The full text on this page is automatically extracted from the file linked above and may contain errors and inconsistencies.
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
ROYAL MEEKER, Commissioner
MONTHLY
LABOR REVIEW
VOLUME VII
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
NUMBER
4
OCTOBER, 1918
WASHINGTON
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICB
1918
h O I In
Cape Girardeau, ¡»lo
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
CONTENTS.
Special articles:
Pag;,
Labor turnover and employment policies of a large motor vehicle manu
facturing establishment, by Boris Emmet, Ph. D ........................................ 1-18
Iarbor and the War:
Awards and decisions of the National War Labor Board.................................. 19-28
Classification of war industries to facilitate distribution of labor and ma
terials.................................................................................................................. 28-34
National service scheme of Great Britain............................................................ 34^14
Federation of British industries, and industrial councils.................................... 44-47
Canadian Government’s declaration of a war labor policy............................ 47-50
Reconstruction in industry:
English reconstruction problems from the standpoint of employers and
trade-unionists.................................................................................................. 51-54
Industrial self-government................................................................................... 54-61
Austrian employers’ preparations for peace tim e...........................................
61
Provision for the disabled, and vocational education:
Economic consequences of permanent disability accidents in California___62-66
Opportunities for the employment of disabled m en.......................................... 66-69
Loans authorized to French war pensioners as aid in establishing homes . . . 69-71
Vocational reeducation and employment of disabled soldiers in Ita ly ..........71-85
What becomes of the man disabled in industry in Denmark...........................85-90
Prices and cost of living:
Retail prices of food and coal in the United States....................................... 91-104
Index numbers of wholesale prices in the United States, 1913 to August,
1!R8................................
105,106
Price changes, wholesale and retail, in the United States................. ____ 107-110
Comparison of retail price changes in the United States and foreign coun
tries................................................................................................................. 111,112
Cost of living in shipbuilding districts.......................................................... 112-120
Wages and cost of living in mining district of Santa Rosalia, Lower Cali
fornia, Mexico................................................................................................ i2 i 122
Increased cost of living in South Africa......................................................... 122,123
Food control:
Food control in the United States.................................................................. 124-127
Food regulation in the District of Columbia.................................................. 127-129
Wages and hours of labor:
New wage orders issued by the Director General of Railroads................... 130-139
Union scales in the building, metal, and granite and stone trades, and in
freight handling............................................................................................ 139-171
War bonuses for Government employees in Great Britain........................... 172,173
Wages and hours of labor in Germany during the war................................ 173-176
Minimuin wage:
Minimum wage law for the District of Columbia.......................................... 177-181
Minimum wage decrees in Kansas, Massachusetts, and Minnesota............ 181-185
Report of the Massachusetts Minimum Wage Commission, 1917............... 186-189
Minimum wages for female workers in foodstuff factories in M anitoba... 189-191
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
m
IV
CONTENTS.
Women in industry and child welfare:
Page.
War-time employment of women in the metal trades.................................. 192-196
Office cleaning as an occupation for women................................................. 196-199
Wastage of labor in English munition factories employing women.......... 199-201
Infant welfare in Germany during the w ar................................................... 201-206
Industrial accidents:
Accident frequency and severity rates in Wisconsin, 1915-1917............... 207-214
Workmen’s compensation and social insurance:
Medical and surgical provisions in compensation law and administration,
by Lindley D. Clark....................................................................................... 215-228
Workmen’s compensation experience in K entucky.................................... 228-230
Workmen’s compensation in British Columbia, 1917.................................. 230-232
New law regarding retirement annuities in F ran ce....................................
233
Unemployment Funds in France.................................................................. 233-235
The cost of pensions in Germany’s war bill......... ......................................... 235-239
Labor laws and regulations:
Legislation in the United States limiting hours of labor for m en............. 240-247
Provincial law of Buenos Aires, Argentina, relating to woman and child
labor................................................................................................................. 247,249
Housing and welfare work:
Order of the Industrial Commission of Wisconsin regarding the length of
lunch period for female employees............................................................ 250, 251
Roe Green village scheme, Kingsbury, England, by Sir Frank Baines.. 251-257
Housing notes from Great Britain.................................................................. 257-260
Employment and unemployment:
Readjustment of administrative functions of United States Employment
S ervice...............................
261-265
Employment Offices Coordination Act in Canada........................................
265
Work of public employment offices in the United States and of provincial
employment offices in Canada...................................................................... 265-271
Report of employment exchanges in the United Kingdom (Great Britain
and Ireland) for five weeks ending July 12, 1918................................ 271-273
Employment in selected industries in August, 1918.................................... 273-279
Volume of employment in the United Kingdom (Great Britain and Ire
land) in July, 1918 ......................................................................................... 279,280
Conciliation and arbitration:
Conciliation work of the Department of Labor August 16 to September 15,
1918.................................................................................................................. 281-288
Conciliation board to inquire into labor differences in Jamaica............... 288,289
Immigration:
Immigration in July, 1918 ............................................................................... 290, 291
Publications relating to labor:
Official—United States..................................................................................... 292-296
Official—-foreign countries................................................................................ 296-304
Unofficial...i...................................................................................................... 304-312
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
v o l . v i i —n o
.4
WASHINGTON
Oc t o b e r ,
ms
LABOR TURNOVER AND EMPLOYMENT POLICIES OF A LARGE MOTOR
VEHICLE MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENT.
,
BY BO RIS EM M ET, P H . D.
As a part of a comprehensive study of the extent, causes, and reduc
tion of labor turnover, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is now conduct
ing intensive investigations in certain plants, each one chosen because
its experiences are thought to be useful to employment men in pointing
out policies to be adopted and practices to be avoided. This article
treats of the labor turnover and the conditions of employment in a
big motor vehicle manufacturing plant located in one of the larger,
cities in the Middle West. Because of the intense war activities and
the consequent keen competition for help, the shifting of labor in this
city is so great that an annual labor turnover of from 300 to 400 per
cent or more is not unusual. In the 22 establishments studied four
had a labor turnover of 50 to 100 per cent; three, 100 to 150; two,
150 to 200; five, 200 to 250; three, 250 to 300; and five, 300 to 400
per cent. In some establishments the turnover is as high as 500 per
cent per annum. One plant, engaged in most important war work,
is known to have lost, during one month, 97 per cent of the working
force of one of its principal departments.
In spite of the local shifting of labor the annual labor turnover of
this motor plant has at no time since 1915 exceeded 75 per cent.
Its actual turnover was 60.2 per cent for the year ending May 31,
1916, 74.3 per cent for the year of 1917, and 67.4 per cent for the year
ending May 31,1918. As shown in Table 1, its labor turnover for the
year ending April 1, 1918, was 64.6 per cent. Its current turnover,
based upon employment records of the first five months of the year,
is only 63.1 per cent.
The success achieved by this company in the stabilization of its
working force was made possible by the existence for some years past
of a carefully planned progressive labor policy designed to hold the
employees. Perhaps the most important feature of this enlightened
policy is the centralization of all questions relating to personnel and
conditions of employment in the hands of an executive official who
has a sympathetic understanding of labor. This official has the
combined functions of employment manager and general factory
manager, and he is also vice president of the company. Because of
the importance of his position and the confidence reposed in him by
1
[ 837 ]
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
2
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
the president and board of directors, bis recommendations as to wage
changes and conditions of employment are almost invariably adopted
without delay by the plant management.
*
The attitude of the plant management toward labor questions
profoundly affects labor turnover. The labor policy of this firm
emphasizes the following cardinal points: (1) The right of an
employee to join a labor organization if he so desires; (2) a living
wage; (3) the existence of employees’ committees for keeping in
touch with the management and for the prompt adjustment, of
grievances; (4) the “ best possible” working conditions; (5) good
treatment; and (6) the absence of any wage-payment schemes which
might be considered as designed to “ drive” unduly the workers.
The experience of this plant shows the wisdom of vesting the
employment manager with sufficient executive power to control
. wages and working conditions.
The various phases of the labor turnover of this establishment are
discussed below in two principal sections: (1) A detailed statistical
analysis of the nature and extent of the labor turnover, and (2) an
account of the employment policies responsible for the results shown
in the preceding section.
EXTENT OF LABOR TURNOVER.
The extent of labor turnover is shown by comparing the total of
full-time positions, or the standard number of jobs, with the total
separations. The former figure is arrived at by dividing the total
annual number of labor hours by the number of hours worked during
the year by one fully employed person. The annual hours of labor of
one full-time worker was computed by multiplying ther regular weekly
hours of labor by 52 and deducting from the sum thus arrived at the
following equivalent of hours: (1) One week as an annual vacation;
(2) the actual number of legal holidays; (3) and 6 per cent of the
total maximum working time for absenteeism. The latter deduction
was based upon the records of absences for the year ending April 1,
1918.
Table 1, which follows, shows the annual labor turnover of the
establishment, by shifts and departments.
The proportion of females employed in the manufacturing depart
ments of the plant was less than 2 per cent. For this reason the turn
over results presented in this study were not classified by sex.
The annual percentage of labor turnover for the entire establish
ment, for the year ending April 1, 1918, was 64.6 per cent. The turn
over was somewhat greater in the night shift, the respective figures
of turnover for the day and night shifts having been 61.9 and 74.1
per cent. The separations caused by those workers that quit and
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[838]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
3
those that left to enter the military service were 75.4 and 13.4 per
cent, respectively, of the aggregate of separations for all causes. The
extent of the separations due to discharges was relatively small,
being only 5.4 per cent.
Generally speaking, the percentage turnover is greatest in those
departments employing the highest proportions of unskilled laborers,
such as the department charged with the duties of loading cars
(“ Big four/’ day shift), car repairing, and packing (crating). A
relatively low turnover is found in departments employing higher
proportions of skilled mechanics, such as toolmakers and grinders
(day shift), or specialized help, such as screw-machine operators (day
shift).
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[839]
T able 1 .- -LABOR T U R N O V E R , BY S H IF T S AN D D E P A R T M E N T S, FO R Y E A R E N D IN G A P R . 1, 1918.
N um ber of separations.
Name of departm ent and general character of work.
P er cent of separations.
ber of N um
En
En
full
tered
tered
ber
tim e hired.
Dis
Laid m ili
Dis
Laid miliTotal.
Q
uit.
posi
charged. off. ta ry
charged. off. ' ta ry
tions.
serv
serv
ice.
ice.
Per
cent
of
tu rn
Quit. Total. over
per
an
num .
DAT SHIFT.
[840]
Axle. Lathes, drilling, milling, screw-machine work, wheel assembling, repairing
Gear turning: Lathes, drilling, grinding, hand-screw m achines, broaching..
Tool: Tool m aking, g rinding............
-w
>
&
B rass equipm ent: Milling, drilling........... ..I!.".".’. . . . . . . . . . ..........................................'
H ospital: Medical attendance................................. " ... ...................................................
Polishing. Brass, roughand gear polishing, G ardner disk work, grinding,tum bler
barrel work, and buffing.................................................. *
Clean up: Cleaning and washing........................
K itchen: "Waiting on, dishw ashing, co o k in g .. ” "
R
estau ran t: W aiting on, dishw ashing, cooking
l i ' n r r i n n \T rv 1. T ~4-"U „ J ’l i ;_... j u j 07
• ..
