg
Providence
Richmond

19 7
14. 8
12.4
16 8
19 0

50
4]3
6 3
7 0
4.8

5.7
5.3
2. 5
6.0

R ochester_______
St. Louis
St. Paul
Salt Lake City
San Francisco _

17. 0
18. 0
17.3
15 2
15. 7

4. 4
3 0
33
6 6
2 5

Savannah.. ______
Scranton
Seattle
Springfield, 111____
W ashington,...........

17.8
18. 0
13. 3
21.7
19.7

3. 5
5. 0
5. 5
2.9
5.8

9.7
9.6

1. 6
2.9

Cleveland____
Columbus_____ _
Dallas____________
Denver____

14.9
18.6
12.3
3.9
5.5
i 0.9

D etroit___
Fall River____ _
H ouston,. _ ____
Indianapolis______

4.7
7.4
2.2

22.2
16.1
16.8
20. 7

Jacksonville..
Kansas C ity______
Little Rock___
Los Angeles______

1.4
6.7
i 2.0
2.7

20.6
19.0
21.9
13.1

3.7
6. 0
5. 7
4.9

Louisville. . ______
Manchester_______
M em phis________
Milwaukee_____

3.1
7.3
1.0
10.4

18.6
16.6
19.3
14.5

4.3
3.2
3.7
1.2


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

1 Decrease.

Hawaii:
Honolulu
Other localities.
2 Increase.

3.7
11.6

0. 3
10. 2
12.9
10.3
2 5. 6
12.2
15. 5
7. 0
15.1

727

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES
TREND OF RET/41 L P R I C E S

OFF OOQ
110

MO

120

100

JAN

FEB MAR- APR. MAY

JUW. JUl. AUG. SEP OCT NOV. DEC.

R e ta il P r ic e s o f C oal in J a n u a r y , 1932

prices of coal are secured in each of the 51 cities in which
retail food prices are obtained. The prices quoted are for coal
R ETAIL
delivered to consumers but do not include charges for storing the coal
in cellar or bins where an extra handling is necessary.
Average prices for the United States for bituminous coal and for
stove and chestnut sizes of Pennsylvania anthracite are computed
from the quotations received from retail dealers in all cities where
these coals are sold for household use.
The table shows the average prices of coal per ton of 2,000 pounds
and index numbers for the United States on January 15, 1932, in com­
parison with the average prices on January 15, 1931, and December 15,
1931, together with the percentage change in the year and in the
month.
A V ER A G E R E TA IL PR IC E P E R 2,000 PO U N D S OF COAL FOR T H E U N IT E D STATES, A N D
P E R C E N T OF CHA N G E ON JA N U A R Y 15, 1932, C O M PA R E D W ITH JA N U A R Y 15, 1931,
A N D D E C E M B E R 15, 1931

Average retail price on—

Per cent of increase
(+ ) or decrease
(—) January, 1932,
compared with—

Article

Pennsylvania anthracite:
Stove—
Average price per 2,000 pounds------------------Tndpv ( iqi3—inn n)
Chestnut—
Average price per 2,000 pounds------ -----------idfIpy ( iqi 3—inn n^
Bituminous:
Average price per 2,000 pounds------------- --TnripY ( 1 9 1 3 —inn n)


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Jan. 15,
1931

Dec. 15,
1931

Jan. 15,
1932

Jan. 15,
1931

Dec. 15,
1931

$15.12
195.8

$15.00
194.2

$15.00
194.2

- 0 .8

0.0

$14. 88
188.1

$14.97
189.1

$14. 97
189.2

+ .6

.0

$8. 87
163.2

$8.19
150. 8

$8. 17
150.3

- 7 .9

-0 .2

728

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

In d ex N u m b e r s o f W h o le sa le P r ic e s in J a n u a r y , 1932

HE index number of wholesale prices, as computed by the Bureau
of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor,
shows a decrease from December, 1931, to January, 1932. This
index number, which includes 784 commodities or price series weighted
according to the importance of each article and based on the average
prices for 1926 as 100.0, was 67.3 for January, as compared with 68.6
for December, showing a decrease of nearly 2 per cent between the
two months. When compared with January, 1931, with an index
number of 78.2, a decrease of approximately 14 per cent has been
recorded.
In the group of farm products, decreases in the average price of
most grains, hogs, dried beans, eggs, lemons, oranges, hops, fresh
milk in Chicago and New York, seeds, tobacco, and foreign wools
caused the group as a whole to decline slightly more than 5 per cent
from the month before. Increases in price were shown for live cattle
and sheep, cotton, fresh onions, and live poultry, while no change of
consequence was reported for several of the items in the group.
Among foods, price decreases were reported for butter, cheese,
wheat flour, prunes, canned corn, canned spinach, cured and fresh
beef, cured and fresh pork, powdered cocoa, oleomargarine, raw and
granulated sugar, and tea, causing the group to decline more than
6 per cent in January when compared with December. Canned
peaches and canned pineapple, raisins, mutton, lamb, veal, coffee,
black pepper, and table salt averaged higher than in the month before.
The group of hides and leather products decreased approximately
one-half of 1 per cent as a whole. Leather, boots and shoes, and
other leather products moved downward, while hides and skins showed
an upward tendency.
In the group of textile products, all subgroups showed a downward
movement in price from December to January. The group as a
whole decreased 1%per cent, with practically all of the items included
either showing a downward tendency or no change in average prices.
Bituminous coal increased slightly, with coke and petroleum prod­
ucts declining, while anthracite coal remained at the December level.
The group of fuel and lighting materials as a whole decreased slightly
more than one-half of 1 per cent.
Price fluctuations in the items composing the metals and metal
products group were only slight. The group as a whole, however,
showed a downward tendency, being influenced by the prices of iron
and steel, ^nonferrous metals, and plumbing and heating items,
though agricultural implements showed a steadying in price.
In the group of building materials, cement prices moved slightly
upward, while average prices for brick and tile, lumber, paint and
paint materials, structural steel, and other building materials, all
moved steadily downward, forcing the group to decline approximately
1 per cent,

T


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES

729

Mixed fertilizers showed the greatest drop in price of any of the
subgroups of the chemicals and drugs group. Chemicals, drugs and
pharmaceuticals, and fertilizer materials all showed a downward
tendency, though the group as a whole decreased less than one-half
of 1 per cent.
Both furniture and furnishings in the group of liouse-furnishing
goods continued to decline in the month. As a whole, this group
declined 1 per cent from December to January.
Prices of cattle feed showed a continuous downward trend, whereas
the prices of automobile tires and tubes, paper and pulp, and crude

rubber, though moving downward, did not show as sharp a price
recession as the other subgroups. Other miscellaneous also showed
declining prices. The decrease for this important group of miscel­
laneous articles was nearly 2 per cent in the month.
Between December and January price decreases took place in 289
instances, increases in 96 instances, while in 399 cases no change
occurred.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

730

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

IN D F X N U M BERS OF WHOLESALE PRICES BY GROUPS AND SUBGROUPS OP COM­
M O DITIES
[1926=100.0]

January,
1931

Commodity groups and subgroups

All commodities______

December,
1931

January,
1932

Purchasing
power of
the dollar,
January,
1932

78.2

68.6

67.3

$1. 486

Farm products.. . _______
Grains_____ ___ . . .
Livestock and poultry. . . .
Other farm products____

73 1
fi2 4
75. 2
75. 3

55 7
47 0
51. 7
61. 2

53. 4
54. 8

1 895

Foods____________
Butter, cheese, and m ilk____
Cereal products . . . . .
Fruits and vegetables. .
M eats____ . . .
Other foods_____ __

80 7
83. 7
75.7
76.9
88.4
74.5

69 1
79. 8
72.2
63.5
63.2
67.2

67. 8
71.0
62.2
61.9
61.9

1 475
1.408
1.608
1.616
1.616

Hides and leather produ cts___
Boots and shoes______
Hides and skins________
L e a t h e r ..____
______
OtheiTeather produ cts... _______

88.7
95.1
64.4
90.8
102.3

79.8
89.2
48.8
78.6
99.7

79.3
88. 8
49.0
77.5
98.9

1. 261
1.126
2.041
1. 290
1.011

Textile products___ _______
C lo th in g ... _ . . . . . . _ .
Cotton goods_______ . . .
Knit goods________________
Silk and rayon____ _.
Woolen and worsted g o o d s... . . .
Other textile products___ _

71.3
79.1
73.5
64.8
49.0
73.7
77.2

60.8
70.8
56.4
58.5
39.0
63.9
71.3

59.9
70.7
55.8
55.8
37.7
63.3
70.7

1.669
1.414
1.792
1.792
2.653
1.580
1.414

Fuel and lighting materials___
Anthracite coal____ ____
Bituminous coal. _______
C oke...
_ _ ___
E lectricity._ ______ . . .
G a s ________ ______ . . .
Petroleum products. _ . . .

73.3
88.9
88.1
83.8
99. 9
95. 8
50.4

68.3
94.8
83.8
81.1
104.1
98. 2
39.6

67.9
94.8
84.4
80.5

(l)
(T)
38.8

1.473
1. 055
1.185
1.242
2. 577

M etals and metal products____ _
Agricultural implements___
Iron and steel ________
Motor vehicles. ______
Nonferrous metals_______
Plumbing and heating___

86.9
94.4
85.5
95.1
69.5
87.4

82.2
85.5
81.0
95.2
53. S
79.9

81.8
85.5
79.9
95.3
55.4
74.1

1.222
1.170
1.252
1. 049
1.805
1.350

Building materials________
Brick and tile __
Cement. . . . _____
Lum ber... _ _____ _.
Paint materials.......
Plumbing and heating
Structural steel____ _
Other building m a teria ls___

83.8
87.0
90.5
76.4
83.2
87.4
83.0
87.8

75.7
80.0
74.6
65.8
76. 6
79.9
81.7
81.5

74.8
79.3
75.2
65.6
75.4
74.1
77.3
81.0

1.337
1. 261
1.330
1. 524
1. 326
1.350
1.294
1.235

Chemicals and drugs___________
Chemicals____________
Drugs and pharmaceuticals. _____
Fertilizer materials...
Mixed fertilizers___

84.5
88.3
65.3
81.4
90.4

76.1
80.8
61.0
70.1
77.1

75.7
80.6
60.6
69.9
75.5

1.321
1.241
1.650
1. 431
1.325

House-furnishing goods____
Furnishings___________ _
Furniture ________

88.3
84.9
92.1

78.5
76.6
80.6

77.7
76.1
79.5

1.287
1.314
1.258

Miscellaneous_____________
Automobile tires and tubes
Cattle feed____
Paper and p u lp ..
Rubber, crude .
Other miscellaneous... _______

72.2
47.2
75.0
83.6
17.1
89.9

66.8
40.8
53.9
80.8
9.5
85.9

65.6
39.7
53.0
78.0
9.3
85.2

1.524
2.519
1.887
1.282
10.799
1.174

79.3
79.0

71.3
72.3

70.3
71.7

1.422
1.395

Nonagricultural commodities___
All commodities less farm products and foods

1 Data not yet available.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

. .

731

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES

D e c lin e in W h o le sa le P r ic e s in V a r io u s F o r e ig n C o u n tr ie s
S in c e 1926

ABLE 1 shows index numbers of wholesale prices in the United
States and the more important foreign countries as compiled from
official records published in each country. The table shows the peak
of prices since January, 1926, together with the month in which the
peak occurred. In comparison with these indexes is shown the date
and the most recent index number as published. From these indexes
has been computed the per cent of decline from the high point since
January, 1926, to the latest date for which figures are available.
Opposite the country the number of commodities included in such
indexes at the present time is given.