E ngine No. 1: Lathes, drilling, milling, grinding, broaching, b o rin g ...
mill\\rig h t °" ** ^00^‘ ^'00^ m ^ i n g , planing, set-up work, c u ttin g, grinding,
gri
E ngine No. 2: Planing, lapping, assem bling, scraping, gear testin g _____ ?............ .
assembling ' a™eS) drilling, m illing, gear c u ttin g , p ointing and testing, lapping,
B all bearing: Grinding, h an d and a u to m atic screw m achines, bench assem bling' '
H ardening: Furnace attending, hardening, brazing, and blacksm ithing..................
Gear testing: Gear te stin g .........................
D rafting: D rafting..... .............................
..........................................................
Special drawing : Special drafting........I ! I ! ” " I" ’ I
! ! ..........
E xperim ental : Research, experim enting.....................................
ClDmchaTs:embtling drilling’
gear cu ttin g , p ointing an d "testing, lapping,
Chassis test: Testing, inspecting, car w ashing...............................................
Garage: M aintenance w o rk ........... ............................... .................
Erecting: Chassis assem bling, p u n ch pressing, an d m e ta l w o rk ...............................
Power: Caring for m achinery, ash an d coal p assin g ................
Big four: Common la b o r. ................................................................
.................
Shipping: A ttending to freig h t tra in s, com m on labor
F in ish te st : Finish testin g w o rk.....................................
....................................
Electrical: E lectrical w ork.............................................................
P a in t: P a in tin g ................................................................. ...........................
T rim m ing : U pholstering......................................................................................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Ill
22
73
29
4
1
12
4
44
20
60
25
6 7
4.0
20.0
16.0
73.3
80.0
100.0
150
246
104
33
56
1
120
186
72
12
32
2
1
1
2
15
20
20
5
7
82
120
50
9
26
1
98
141
72
14
34
1
10
.7
2.8
15.3
14.2
27.8
35. 7
20.6
83.7
85.1
69.4
64.3
76.5
100.0
83
59
7
6
276
53
81
4
7
239
35
37
62
1
6
196
5.4
17.7
14
35
51
1
6
147
7.1
17.9
47
311
28
256
3
6
5
41
13
137
21
184
14.3
3.3
145
101
57
7
6
2
7
111
30
58
1
2
1
11
4
1
2
22
12
63
31
46
45
2.3
4.2
2
1
4
89
44
48
1
2
1
5
120
57
8
397
121
4
8
63
25
211
80
108
61
5
9
19
22
72
22
96
53
5.2
17.0
19.8
41.5
261
117
13
7
51
16
44
16
6
6
2
19
7
9.8
7.4
18
2
10
7
193
94
10
5
48
12
57
18
3.1
6.4
20.0
6
2
168
81
8
5
24
8
47
11
12.5
16.7
37.5
16.7
17 5
38.9
1
2
11
1
1
2.9
100.0
54.1
113.6
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
65.3
57.3
69.2
42.4
60.7
100.0
100.0
100.0
94.6
82.3
44.6
105.1
14.3
75.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
23.8
22 2
61.9
74.5
100.0
100.0
44.7
59.2
24 7
27.3
70.8
70.4
95.8
80.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
61.4
43.6
84.2
14.3
33.3
50.0
71.4
75.0
41.5
100.0
100.0
80.0
93.0
87."i
m'.'or
100.0
100.0
100.0
ióò.’ó
100.0
20.0
86.2
100.0
80.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
50.0
66.6
82.5
61.1
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
71.0
0.0
48.6
77.7
250.0
62.5
76.2
48.0
27.0
22.5
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,
Screw: H an d and autom atic screw m achines, heading an d slo tting....................
Boring m ill: Boring, lathes, drilling, m illing, wheel assem bling............. ! ........." ’
^ stm ightening'
m illing, shaping, hand-screw m achines, assembling,
Total.
101
4.8
4.6
38
22
29.2
9
50.0
10
66.6
58.5
70.0
50.0
100.0
25
10
8
21
16.7
11.1
15.4
5
21
21
23.1
6.7
11
3
4
29.4
50.0
11.1
3.9
'é .'i
25
16
84
99
8
50.0
15.8
119
75.0
16.7
73.7
100.0
3.4
8.5
2,623
11.5
66.7
15.4
13.3
9.1
70.6
33.3
77.8
69.2
33.3
61.5
73.3
90.9
100.0
25.0
33.3
10.5
11
3,483
28.6
7.7
20.0
10.0
[ 841 ]
77
4
72
129
81
100.0
200.0
75.2
100.0
61.9
75.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
57.1
50.0
87.5
71.3
96.3
118.2
78.9
75.0
25.0
50.0
80.4
45.5
28.6
33
44
4.5
20.5
1.6
3.3
7.7
15.4
31.7
19.6
10.3
7.7
26.7
11
10
11
19
40
4
26
1
1
2
214
11
7
70
61
5
30
1
130
2
1
2
2
63
92
78
13
15
30
1
1
172
5
215
7
2
121
64
32
1
45
1
119
1
1
1
35
24
3
1
2
12
25
2
73
1
1
3.3
20.0
20.0
50.0
44
30
3
36
2
85
1
1
1
100.0
100.0
66.7
77.2
82.0
76.9
73.3
86.7
100.0
100.0
21.5
2
4.6
3.3
15.9
16.7
33.3
8.3
22.2
70.4
60.0
50.0
79.5
80.0
66.7
69.5
100.0
14.1
T o ta l...........
549
721
5.1
G rand total.
2,171
2,878
5.4
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
10.0
8.1
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
85.9
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
18.7
76.2
100.0
18.4
75.4
100.0
100.0
0.8
90.0
68.0
60.0
112.5
123.8
60.0
61.9
71.4
100.0
100.0
100.0
54.5
76.0
81.3
69.0
82.8
18.3
5.5
2
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
22.2
100.0
2,157
42
71
, 64
100.0
100.0
100.0
41.6
171.1
45.5
70.7
54.9
93.7
NIGHT S H O T .
Screw: H and and autom atic screw machines, heading, slo ttin g ...........................
Boring m ill: Boring, lathes, drilling, m illing, and wheel assem bling.. ! ...................
Fram e: L athes, drilling, m illing.................................................................... .....................
Axle: L athes, drilling, milling, grinding, hand-screw m achines, bench assembling
Gear turning: Lathes, grinding, hand-screw machines, broaching, drilling..
Tool: L athes, m illing ? grinding..................................................................
Brass equipm ent: Drilling, m illing................................................
.....................
Polishing: R ough polishing and grinding, G ardner disk'and tu m b lin g barrel work
C lean u p : C leaning................................................................................................
K itchen: Cooking, dishw ashing.................................................
. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! .........
E ngine No. 1: Lathes, drilling, milling, grinding, boring, bench w ork.!!!! ! .........
E ngine No. 1 tool: Toolm aking..........................................................................
Engine No. 2: Testing, lapping..................................................!.! ! ' ! .........................
G ear cutting: Lathes, drilling, milling, gear cutting, bench work, lapping, inspect
ing
B all bearing: B earing grinding, hand and au tom atic screw-machine work
H ardening: Furnace a tte n d in g ..............................................................................
C arburetor: Lathes, drilling, m illing, screw m achines.................!! !!!! !!! !!
Garage: M aintenance work
Erecting: Chassis assembling, punch pressing and m e ta l work
Stock: Clerical.
Time: Clerical....................
P a rts and stock: Clerical.
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
25.9
36.6
6.3
1,622
1.0
100.0
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,
T ruckassem bling: T rac k assem bling, black sm ith in g .............................................
C rating: Packing or boxing..............................................
Tire: T ire a n d wheel assem bling....................................... ' ............ ..........................
T ouring c ar eq u ip m en t: E q u ip m en t assem bling............................ ” ” ... ...........
Car w ashing: W ashing a n d cleaning............................................................. .........
Storage: D riving, general labor, clerical.................................................... ............... .
O rder: C lerical.................................................................................................
B ody: Clerical..................................................................................... ' ” ] ’ *.....................
Purchasing: Purchasing a n d clerical........... ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! .......................
S u p erin ten d en t’s office: Clerical.....................................................................................
Stock: Filling orders, packing, stock chasing, clerical................... * "
Cost: Clerical.............................................................................................
Tim e: Clerical.......................................................................... ” ” ’ '* ...............................
E m ploym ent: Clerical....................................................! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! .........................
Telephone: O p eratin g .......................................................................................................
F reig h t in: T ru ck d riv in g ........................................................! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! " " ! ............
Inside receiving: C lericaland common lab o r..............................................................
O utside receiving: Clerical and common lab o r...................... ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
P a rts and stock: Filling orders, packing, stock chasing, clerical
R epair: R epairing, testin g............................................ ................
Service: Car repairing............ ..................... .....................! ! .! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
62.9
49.2
60.0
120.0
200.0
65.4
50.0
100.0
50.0
74.1
Ch
6
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
Table 2, and Chart A accompanying it, show the seasonal fluc
tuations in the labor turnover of the establishment, by actual monthly
percentages, for the years ending May 31, 1916,1917, and 1918, as well
as the average monthly turnover percentage for the entire threeyear period:
T a b l e 2 __ SEA SO N A L
FL U C T U A T IO N IN LA B O R T U R N O V E R SH O W N B Y A C TU A L
M O N T H LY T U R N O V E R P E R C E N T A G E S , F O R T H E Y E A R S E N D IN G MAY 31, 1916,
1917, AN D 1918, AND A V E R A G E M O N T H LY P E R C E N T A G E F O R T H E T H R E E -Y E A R
P E R IO D .
A ctual m onthly percentage
for th e year ending May 31—
Month.
1916
June...........
July...........
1917
1918
Average
for
three
years.
A pril...........
M ay.............
8.6
8.0
5.6
4.5
2.9
3.9
2.8
5.7
3.6
1.5
6.8
6.3
5.5
7.2
8.7
7.5
6.3
5.5
3.8
5.2
4.3
6.5
7.1
6.7
6.5
6.1
7.3
9.2
5.3
4.3
2.9
2.6
2.7
5.0
8.3
7.7
6.7
7.1
7.2
7.1
4.8
4.6
3.2
4.7
3.5
4.6
7.4
6.7
Total,
60.2
74.3
67.8
67.6
A ugust.......
Septem ber.
O ctober___
N ovem ber.
D ecem ber..
Jan u ary ___
F e b ru a ry . .
March.........
The general tendency of labor turnover to fluctuate definitely with
the seasons of the year is shown most clearly in the last column of
Table 2, the figures of which column are shown graphically in the
heavy curve of Chart A. The largest turnover occurs during the
spring and summer months. The extent of turnover begins to di
minish at the end of the summer, goes down gradually during the
fall, and reaches its lowest point during the winter months. rrhe
seasonality of labor turnover may definitely be observed, in a general
way, in the separate curves of Chart A, which shows the seasonality
of turnover for each of the three years of the period.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 842 ]
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,
[843]
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
*
C H A R T A.—SE A SO N A B L E FL U C T U A T IO N S IN L A B O R T U R N O V E R D U R IN G EA C H O F T H E T H R E E
Y E A R S E N D IN G MAY 31, 1916, 1917, AND 1918, SH O W N IN M O N T H L Y P E R C E N T A G E S .