T

T abie

1

1.—COMPARISON

OF MOST RECENT INDEX NUMBERS OF WHOLESALE
PRICES WITH PEAK SINCE JANUARY, 1926
Peak since
January, 1926
ber of
com­
modi­
ties

Country

- _______________

784

__ ____ — —
/VnstraliaAii stria
--- - -------------Belgium
_
____ -- Hillgq.ria,
__ _ __________
Canada
Chile
_________________
Chi mi (Shanghai)
,
_______________
Czechoslovakia
- ______- ___ --Uenmark
__
Egypt (Cairo)
___________________
Finland
- _____________ France
_____ _____ - ------France
____________
Germany
______________________
India (Hornhay)
__ _____ ________ _
India (Calcutta)
- ______
Italy
__- - ____ — - -- ---------Japan
_
_ _ ------ ------------ —
Latvia (Higa.)
__ __ ______________
Netherlands
_____
_____________
Netherland Fast Indies
_ _____________ New Zealand
__
_________
Norway
- ___ _______ _____
Poland
__ ________
-- South Afrina
________________

92
47
126
56
502
0)
155
69
118
26
139
45
126
400
44
72
140
56
61
48
92
180
95
(D
188
74
160
121
150

United States

Sweden
Switzerland
United ICingdom

_____ - ______________
-- ______
_____ __ _ — -

Date

Jan., 1926

Index
number

103.2

Latest available
data

Date

Dec. 1931

Per
cent of
decrease
from
peak
shown
Index
to
number latest
data
68.6

Oct., 1927 1,972. 0 Oct., 1931 1,402. 0
112. 0
142.0 Dec., 1931
June, 1927
876.0 ___do-------- 573. 0
July, 1926
78. 7
125.1 Oct., 1931
Apr., 1929
70.3
103.0 Dec., 1931
Jan., 1926
87. 5
124.1 Oct., 1931
M ay, 1928
121.8
130.3 Dec., 1931
Aug., 1931
145.6 - . d o - ........ 103.8
Aug., 1928
178.0 -__do-_........ 119.0
Oct., 1926
92.0
134.0 N ov., 1931
Mar., 1926
92.0
103.0 Dec., 1931
Aug., 1928
408.0
836.0 N ov., 1931
July, 1926
442.0
806.0 Dec., 1931
_do_____
103.7
141.6 -_.d o_____
July, 1928
107.0
154.0 Oct., 1931
Jan., 1926
98.0
159.0 Dec., 1931
___do_
318.9
632.5 ___do_____
Aug., 1926
147.0
254.0 Nov., 1931
Jan., 1926
80.8
133.2 D ec., 1931
Apr., 1928
85.0
153.0 __.do-------June, 1928
97.0
159.0 Oct., 1931
Year, 1926
Jan., 1926 1,677. 0 __.do-------- 1, 380. 0
122.0
160.0 Dec., 1931
Mar., 1928
68.2
104. 7 N ov., 1931
Apr., 1928
1,109.
0
Oct.,
1931
Jan., 1927 1, 438.0
186.0 ___do-------- 175.0
Dec., 1926
111.0
Dec.,
1931
153.0
Jan., 1926
106.2
152.8 N ov., 1931
___do
63.7
91.7 Dec., 1931
N ov., 1926

33.5
28.9
21.1
34. 6
37.1
31. 7
29. 5
6. 5
28.7
33.1
31. 3
10. 7
51.2
45. 2
26. 8
30. 5
38. 4
49.6
42. 1
39. 3
44. 4
39. 0
17. 7
23. 8
34. 9
22. 9
5. 9
27. 5
30. 5
30.5

1Not reported.

Table 2 gives details regarding the index numbers of wholesale
prices in the United States and in foreign countries by years from
1926 to 1931, and by months for the year 1931.


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732

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

T a b l e 2 .—IN D E X N U M B E R S OF W HOLESALE PR IC ES IN T H E U N IT E D ST A T ES A N D

IN C E R T A IN C O U N TR IE S
United
States

Country___

Canada

Bureau
Computing of Labor
agency----- Statis­
tics

1926
(100)

Base period _

1926_______
1927_______
1928_______
1929_______
1930_______
1931_______

Austria

Czecho­
Belgium slovakia

D en­
mark

Finland

France

Ger­
many

Italy

Domin­ Federal M inis­
Statisti­ Central General Federal
ion Bu­ Statisti­ try of Central
cal D e­ Bureau Statisti­ Statisti­ Riccar­
reau of
Industry ofBureau
do
cal
Statis­ part­ of Statis­
cal
cal
Statis­ Bureau
and
tics
ment
tics
Bureau Bureau Bachi
tics
Labor
JanuaryJune,
1914
(100)

1926
(100)

April,
1914
(100)

July,
1914
(100)

1913
(100)

1926
(100)

1913
(100)

1913
(100)

1913
000)

100.0
95.4
97.7
96.5
86.3
71.1

100.0
97.7
96.5
95.5
86.9
72.6

123
133
130
130
117

744
847
843
851
744

955
979
979
923
i 118.5

163
153
153
150
130
114

100
101
102
98
90

695
642
645
627
554

134.4
137.6
140.0
137.2
124.6
110.9

602.0
495.3
461.6
445.3
383.0

77.0
75.5
74.5
73.3
71.3
70.0
70.0
70.2
69.1
68.4
68.3
66.3

76.7
76.0
75.1
74.4
73.0
72.2
71.7
70.9
70.0
70.4
70.6
70.3

105
107
107
108
107
110
114
110
108
109
112
112

661
658
660
652
640
642
635
616
597
591
584
573

i 110.0
i 108.9
i 108.8
1 110.5
i 110.3
i 108. 7
i 112.1
i 107. 8
i 105. 2
i 104. 6
i 104. 3
i 103. 8

118
117
116
115
113
110
110
109
109
113
117
119

86
86
86
85
84
83
82
81
79
82
87
92

541
538
539
540
520
518
500
488
473
457
447
442

115.2
114.0
113.9
113.7
113.3
112.3
111.7
110.2
108.6
107.1
106. 6
103.7

341.7
338.1
339.3
337.0
331.7
326.5
324.3
321.6
319.1
322.2
320.4
318.9

1931
January____
February__
M arch___
April______
M a y ______
J u n e.. -.
July_______
August___
Septem ber..
October____
N ovem ber..
Decem ber...

Country___

N eth­ Nor­
er­
Spain
lands way 1

Cen­ Cen­
tral
tral
Bu­
C omputing
Bu­
agency----- reau of reau of
Statis­ Statis­
tics
tics

Base period.

19261927.
1928.
1929.
19301931-

M inis­
try of
Labor
and
Previ­
sion

Swe­
den

Cham­
ber of
Com­
merce

1913

1913

1913

( 100)

1913

( 100)

( 100)

( 100)

145
148
149
142
117

157
149
137

181
172
168
171
172

149
146
148
140

Swit­ United
zer­ King­
land
dom

Aus­
tralia

New
Zea­
land

South
Africa Japan China India

N a­
Fed­
Cen­ Office
tional
of
eral Board Bureau sus
Bank
Tariff
of Cen­ and
Cen­
Labor
of
Com­
of
sus and Statis­
sus
De­
mis­
and Japan,
part­ Trade Statis­ tics
Tokyo sion,
tics
Statis­
ment
Office
Shang­
tics
hai

July,
1914

( 100)

1924

1911

( 100)

1909-13

1910

( 1000)

( 1000)

( 1000)

D e­

Octo­
ber,
1900

1926
( 100)

( 100)

89.1
85.2
84.4
82.1
71.9
62.6

1832
1817
1792
1803
1596

1620
1541
1555
1552
1511

1387
1395
1354
1305
1155

237
225
226

122

145
142
145
141
126

115
114
113

115
115
114
112
111
110

1454
1448
1456
1447
1440
1425
1428
1399
1391
1402

1476
1442
1433
1417
1400
1394
1378
1382
1382
1386
1384

1148

112

64.3
63.9
63.7
63.6
62.8
62.1
61.5
59.9
59.7
62.8
64.0
63.7

159
158
158
158
154
151
153
152
150
147
147
151

220

181
153

part­

ment,

100.0

104.4
101.7
104.5
114.8

etc.3,
Cal­
cutta

July,
1914
( 100)

148
148
145
141
116

1931
January___
February._
M arch____
April_____
M a y _____
June______
July______
August___
September.
October___
N ovember.
December..

1 In gold.

105
104
103
102

128
126
124
123

102

121

100

120

97
94
91
89
89
85

120

120

117
119
119

173
175
174
172
169
169
170
177
178
175

122

2 Revised figures.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

111

110
110

109
107
108
110
111

109
108
106
106
106

1115

"IÌÓ4
"ÏÎÔ9

119.7
127.4
126.1
126.2
127.5
129.2
127.4
130.3
129.2
126.9
124. 8
121.8

3 Department of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics.

99
100

98
97
93
93
92
91
96
97
98

COST OF LIVING
D eclin e in C ost o f L iving and Food in V arious C ou n tries S in ce
1926

HE following table shows index numbers of the total cost of living
and the cost of food in the United States and in the more impor­
tant foreign countries, as compiled from official records published in
each country. The table shows the peak of prices since January,
1926, together with the month in which the peak occurred. In com­
parison with these indexes is shown the date and the most recent index
number as published. From these indexes has been computed the
per cent of decline which has occurred from the peak since January,
1926, to the latest available data shown. In the column opposite the
country the number of localities included in these indexes at the pres­
ent time is given.

T

COM PA R ISO N OF M OST R E C E N T IN D E X N U M B E R S OF COST OF L IV IN G A N D OF
FOOD W ITH PE A K SIN C E JA N U A R Y , 1926
Peak since January,
1926
Country

Latest available
data

Localities
Date

Index

Date

Per cent
of de­
crease
shown
from
to
Index peak
latest
data

United States:
145.8
175.6 Dec., 1931
32 D ec., 1926
Cost of living______________________
164.3 __ do........... 114.3
51 Jan., 1926
_______________________
Food
United Kingdom:
179.0 __ do......... .. 148.0
630 Dec., 1926
Cost of living _ _ _________________
171.0 _._do........... 132.0
630 Jan., 1926
F o o d __
______________________
Australia:
30 N ov., 1929 1803. 0 M ay, 1931 1487. 0
Cost of living_______________ _______
805.0
30 Oct., 1929 1076. 0 Oct., 1931
Food______________________________
Austria:
108.0
113.0 Dec., 1931
Vienna. Aug., 1930
Cost of living..................... - ------ --------124.0 ___do......... . 110.0
Vienna. Aug., 1929
Food
_______________-____
Belgium: i
198.0
237.7 N ov., 1931
59 Feb., 1930
Cost of living--------- -----------------------167.9
229.1 ___do_____
59 Oct., 1929
Food
___________________
Canada:
135.0
160.0 Dec., 1931
69 Feb., 1930
Cost of living--------- ------ ----------------162.0 -_ do........... 107.0
69 Jan., 1930
Food
____________
China:
136.0 -.-d o ........... 121.2
Cost of liv in g __ ___________________ Shanghai. Feb., 1931
97.0
130.0 ___do..........
Food
- _______ __ Shanghai. July 1930
Czechoslovakia:
112. 0 -__do........... 100.6
Prague. Aug., 1928
Cost of living. __ _________________
100.6
128.3 N ov., 1931
Prague. Junej 1927
F o o d _____________________________
Denmark:
1.54.0
194.0 Oct., 1931
100 Jan., 1926
Cost of living-------- --------- ---------------119.0
100 __do........... 177.0 -__do.........
Food
_ _ __________
Finland:
21 N ov., 1928 1262. 0 _-_do........... 1013. 0
Cost of living __ ________________
21 ___do........... 1194. 0 _._do........... 848.0
Food
__ _______________
France:
597.0 Sept., 1931 565.0
Paris. Dec., 1930
Cost of living______________________
642.0 _-_do........... 607. 0
Paris. June, 1931
Food
____________
Germany:
130.4
156.5 Dec., 1931
72 Mar., 1929
Cost of living______________________
121.8
72 -_-do........... 159.3 N ov., 1931
Food
__________________
India:
108.0
157.0 Oct., 1931
Bombay. Aug., 1927
Cost of living______________________
100. 0
Food________ ____________________ Bombay. ___do........... 155.0 _--do_____
i Budget of workingman’s family spending 20 to 30 francs per consumption unit per 15 days.

103146°— 32----- 16

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

733

17.0
30.4
17.3
22.8
17.5
25.2
4.4
11.3
16.7
26.7
15.6
34.0
10.9
25.4
10.2
21.6
20.6
32.8
19.7
29.0
5.4
5.5
16.7
23. 5
31.2
35. 5

734

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

C O M PA R ISO N OF M OST R E C E N T I N D E X N U M B E R S OF COST OF L IV IN G A N D OF
FOOD W ITH PE A K SIN C E JA N U A R Y , 1926—Continued
Peak since January,
1926
Country

Localities
Date

Ireland:
Cost of living.............................................
Food______________________________
Italy:
Cost of living______________________
Food. ______________________ ____
Netherlands:
Cost of living_____ •________________
Food
______ ___________
N ew Zealand:
Cost of living______ ________ ______
Food__________________ _________
Norway:
Cost of living_____ _________________
Food______________________________
Poland:
Cost of living______________________
Food
___________________
South Africa:
Cost of living______________________
Food
_____________
Sweden:
__________
Cost of liv in g __
Food________ . . . ________________
Switzerland:
Cost of living___ _____________ _____
Food.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Latest available
data

Index

Date

Per cent
of de­
crease
shown
from
to
Index peak
latest
data

105
105

Oct., 1926
Jan., 1926

185.0 N ov., 1931
187.0 _ _do...........

165.0
155.0

10.8
17.1

Milan.
Milan.

Oct., 1926
Jan., 1926

671.8
_do...........
680.9 _ _do...........

473.9
436.8

29.5
35.8

Amsterd.
Amsterd.

June, 1926
June, 1928

170.9 Sept., 1931
169.4 _ do_____

151.2
136.9

11.5
19.2

25 Year 1926
25 ___do_____

1010. 0 N ov., 1931
1026. 0 _ _do_____

893.0
832.0

11.6
18.9

31 Jan., 1926
31 ___do..........

234. 0 Oct., 1931
216.0 ___do_____

165.0
136.0

29.5
37.0

Warsaw. Feb., 1929
Warsaw. __do_____

127.7 N ov., 1931
153.0 __ do_____

102.9
101.3

19.4
33.8

1326. 0 Oct., 1931 1219. 0
1206. 0 ___do........... 1026. 0

8.1
14.9

9
9

M ay, 1928
May, 1927

49 Jan., 1926
49 ___do...........

174. 0
_do...........
163.0 ___do..........

158.0
128.0

9.2
21.5

34 __do......... ..
34 __do...........

166. 0 N ov., 1931
165.0 __ do......... ..

147. 0
137.0

11.4
17.0

IMMIGRATION AND EMIGRATION
S t a t is t ic s o f I m m ig r a t io n fo r D e c e m b e r a n d Y ea r, 1931
B y J. J. K

unna,

C h i e f S t a t is t ic ia n U n it e d S t a t e s B u r e a u

of

I m m ig r a t i o n

HE statistical review for December last shows that 10,728 aliens
were admitted to the United States, of whom 2,642 were immi­
grants and 8,086 were nonimmigrants. The outward movement of
aliens this month totaled 28,097, less than two-fifths (10,727) being
classed as emigrants; the remaining 17,370 were nonemigrants leaving
after a short stay in this country or going abroad for a temporary visit.
In this month the departures exceeded the arrivals by 17,369, the
largest so far for any one month.
The semiannual period ended December 31, 1931, witnessed the
entry of 106,630 aliens (21,735 immigrants and 84,895 nonimmigrants)
and the departure of 170,622 (58,604 emigrants and 112,018 nonemi­
grants), resulting in a net decrease in the alien population of 63,992.
This is in contrast with net increases of 20,245 for the corresponding
period of 1930, of 104,050 for 1929, of 108,767 for 1928, of 119,468 for
1927, and of 151,938 for 1926.
Immigration to the United States during the calendar year 1931 was
drastically reduced as the result of the strict enforcement of the “ likely
to become a public charge ” provision of the immigration laws. The
number of immigrants dropped from 180,251 in 1930 to 43,353 in
1931, a decrease of 136,898, or 75.9 per cent. European immigration
declined from 117,608 to 25,825, or 78 per cent; Canadian immigra­
tion from 41,339 to 9,462, or 77.1 per cent; Mexican immigration from
6,381 to 2,147, or 66.4 per cent; and that from other countries, 14,923
to 5,919, or 60.3 per cent. The largest number of immigrants admitted
since the present quota law became effective on July 1,1924, was during
the calendar year 1926 when the influx reached 336,295. Of this
number, 165,171 came from Europe, 93,468 from Canada, 61,007 from
Mexico, and 16,649 from other countries. The outward movement of
aliens during the calendar year 1926 was 73,179; this meant that about
25 emigrants left for permanent residence in a foreign country for every
100 immigrants or newcomers for permanent residence in the United
States. In the calendar year just ended, 89,570 emigrants departed—
about 207 leaving for every 100 immigrants admitted. This exodus
in 1931 was the largest since 1922, the emigration that year exceeding
100,000.
.
.
.
In addition to the 89,570 emigrants leaving during 1931, which is
an increase of 36,640, or 69.2 per cent, over the preceding year, there
were 28,147 American citizens who left for intended future permanent
residence in a foreign country. This class of departures was also
larger than the year before, the increase being 9,193, or 48.5 per cent,
over the number for 1930.
Less than 8 per cent of the aliens admitted during the six months
from July to December last were of the class charged to the quota
under the immigration act of 1924, 7,709 being recordedas quota
immigrants. The largest number came from Great Britain and
Northern Ireland, 1,444 quota immigrants giving these countries as
their place of birth, while 1,222 were bom in Germany, 953 in Italy,
and 3,450 in Poland, Irish Free State, Scandinavia, and other European
countries. Quota immigrants born in Asia numbered 350; in Africa,

T


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735

736

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

Australia, ancl other Pacific, 184; and in the quota regions of the West­
ern Hemisphere, 106. The returning residents admitted during the
same six months numbered 44,081 and visitors for business or pleasure
23,153. Other principal classes under the act of 1924 included 15,879
aliens in transit, 6,048 nonquota immigrants admitted as natives of
independent countries of the Western Hemisphere, 5,264 aliens who
entered as husbands, wives, or children under 21 years of age, of
United States citizens, and 1,078 students. Compared with the cor­
responding six months of the previous year, there was a smaller number
of all these classes admitted. The quota immigrants decreased 36,819;
returning residents, 16,514; natives of nonquota countries, 10,631;
visitors, 9,012; husbands, wives, and children, 6,049; and transits, 483.
Immigration during the six months ended December 31, 1931,
compared with the corresponding period a year ago, shows a decrease
from European countries of 36,084, or 74.8 per cent, the number of
immigrant aliens from that source dropping from 48,269 to 12,185.
Immigration from Germany declined from 8,735 to 1,625, Great
Britain from 7,768 to 1,499, Italy from 8,868 to 3,344, and Irish Free
State from 5,781 to 341. A little over one-half of the Europeans came
from these four countries. The number of newcomers from Canada
also shows a decline from 17,521 to 5,296, or 69.8 per cent, while the
number from Mexico dropped from 2,267 to 1,081. A much larger
decrease in immigration is revealed in comparing the influx during
the last six months with that for a like period two years ago, when
78,099 immigrants came from Europe, 39,684 from Canada, and
8,589 from Mexico. This total for Europe seems small, however,
when compared with the 635,140 European immigrants coming to the
United States in the half year from July to December, 1913.
The number of persons debarred from entering the United States
during the six months from July to December, 1931, was 3,966, of
whom 2,709 were males and 1,257 females. At New York, the port
of entry for 81 per cent of the aliens landing at the seaports, 71,606
aliens sought admission in the said period; of these, 214 were debarred,
or 3 per 1,000, and practically all were males. During the same six
months 265 aliens were debarred at the other seaports and 3,487 at
points along the international land borders. The principal cause for
debarment at all ports continues to be failure to present a proper
immigration visa under the immigration act of 1924. The principal
races among these debarred aliens were the English (729), French
(693), Mexican (443), Scotch (388), and Irish (339).
Deportations continue to increase, 9,234 aliens having been de­
ported from the United States during the last six months, as compared
with 8,508 and 8,309, respectively, for the corresponding periods of
1930 and 1929. Over 40 per cent, or 3,792 of the 9,234 deportees for
the half year ended December 31, 1931, went to Mexico, mostly
Mexican departures via the southern land border; 3,256 were sent to
European countries, principally Great Britain (436), Italy (416), and
Germany (298); while 1,256 were sent to Canada, 424 to China, and
506 to other countries. Entering without proper visa (surreptitious
entries) was by far the principal cause for deportation, 3,804 aliens
having been deported for this reason; 1,528 had remained here longer
than permitted; 928 were of the criminal, and 486 of the immoral
classes; 687 were adults unable to read at time of entry; 576 had
previously been deported or debarred; 481 were mentally or physically
defective; 245 (all Chinese) had violated the Chinese exclusion act;

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

737

IMMIGRATION AND EMIGRATION

and the remaining 499 were contract laborers, public charges, and
miscellaneous classes.
During the six months from July to December last, 1,690 indigent
aliens were returned to their native land at their own request. Of
this number, 645 went to Great Britain, 197 to Italy, 140 to Germany,
129 to Ireland, and 413 to Scandinavia and other Europe; 125 were
returned to Mexico, and 41 to Canada, the West Indies, and other
countries.
Under the terms of an act of Congress approved March 2, 1929,
legalizing residence in the United States of aliens who entered without
proper inspection prior to June 3, 1921, when the first quota law went
into effect, and who had resided here continuously since such entry,
31,734 aliens were registered. The number for the fiscal year 1930
was 8,098; for 1931 it was 16,242; and for the six months from July
to December last, 7,394. The examinations in cases of this kind must
determine whether the following facts exist: (1) That the applicant
is an alien not ineligible to citizenship; (2) that there is no record of
admission for permanent residence; (3) that he entered the United
States prior to June 3, 1921; (4) that he has resided in the United
States continuously since such entry; (5) that he is a person of good
moral character; and (6) that he is not subject to deportation.
Of the 31,734 aliens registered during the said two and one-half
years, 1,785 were born in Germany, 1,726 in Great Britain, 1,423 in
Greece, 896 in Ireland, 2,296 in Italy, 3,825 in Poland^ 1,812 in Scan­
dinavia, and 7,836 in other European countries. Natives of Canada
numbered 5,130; of Mexico, 3,567; and of other countries, 1,438.
The vast majority of these were seamen at time of entry.
The statistics also show that in 4,966 cases registration was denied.
The denials were unfavorable to 1,813 aliens, including 1,208 who
failed to establish continuous residence, 552 were not of good^ moral
character, 40 were subject to deportation, and 13 were ineligible to
citizenship. In the cases of 2,482 applicants for registration, record
of permanent admission was found, 519 failed to appear for examina­
tion, 49 were found to be American citizens, 45 had left the country
without awaiting final action, and 58 had died before final action was
taken.
IN W A R D A N D O U TW ARD PA SSE N G E R M O V E M E N T , JULY TO D E C E M B E R , 1931
Outward