-a
8
M ONTHLY LABOR EE VIEW,
Table 3 shows the length of continuous service of persons in the
employ of the company on June 4, 1918:
T a b l e 3 .—L E N G T H O F CO N TIN U O U S SE R V IC E O F PE R S O N S IN E M PL O Y ON
JU N E 4, 1918.
Em ployees who had served continuously each classified period.
6
1
2
3
U n 7 days 2 weeks 1 and
5
3 and
onths and and and
and
and
under
under m and
der under
years Total.
under
under
under
under
7
3
and
under
2
1
2
3
5
days. weeks. m onth. months. months. 1 year. years. years. years. over.
Shift.
6
N umber.
D a y ..............................
N ig h t...........................
63
32
Gl
24
34
24
332
156
253
137
622
161
559
146
420
113
626
159
652
120
3,672
1,022
T o tal.................
95
85
58
488
390
783
705
533
785
772
4,694
D a y ..............................
N ig h t...........................
1.7
3.0
1.7
2.2
0.9
2.2
9.2
14.6
7.0
12.8
17.2
15.0
15.4
13.6
11.6
10.6
17.3
14.8
18.0
11.2
100.0
100.0
T o ta l.................
2.0
1.8
1.2
10.4
8.3
16.7
15.0
11.4
16.7
16.5
100.0
Per cent.
The effect of the relatively low labor turnover shown in Table 1
may be seen from the figures given in Table 3, which show that more
than three-fourths of the total employees had a record of continuous
service of six months or more. The greater turnover of the night
shift is shown by the fact that the proportion of its employees in serv
ice less than six months was larger than that of the day shift, the cor
responding figures given for each of the shifts being 34.8 per cent
and 20.5 per cent.
Table 4 shows the length of continuous service of employees who
were separated, for all causes', during the year ending April 1, 1918:
T a b l e 4 .—L E N G T H
O F CO N TIN U O U S SE R V IC E O F E M P L O Y E E S W HO S E P A R A T E D ,
FO R A L L CAUSES, D U R IN G Y E A R E N D IN G A P R . 1, 1918.
Em ployees who h ad served continuously each classified period.
Shift.
days 2 weeks
2
1
3
U n 7and
onths and
5
1 and
3 and 6 mand
and and
der
and
years
under
under
3
under
6
under
under
under
Total.
7
under
1
under
and
2
m onths. m onths. 1 year.
2
3
5
days.
weeks. m onth.
years. years. years. over.
N um ber.
D a y ..............................
N ight............................
108
27
63
25
101
34
478
174
465
135
415
145
212
95
180
60
81
15
61
11
T o tal.................
135
88
135
652
600
560
307
240
96
72 »2,885
2,164
721
Per cent.
D a y ..............................
N ight............................
5.0
3.7
2.9
3.5
4.7
4.7
22.1
24.1
21.5
18.7
19.2
20.1
9.8
13.2
8.3
8.3
3.7
2.1
2.8
1.5
100.0
100.0
T o tal.................
4.7
3.1
4.7
22.6
20.8
19.4
10.6
8.3
3.3
2.5
100.0
1 The difference betw een th is figure a n d th e to ta l separation figure shown in Table 1 is due to the fact
th a t because oi lack of records th e day sm all d ep artm en ts are om itted in Table 1.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 844 ]
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
9
On the assumption that the length of service distribution of those
in employ was, throughout the year, approximately the same as on
June 4, and as given in Table 3, it appears that the groups with
service records of less than one year were responsible for more than
three-fourths of the separations while actually constituting less than
one-half of the working force. The greater tendency to separate,
on the part of the short-service workers, may be seen still more
clearly from Table 5, which shows the proportions in employ and
among the separations of groups of employees having identical terms
of service.
T a b l e 5 .—P R O P O R T IO N IN EM PL O Y AN D AMONG S E PA R A T IO N S O F C E R T A IN
ID E N T IC A L L E N G T H O F SE R V IC E G R O U PS O P E M PL O Y E E S .
Per cent of—
Length of service group.
Em ployed.
U nder 7 days...............................
7 days a n d under 2 w eeks........
2 weeks an d under 1 m o n th . . .
1 m o n th and under 3 m onths..
3 m onths and under 6 m onths.
6 m onths and under 1 y e a r__
1 year an d under 2 y ears..........
2 years a n d u nder 3 years.........
3 years and u nder 5 years.........
5 years and over.........................
2.0
1.8
1.2
10.4
8.3
16.7
15.0
11.4
16.7
16.5
Separations.
4.7
3.1
4.7
22.6
20.8
19.4
10.6
8.3
3.3
2.5
The first three short-service groups in Table 5 show proportions
of separations two and three times as large as their respective strengths
in the organiza ion. Altogether different results are shown by the
long-service groups. Two of the latter show proportions of separa
tions of one-fifth or one-seventh their respective strengths in the
force of the plant. This indicates that the greatest labor turnover
takes place among the newly hired employees.
EMPLOYMENT POLICIES.
The various policies bearing upon the extent of the labor turnover
in the working force of this plant may, roughly, be classified into
two principal groups, to wit: (1) Methods of hiring, placement, and
discharging; and (2) methods of reducing voluntary separations.
The latter group may further be subdivided into: (a) Wage policies
and changes in wage rates; (&) general conditions of employment;
and (c) agencies for the adjustment of grievances.
M e t h o d s o f H i r i n g , P l a c e m e n t , a n d D is c h a r g in g .
The establishment secures all its help from among the applicants
at the gate of its employment office, without resorting to advertising
or to the services of public or private employment agencies. It
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 845 ]
10
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
maintains a well-organized employment department, in charge of
an employment supervisor, who reports directly to the general
factory manager or his assistant. The employment department is
charged with the duties of securing and sifting out applicants and
with the keeping of the requisite employment records.
In its hiring activities this company follows certain policies which,
it is thought, are responsible to a large extent for the relative stability
of its working organization. Preference in employment, as a rule, is
accorded to married men who are over 35 years of age and perma
nent residents of the city. The method of actual hiring and place
ment is as follows: Any general foreman in need of help files with
the employment supervisor a requisition calling for the number and
kind of workers he needs. The employment supervisor looks over
all applicants at the gate. When a likely applicant appears, the fore
man concerned is requested to interview him for the purpose of finding
out definitely his fitness for the job. .The applications of those ac
ceptable to the foreman are then reviewed by the respective super
intendents of the shop, whose signatures to the applications constitute
the final act of hieing. This method of hiring and selection, it is said,
has all the advantages of an absolutely centralized hiring system and
gives to all officials concerned some degree of participation in the
selection of help. This method of selection may be stated to have
been successful in view of the fact that less than 2 per cent of the
applicants thus hired are found unfit for their positions.
A procedure somewhat similar to the one used in the hiring is followed
in discharging.1 The foreman in direct charge of the work merely
recommends dismissals. The recommendation is reviewed by the
department superintendent, who, before dismissing the employee,
endeavors to have him transferred to some other department. Dis
missals made by the superintendents may be appealed to the general
factory manager, who is also the vice president of the company. A
record of every discharge is kept in the employment department, to
which the dismissed employee must report before drawing the
wages due.
Careful attention is paid to absenteeism. A record of those failing
to report for work is taken every Monday with a view of determining
if the extent of absenteeism is “ normal,” or about 6 per cent. The
latter figure represents the average daily proportion of absentees
during the year ending April 1, 1918. When an employee who belongs
to the employees' sick benefit society fails to report for work he is
promptly visited by an official specially designated for that purpose.
The membership of the society embraces about 55 per cent of the
i The actual ex ten t of discharges in this p la n t is shown in Table 1.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 846 ]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
11
total number of employees, which per cent indicates to some degree
the extent of absenteeism actually followed up.
The average per cent of absenteeism on the night force is slightly
below 6 and somewhat smaller than the average proportion of
absenteeism on the day force. The following reasons are given to
explain the better attendance of night workers: "(1) A night worker
can easily attend to his outside business during some portion of the
day; (2) the night force is better paid and the money loss due to an
absence correspondingly greater; (3) the extent of absenteeism due
to sickness is probably smaller among the night workers because of
the lower average age of the group.
M e t h o d s o p R e d u c in g V o l u n t a r y S e p a r a t io n s .
WAGE POLICIES AND CHANGES IN WAGE RATES.
During periods of rapidly rising commodity prices, such as have
taken place since the outbreak of the war, frequent grants of increases
in wages, upon some basis known to employees in advance, exercise
no doubt a very potent influence in reducing the extent of voluntary
separations. The correctness of this view was quickly realized by
the management. In the latter part of 1917 it announced that in
the future all wage readjustments will be made in accordance with
the changes in the cost of living. The announcement was preceded
by a study of changes in the local prices of food, fuel, rent, and cloth
ing. The cost-of-living figures which were thus obtained were based
upon the actual records of expenditures kept, upon request, by a
group of about 50 of the employees of the company, supplemented and
verified by a special price study made by one of the superintendents.
The final statistical results thus arrived at by the management were
further verified, to a great extent, by the use of the comparative price
quotations published regularly by some of the information agencies
of the Federal Government. In this manner it was found that during
the month of November, 1917, a local family of five expended approx
imately the following amounts per month: Foodstuffs,. $41; rent,
$22; heat and light, $10; clothes, $10; and miscellaneous, $7, or a
total of $90 per month.
At the time the investigation in question was completed the pre
vailing average hourly rate for the entire factory was 38 cents, which
amount afforded a monthly earning opportunity of about $96, or $6
above the minimum monthly expenditure shown above. Because of
the fact that a margin of $6 per month was thought to be too small
it was decided to raise the hourly rate of wages as follows: January
1, 1918, to 40 cents; April 1, 1918, to 42 cents. A subsequent order of
the general manager, issued on May 2,1918, announced that “ because
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 847 ]
12
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
of the constantly mounting cost of living and the fact that there is
little hope that the prices of commodities will fall/’ hourly rates will
be raised to 44 and 46 cents, respectively, by September 1, 1918, and
January 1, 1919. The indicated increases did not affect greatly the
very skilled workers, who are receiving wage rates considerably above
those newly put into force.
At the present time the prevailing initial hourly hiring rate of
adult males on the day force is about 40 cents, which rate affords
an earning opportunity of about $24 per week. The initial hourly
hiring rate of night workers is approximately one-third greater.
That the earnings of the employees of this establishment have to a
considerable extent kept pace with the increasing cost of living
during the last four years may be seen from Table 6, which gives the
per cent of increase in the sum total of weekly earnings of groups of
identical employees during one representative week of the year 1918
over their aggregate earnings during a representative week of 1914.
T a b l e 6 .—COM PA RISO N OF T H E A G G R E G A TE E A R N IN G S O F G R O U PS O F ID E N T IC A L
E M P L O Y E E S D U R IN G O NE R E P R E S E N T A T IV E W E E K OF 1914 AN D O F 1918, BY
D E P A R T M E N T S.
D epartm ent.
Fngmfi No 1 ........................
F.nginp. No 1 tool room . _
F Tipitip No 2
_________ __ _
Op,nr turning
_______ . .....
Brass p.qnipmp.nt . . _______
Tool room _____ . . . . . . . . . . .
Axle
_________ . . . . . . . . . . .
Borpw _________ . . . . . . . . . . .
Boring m ill............. ....................