Inward

Period

1931
July_________
August______
September___
October. -----November___
December____

Aliens
Aliens
de­
de­
Aliens departed
Aliens admitted
United
barred
ported
States
United
from
after
citi­
States
enter­
enter­
zens Total in g 2
citizens Total ing 1 Em i­ N on­
N on­
Immi­ immi­
emi­
Total
de­
Total
arrived
grant grant
grant grant
parted

3,174
4,090
5,017
3,913
2, 899
2,642

12,361
16, 580
20, 940
17,096
9,832
8,086

15, 535
20, 670
25, 957
21,009
12, 731
10, 728

30,944
59,372
62,581
32,427
16,823
16, 932

46,479
80, 042
88, 538
53, 436
29, 554
27, 660

Total__ 21, 735 84,895 106, 630 219,079 325,709

761 7,428
657 9,541
684 8, 733
806 10, 857
573 11,318
485 10,727

20,450
23,009
20, 393
16,525
14,271
17,370

74,839
98,445
71,373
62, 398
48, 813
52, 448

1,681
1,584
1,446
1,663
1,524
1,336

3,966 58,604 112,018 170,622 237, 694 408,316

9,234

27,878
32, 550
29,126
27,382
25, 589
28,097

46,961
65,895
42,247
35,016
23, 224
24,351

1 These aliens are not included among arrivals, as they were not permitted to enter the United States.
2 These aliens are included among aliens departed, they having entered the United States, legally or
illegally, and later being deported.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

BIBLIOGRAPHY
P u b lic O ld -A g e P e n s io n s in t h e U n ite d S ta te s : R e fe r e n c e s, 1929
to 19311
Compiled b y E d n a L . S t o n e , U n i t e d S t a t e s D e p a r t m e n t

of

L a b o r L ib r a r y

General Discussion
Books and Pamphlets
A m e r ic a n F e d e r a t i o n

of

L abor.

Report of the proceedings of the 49th-50th annual convention, 1929-1930.
Washington, 1929-30. 2 vols.
1929: Report of executive council recommending State old-age pension legislation, pp. 48-51;
Debated and adopted, pp. 258-263.
1930: Old age pensions: pp. 115, 116, 338.
See also Report of executive council, 1931, pp. 101,102. For text of standard bill adopted by
the council see American Federation of Labor W eekly N ew s Service, November 28, 1931.

D e u t s c h F o u n d a t io n C o n f e r e n c e , C hicago U n iv e r s ity , 1930.

The Care of the Aged; Proceedings . . . edited by I. M. Rubinow. Chicago,
University of Chicago Press [1931]. 144 pp. (Social service monographs,
No. 14.)
P a r t ia l c o n te n t s : Facing old age, by A. Epstein. The old-age security act of the State of
N ew York, b y S. O. Mastick. W isconsin’s experience w ith the old-age pension law, by B.
Glassberg. Pensions as a part of a social insurance program, b y John A. Lapp. D igest of State
laws on old-age security.

F r e d e r i c k H.
Statement . . . before the committee to investigate security against old-age
want in New York State. New York, [Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.],
1929. 47 pp.

E

cker,

E

p s t e in ,

Discusses the cost to the State of proposed legislation.

A braham .

Old-age security. New York City, 1929.
Democracy publications, No. 18.)
F raternal Order

of

E

36 pp.

(League for Industrial

a g les.

Old-age pensions, answers to objections advanced against pensions for the
needy aged. [South Bend? Ind., 1930.]
Reprinted in **Old age pensions. Hearing before. . . the Committee on Pensions, U . S. Senate,
February 24, 1931,” pp. 149-155.
See also files of Eagle Magazine for campaign of the Order for old-age pensions.

K

im b a l l ,

I n g a lls.

Retirement plans. Addresses by Ingalls Kimball and John G. Lonsdale.
Washington, D. C., Chamber of Commerce of the United States [1930].
14 pp.
Discussion of recent tendencies in legislation.

M

e t r o p o l it a n

L i f e I n s u r a n c e C o.

Old-age dependency; some existing governmental plans for its relief or
prevention. [New York, 1931.] 23 pp.
In the U nited States, pp. 20-23.

N a t i o n a l A s s o c ia t io n

of

M

Public old-age pensions.

a n u fa ctu rers.

New York City, 1930.

87 pp.

Includes summary of arguments against old-age pensions b y J. A. Emery and Noel Sargent before
the Comm ittee on Labor of the U . S. House of Representatives, February, 1930.
1 Supplementary to “ Public old-age pensions in the United States: A list of references,” in M onthly
Labor Review, M ay, 1929, v . 28, pp. 1161-1175.

738

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

739

BIBLIOGRAPHY— PUBLIC OLD-AGE PENSIONS
N a t io n a l C iv ic F e d e r a t io n .

I n d u s t r i a l W e lfa r e D e p a rtm e n t.

State old-age pensions. Constructive proposals for prevention and relief
of destitution in old-age. New York City, 1929. 1$ pp.
Reprinted in the Monitor (Associated Industries of N ew York State), March, 1929.

N

a t io n a l

C o n ference

Old-age security.
April 26, 1929.
[1929]. 87 pp.

o n O ld A g e S e c u r it y .
2 d , N e w Y o r k , 1929.
Report of proceedings of second national conference,
New York, American Association for Old Age Security

P artial contents : Old-age hazards of women, b y Lucille Eaves. T he aged in Baltimore, by
Elinor Pancoast. T he aged in N ew York, b y Luther Gulick. T he Canadian pension law , by
D . Jamieson. Since California began to pension its aged, by Esther D e Turbeville. How U tah
pensions its aged, by J. H . Paul. T he N ew York old-age security law, by Charles Johnson. The
Wisconsin pension law, b y Benjamin Glassberg.
Summary in Old Ago Security Herald, M ay, 1930.

------ 3 d , N e w Y o r k , 1930.
Old-age security progress.
ference, April 25, 1930.
Security [1930]. 90 pp.

Report of proceedings of third national con­
New York, American Association for Old Age

P artial contents : Industrial and trade-union pensions, b y M . W. Latimer. The challenge
of old age, b y E. L. Israel. Achievements of the British pension system, b y E. M . Burns. Oldage security progress in the United States, by Abraham Epstein. The miners’ need of old-age
security, by Thomas Kennedy. The place of old-age invalidity benefits in a system of social
insurance, b y Royal Meeker.
Summary in M onthly Labor Review, June, 1929, pp. 310-312.

N

a t io n a l

I n d u s t r ia l C o n f e r e n c e B o a r d .

The support of the aged; a review of conditions and proposals.
1931. 65 pp.

New York,

Old-age pension and relief laws in the U nited States, 1930; Attitude of employers toward oldage pension legislation; pp. 58-65.

N

ew

Y o r k (State). C o m m is s io n o n O ld A g e S e c u r ity .
Old-age security. Report, February 17, 1930. Albany, 1930.
(Legislative document (1930) No. 67.)

692 pp.

Seabury C. M astick, chairman.
Discusses old-age assistance legislation in other States, experience under American legislation,
reports of commissions in other States.

S o c ia l W

ork

Y ear B ook,

1929.

New York, Russell Sage Foundation, 1930.

600 pp.
“ Old-age pensions,” by J. B. Andrews, p. 300.
d n a L., c o m p .
Public old-age pensions in the United States: A list of references.
ington, 1929.] Pp. 247-261.

Stone, E

[Wash­

Reprinted from the M onthly Labor Review, M ay, 1929.

U n it e d S t a t e s .

B u r e a u o f L a b o r S ta tis tic s .

Care of aged persons in the United States.
(Bui. No. 489.)

Washington, 1929.

305 pp.

Prepared b y Florence E . Parker. **Public pensions for aged dependent citizens, ” pp. 68-80.

-——- ------ Handbook of labor statistics, 1929-1931.
2 vols. (Buis. No. 491, 541.)

Washington, 1929-1931.

Contain data on old-age pensions and relief, reprinted from issues of M onthly Labor Review.

-------------- Labor legislation,
(Buis. No. 486, 528, 552.)

1928—1930.

Washington,

1929-1931.

3 vols.

Contains summaries of State old-age pension laws.

W i l l ia m s o n , W . R

ulon.

State old-age pensions in the United States.
( I n Casualty Actuarial Society, Proceedings, v. 17, pt. 1, pp. 10-21.)
Reprinted in Industrial Relations, M ay, 1931, v. 2, pp. 170-173, and in Journal of American
Insurance, March, 1931.


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740

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
Articles in Periodicals

B.
Old-age pensions; their basis in social needs.
American Labor Legislation Review, December, 1929, v. 19, pp. 356-358.

A n d r ew s, J ohn

From his testimony before the N ew York Commission on Old Age Security.

A

B R IG H T E R O U T L O O K F O R T H E A G E D .

Review of Reviews, May, 1930, v. 81, pp. 126-128.
T h e ca se fo r o ld - ag e p e n s io n s .

Review of Reviews, August, 1931, v. 84, pp. 90-92.
S.
Shall the State pension the aged?
N ation’s Business, June, 1930, v. 18, pp. 54-58, 182.

C o w d r ic k , E d w a r d

C row ther, S am uel.

The need for old-age pensions.
Forbes’ Magazine, v. 25, April 15, May 1, 15, June 1, 15, 1930.
Reply by A. Epstein under title “ Sage Forbes on a rampage, ’ ’ in Old Age Security Herald,
June, 1930.

M.
What do you mean—case work?
Survey, July 15, 1930, v. 64, p. 348.

D ia m o n d , H e r b e r t

R eply to arguments of National Association of Manufacturers against old-age pensions.
E p st e in , A b r a h a m .

After 65—what?
Woman’s Press, January, 1930, v. 24, p. 45.
—— Facing old age.
Commonweal, December 11, 1929, v. 11, pp. 163-165.
------ Freedom for the aged; a survey of old-age pension systems at home and
abroad.
New Republic, April 23, 1930, v. 62, pp. 261-263.
------ Have old-age pensions proved successful in the United States?
Old Age Security Herald, September-October, 1931, v. 5, No. 9-10, pp. 1-8.
------ National Manufacturers’ Association abandons "moral” issue. Appeals
for money to fight social insurance.
Old Age Security Herald, July, 1930, v. 4, No. 7, pp. 3, 4.
------ Old-age security—a national issue.
World Tomorrow, October, 1929, v. 12, pp. 418-420.
F e d e r a l a i d t o a g e d p o o r u r g e d a t W a s h i n g t o n , D. C. c o n f e r e n c e .
Old Age Security Herald, February, 1930, v. 4, No. 2, p. 2.
F i l l m a n , J e s s e R.
Old-age pension legislation.
American Bar Association Journal, July, 1931, v. 17, pp. 438-440.
Analysis of State laws, w ith bibliographical notes and citations to cases.
F is h , H a m il t o n , j r .