F ram e..........................................
A ssistant
superintendent’s
office .....................................
H ospital.......................................
Research ....................................
Gear te stin g ................................
B allbearin g ..............................
Gear cu ttin g ........... ...................
H ardening.............. ....................
D raftsm en........... 77....................
P a tte rn s ......................................
Shop clean u p ............................
Polishing....................................
R e sta u ra n t........... .....................
Carburetor
G arage.........................................
Chassis te s t..................................
N um ber
of em
ployees.
Per cent
of in
crease in
earnings,
1918 over
1914.
58
13
47
17
9
14
50
32
2
29
93.9
106. 0
88.9
97.9
99. 3
98.8
87.1
93.7
88.2
102.2
2
1
4
2
26
24
8
3
1
8
29
1
28
5
12
83.5
62.5
69.8
64.9
84.9
93.6
71.9
61.8
50.0
90.0
100.8
37.5
82. 7
73.7
77.3
D epartm ent.
Finish t e s t..................................
P a in tin g ......................................
E lectrical.....................................
T ires.............................................
T ruck assem bly.........................
Touring-car eq u ip m en t...........
Car w ashing................................
Storage.........................................
C rating.........................................
T rim m ing...................................
Car order” ...................................
Shinping order...........................
B ody.............................................
Inside receiving.........................
Freight i n ....................................
O utside receiving.......................
C ost.....................7.......................
T im e ___......................................
Stock room ..................................
R ep a ir..........................................
P a rts and sto ck ..........................
Pow er...........................................
Erecting............................ ........
T o tal____ ___________
P er cent
of in
N um ber
crease
in
of em
earnings,
ployees. 1918 over
1914.
9
64
4
4
14
3
3
1
1
17
1
2
1
3
2
1
1
1
6
15
6
25
95
81.5
81 6
135.1
77 8
89. 3
71. 2
95. 2
84. 2
105. 5
72 1
50.0
76.5
97. 0
92 4
75 0
102 3
82! 1
142 4
88.1
78. 8
96.1
104.6
103.4
704
90.9
The employees whose earnings are shown in Table 6 were doing the
same work in 1918 as in 1914. The question of increased earnings
due to increased skill does not, therefore, enter into the calculation.
The increase over 1914 in the aggregate weekly earnings of the em
ployees in all departments was 90.9 per cent. The employees in
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[848]
13
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
about two-thirds of the departments increased their earnings more
than 80 per cent and in about one-fifth show an increase exceeding
100 per cent.
Table 7 shows the number and per cent of employees who earned
each classified weekly amount during one representative week of
each of the years of 1914 and 1918:
T a b l e 7.—N U M B E R A N D P E R C EN T O F E M P L O Y E E S W H O E A R N E D EA C H C LA SSIFIE D
W E E K L Y A M OUNT D U R IN G O N E R E P R E S E N T A T IV E W E E K O F 1914 A N D O F 1918.
Em ployees who earned each classified weekly am ount.
D ay shift.
eek
Classified weekly am ount. W
near
est
Dec.
14,
1914.
W eek
near
est
May
18,
1918.
N ight
shift.
W eek
near
est
Dec.
26,
1914.
Total.
D ay shift.
W eek
W eek W eek
near
near- near
est 1914. 1918. • est
est
May
Dec. May
11,
14,
18,
1914. 1918.
1918.
N um ber.
U nder $12............................
1
400
$12 and under $15................ 1,304
32
$15 and under $18.................
800
49
$18 and under $25................. 365 1,135
$25 and under $35............
66 2,238
$35 and over.....................
142
T o tal............................. 2,935 3,597
1
400
1,365
32
61
370
1 1,170
50
436
9
801 1,144
25 1,041
91 3,279
6
39
181
6
N ight
shift.
W eek
near
est
Dec.
26,
1914.
Total.
W eek
near
est
May 1914. 1918.
11,
1918.
Per cent.
13.6 0.03
44.4
.9
27.3 1.4
12.4 31.6
2.2 62.2
3.9
10.4
6.8
35.6
41.2 0.09 30.5
48.6
.8 20.9
2.8 95.5
2.4
.7 3.6
.16
0.02
.7
1.1
24.4
70.0
3.9
898 1,090 3,833 4,687 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
During the representative week of 1918 less than 2 per cent of the
employees earned below SIS per week. The proportion earning a
similar amount during the representative week of 1914 was 76.5 per
cent. Thus the major part of the workers in 1914 was earning under
$18, while in 1918 the majority were earning $25 and over.
The director of labor of this plant is of the opinion that industrial
wage plans based wholly upon individual efficiency are “ odious” to
honest workers and responsible for many resignations of valuable
employees. For this reason he is opposed to the utilization of any
individual efficiency schemes which might be interpreted as designed
to “ drive” the employees. The company, therefore, keeps no
individual efficiency records. It does keep, however, a record of the
collective efficiency of the organization, by comparing the value of
the product with its labor cost, with due consideration, of course, to
the increased prices of the manufactured product. This method of
comparison shows a great increase in efficiency since 1914. It was
stated that this increase in the collective efficiency of the organiza
tion enabled the company to make the above indicated advances in
wages, without incurring very material increases in the relative unit
cost of the output. The mentioned increase in efficiency is attrib82617°— IS------ 2
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[849]
14
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
uted by the company to “ the increasing scale of production which
decreased overhead costs, better machinery and equipment, improved
methods of management, and a desire on the part of the men to do a
fair day’s work without too much of overseeing.”
GENERAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT.
The management is of the opinion that the various so-called
service activities outlined herewith, fully as much as the wages paid
and treatment accorded, are responsible for the stability of the
working organization.
The bearing, upon labor turnover, of the employment conditions
outlined below is too obvious to be referred to repeatedly. Many a
separation from a service is motivated by the lack of such provisions
as reasonably cool and clean drinking water, or the absence of
attractive, sanitary, and reasonably cheap lunch rooms. Both of
these are provided by this company. Medical care, as well as the
existence of an establishment sick benefit association, by insuring
employees against disability, have a definite tendency to render
employment in the establishment more desirable. The development
and existence of recreational activities, such as bands, ball teams,
socials, etc., create a strong organization spirit which has a similar
tendency. The organization spirit in this plant is further fostered
by the educational work carried on by the factory publication
referred to below, which is edited in an interesting and instructive
manner.
The hours of labor in this establishment are 54J and 50 per week,
respectively, for the day and night shifts. Night work is paid for at
the rate of about one and one-third times the daily rates. The daily
force has a basic eight-hour day; that is, all work over eight hours in
any one day is paid for at overtime rates, which are 50 per cent
greater.
Shower baths are supplied for the use of the members of the various
athletic teams as well as all employees of the paint shop, who use
lead in connection with their work. Locker rooms are provided for
each department and are used by all the employees. In certain
departments, where individual lockers appear to be unsatisfactory,
the company equips special rooms with clothes hooks, which hooks
are numbered to correspond with the time cards of the men.
The factory employees eat in the locker rooms of the departments,
where tables are provided for that purpose. Food, at reasonable
prices, may be secured from the factory lunch room, called the soup
kitchen. A restaurant is also provided for the use of executives and
office help. The soup kitchen, during 1917, furnished the following
daily averages of food: Bowls of soup, 1,375; sandwiches, 2,600;
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[850]
M ONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW.
15
cups of coffee, 1,103; bottles of milk, 625. The factory restaurant
served daily an average of 215 meals. The charges of the restaurant
and the soup kitchen are relatively low, and there is therefore an
annual deficit in their operation. The restaurant and soup kitchen
losses during 1917 amounted to $16,957.53.
The drinking water of the factories is furnished by the city, and
delivered in sanitary fountains, after a special filtration through a
Loomis-Manning filter. It is kept sufficiently cool by means of a
refrigerating system. From time to time special chemical analyses
of the drinking water are made.
The establishment maintains an employees’ band of 40 pieces and
an orchestra. Members of these musical organizations practice on
the company’s time and render concerts twice a week at the noon
hour. These organizations also supply music for the various gather
ings of the men, such as picnics, baseball games, etc. There is also
a men’s gee club of about 35 members. During 1917 the plant
supported two factory baseball teams and one soccer football team.
The cost of maintaining the mentioned activities during 1917 was
$5,565.61, which amount was furnished by the company out of the
special fund referred to elsewhere in this study.
Two first-aid hospitals are located conveniently in the plant.
These hospitals are kept open all the time and are in charge of a
surgeon who is assisted by a trained nurse. No first aid is rendered
on the premises where the work is actually carried on, every disabled
employee, no matter how slight the disability, being brought to the
hospital for attention. In addition to the surgical staff there is a
medical department in charge of a physician. Any employee feeling
indisposed is privileged to ask for medical service or attention, with
out cost to the employee, provided the patient is able to continue
at work, or call at the factory medical office. Prescriptions are
also furnished free of charge. Employees having eye troubles may
avail themselves, without charge, of the services of a consulting
occulist. The company has an arrangement with one of the hos
pitals of the city whereby beds are reserved at all times for its
disabled employees.
During the year 1917, 20,038 surgical and medical calls were
handled by the medical staff of the establishment. This figure
represents an average of about five medical calls per employee.
The surgical department attended to 12,680 calls of accident disa
bility and furnished 73,313 dressings. The medical department
cared for 5,736 calls and filled 11,472 prescriptions. The amounts
expended by the health service during 1917 were as follows: Surgical,
exclusive of money compensation, $15,936.06; medical, inclusive of
prescriptions, $6,552.04; outside hospitals and doctors, $2,871.67.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[851]
16
M ONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW.
There exists in this establishment an employees’ s:ck benefit
society which, for a premium of 50 cents per month, and after a
waiting period of seven days, pays a benefit of $10 per week during
the first 21 weeks and $7 per week for the next 20 weeks. The
society also pays a death benefit of $250. Any employee of the com
pany in service one month may join the society, upon payment of an
initiation fee of $1. At the present time more than 55 per cent of
the employees belong to the society. The total income of the
benefit society for the year ending December 31, 1917, was $21,802.14,
of which amount $2,333.90 was contributed by the company. The
contribution of the firm consists of a cash payment of one-fifth of
the amounts paid in by the members and in supplying all the admin
istrative and clerical help needed. The expenditures of the society
during 1917 amounted to $18,638.81, of which sum $3,250 was paid
out in death benefits and $15,150.36 in sick benefits, in 13 and 475
cases, respectively.
In connection with the sick benefit society the employees main
tain a factory cooperative store in which are sold food, tobacco, and
other staple goods, such as overalls, cheap tools, etc. The store also
does laundry work. Seventy per cent of the profits of the enter
prise are turned over to the employees’ sick benefit society, the
remaining 30 per cent being assigned to the promotion of the various
amusement activities. During the year ending December 31, 1917,
the cooperative store did a business of over $50,000 and made a net
profit of $5,338.90, or about 10.7 per cent. Exclusive of charges for
rent, light, and heat, all of which were furnished by the company
free of charge, the administrative costs of running the business
amounted to less than 5 per cent' of the sales.
A gymnasium is provided for the use of the heads of departments
and other men who occupy relatively important executive positions.
Three classes, containing at the present time a total of about 60
executive employees, -participate in the gymnastic exercises. The
physical instruction is in charge of an experienced athletic director
and consists of passing the medicine ball, setting-up exercises, stallbar work, handball, wrestling, club swinging, bag punching, and
many other forms of exercises, followed by the taking of shower
baths. Upon entering the gymnasium classes all men are required
to undergo a careful physical examination. Members found to be
nervous, underweight, or suffering with some minor ailment, are
given medical attention and advised as to the proper course to
pursue to improve their physical condition. The results of this
training have been gratifying to both the company and the men.
Officials of the company emphasize the great value of these physical
exercises in “ keeping foremen and superintendents in good humor/’
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[S52]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
17
which is conducive to the proper handling of the employees in their
charge.
To carry on the various medical and recreational activities, the
company maintains a special fund. The expenditures of this special
fund amounted to $62,554.52 during the calendar year ending
December 31, 1917. The following is an itemized statement of the
expenditures of this fund, which statement indicates the cost of the
various activities: Surgical (surgeon, nurses, workmen’s compen
sation, outside hospitals, and doctors, etc.), $28,153.78; medical
(physician, nurses, medicines, etc.), $6,552.04; amusement (base
ball, bands, receptions, tennis), $5,565.61; contribution and dona
tions to benefit society, $2,333.90; restaurant deficit, $4,683.90;
soup kitchen deficit, $12,273.63; miscellaneous (printing of factory
paper, donations, etc.), $2,991.66.
The company does not attempt to study the home life of its em
ployees. Recently, however, it began the publication of a factory
magazine, which is issued biweekly and mailed to the home of each
employee. The object of the publication is twofold: (1) To give
individual employees a clear idea of the general policies of the com
pany, through editorials; (2) to furnish educational information
bearing on economic, hygienic, etc., subjects. The magazine is
edited by an experienced newspaper woman. Each issue is divided
into the following departments: Editorials on the company’s labor
and business policies, health, nursing, legal advice, transactions of
the employees’ sick benefit society, financial advice, sports and
physical training, technical articles, cartoons and illustrations, social,
shop, and music items.
As vet no necessity has been felt for devoting much attention to the
question of employees’ housing. From time to time, however,
careful inquiries are made into the character of the street-car service
on the lines leading from the homes of the employees to the factory.
These studies are made with a view of requesting improvements in
the service from the street railway management.
AGENCIES FOR ADJUSTMENT OF GRIEVANCES.
With the existing industrial unrest the urgency of having demo
cratically organized agencies for the prompt adjustment of employees’
grievances is great. Numerous separations from a service, with a
consequent increase in the labor turnover, are occasioned by the
absence of grievance adjustment channels through which aggrieved
employees may register their complaints and have them adjusted.
The imperative necessity of having such adjustment agencies was
realized by the management of this plant as far back as 1915, when
departmental committees of employees for the hearing and adjust-
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[S53]
18
M O N TH LY LABOE EEVIEW.
ment of grievances were created. The original announcement
creating these committees in 1915 stated that they were called into
existence “ to enable the employees to get acquainted with the
management and its policy of operating the plant, thereby securing
the advantages of a small shop; to overcome misunderstandings due
to the transmission of policies through numerous officials; and to
give each employee an opportunity to express himself concerning his
work and the conditions under which he is performing same.”
A committee is elected in each department by popular vote, in
the ratio of 1 member for each 10 employees. The membership of
certain proportions of these committees expires every month, which
fact enables a greater number of employees to serve. Meetings are
held at scheduled hours every alternate week, on the company’s
time, the sessions lasting from 30 to 90 minutes.
Each departmental committee elects its own president and sec
retary. The former serves as chairman of the meetings, and the
latter keeps a record of the proceedings for the purpose of finding out
if the suggestions passed upon by previous sessions have been carried
out by the management or the men. If any have not been, individual
or collective grievance is brought to the attention of one of the
departmental representatives, who subsequently brings it before the
session of the organization. After discussing the merits of the com
plaints a vote is taken and the result communicated to the manage
ment. The committees thus serve as agencies for the filing of com
plaints and the adjustment of grievances.
The committees may discuss any subject. The following are some
of the subjects discussed during the last few months: Cooperative
buying and distribution of coal and potatoes; the substitution of
frosted bulbs for glaring lights in certain departments; fines for
failures to report on time; poor street-car service; inquiry regarding
the date when a general raise of wages will be made; the necessity
of chemically analyzing the drinking water; dirty dishes in the lunch
rooms; the wage policy of the company; the cost of living; the work
ings of the sick benefit society; safety; hours of labor during hot
weather; improvements in the ventilation; hot water in wash rooms;
savings on materials; improved tools for certain classes of work; the
removal of certain departments to more airy places; the reasons of
the company for refusing to employ female labor.
The management of the establishment emphasizes the fact that the
committees have brought about many improvements and furnished
an effective method for the satisfactory and prompt adjustment of
grievances.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[854]
LABOR AND THE WAR,
AWARDS AND DECISIONS OF THE NATIONAL WAR LABOR BOARD.
B R ID G E P O R T M A C H IN IST S AN D O T H E R E M PL O Y E E S .
The disaffection which has been more or less acute during the last
nine months among the workers on munitions and related industries
in Bridgeport, Conn., was referred to the National War Labor Board
in July for settlement. After an exhaustive investigation of the
questions at issue and the failure on the part of the board to reach
a unanimous agreement upon certain disputed points, Mr. Otto M.
Eidlitz was unanimously agreed upon as umpire, under the provi
sions of the proclamation of the President, to pass upon the disputed
questions.
The controversy, which affects the management of 66 plants and
approximately 60,000 workers, has been on the question of reclassi
fication of trades and demands of the employees for wage increases
to meet the increased cost of living.
The decision of the umpire, as approved by the board on August
28, 1918, was accepted by the employees, but many of the men
refused to agree to the terms. The decision of the umpire is as
follows:
The Bridgeport controversy was originally concerned solely with the machinists
Later, by the action of the board in assuming jurisdiction, the case was extended to
include practically all the workers in the munition and related trades in Bridgeport.
The major portion of the hearings was devoted to a discussion of the machinists’
grievances. Some few other trades appeared and presented formal statements of
grievances, but a large number of the employees had no representation at all or did
not have their cases presented.
The controversy was so exhaustively investigated by the chairmen and members
of the National War Labor Board that a vast amount of evidence and exhibits has
been made available bearing directly or indirectly upon the questions at issue. From
the hearings attended by the umpire it would appear that on certain questions and
methods both sides are in substantial accord, but are deadlocked on the following:
The eight-hour work day; classification of trade and minimum wage.
Although certain definite principles and policies have been laid down for the
functioning of the National War Labor Board, governing the relation between workers
and employers in war industries for the duration of the war, it must be recognized
that the war needs of the country must have the first consideration both by employer
and employee and that in this time of stress it is the duty of each to rigidly adhere to
those rules and principles which master mind3 have created for our guidance in all
labor controversies during the period of the war.
The records show that the Council of National Defense, the War Department, and
the American Federation of Labor have at various times since April, 1917, issued
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[855]
19
20
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
statements which indicate that what is generally known as the “ open shop” shall not
be discriminated against by the “ closed shop” during the period of the war, and that
both shall work harmoniously together for the common weal to the end that the war
may be brought to a successful conclusion.
During the last year various labor controversies have occurred, the solution of
which has indicated a departure from the statements and policies enunciated by
both sides, and with the advent of the controversy in Bridgeport we come to one of
such vast importance in the war program and so complex that the solution of it must
be approached with the greatest deliberation and care, and both sides to the con
troversy should realize that hasty action, especially in this case, would be a menace
to our successful conduct of the war.
T h e E ig h t -h o u r W ork D a y .
The National War Labor Board, under “ Hours of labor,” states the following:
“ The basic eight-hour day is recognized as applying in all cases in which existing
law requires it. In all other cases the question of hours of labor shall be settled with
due regard to governmental necessities and the welfare, health, and proper comfort
of the workers.”
In view of the fact that the evidence proves that an overwhelming majority of the
firms, parties to this controversy, have through the operation of this principle, or
voluntarily, conceded an eight-hour work day to the workers in their shops, it is
only reasonable that those firms which hold a different opinion should comply with
the will of the majority, and hence the eight-hour work day should be established in
all shops and factories subject to this ruling. I am constrained to come to this con
clusion, knowing the dissatisfaction and consequent interference with output that
accrues in a manufacturing community where a basic work day has come to be gener
ally recognized but is resisted by a minority.
Classification
of
T rade
and
M in im u m W a g e .
For many years Bridgeport manufacturers have been operating under the open-shop
methods. To attempt suddenly to change this condition would so seriously upset the
industries working under various methods of operation and kinds of contracts that the
needs of our country would be jeopardized. The National War Labor Board principles
govern the umpire as well as the board. They state:
“ The right of workers to organize in trade-unions and to bargain collectively through
chosen representatives is recognized and affirmed. This right shall not be denied,
abridged, or interfered with by the employers in any manner whatsoever.
“ Employers should not discharge workers for membership in trade-unions, nor for
legitimate trade-union activities. The workers, in the exercise of their right to
organize, should not use coercive methods of any kind to induce persons to join their
organizations nor to induce employers to bargain or deal therewith.
“ In establishments where the union shop exists the same shall continue, and the
union standards as to wages, hours of labor, and other conditions of employment shall
be maintained.
“ In establishments where union and nonunion men and women now work together
and the employer meets only with employees or representatives engaged in said
establishments, the continuance of such conditions shall not be deemed a grievance.
This declaration, however, is not intended in any manner to deny the right or dis
courage the practice of the formation of labor unions or the joining of the same by the
workers in said establishments, as guaranteed in the preceding section, nor to prevent
the War Labor Board from urging or any umpire from granting, under the machinery
herein provided, improvement of their situation in the matter of wages, hours of labor,
or other conditions as shall be found desirable from time to tim e.”
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[8561
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
21
In support of their contention the workers have cited the case of the shipyards,
where classification of trades and minimum wages have been granted. This is not a
parallel case to the situation in Bridgeport, because most of these shipyards were
created within the year, and their workers recruited to a large extent from organized
labor in the building and allied trades, in which trades classification and minimum
wage had long been recognized.
The Wright Martin Aircraft, The Bethlehem Steel, and The Worthington Pump
awards were made in plants that were practically under control of the Government.
The Government, having recognized classification and minimum wage in its arsenals
and navy yards, followed its own precedence in these cases.
In Bridgeport, however, we find these various shops and manufacturers operating
on war work direct or secondary, and on many other essential products, but under
such varied conditions of operation and contract that under the principles enunciated
above, and under the pronouncements made by the various governmental depart
ments and the Federation of Labor, I must deny the right to the worker to receive
at this time classification of trade and the minimum wage.
The representatives of the War I^abor Board have agreed that, in accordance with
the principles of the National War Labor Board, the right of employees to bargain
collectively is recognized and is guaranteed to the workers of Bridgeport. This
recognition admits that we have passed from the day of the individual to the day of
the group, and that the will of the group should have precedence over the will of the
individual.
The members of the National War Labor Board have also agreed that Bridgeport
should have a local board of mediation and conciliation of six members, three from
each side. They have also agreed that the War Labor Board shall appoint an examiner.