The challenge of the aged.
North American Review, January, 1930, v. 229, pp. 93-96.
F i t c h , E d w i n M.
Legislative gains for old-age pensions [in 1931].
American Labor Legislation Review, June, 1931, v. 21, pp. 258-260.
G allow ay, G eo rg e.

Public old-age pensions.
Editorial Research Reports,August 23, 1930, v. 3, No. 8, pp. 576-594.
G i f f o r d , W a l t e r S.
Pensions, charity and old age.
Atlantic Monthly, February, 1930, v. 145, pp. 259-265.
State old-age pensions not consistent w ith the American system of social work. R eply by
Alice Hamilton in the Atlantic M onthly for M ay. 1930, under title: ‘‘State pensions or
charity?”


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BIBLIOGRAPHY— PUBLIC OLD-AGE PENSION S

741

A. C l o y d .
Poor-relief laws make paupers. Problem of old-age pensions and charitable
relief is one for banking and industry, not for politics.
American Bankers Association Journal, March, 1931, v. 23, pp. 759-761.
H a r r i n g t o n , J o h n W.
Forward—the old-age pension.
Burroughs Clearing House, January, 1931, v. 15, pp. 16-18, 41.
G il l ,

'• Reviewing its adoption in 12 States in relation to the question of the efficacy of thrift
education.”

C a r l t o n J. H.
America and the aged.
Commonweal, December 18, 1929, v. 11, pp. 187-189.

H

a y es,

Rejoinders by P. T. Sherman and others in the issues of January 29, February 19 and 26,1930.
H O W E X E C U T IV E S O F L E A D IN G L IF E IN S U R A N C E C O M P A N IE S V IE W O L D -A G E P E N S IO N
PLA NS.

Weekly Underwriter, April 5, 1930, v. 122, pp. 845-847, 878, 879.
E d w a r d F.
Old-age pensions.
American Federationist, May, 1930, v. 37, pp. 544-547.

M

cG rady,

M

u l l in s ,

A part of his testimony before the IT. S. House Committee on Labor, February, 1930.

H

elene.

The pension.
Commonweal, October 14, 1931, v. 14, pp. 572-574.
A story based on experience in administering old-age pensions.

O ld A g e S e c u r it y H e r a l d , Monthly organ of American Association for Old

Age Security,

v. 4-5; 1929-1931.

New York, 1929-31.

Formerly Bulletin of the American Association for Old Age Security (1927-1929). Reviews the
progress of the movement in all issues.
t h e g o o se t h a t la y s g o ld en e g g s.
Old-age pensions as an added
burden to productive industry.
American Industries (National Association of Manufacturers), February,
1930, v. 30, No. 7, pp. 3-8.

P l u c k in g

T

he

pr o b lem

o f s e c u r it y

in

old

age.

Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, Information
Service, November 2, 1929, v. 8, No. 39.)
R u b i n o w , I s a a c M.
The modern problem of the care of the aged.
Social Service Review, June, 1930, v. 4, pp. 169-182.
{In

Address before the Deutsch Foundation conference on the care of the aged, March, 1930.

------ Old-age pensions—pro and con.
Bulletin of the Welfare Council of New York, April, 1929, v. 2, No. 6, p. 5.
------ Old-age security [as found by the National Civic Federation].
New York State Conference on Social Work, Quarterly Bulletin, January,
1930, v. 1, No. 1, pp. 21-35.
S argent, N

oel.

This question of public pensions.
Savings Bank Journal, April, 1930, No. 2, pp. 7, 8.
S c h m id t , E m e r s o n P.
The present impasse of old-age pensions.
Social Science (Pi Gamma Mu, Winfield, Kans.), February, 1930, v. 5,
pp. 157-166.
Shepherd, W

il l ia m

G.

Pull down the poorhouse.
Collier’s, June 28, 1930, v. 85, pp. 10, 11.
S p r in g e r , G e r t r u d e .

A new year for the old.
Survey, January 15,

1931, v.

65, pp. 434, 435.

Working of pension laws in N ew York and California and prospects for new acts in other
States.


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742

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

S ta c k , M a u r ic e .

Old-age pensions in .the United States.
International Labor Review, February, 1931, v. 23, pp. 203-226.
U n it e d S t a t e s .

B u r e a u o f L a b o r S ta tis tic s .

Extent, distribution and causes of old-age dependency.
Monthly Labor Review, April, 1930, v. 30, pp. 9-16.
------ —— Operation of public old-age pension systems in the United States, 1930.
Monthly Labor Review, June, 1931, v. 32, pp. 1-14.
-------------Status of old-age pension legislation in the United States.
Monthly Labor Review, July, 1929, v. 29, pp. 21-28.
W ary, C. 0 .

The case against State old-age pensions. Some reasons for the
care and caution in the matter of charitable legislation.
Industrial Relations, March 21, 1931, v. 2, pp. 109-113.

e x e rc is e

of

Proposals for Federal Legislation
[Bills to provide or investigate old-age pensions, 1929-1931]:
71st Congress: H. R. 1199; H. R. 3244; H. R. 3722; H. R. 6875; H. R. 8814;
H. R. 13016; H. R. 15776; H. R. 15924; H. R. 17241; H. Res. 23; H. Res.
48; H. Res. 167; S. 3257; S. 5501; S. 5675; S. Res. 70.
72d Congress: H. R. 45; H. R. 124; H. R. 173; H. R. 5103; H. R. 5339;
H. R. 6309; H. R. 6595; H. R. 6745; H. R. 7429; H. R. 7926; H. R. 8765;
H. Res. 100; S. 2172; S. 2757; S. 3037.
H . R. 8765 was reported b y the House Committee on Labor, February 5, 1932 (H. Rept.
No. 375).
D il l , C l a r e n c e C .

Old-age pensions.
Congressional Record, January 30, 1931, v. 74, pp. 3579-3581.
G o l d s b o r o u g h , T. A l a n .
Old-age pensions.
Congressional Record, June 12, 1930, v. 72, p. 10579.
K elly, C lyde.

Definite policy sought as basis of old-age care. Representative Kelly
discusses problem. Committee on Labor in House will consider pending
bills.
United States Daily, November 7, 1929, pp. 1, 14.
L a m p e r t , F l o r ia n .

Old-age pensions.
Congressional Record, July 3, 1930, v. 72,
M c K e o w n , T o m D.
[Speech advocating Government aid to old-age
Congressional Record, January 8, 1930, v.
S e l v i g , C o n r a d G.
Old-age pensions.
Congressional Record, July 1, 1930, v. 72,

pp. 12634-12635.
pensions.]
72, pp. 1266-1268.
p. 12215,

Partly reprinted in the United States D aily, August 21, 1930.

N.
Old-age pensions.
Congressional Record, July 3, 1930, v. 72, pp. 12683-12686.

Z ih l m a n , F r e d e r ic k

Includes his bill, H . R. 13016, to encourage and assist the States in providing old-age
pensions.
U n it e d S t a t e s .

C ongress.

H ouse.

C o m m itte e o n L a b o r .

Old-age pensions. Hearings . . . February 20, 21 and 28, 1930.
ton, 1930. 343 pp.

Washing­

William F. Kopp, chairman.
H. R. 1199, H . R . 6875, and H . R. 8814 were before the committee, but the hearings covered the
subject generally, w ith testimony presented for and against old-age pension legislation.
Constitutionality of Federal old-age assistance legislation, b y J. P. Chamberlain, pp. 76-78;
Statistical data regarding old-age dependency, care of aged, etc., furnished by the United States
Bureau of Labor Statistics, pp. 248-280;, State old-age pension laws, pp. 30-40, 291-314, 339-343;
Comparative analysis of State laws, pp. 317-323.
Summary in M onthly Labor Review, April, 1930, v. 30, pp. 731-734.


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BIBLIOGRAPHY— PUBLIC OLD-AGE PENSIONS
C o n g ress.

U n it e d S t a t e s .

S e n a te .

743

C o m m itte e o n P e n s io n s .

Old-age pensions. Hearing before a subcommittee . . . on S. 3257, a bill
to encourage and assist the States in providing pensions to the aged,
February 24, 1931. Washington, 1931. 175 pp.
Thomas D . Schall, chairman.
Testimony in favor b y Senator D ill, Harry Riseman, Abraham Epstein, J. M . Morin and
others; opposed by J. O. Gall, W. E. Odom, and Noel Sargent.

State Legislation and Discussion, 1929 to 1931
The following States (and Alaska) have adopted old-age pension laws (as of
December, 1931):
Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Kentucky, Maryland, Massa­
chusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire. New Jersey,
New York, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.2
California

[Law passed in 1929 (ch. 530), amended 1931 (ch. 608). Provides for State super­
vision of city and county aid to the aged. Printed in Monthly Labor Review,
July, 1929, v. 29, pp. 24-28.]
C a l i f o r n i a t r i u m p h a n t ! A mandatory old-age pension law will become effec­
tive in the Golden State on January 1, 1930.
Eagle Magazine, July, 1929, v. 17, No. 7, pp. 5-7, 39, 40.
D e T u r b e v il l e , E s t h e r .

California adopts old-age pensions.
American Labor Legislation Revieiv, September, 1929, v. 19, pp. 291-293.
------ Since California began to pension its aged.
( I n National Conference on Old Age Security, 3d, New York, 1930, Report
of proceedings, pp. 45-51.)
Colorado

[Law of 1927 (ch. 143) amended in 1931 (ch. 131) to adopt compulsory features.]
Connecticut
M a n u f a c t u r e r s A s s o c i a t i o n o f C o n n e c t i c u t ( I n c .) .

Old-age dependency in Connecticut.

Hartford, Conn. [1931.] 180 pp.

Submitted to the General Assembly, 1931. Includes description of pension system s in foreign
countries and the United States.
Bibliography, pp. 171-180.

Delaware

[Law passed in January, 1931 (ch. 85). All the cost of pensions to be borne by
the State. Analyzed in Monthly Labor Review, April, 1931, v. 32, pp. 86, 87.]
D e l a w a r e p e n s i o n l a w g r e a t D u P o n t v i c t o r y . Alfred I. duPont aids
aged while sponsoring legislation.
Old Age Security Herald, March, 1931, v. 5, No. 3, p. 3.
Idaho

[Act passed February, 1931 (ch. 16) establishes an old-age pension commission
in counties. Analyzed in Monthly Labor Review, June, 1931, v. 32, pp. 82, 83.]
I d a h o o ld - a g e p e n s io n l a w .

Idaho State Federation of Labor, Year book, v. 2, 1931, pp. 20-22, 24, 26.
Illinois
K a il in , H a r v e y .

The old-age security movement in Illinois.
Weekly News Letter (Illinois State Federation of Labor), February 7,
1931, v. 16, No. 45, p. 1.
s For table showing the “ Chief features of the old age pension bills in the 1931 legislatures,” see Old Age
Security Herald, March, 1931, pp. 0-7; see also “ Fourteen governors demand old-age pensions” in same
journal, February, 1931, p. 1.


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744

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
R. G.
Renew battle for old-age pension bill.
Weekly News Letter (Illinois State Federation of Labor), December
27, 1930, v. 16, No. 39, p. 1.

S ö derströ m ,

Kentucky
B u r e a u o f A g r ic u ltu r e , L a b o r a n d S ta tis tic s .

K entucky.

The elder worker: Restricted employment, annuities, relief, by John Walker
Rogers. [Frankfort, Ky., 1929.] 4 5 pp. (Bui. No. 35.)
“ The Kentucky old-age pension law ,” pp. 29-31.
Bibliography, pp. 40-45.

Maryland
S a t u r d a y N i g h t C l u b , B a ltim o r e .

A study of old-age dependency in the city of Baltimore, 1930.
1930.] 16 pp.

[Baltimore,

Massachusetts

[Act of 1930 (ch. 402) provides for relief to the aged. Analyzed in Monthly
Labor Review, August, 1930, v. 31, pp. 52, 53, and in American Labor Legis­
lation Review, September, 1930, v. 20, pp. 328, 329.]
C o n a n t , R ic h a r d K .

Old age assistance: the Massachusetts plan.
( I n National Conference of Social Work, Proceedings, 1930, pp. 301308.)
M a ssa c h u se t t s d e m a n d s p e n s io n s .

Old Age Security Herald, March, 1930, v. 4, No. 3, p. 2.
Hearings on the bill before the State legislature.

Michigan
M ic h ig a n .

O ld A g e P e n s io n C o m m is s io n .

[Report to Legislature, February 11, 1931.]
The bill proposed by the Commission (House bill No. 197) passed the House of Representatives
but failed in Senate.
M ic h ig a n O l d A g e P e n s i o n L e a g u e .

Old-age pension bill. [Lansing? Michigan Federation of Labor, 1930.] 8 pp.
Minnesota

[A law establishing a county-State pension system passed in March, 1929 (ch. 47).]
G ood a r g u m e n t s b u t b a d p l a n .

American Labor Legislation Review, June, 1929, v. 19, p. 154.
Comment on the report of a committee of the State Senate recommending an old-age pension
system, and on the law passed later.
O l d - a g e p e n s io n m o v e m e n t i n M in n e s o t a .

Monthly Labor Review, January, 1931, v. 32, p. 93.
Results of elections in which counties voted on the system.

Montana
M a r t i n , G . I.

Operation of the Montana old-age pension law [of 1923].
Monitor, April, 1930, v. 16, pp. 219, 220.
New Hampshire

[Law providing for relief to the aged enacted May, 1931 (ch. 165).
in Monthly Labor Review, September, 1931, v. 33, pp. 59, 60.]
N e w H a m p s h ir e .

Analyzed

S u p r e m e C o u rt.

Proposed ola-age pension law of New Hampshire held to violate the principle
of separation of powers.
Law and Labor, April, 1931, v. 13, pp. 87-89.
Opinion on Senate bill N o. 3, 1931. The bill was changed to meet objections of the court
and passed.


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BIBLIOGRAPHY— PUBLIC OLD-AGE PENSIONS

745

N ew Jersey

[Act of April, 1931 (ch. 219) provides for a county-State system of old-age
pensions. Analyzed in Monthly Labor Review, June, 1931, v. 32, pp. 85, 86.]
N ew Je r se y .

C o m m is s io n o n O ld A g e I n s u r a n c e a n d P e n s io n s .

Report, January, 1929.

8 pp.

Theodore L. Bierck, chairman.

------ P e n s io n S u r v e y C o m m is s io n .
Report, No. 1-2. Trenton, 1931.

2 vols.

Roy T . Yates, chairman.
N o. 1 (February, 1931) contains recommendations on establishment of county welfare boards
and on State aid for relief of old age. No. 2 (October, 1931): State, county and municipal expendi­
tures for dependency relief, 1929-1931.

A.
State care of poor in New Jersey. Old-age pension law recently enacted is
an addition to already comprehensive system existing.
Manufacturers’ Association Bulletin, July, 1931, v. 18, No. 9, pp. 9, 10.

W in s l o w , E m m a

N ew York

[Law passed April, 1930 (ch. 387). A State-county system of relief provided.
Analyzed in Monthly Labor Review, June, 1930, v. 30, pp. 82, 83.]
N ew Y o r k (State). C o m m is s io n o n O ld A g e S e c u r ity .
Old-age security. Report, February 17, 1930. Albany, 1930. 692 pp.
(Legislative document (1930) No. 67.)
Seabury C. Mastick, chairman.
P artial contents: Pt. I. Economic and administrative problems. 1. The aged in the
State of N ew York. 2. The extent of old-age need. 3. Human depreciation. 4. Income and
employment. 5. Public and private pension systems. 6. Savings and insurance. 7. Old-age
assistance legislation in other States. 8. Experience under American legislation. 9. Foreign
laws and experience. 10. Reports of commissions in other States. P t. II. Relief and the aged.
Conclusions and recommendations of the commission reprinted in U . S. Congress, House,
Committee on Labor, Hearings, 1930, p. 281-289, and in American Labor Legislation Review,
March, 1930, v . 20, pp. 73-82.
Brief excerpts from testimony before the commission, in Old Age Security Herald, October,
1929, January, 1930.
B a r k in , S o lo m o n.

Some disclosures of the report of New York State Commission on Old Age
Security.
Old Age Security Herald, November, 1930, v. 4, No. 11, pp. 3, 4.

F is h e r , G l a d y s.

Three score and ten in 1931.
Survey, August 15, 1931, v. 66, pp. 463, 464.
Problems met in administering the old-age relief act of N ew York.

C.
The old-age security act of the State of New York.
( I n Deutsch Foundation Conference, C h ica g o U n iv e r s ity , 1930:
care of the aged; Proceedings, pp. 83-94.)

M a s t ic k , S e a b u r y

Also in Social Service Review, June, 1930, v. 4, p. 210-221.

N ew

Y o r k c o u n t ie s p r o t e s t b u r d e n o f o ld- a g e l a w .

Eastern Underwriter, December 12, 1930, v. 31, No. 53, p. 4.
Reprinted from N ew York Herald-Tribune.

O p e r a t io n o f o ld -a g e p e n s io n s in N e w Y o rk S t a t e .

Monthly Labor Review, November, 1931, v. 33, p. 79.
Data supplied b y the N ew York State Department of Social Welfare.

D.
Unemployment and old-age pensions.
( I n Governors’ Conference, Proceedings, 1930, pp. 18-24.)

R o o s e v e l t , F r a n k l in

Excerpts in Old Age Security Herald, August, 1930, p. 1.
S c h n e id e r , D a v id M .

Extending relief for old age in New York State.
United States Daily, January 13, 1932, p. 2568, cols. 5, 6.
Review of operation of the law for the first 11 months of 1931.


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The

746

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

R.
Need of provision for the aged in New York.
American Labor Legislation Review, March, 1930, v. 20, pp. 68-72.
S h e r m a n , P h i l e m o n T.
Old-age security; public assistance for dependent aged. Statements before
New York State Commission, December 4, 1929. Criticisms of the
pension plan and alternative recommendations. New York City [1929].
19 pp.

Seager, H enry

Ohio

E.
A survey of poor relief systems and care provided for aged dependents in
the State of Ohio. [2d ed.] Cincinnati, Industrial Association, 1930.
16 pp.

O d o m , W il l ia m

O h io S t a t e F e d e r a t i o n o p L a b o r .

Report of the legislative agent, Thos. J. Donnelly, 89th session, 1931.
[Columbus, 1931.] 52 pp.
Old-age pension bills in the legislature, pp. 34-36.
R u s s e l l , M e ig s B .

How the Ohio bill died.
Old Age Security Herald, May, 1931, v. 5, No. 5, p. 6.
Utah

[Law establishing a county system passed in March, 1929 (ch. 76).]
J. H.
How Utah pensions its aged.
{ I n National Conference on Old Age Security, 3d, N e w Y o r k , 1930,
Report of proceedings, pp. 51-57.)

P aul,

West Virginia

[Act passed March, 1931 (ch. 32) establishes a county system.
Monthly Labor Review, June, 1931, v. 32, p. 84.]

Analyzed in

Wisconsin

[The old-age pension law of 1925 (ch. 121) was amended in 1929 (ch. 181) and
in 1931 (ch. 109).]
W is c o n s in .

S ta te B o a r d o f C ontrol.

Old-age pensions in Wisconsin, 1928.

[Madison, 1929.]

14 pp.

Report of operation of the law of 1925. The tables, w ith later data, were reprinted in M onthly
Labor Review, April, 1930, v. 30, pp. 734-736.
G l a s s b e r g , B e n j a m in .

The Wisconsin law.
{ I n National Conference on Old Age Security, 3 d , N e w Y o r k , 1930,
Report of proceedings, 1930, pp. 61-67.)
------ Wisconsin’s experience with the old-age pension law.
{ I n Deutsch Foundation Conference, C h ica g o U n iv e r s ity , 1930: The care
of the aged; Proceedings, pp. 95-102.)
H e i n e m a n n , F r e d V.
Statement [on administration of the Wisconsin law].
{ I n Old-age pensions. Hearings before the Committee on Labor,
[U. S.] House of Representatives, February, 1930, pp. 53-66.)
W i s c o n s i n m a k e s p e n s i o n s m a n d a t o r y . Abandons optional system to spread
benefits of pensions throughout 71 counties.
Old Age Security Herald, July-August, 1931, v. 5, No. 7-8, p. 1.
Wyoming

[A State-county system was established by act of 1929 (ch. 87.).]

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PUBLICATIONS RELATING TO LABOR
O fficia l— U n ite d S t a t e s
A l a s k a .— Governor.

A n n u a l re p o rt to th e S e c r e ta r y o f th e I n te r io r , f o r fis c a l y ea r
e n d ed J u n e 8 0 , 1 9 3 1 .
W a s h in g to n , D e p a r tm e n t o f th e I n te r io r , 1 9 3 1 . 1 6 2
p p ., m a p s , c h a rts, illu s .

Data on wages and labor conditions, taken from this report, are given in this
issue of the Labor Review.
K e n t u c k y .— Department of Agriculture, Labor, and Statistics.
B ie n n i a l
re p o rt, J u l y 1, 1 9 2 9 , to J u n e 3 0 , 1 9 3 1 .
N ew

J e r s e y .— Board

F r a n k fo r t, 1 9 3 1 .

201 p p .

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N i n t h a n n u a l re p o rt, J u n e 3 0 , 1 9 3 1 .
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p o is o n in g , i t s c a u se a n d p r e v e n tio n .

T r e n to n , [1931?].

32 pp.

Division of Industrial Hygiene.
A lb a n y , 1 9 3 1 .

C h ro m e

2 2 p p ., ill u s .

A list of the industries in which chrome poisoning is a hazard is included in the
report, and a summary is given of recent studies of the extent of the hazard in
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W i s c o n s i n .—Industrial Commission.
B u r e a u o f U n e m p lo y m e n t R e s e a r c h S e r ie s ,
.

N o . 2 : A d m i n is tr a ti o n o f p u b lic a n d p r iv a te r e lie f i n tim e s o f u n e m p lo y m e n t.
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M a d is o n , 1 9 3 1 . 2 0 p p .

------ Legislative Interim Committee on Unemployment. R e p o r t. M a d is o n ,
I n d u s t r i a l C o m m is s io n , f1931?]. 114- PP-, c h a rts.
This report contains statements as to the extent of unemployment in Wiscon­
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marized in a majority and a minority report and suggested bills are given in full.
U n i t e d S t a t e s .— Congress.
Senate. Committee on Manufactures. E s ta b ­
lis h m e n t o f n a tio n a l e c o n o m ic c o u n c il. H e a r in g s ( 7 2 d C o n g ., 1 st s e s s .) o n S .
6 2 1 5 ( 7 1 st C o n g .), a b ill to e sta b lish a n a tio n a l e c o n o m ic c o u n c il, O ctober 2 2 to
D ecem b er 1 9 , 1 9 3 1 .