Here, then, we have the beginning of an organization which has been accepted by
the representatives of both sides on the War Labor Board, to map out a plan with the
aid of the employers and employees of Bridgeport, to introduce the principle of col
lective bargaining, and to provide ways and means for allaying the labor unrest due
largely to the dilution of labor which the war needs have made necessary.
It must be realized that, due to the complexity of conditions existing in the factories
and shops of Bridgeport, the element of time and care must enter, so that an equitable
proposition as between the parties at issue may result. I would designate a period
of six months, the report to be ready March 1, 1919.
In view of this decision, and in order to determine the compensation the workers in
these Bridgeport plants should receive, I find that the employers have submitted a
very comprehensive report, including the prewar wage scale, the scale as of June,
1918, and the percentage of increase in cost of living, and I hereby rule that the
increases offered by the employers for the workers in Bridgeport are fair and reasonable
and should be accented.
Aw ard.
1. M in im u m w a g e f o r m e n .—In no case shall any male employee 21 years of age or
over receive less than 42 cents per hour.
2. M in im u m w a g e f o r w o m e n .—In no case shall any female employee 18 years of
age or over receive less than 32 cents per hour, and where women are employed on
work ordinarily performed by men, they shall be accorded equal pay for equal work,
and must not be allotted tasks disproportionate to their strength.
In all cases where women perform the same work as men, their pay shall be the same.
3. H o u rs o f la b o r .—Eight hours shall constitute a day’s work. All time worked in
excess of a regular work day shall be considered overtime and paid for at the rate of
time and a half, but Sundays and holidays shall be paid for at the rate of double time.
The definition of what days constitute holidays shall be settled by the local board.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[857]
22
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
4. W age a d ju s tm e n t.— The following hourly wage rates are hereby decreed to apply
as of the date on which the award is effective:
Those receiving—
40 cents per hour shall be paid 46 cents per hour.
41 cents per hour shall be paid 47 cents per hour.
42 cents per hour shall be paid 48 cents per hour.
43 cents per hour shall be paid 49 cents per hour.
44 cents per hour shall be paid 50 cents per hour.
45 cents per hour shall be paid 51 cents per hour.
46 cents per hour shall be paid 52 cents per hour.
47 cents per hour shall be paid 52^ cents per hour.
48 cents per hour shall be paid 53 cents per hour.
49 cents per hour shall be paid 54 cents per hour.
50 cents per hour shall be paid 55 cents per hour.
51 cents per hour shall be paid 55^ cents per hour.
52 cents per hour shall be paid 56 J cents per hour.
53 cents per hour shall be paid 57i cents per hour.
54 cents per hour shall be paid 59 cents per hour.
55 cents per hour shall be paid 60 cents per hour.
56 cents per hour shall be paid 61 cents per hour.
57 cents per hour shall be paid 62 cents per hour.
58 cents per hour shall be paid 63 cents per hour.
59 cents per hour shall be paid 64 cents per hour.
60 cents per hour shall be paid 65 cents per hour.
61 cents per hour shall be paid 66 cents per hour.
62 cents per hour shall be paid '67 cents per hour.
63 cents per hour shall be paid 68 cents per hour.
64 cents per hour shall be paid 69 cents per hour.
65 cents per hour shall be paid 70 cents per hour.
66 cents per hour shall be paid 71 cents per hour.
67 cents per hour shall be paid 72 cents per hour.
68 cents per hour shall be paid 73 cents per hour.
69 cents per hour shall be paid 74J cents per hour.
70 cents per hour shall be paid 751 cents per hour.
71 cents per hour shall be paid 77 cents per hour.
72 cents per hour shall be paid 78 cents per hour.
73 cents per hour shall be paid 78 cents per hour.
74 cents per hour shall be paid 78 cents per hour.
75 cents per hour shall be paid 78 cents per hour.
76 cents per hour shall be paid 78 cents per hour.
77 cents per hour shall be paid 78 cents per hour.
No increase above 78 cents per hour.
5. N o re d u c tio n s . —The revision of wages provided for in this award shall in no case
operate to reduce wages or earnings of any employee.
6. C o lle c tiv e b a r g a in in g . —The right of the employees to bargain collectively is
recognized by the National War Labor Board; therefore the employees in the plants
shall be guaranteed this right.
7. L o c a l b o a rd . —A local board of mediation and conciliation, consisting of six mem
bers, shall be established, three members of which shall be selected by the employers
and three by the employees, for the purpose of bringing about agreements on disputed
issues not covered by this finding. In the event that the local board fails to bring
about an agreement, the points at issue shall be referred to the National War Labor
Board.
[858]
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
23
This local board shall be presided over by a chairman, who shall be selected by and
representative of the Secretary of War.
The examiner hereinafter provided for shall investigate all charges of discrimina
tion an,d shall report to the local board with the right to appeal to the National War
Labor Board.
8. M ilita r y e x e m p tio n . —Where the employers and companies through their officers,
or subordinates, or foremen,^have made improper use of the selective draft, it shall be
first referred to the local board, and by it referred to the War Department, for such
action as may be warranted by the facts and the law.
9. E x a m in e r . —The National War Labor Board shall detail an examiner to supervise
the application of this finding. The examiner shall hear any differences arising
between the parties in respect to this finding, and shall promptly render his decision,
from which an appeal may be taken by either party to the National War Labor Board.
Pending such an appeal, the decision of the examiner shall be enforced.
10. D u r a tio n . —This finding shall take effect in respect of the various companies as
specified in the following paragraph, and the award shall continue for the duration
of the war, except as either party may reopen the case before the arbitrators, at periods
of six months’ intervals, but in no event before February 1, 1919, for such adjustment
as changed conditions may render necessary. The companies shall have until October
1, 1918, to complete the back payments on wages herein awarded.
11. R e tro a c tiv e f e a tu r e . —This award is made retroactive until May 1, 1918, in the
case of the following companies:
Remington Arms; Union Metallic Cartridge Co. plant; Liberty Ordnance Co.;
American & British Manufacturing Co.; E. W. Carpenter Manufacturing Co.; Bradley
Machine Co.; Feeney Tool Co.; Bridgeport Die & Machine Co.; Bridgeport Gun Tool
Co.; J. Pederson Machine Co.; S. Lowe & Sons Co.; Lindstrom Tool Works; Electric
Compositor Co.; Fred G. Breul; International Tool & Gauge Co.; W. T. Smith Manu
facturing Co.; Anderson Die & Machine Co.; H .,E . Harris Engineering Co.; H. H.
Boushean; F. S. Trumbull;1 Modern Manufacturing Co.;1 Bridgeport Machine Tool
Co.;1 Precision Gauge & Tool Co.;1 BodreauCo.;1 F. C. Sanford Manufacturing Co.;1
Model Tool & Gauge Co.1
This award is made retroactive until June 26, 1918, in the case of the following
companies:
Locomobile Co. of America; American Tube & Stamping Co.; Singer Manufacturing
Co.; Bridgeport Brass Co.; A. H. Nilson Machine Co.; Connecticut Electric Manu
facturing Co.
This award is made retroactive until July 1, 1918, in the case of the following com
panies:
Bilton Machine & Tool Co.; Automatic Machine Co.; Holmes & Edwards Silver Co.;
Bridgeport Motor Co. (Inc.); Bridgeport Chain Co.; American Chain Co. (Inc.);
Bridgeport Coach Lace Co.; Eastern Malleable Iron Co.; Salts Textile Manu
facturing Co.; Bryant Electric Co.; Bridgeport Malleable Iron Works; Bridge
port Hardware Manufacturing Corporation; Bullard Machine Tool Co.; Bullard En
gineering Co.; Ashcroft Manufacturing Co.; Black Rock Manufacturing Co.; Bridge
port Metal Goods Manufacturing Co.; Raybestos Co.; Handy & Harmon; Bridgeport
Cutter Works (Inc.); Hamilton & De Loss (Inc.); Electric Cable Co.; Housatonic
Machine & Tool Co.; Coulter & McKenzie Machine Co.; Grant Manufacturing & Ma
chine Co.; Heppenstall Forge Co.; Blue Ribbon Body Co.; Harvey Hubbell (Inc.);
Standard Coupler Co.; Manufacturers Iron Foundry; Max-Arms-Machine Co.; Bridge
port Deoxidized Bronze & Metal Co.; Sprague Meter Co.; Remington Typewriter Co.
1 These companies were m entioned in th e Maj. Rogers investigation as involved in strike and investi
gation, b u t did n o t sign th e petition subm itting case to th e W ar Labor Board.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[859]
24
M ONTHLY
L A B O E R E V IE W .
LETTERS OF PRESIDENT TO EMPLOYERS AND TO STRIKING WORKMEN,
The umpire’s decision having been rejected by certain members of
the Bridgeport branches of the International Union of Machinists who
early in September instituted a strike against their employers, the
President on September 13 addressed the following letter to the striking
workmen requesting them immediately to return to work and abide
by the award of the National War Labor Board:
I am in receipt of your resolutions of September 6, announcing that you have begun
a strike against your employers in Bridgeport, Conn. You are members of the Bridge
port branches of the International Union of Machinists. As such, and with the
approval of the national officers of your union, you signed an agreement to submit
the questions as to the terms of your employment to the National War Labor Board
and to abide the award which in accordance with the rules of procedure approved by
me might be made.
The members of the board were not able to reach a unanimous conclusion on all
the issues presented, and as provided in its constitution, the questions upon which
they did not agree were carried before an arbitrator, the unanimous choice of the
members of the board.
The arbitrator thus chosen has made an award which more than 90 per cent of the
workers affected accept. You who constitute less than 10 per cent refuse to abide
the award although you are the best paid of the whole body of workers affected, and
are, therefore, least entitled to press a further increase of wages because of the high
cost of living. But, whatever merits of the issue, it is closed by the award. Your
strike against it is a breach of faith calculated to reflect on the sincerity of national
organized labor in proclaiming its acceptance of the principles and machinery of the
National War Labor Board.
If such disregard of the solemn adjudication of a tribunal to which both parties
submitted their claims be temporized with, agreements become mere scraps of paper.
If errors creep into awards, the proper remedy is submission to the award with an ap
plication for rehearing to the tribunal. But to strike against the award is disloyalty
and dishonor.
The Smith & Wesson Co., of Springfield, Mass., engaged in Government work, has
refused to accept the mediation of the National War Labor Board and has flaunted
its rules of decision approved by presidential proclamation. With my consent the
War Department has taken over the plant and business of the company to secure
continuity in production and to prevent industrial disturbance.1
It is of the highest importance to secure compliance with reasonable rules and
procedure for the settlement of industrial disputes. Having exercised a drastic
remedy with recalcitrant employers, it is my duty to use means equally well adapted
to the end with lawless and faithless employees.
Therefore, I desire that you return to work and abide by the award. If you refuse,
each of you will be barred from employment in any war industry in the community
in which the strike occurs for a period of one year. During that time the United
States Employment Service will decline to obtain employment for you in any war
industry elsewhere in the United States, as well as under the War and Navy Depart
ments, the Shipping Board, the Railroad Administration, and all other Government
agencies, and the draft boards will be instructed to reject any claim of exemption
based on your alleged usefulness on war production.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1For further reference to this subject see p. 27.