W a s h in g to n , 1 9 3 2 .

7 7 7 p p ., c h a rts.

--------------------- -------- U n e m p lo y m e n t re lie f.

H e a r in g s ( 7 2 d C o n g ., 1 st se ss.) o n S .
1 7 4 a n d S . 2 6 2 , D ecem ber, 1 9 3 1 , a n d J a n u a r y , 1 9 3 2 .
W a s h in g to n , 1 9 3 2 .
380 pp.

------ Department of Commerce.

Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce.

T r a d e I n f o r m a t i o n B u ll e ti n N o . 7 8 5 : P o rto R ic o —w h a t i t p ro d u c e s a n d w h a t
it bu ys.
W a s h in g to n , 1 9 3 2 . 61 p p .

Contains some information on labor supply and demand and average daily
earnings.
------------- Bureau of Mines. B u ll e ti n 3 f l : C o a l-m in e f a ta l i ti e s i n th e U n ite d S ta te s ,
1929, b y W illia m W . A d a m s .

W a s h in g to n , 1 9 3 1 .

120 pp.

Reviewed in this issue.
--------------------- B u ll e ti n 34-2: M e ta l- m in e a c c id e n ts i n th e U n ite d S ta te s d u r in g th e
c a le n d a r y e a r 1 9 2 9 , b y W i ll i a m W . A d a m s .

W a s h in g to n , 1 9 3 1 .

Reviewed in this issue.
--------------------- M o n o g r a p h 4- W a r n in g a g en ts f o r f u e l gases.

99 pp.

W a s h in g to n , 1 9 3 1 .

1 7 7 p p ., d ia g r a m s , i llu s .

This study was undertaken to determine the most suitable substances for
addition to fuel gases in order to give warning of their presence to consumers
and employees.
747


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748

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

U n i t e d S t a t e s .— Department

of Commerce. Bureau of Mines. T e c h n ic a l
P a p e r 5 0 3 : A c c id e n ts a t m e ta llu r g ic a l w o rk s i n th e U n ite d S ta te s d u r in g th e
c a le n d a r y e a r 1 9 2 9 , b y W i ll i a m W . A d a ? n s.
W a s h in g to n , 1 9 3 1 . 32 p p .

Reviewed in this issue.
------------- Bureau of Navigation.
to n , 1 9 3 1 .

M e r c h a n t m a r in e s ta tis tic s , 1 9 3 1 .

W a s h in g ­

115 pp.

Data on wages of seamen on American and foreign vessels, taken from this
report, are given in this issue of the Labor Review.
--------------Bureau of Standards.

B u il d i n g a n d H o u s in g N o . 14 : R e c o m m e n d e d
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m e n t o f C o m m erce B u il d i n g C ode C o m m itte e ).
W a s h in g to n , 1 9 3 1 . 5 8 p p .

■
— — ------- Bureau of the Census.

F ifte e n th C e n s u s o f th e U n ite d S ta te s , 1 9 3 0 :
U n e m p lo y m e n t, V o l. I — U n e m p lo y m e n t r e tu r n s b y c la sse s f o r S ta te s a n d c o u n ­
tie s, f o r u r b a n a n d r u r a l a re a s, a n d f o r c itie s w ith a p o p u la tio n o f 1 0 ,0 0 0 or
m o re.
W a s h in g to n , 1 9 3 1 . 1 1 1 2 p p .

The results of the unemployment census were first published in a series of
separate bulletins for the individual States, each entitled “ Unemployment
Bulletin— Unemployment Returns by Classes,” with an additional bulletin
summarizing the information for the United States as a whole and entitled
“ United States Summary— Unemployment Returns by Classes.” The present
volume assembles under one cover all of these separate bulletins.
------ Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. B u ll e ti n N o . 5 4 8 :
D e c is io n s o f c o u rts a n d o p in io n s a ffe c tin g la b o r, 1 9 2 9 - 1 9 3 0 .
1931. 521 p p .

W a s h in g to n .

--------------------- B u ll e ti n N o . 5 5 7 : W a g e s a n d h o u rs o f labor i n th e m e n ’s c lo th in g
i n d u s t r y , 1911 to 1 9 3 0 .

W a s h in g to n , 1 9 3 2 .

59 pp.

An advance summary of the data obtained in this survey was published in the
Labor Review for March, 1931 (pp. 162-168).
------ Employees’ Compensation Commission. F ifte e n th a n n u a l re p o rt, J u l y 1,
1 9 3 0 , to J u n e SO, 1 9 3 1 .

W a s h in g to n , 1 9 3 1 .

129 pp.

Reviewed in this issue.
----- - Federal Farm Board.

Division of Cooperative Marketing. B e g in n in g s o f
W a s h in g to n , 1 9 3 1 .
18 p p.
(M im e o g r a p h e d .)

co o p era tive tobacco m a r k e tin g .

-------- ----- ------ - C o o p e ra tiv e m a r k e tin g o f tobacco: A selective lis t o f references.
W a s h in g to n , 1 9 3 1 . 8 p p .
(M im e o g r a p h e d .)
—— Federal Trade Commission. A n n u a l re p o rt f o r th e fis c a l y e a r e n d e d J u n e 3 0 ,
1931.

W a s h in g to n , 1 9 3 1 .

241 p p .

------ —

R e s a le p ric e ? n a in ten a n ce. P a r t I . — G e n era l e c o n o m ic a n d leg a l a sp e c ts.
W a s h in g to n , 1 9 2 9 . 141 p p .
(P u b lish e d \ a s FI. D o c . N o . 5 4 6 , 7 0 th C o n g ., 2 d
sess.)

------ ------ -------- P a r t I I . — C o m m e r c ia l a sp e c ts a n d te n d e n c ie s.
215 pp.

W a s h in g to n , 1 9 3 1 .

O ffic ia l— F o r e ig n C o u n tr ie s
C a n a d a .— Bureau

of Statistics.

c o n d itio n s a n d recen t pro g ress.

C a n a d a , 1 9 3 2 : T h e o ffic ia l h a n d b o o k o f p re se n t
O tta w a , 1 9 3 2 . 1 9 2 p p ., m a p s , c h a rts, illu s .

G r e a t B r i t a i n .— Board

of Trade. F in a l re p o rt o n th e th ir d c e n s u s o f p r o d u c tio n
o f th e U n ite d K i n g d o m (1 9 2 4 ): T h e c h e m ic a l a n d a llie d tra d e s; th e lea th e r,
ru b b er, a n d c a n v a s goods tra d e s; th e p a p e r , p r i n t in g , a n d a llie d tra d e s; a n d
m isc e lla n e o u s tra d e s. L o n d o n , 1 9 3 1 . x v , 468 p p .

—- Department of Overseas Trade.
1931.

R e p o r t b y K . W . S te a d .

E c o n o m ic c o n d itio n s i n
L o n d o n , 1 9 3 1 . 48 p p .

A review of a section of this report is given in this issue,


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P a le s tin e , J u l y ,

749

PUBLICATIONS EELATING TO LABOE
G r e a t B r i t a i n .— Government

Actuary’s Department. N a tio n a l h e a lth i n s u r ­
a n ce: R e p o r t b y th e G o v e r n m e n t a c tu a r y o n th ir d v a lu a tio n o f th e a ssets a n d
lia b ilitie s o f a p p ro v e d so cieties. L o n d o n , 193 1 . 9 7 p p .
( C m d .3 9 7 8 .)

While the position revealed by this third valuation is complex, “ its predominant
feature is the magnitude of the aggregate surplus and the substantial additional
benefits inuring to a large proportion of the insured population.” Much of this
surplus has been carried forward, thus strengthening the position of the societies
concerned. There are, however, two disquieting factors—the increase in the
sickness rate, with the consequent increased claims for benefit, and the falling
off of contributions owing to the widespread unemployment. As to the first,
the author of the report dismisses the theory that the increased sickness is a
natural result of the changed economic conditions brought about by unemploy­
ment, saying that the difference's too great to be explained on this ground.
The suggestion is made that the conditions for granting benefit, especially in the
case of women, should be more rigidly administered. As to the second difficulty,
it is suggested that if the present degree of unemployment continues, it may
become necessary to reconsider the concession made to those who have fallen
into arrears as a result of proved unemployment.
------ Ministry of Labor.

Advisory Committee on Draft Regulations.

p lo y m e n t i n s u r a n c e ( N o . 3) act, 1 9 3 1 .

R e p o r t.

L o n d o n , 1931.

U nem ­
12 pp .

Under the so-called “ anomalies act,” passed in August, 1931, the Minister of
Labor was given power, after consultation with an advisory committee, to issue
regulations affecting the insurance rights of seasonal workers, part-time workers,
and married women. This report contains the findings of the advisory committee
on the draft of the proposed regulations which was laid before them. The
regulations finally put into force are summarized in the Labor Review December
1931, p . 74.

------- Registry of Friendly Societies.
so cieties.

L o n d o n , 1931.

R e p o r t f o r the y e a r 1 9 3 0 .

P a r t 2: F r ie n d ly

29 pp .

I n t e r n a t i o n a l L a b o r O f f i c e .— A b o litio n o f fe e -c h a r g in g e m p lo y m e n t a g encies.

( F ir s t i te m o n a g e n d a o f I n te r n a tio n a l L a b o r C o n feren ce, 1 6 th s e ss io n , 1 9 3 2
1 st d is c u s s io n .)
G eneva, 1 9 3 2 . 1 3 9 p p .

Includes a general survey of the subject under discussion, a resume of law
and practice on fee-charging employment agencies in different countries, and
suggestions for a solution of the problems involved in such agencies.
I n v a li d i ty , o ld-age, a n d w id o w s ’ a n d o r p h a n s ’ in s u r a n c e .
(S e c o n d ite m o n
a g e n d a o f I n t e r n a tio n a l L a b o r C o n feren ce, 1 6 th s e ss io n , 1 9 3 2 , 1 st d is c u s s io n )
G eneva, 1 9 3 2 . 3 1 2 p p .
'

An analysis of invalidity, old-age, and widows’ and orphans’ insurance, under
the following topics: Scope, risks covered and benefits, financial resources,
financial organization, administrative organization, settlement of disputes,
position of foreigners, and maintenance of migrants’ pension rights.
S tu d ie s a n d R e p o r ts , S e r ie s B , N o . 18: T h e so c ia l a sp e c ts o f r a tio n a liz a tio n .
G eneva, 1 9 3 1 . 3 8 1 p p .

U n o ffic ia l
S e v e n te e n th a n n u a l
c o n v e n tio n , W a s h in g to n , D . C ., O ctober 2 1 - 2 3 , 1 9 3 1 . G en era l su b je ct: C o n ­
s u m e r c re d it a n d p e rso n a l fin a n c e . [ W a s h in g to n , D . C. ?], 1 9 3 1 . 3 2 8 p p .

A m e r ic a n A s s o c ia t io n o f P e r s o n a l F in a n c e C o m p a n ie s .

S a f e t y code f o r elevators, d u m b w a ite r s , a n d
N e w Y o r k , 2 9 W e s t 3 9 th S tre e t, 19 3 1 . 1 7 3 p p .

A m e r ic a n S t a n d a r d s A s s o c ia t io n .

esca la to rs.

Reviewed in this issue.
103146°— 32------ 17


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750

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

A m e r ic a n W o m a n ’s A s s o c ia t io n .

T h e tr a in e d w o m a n a n d th e eco n o m ic c ris is :
E m p lo y m e n t a n d u n e m p lo y m e n t a m o n g a selected g r o u p o f b u s in e s s a n d p ro ­
fe s s io n a l w o m e n i n N e w Y o r k C ity . N e w Y o r k , 3 5 3 W e s t 5 7 th S tre e t, 1 9 3 1 .
102 p p .

A study made by the American Woman’s Association, an organization of
business and professional women, covering 1,937 of its own membership. The
report deals with the situation as it was in February, 1931.
B it e c h n e r , F. R o b e r t . M u n i c i p a l s e lf-in s u r a n c e o f w o r k m e n ’s c o m p e n s a tio n .
C hicago, U n iv e r s ity o f C h ica g o P r e s s , 1 9 3 1 .

72 pp .

Conclusions and recommendations, based on a study of methods of handling
compensation insurance in eight small or medium-sized cities in Michigan and
Virginia, in answer to the question, Can a municipality afford to carry its own
compensation insurance where elective?
C o m m it t e e

on

L a bo r I n ju n c t io n s .

A ven u e, 1931.

L a b o r i n ju n c tio n s .

N e w Y o r k , 1 0 0 F ifth

8 pp.

------ T h e F ed e ra l a n t i- i n j u n c t i o n b ill.
F a m ily W e l f a r e A s s o c ia t io n

N e w Y o r k , 1 0 0 F if t h A v e n u e , 1 9 3 1 .

8 pp.

A m e r ic a .

C o m m u n ity p la n n in g f o r hom eless
m e n a n d b o ys— th e e x p e rie n c e o f 1 6 c itie s i n th e w in te r o f 1 9 3 0 - 3 1 , b y R o b ert S .
W ils o n . N e w Y o r k , 1 3 0 E a s t 2 2 d S tre e t, 1 9 3 1 . x iv , 1 4 4 PPof

This volume is divided into three parts covering in turn the experience of
16 cities in dealing with men and boys, the essentials for a community program,
and the homeless man as an individual.
F il e n e , E d w a r d A. S u c c e s s fu l liv in g i n th is m a c h in e age. N e w Y o r k , S i m o n
& S c h u ste r , 1 931.

2 7 4 PP-

The author claims that poverty and unemployment are no longer necessary
and that there is no need for us even to learn another industrial technique.
However, he holds that it is essential to apply the technique which we have
already learned, namely, mass-production technique, to this age in which individual
prosperity is so deeply dependent upon the prosperity of all the people.
H a l b e r t , B l a n c h e , Editor. T h e better h o m e s m a n u a l. C hicago, U n iv e r s ity o f
C h ica g o P r e s s , 1931.

H

o r o v it z ,

781 p p ., d ia g r a m s , illu s .

S a m u e l B.

P ra c tic e a n d p ro c e d u re u n d e r th e M a s s a c h u s e tts w o r k m e n ’s
c o m p e n s a tio n la w , w ith f o r m s . B o sto n , E u g e n e W . H ild r e th , 1 9 3 0 . 1 7 6 p p .

A reference book, describing the various steps in compensation practice and
procedure under the Massachusetts act. It contains quotations of the pertinent
statutes, explanations of the actual practice now in effect, and citations of
authoritative decisions of the superior and supreme judicial courts of the State.
H ulvey, C h arles

N e w t o n , a n d W a n d e l , W il l ia m H a m l in . W o r k m e n ’s
c o m p e n s a tio n a n d a u to m o b ile lia b i l it y i n s u r a n c e i n V ir g in ia .
N ew Y ork,
C e n tu r y C o., 1 9 3 1 . 2 0 3 p p .
(P u b lic a tio n o f I n s t i t u t e f o r R esea rch i n th e
S o c ia l S c ie n c e s , U n iv e r s ity o f V ir g in ia .)

A study of the social effects of casualty insurance and the relationship of the
State to insurance administration. The technique of rate-making and the
policy of the State in regulation of rates are described in detail for workmen’s
compensation insurance in the first part, and for automobile liability insurance
in the second part, which also reviews the trend toward compulsory automobile
insurance.
K e y n e s, J ohn

M a y n a r d , a n d o th e rs .
U n e m p lo y m e n t a s a w o rld p ro b lem .
C h ica g o , U n iv e r s ity o f C h ica g o P r e s s , 1 9 3 1 . 261 p p .
(L e c tu r e s o n the
H a r r i s F o u n d a tio n , 1 9 3 1 .)

D on D. O u r u n e m p lo y m e n t p ro b le m .
m is s io n o f W is c o n s in , 1 9 8 1 . 2 0 p p .

L e s c o h ie r ,

M a d is o n , I n d u s t r i a l C o m ­

An address to the Wisconsin Master Builders’ Association on February 12,
1931.


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PUBLICATIONS [RELATING TO LABOR

751

L e w is , E d w a rd E .
su p p ly .

T h e m o b ility o f th e N e g ro : A s tu d y i n th e A m e r ic a n labor
N e w Y o r k , C o lu m b ia U n iv e r s ity P r e s s , 1 9 3 1 . I 44 p p ., m a p s .

A study of Negro migration during the period 1919 to 1924, made under the
auspices of the Social Science Research Council and the Columbia University
Council for Research in the Social Sciences.
M c C o r d , C a r ey P., M. D.,
e n g in e e r s a n d m a n a g e rs .

A l l e n , F loyd P., M. D. I n d u s t r i a l h y g ie n e f o r
N e w Y o r k , H a r p e r & B r o s ., 1 9 3 1 . 3 3 6 p p ., ill u s .

and

This volume brings together the material presented to students in the engi­
neering courses of the University of Cincinnati during the past 10 years. It is
designed more for the engineer or manager in industry who should be conversant
with the requirements of good industrial hygiene than for the engineer who is
a qualified industrial hygienist. It deals with emergency aid for the industrially
injured, occupational diseases, accident prevention, industrial fatigue, compen­
sation for industrial accidents and diseases, and various special services, such
as dental departments and physical examinations and other measures for the
safety and health of the workers.
o f.
Bureau for Research in Government. P u b lic a ­
tio n N o . 9 : T h e a d m in is tr a tio n o f w o r k m e n ’s c o m p e n s a tio n i n M in n e s o ta ,
b y L lo y d A . W ilfo r d . M in n e a p o lis , U n iv e r s ity o f M in n e s o ta P r e s s , 1 9 3 0 .
35 pp.

M in n e s o t a , U n iv e r s it y

A condensed revision of the original study, describing the development of
workmen’s compensation legislation in Minnesota, the substantive provisions
of the legislation, the functions and work of the administrative officers, and the
present procedure in claim settlements.
N a t io n a l S a f e t y C o u n c il .

1931 tr a n s a c tio n s o f th e N a t io n a l S a f e t y C o u n c il:
tw e n tie th a n n u a l s a fe ty congress, C hicago, October 1 2 to 1 6 , 1 9 3 1 .
C hicago,
20 N o r th W a c k e r D r iv e , 1 9 3 2 . 3 vols.

The proceedings of the individual sections have been published in separate
pamphlets.
Department of Industrial Relations. U n e m p lo y ­
m e n t s ta tu s o f N e g ro e s: A c o m p ila tio n o f f a c t s a n d fig u r e s re sp e c tin g u n e m ­
p lo y m e n t a m o n g N e g ro e s i n 1 0 6 c ities. N e w Y o r k , 1 1 3 3 B r o a d w a y , 1 9 3 1 .
56 pp.

N a t io n a l U r b a n L e a g u e .

N e i f e l d , M. R.

C re d it u n io n s i n th e U n ite d S ta te s . ( R e p r in te d f r o m J o u r n a l
o f B u s in e s s o f th e U n iv e r s ity o f C hicago, V o l. I V , N o . 4 , October, 1 9 3 1 , p p . 3 2 0 3 4 5 .)

The writer, who is the statistician of the Beneficial Management Corporation,
New York City (an organization which acts as manager of certain personal
finance or small-loan companies), examines the credit-union movement from the
point of view of economy of operations, field of membership, development of
thrift, etc.
Department of Economics and Social Institutions.
Industrial Relations Section. S e le cte d b ib lio g r a p h y : U n e m p lo y m e n t p r e ­
v e n tio n , c o m p e n s a tio n , a n d r e lie f —c o m p a n y , tr a d e -u n io n , a n d p u b lic p ro g r a m s.

P r in c e t o n U n iv e r s it y .

P r in c e to n , J a n u a r y 2 8 , 1 9 3 2 .
p a re d S e p te m b e r , 1 9 3 1 .)

R u s s e l l S a g e F o u n d a t io n .
a selected b ib lio g ra p h y .
4 PP-

U n g e r , E d n a W.,

4 PP-

\%d s u p p le m e n t to b ib lio g ra p h y p re ­

Library.
N ew

B u ll e ti n N o . 1 1 0 : L a b o r a n d i n d u s t r y —
Y o r k , 1 3 0 E a s t 22 d S tre e t, D ecem ber, 1 9 3 1 .

a n d B u r r , E m il y T.
M i n i m u m m e n ta l age levels o f a c c o m p lis h ­
m en t:. A s t u d y o f e m p lo y e d g ir ls o f lo w -g ra d e in te llig e n c e . A lb a n y , U n iv e r s ity
o f th e S ta te o f N e w Y o r k , 1 9 3 1 . 1 0 7 p p ., c h a r ts .

Reviewed in this issue.


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752

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

E. A p p li e d p e rso n n e l a d m in is tr a tio n .
S o n s { I n c .) , 1 9 3 1 . 3 3 8 p p ., d ia g r a m s .

W a l t e r s , J.

N e w Y o r k , J o h n W i le y &

Prepared as a textbook for college students and as a general reference work for
practical use in the solving of problems of personnel administration. According
to the preface, the book does not purport to be a critical analysis of personnel
administration, but is an attempt “ to portray the personnel procedures which
have been found helpful in decreasing and preventing human problems and in
increasing human efficiency, happiness, and. development in industry and
business.”
W e l f a r e C o u n c il o f N e w Y o r k C it y . Research Bureau. S t u d y 5 : T h e
ca re o f th e c h ro n ic s ic k i n p r iv a te h o m e s f o r th e a ged i n a n d n e a r N e w Y o r k
C ity , b y M a r y C . J a r r e tti N e w Y o r k , 1 9 3 1 . 6 7 p p .

Report based on a census, taken in the spring of 1928, of 20,754 persons being
cared for by the medical and social agencies of New York City and on a detailed
survey made during the same period of facilities for the care of the chronic sick,
especially in the homes for the aged. The latter were studied with a view to
adequacy of care and treatment, facilities for care, etc.
W h it e ,

L. W.,

E. W.

and S h a n a h a n ,
T h e i n d u s t r i a l r e v o lu tio n a n d th e e c o n o m ic
w o r ld o f t o - d a y : A s t u d y o f i n d u s t r i a l c h a n g e s a n d th e ir e ffe c ts i n G r e a t B r i t a i n
a n d o f c o n te m p o r a r y e c o n o m ic s tr u c tu r e .
L o n d o n a n d N e w Y o rk , L on gm an s,
G r e e n & C o ., 1 9 3 2 .
378 p p .

W o o d , E d it h E l m e r :
m i l la n C o ., 1 9 3 1 .

R e c e n t tr e n d s i n A m e r i c a n h o u s in g .
3 1 7 p p ., illu s .

N ew

Y ork, M ac­

Includes chapters on war housing, the housing shortage, rent restriction, tax
exemption, tenement house and housing codes, growth of zoning, city and regional
planning, the land question, satellite garden cities, and cooperative housing.


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o