[SSO]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
25
To the management of the munition plants in Bridgeport the
President, upon being advised that the manufacturers had refused
to reinstate striking workers, communicated with them, under date
of September 17, in the following terms:
My attention has been called to the fact that several thousand machinists and others
employed in connection with war industries in Bridgeport, Conn., engaged in a strike
to obtain further concessions because they were not satisfied with the decision ren
dered by the umpire appointed under the authority conferred upon the National
War Labor Board. On the 13th instant, I communicated with the workmen engaged
in the strike, demanding that they accept the decision of the arbitrator and return to
work, and stated the penalties which would be imposed if they refused to do so. The
men at a meeting voted to return to work this morning, but I am informed by their
representative that- the manufacturers refuse to reinstate their former employees.
In view of the fact that the workmen have so promptly complied with my directions,
I must insist upon the reinstatement of all these men.
N A T IO N A L R E F IN IN G CO ., C O F F E Y V IL L E , K A N S .
On August 26 the National War Labor Board made an award
affecting the National Refining Co. and its employees at Coffeyville,
Kans. The grievances and demands in the latter case were: Repudia
tion of contracts between company and employees; discrimination
against union employees; refusal of company to meet or treat with
committee of employees; basic eight-hour day; overtime rates;
seniority rights of employees; increase in wages to provide living wage
scale and meet living conditions in that territory; travel expenses
and allowances for men away from home while on road and treatment
of men while on road; definition and classification of work; demand
for improved sanitary conditions, and demand for minimum-wage
scale.
After reciting briefly the history of the case leading up to its refer
ence to the National War Labor Board, the section of the board
handling the matter made the following wage award:
Occupation.
R ate per hour
(cents).
Boiler makers, machinists, and
blacksmiths.............................
Helpers........................................
Inspectors....................................
Carpenters...................................
Air-brake m en.............................
Running repair m en..................
Truck m en..................................
Steam fitters................................
Helpers........................................
Stillmen.......................................
Stillmen’s helpers.. ..................
Refrigerator engineers...............
Pressmen.....................................
Sweat-pan pumpers...................
75
65
72J
72!
72!
72J
62!
67!
57!
72!
62!
57J
57!
57!
Occupation.
Sweat-pan helpers..................
Barrelers.................................
Barrel ers’ helpers...................
Boiler-house firemen.............
Water tenders.........................
Boder washers........................
Filter-house pumpers............
Earth burners.........................
Earth burners’ helpers.........
Agitators treaters....................
Agitators treaters’ h elpers...
Acid-plant m en......................
Acid-plant helpers.................
Acid-plant straight day men.
[8611
WUUv
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Rate per hour
(cents).
50i
57-i
50J
62!
57!
52J
62i
57!
50-1
59.i
524
58i
54|
57!
26
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW,
LO ADING ROCK.
BARREL H O U SE.
R ate p e r ho u r
(cents).
Occupation.
Occupation.
R ate p e r hour
(cents).
62£
54^First m an.....................................
57^
50£ Second m an.................................
47£
50 Third m an...................................
50J
STOREROOM M E N .
52£
First
storeroom
keeper..............
57£
54£
50£
60£ Second storeroom keeper...........
57£
OIL T E S T E R S .
50|
42-^
47^ Oil testers....................................
32^
50£ Sample boys................................
59J
Pumpers........ .........................
G R E A SE W O R K S.
Gaugers........................................
50^
52^
Grease makers.............................
69£ Water drawers.............................
50J
Grease makers’ helpers..............
54£ Trap pumpers........................... .
95
Grease loaders....................
50£ Teamsters....................................
60
Grease work boys,beginning...
32J Painters.......................................
50^
Painters’
helpers......................
All local m en..............................
50£
Head oil casers....................
57J
STILL C L E A N E R S .
Head oil casers’ helpers...........
52£
R ate per still.
Truck drivers..............................1 $112. 50
Crude stills..................................
$6. 00
High pressure still cleaners----2 52£
COMPOUND D E PA R T M E N T .
Head filler.........................................
Filler helper................................
Barrel loader...............................
Barrel painter.............................
Barrel stenciler.................................
Barrel gluer.......................................
Head barrel loader.....................
Local m an...................................
Local man helpers......................
Barrel house car checkers.........
Head barrel loaders....................
Compounders....................................
Compounders’ helpers.....................
COKE STILL C L E A N E R S .
67J
57£Nov. 1 to Mar. 31........................
Apr. 1 to Oct. 31.........................
TARD M EN.
F lat rate.......................................
8. 50
10. 00
50J
Coopers shall be paid 55 cents per hour, provided that whenever a higher rate is paid
by the Sinclair Refining Co., either by voluntary action of th at company or under
finding or recommendation of this board, the same rate shall be paid coopers by the
National Refining Co.
The basic eight-hour day is established, with time and one-half for
all overtime worked and double time for Sundays and holidays, ex
cept in the case of shift men. The principles established by the
board as to collective bargaining and the discharge of employees were
made a part of the award.
POLLACK STEEL CO., CINCINNATI, OHIO.
On August 21 an award was announced in the controversy between
the Pollack Steel Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, and its employees over work
ing conditions, hours of labor, and wages. In this award a minimum
wage rate of 40 cents per hour is fixed for common labor as well as
skilled and unskilled labor and a bonus of 5 cents per hour higher
than the wages received by day workers is fixed for those working on
»Rate per hour.
» R ate per m onth.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[8621
27
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
the night shift-. The award takes effect as of April 1, 1918. The
following is the schedule of rates of wages:
DAY R A T E , A X L E SH O P.
ham m er n o
R ate per hour
Occupation.
(cents.)
Axle maker........................................... 89
H eater................................................... 86
Rougher................................................ 62
Crane tender........................................ 61
Fireman..............................
60
Hammer driver................................... 61
TO N N A G E R A TE, A X LE SH O P.
Axle maker...........................................
H eater.............................v ...................
Rougher................................................
Crane tender.........................................
Fireman................................................
Hammer driver...................................
H AM M ER N O .
73
69
50
49
48
49
10.
.
14—Concluded.
.
iv ttte
HAMMER NO. 11.
Hammerman........................................ 105
H eater................................................... 70
First stoker........................................... 45
Second stoker....................................... 40
Third stoker......................................... 40
Fourth stoker....................................... 40
Tailer.................................................... 41
Crane tender........................................ 40
Fireman................................................ 40
Pole pusher.......................................... 40
Hammer driver.................................... 40
Hammerman........................................ 92
60
HAMMER NO. 12.
H eater......................
First stoker.................................
42 Hammerman..................................
Second stoker....................................... 40 H eater...................................................
Tailer..................................................... 40 First stoker...........................................
Crane tender........................................ 40 Tailer...................... '............................
Fireman................................................ 40 Crane tender........................................
Pole pusher.......................................... 40 Fireman................................................
Hammer driver...... .. .......................... 40 Hammer driver....................................
H AM M ER N O .
14.
Hammerman........................................
H eater...................................................
72
55
iiu m
Occupation.
(cents.)
First stoker............................................. ,40
Crane tender......................................... 40
Hammer driver.................................... 40
Tool dresser..........................................
Blacksmith...................................
Blacksmith’s helper............................
72
50
40
40
40
40
40
70
60
45
All other tonnage, piecework, or day rates not herein specified shall be increased
fifteen (15) per cent.
SMITH & WIISSOH CO. PLANT TAKEN OVER BY THE GOVERNMENT.
In his letter to the striking workmen at Bridgeport1 the Presi
dent noted the fact that the War Department had, with his consent,
taken over the plant of Smith & Wesson Co., at Springfield, Mass.,
which has been engaged in Government work and which refused to
accept the mediation of the National War Labor Board. In its
decision, which was referred to in the September issue of the Monthly
L abor R eview , the War Labor Board recommended that the com
pany discontinue, for the period of the war, its practice of compelling
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
i See p. 24.
[863]
28
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
employees to sign individual contracts, one clause of which bound
the employees not to join a trade-union; that the right to join tradeunions be extended to the workers, and that a system of collective
bargaining be established in the Smith & Wesson plant. Under the
operation of such a system the workers elect shop committees to
represent them in negotiations with the employer on all questions of
industrial relations. The demand of the workers for a 25 per cent
increase in pay was not conceded in the recommendation, it being
stated that the question of wages could best be worked out through
the operation of the collective-bargaining system.
In connection with the President’s announcement of Government
control of the Smith & Wesson Co. plant, the War Department issued
a statement referring to the recommendations of the War Labor
Board, in which it said:
These recommendations were duly approved by tlie War Labor Board, and it
became the duty of the Smith & Wesson Co., as well as its employees, to comply.
The workers have indicated their willingness to do so, but the company demurred
on the ground that it had not agreed to submit any of its legal rights to the War Labor
Board for determination and that to comply with the award would be to abandon
methods upon which it had built its business to a high state of efficiency. Further,
in its letter rejecting the War Labor Board’s findings, it said:
“ The Smith & Wesson Co. sees no reason why it should abandon its lawful and
legitimate method of doing business known and proved by it to be conducive to
industrial peace and high efficiency for the fantastic method outlined by the War
Labor Board in its recommendations for dealing with its employees.”
A strike at the Smith & Wesson plant involving demands for collective bargaining,
the right to join trade-unions, and the elimination of the individual contract were
the direct cause of Government intervention in the controversy between the com
pany and its employees.
The language employed by the company in the foregoing paragraph was held to
be calculated to induce other employers to avoid the jurisdiction of the War Labor
Board and to defeat the object of the President in its creation, and the company’s
general attitude toward the reasonable findings of the board was deemed such as
might be expected to disturb industry and to interfere with production.
The recommendations contained in the War Labor Board’s findings are in thorough
accord with the principles and policies to govern industrial relations for the period
of the war promulgated by the President and made the constitution of the War Labor
Board. These principles and policies were adopted by duly selected representatives
of organized employers and workers of the United States. I t is the policy of the
War Department to give effect to the decisions of the War Labor Board in all cases
coming under the jurisdiction of the department.
CLASSIFICATION OF WAR INDUSTRIES TO FACILITATE DISTRIBUTION
OF LABOR AND MATERIALS.
On September 3 the War Industries Board prepared and issued a
preference lis t1 of industries and plants which is put out as the
1 W ar In d u stries Board, priorities division, Circular No. 20, Preference L ist No. 2, issued Septem ber 3,
1918. (Superseding Preference L ist No. 1, issued A pr. 6, 1918, and all am endm ents and supplem ents
thereto.)
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[864]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
29
master key governing the flow of basic industrial elements to the in
dustries essential to the war program. It supersedes all previous
listings and is regarded as the basis for industrial exemption from
the draft, and as the governing factor in the distribution of labor,
capital, facilities, materials, transportation, and fuel. The priori
ties division has grouped major industries according to their relative
importance into four classes, consideration being given in this group
ing to these factors: (1) Intrinsic importance of the product for use
during the war and the urgency of the demand or the use to which
it is to be put; (2) necessity for maintaining or stimulating and in
creasing the total quantity of production; (3) proportion of the ca
pacity of the industry or plant devoted to the production of essen
tial products. Each industry or plant is given a class number.
Circular No. 20, announcing the reasons for making such classifi
cation and including an alphabetical list of the industries so grouped
is as follows:
The President has placed upon the chairman of the War Industries Board the
responsibility for determining and administering all priorities in production and
delivery. The determination of the relative importance of all industries and plants
for both production and delivery by a single agency renders it possible to reasonably
maintain a well balanced program with respect to the several factors entering into
production, which include (a) plant facilities, (6) fuel supply or electric energy, or
both, (c) supply of raw materials and finished products, (d ) labor, and (e) transporta
tion by rail, water, pipe lines, or otherwise. Without all of these—speaking genera ’ly—production is impossible.
In compliance with the directions of the President that plans be formulated”whereby
there may be “ common, consistent, and concerted action” in carrying into effect all
priority policies and decisions, the chairman of the War Industries Board has created
a priorities board, with the priorities commissioner of the War Industries Board as
chairman, consisting of (1) the chairman of the War Industries Board, (2) the priorities
commissioner, (3) a member of the Railroad Administration, (4) a member of the
United States Shipping Board Emergency Fleet Corporation, (5) a member of the War
Trade Board, (6) a member of the Food Administration, (7) a member of the Fuel
Administration, (8) a representative of the War Department, (9) a representative of
the Navy«Department, (10) a member of the Allied Purchasing Commission, and (11)
the chairman of the War Labor Policies Board.
The decisions of the priorities board are subject to review only by the chairman of
the War Industries Board and by the President.
For the guidance of all governmental agencies and all others interested in (1) the
production and supply of fuel and electric energy, (2) in the supply of labor, and (3)
in the supply of transportation service by rail, water, pipe lines, or otherwise, in so
far as such service contributes to production of finished products, the accompanying
designated Preference List No. 2 has been adopted by the priorities board superseding
Preference List No. 1 adopted April 6, 1918, and all amendments and supplements
thereto.
Where advisable industries as such have been classified and listed. In numerous
instances individual plants have been found to be entitled to preference, although the
industries to which they belong are not; and in other instances where an industry as
such has been accorded a degree of preference particular plants in such industry have
82G17°— 18------ 3
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[865]
30
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
been placed in a higher class. This has necessitated classifying and listing not only
industries as such but to a limited extent individual plants, some of which are accorded
a higher rating than that accorded the listed industry to which they belong.
The preference list is made up of industries and plants which in the public interest
are deemed entitled to preferential treatment. The inclusion of these industries and
plants on this list does not operate as an embargo against all others, but the effect is
to defer the requirements of all other industries and plants until the requirements of
those on the preference list shall have been satisfied.
In the compilation of this list industries and plants have been divided according to
their relative importance into four classes, viz, Class I, Class II, Class III, and Class
IV. In determining such relative importance consideration and weight have been
given not solely to any one, but to all of the following factors: (1) The intrinsic im
portance of the product itself for use during the War, and the urgency, as measured
by time, of the demand or of the use to which it is to be put; (2) the necessity for
maintaining or stimulating and increasing the total quantity of production, which in
turn depends largely upon the relation of the supply to the demand for essential uses
(3) the proportion of the capacity of the industry or plant which is devoted to the
production of the essential product.
W'here it is imperative not only to maintain but to stimulate and increase production
to satisfy abnormal demands created by war requirements a high rating is necessary
even though the intrinsic importance of the product may be less than that of other
products placed in a lower classification due to the fact that the supply of such other
products equals the demand without the stimulus of high priority. Where it is neces
sary to speed the production of a particular product required at a particular time to
carry into effect an important program, a high priority is given, although changing
conditions may thereafter suggest and demand a reclassification. Certain plants pro
duce commodities of great relative importance, but at the same time produce other
commodities of less relative importance, and under such circumstances consideration
and weight is given to the ratio of production between the more important and less
important commodities. Instances occasionally arise where individual plants are
given preference so long as they are rendering, and so long as it is in the public interest
th at the / should render, a particular service, even though, taking the country as a
whole, the supply of their product is ample to meet all demands.
No distinction has been made between any of the industries or plants within any
one class, and no significance attaches to the order in which industries and plants are
listed within any class.
The industries and plants grouped under Class I are only such as are of exceptional
importance in connection with the prosecution of the war. Their requirements must
be fully satisfied in preference to those of the three remaining classes.
•
Requirements of industries and plants grouped under Class II, Class III, and Class
IV shall have precedence over those not appearing on the preference list. As between
these three classes, however, there shall be no complete or absolute preference. The
division into classes is for the purpose of presenting a composite picture of the relative
importance of the industries and plants embraced within each group. It is not
intended that the requirements of Class II shall be fully satisfied before supplying
any of the requirements of Class III, or that those of Class I II shall be fully satisfied
before supplying any of those of Class IV. The classification does, however, indicate
that the industries and plants grouped in Class II are relatively more important than
those in Class I II and that those in Class I I I are relatively more important than those
in ('lass IV. It will often happen that after satisfying the requirements of Class I the
remaining available supply will be less than the aggregate requirements of the other
three classes, in which event such supply will be rationed to the industries and plants
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[866]
M O NTHLY LABOE BEVIEW.
31
embraced within those classes. In determining a basis for such rationing the relative
importance of each industry and plant, according to its class rating, must be considered.
It has been found impracticable to prescribe for rationing purposes any general and
uniform rule or formula, but the priorities board will from time to time, after conference
and in cooperation with each of the several governmental agencies charged with the
distribution thereof, determine particular principles, values, and methods of applica
tion which may be followed in allocating fuel, power, transportation, and labor,
respectively, to the end that proper recognition and weight may as far as practicable
in each case be given to the relative importance of Class II, Class III, and Class IY.
1 ach plant listed as such shall not later than the 15th of each month file with the
secretary of the priorities board, Washington, D. C., a report on P. L. Form No. 3
(a supply of which will be furnished on application) covering its activities during
the preceding month. Any plant failing to file such report will be dropped from the
preference list.
Priorities in the supply and distribution of raw materials, semifinished products,
and finished products shall be governed by Circular No. 4, issued by the priorities
division of the War Industries Board, under date of July 1, 1918, and all amendments
and supplements thereto or substitutes therefor.
The term “ principally” as used in listing industries shall be construed to mean
plants whose output is not less than 75 per c^nt of the products mentioned.
This preference list shall be amended or revised from time to time by action of
the priorities board to meet changing conditions. The priorities commissioner shall,
under the direction of and with the approval of the priorities board, certify additional
classes of industries and also .certify additional plants whose operations as a war
measure entitle them to preference treatment, which industries and plants when
so certified shall be automatically included in the preference list.
I n d u s t r ie s .
Agricultural implements. See Farm implements.
Class
Aircraft: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing aircraft or aircraft sup
plies and equipm ent................................................................................................
p
Ammunition: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing same for the
United States Government and the Allies..........................................................
p
Army and Navy: Arsenals and navy yards..............................................................
X
Army and Navy: Cantonments and camps..............................................................
p
Arms (small): Plants engaged principally in manufacturing same for the
United States Government and the Allies..........................................................
p
Bags: Hemp, jute, and cotton—plants engaged principally in manufacturing
same............................................................................................................................
py
Blast furnaces (producing pig iron)...........................................................................
p
Boots and shoes: Plants engaged exclusively in manufacturing same.................
IV
Brass and copper: Plants engaged principally in rolling, and drawing copper,
brass, and other copper alloys in the form of sheets, rods, wire, and tu b es...
II
Buildings. See Public institutions and buildings.
Chain: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing iron and steel chain........
Ill
Chemicals: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing chemicals for the
production of military and naval explosives, ammunition, and aircraft, and
use in chemical warfare......................................................................................
p
Chemicals: Plants, not otherwise classified and listed, engaged principally in
manufacturing chemicals.........................................................................................
py
Coke: Plants engaged principally in producing metallurgical coke and by
products, including toluol....................
I
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[867]
32
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
Class.
Coke: Plants, not otherwise classified and listed, producing same......................
Copper and brass. See Brass and copper.
Cotton: Plants engaged in the compression of cotton.............................................
Cotton textiles. See Textiles.
Cranes: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing locomotive or traveling
cranes.........................................................................................................................
(The term “ principally” means 75 per cent of the products mentioned.)
Domestic consumers: Fuel and electric energy for residential consumption,
including homes, apartment houses, residential flats, restaurants, and hotels.
Domestic consumers: Fuel and electric energy not otherwise specifically listed.
Drugs: Medicines and medical and surgical supplies, plants engaged principally
in manufacturing same............................................................................................
Electrical equipment: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing sam e...'..
Explosives: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing same for military and
naval purposes for the United States Government and the Allies...............
Explosives: Plants, not otherwise classified or listed, engaged principally in
manufacturing same........................................
Farm implements: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing agricultural
implements and farm-operating equipment........ .*...............................................
Feed: Plants engaged principally in preparing or manufacturing feed for live
stock and poultry.....................................................................................................
Ferro alloys: Plants engaged principally in producing ferrochrome, ferroman
ganese, ferromolybdenum, ferrosilicon, ferrotungsten, ferrouranium, ferrovanadium, and ferrozirconium...............................................................................
Fertilizers: Plants engaged principally in producing same..................................
Firebrick: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing same...........................
Foods: Plants engaged principally in producing, milling, refining, preserving,
refrigerating, wholesaling, or storing food for human consumption embraced
within the following description: All cereal and cereal products, meats, in
cluding poultry, fish, vegetables, fruit, sugar, sirups, glucose, butter, eggs,
cheese, milk and cream, lard, lard compounds, oleomargarine, and other sub
stitutes for butter or lard, vegetable oils, beans, salt, coffee, baking powder;
soda and yeast; also ammonia for refrigeration.................. .................................
Foods: Plants engaged principally in producing, milling, preparing, refining,
preserving, refrigerating, or storing food for human consumption not other
wise specifically listed; excepting herefrom plants producing confectionery,
soft drinks, and chewing gum................................................................................
Food containers: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing same..........,___
Foundries (iron) ; Plants engaged principally in the manufacture of gray iron
and malleable iron castings............................................................................. .......
Fungicides. See Insecticides and fungicides.
Gas. See Oil and gas; also Public utilities.
Guns (large): Plants engaged principally in manufacturing same for the United
States and the Allies................................................................................................
Hospitals. See Public institutions and buildings.
Ice: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing same.......................................
Insecticides and fungicides : Plants engaged principally in manufacturing same.
Laundries......................................................................................................................
Machine tools: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing same....................
Medicines. See Drugs and medicines.
Mines : Coal................................................................................................................
Mines: Producing metals and ferroalloy minerals..................................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 868 ]
II
IV
II
I
Ill
IV
Ill
I
Ill
IV
I
II
IV
IV
I
Ill
IV
IV
I
Ill
IV
IV
II
I
II
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
Mines : Plants engaged principally in manufacturing mining tools or equipm ent.
Navy. See Army and Navy.
Navy Department. See War and Navy Departments.
Newspapers and periodicals: Plants engaged principally in printing newspapers
or periodicals which are entered at the post office as second-class mail matter
Oil and gas: Plants engaged principally in producing oil or natural gas for fuel,
or for mechanical purposes, including refining or manufacturing oil for fuel, or
for mechanical purposes...........................................................................................
Oil and gas: Pipe lines and pumping stations engaged in transporting oil or
natural gas.................................................. .............................................................
Oil and gas: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing equipment or sup
plies for producing or transporting oil or natural gas, or for refining and manu
facturing oil for fuel or for mechanical purposes..................................................
Paper and pulp. See Pulp and paper.
Periodicals. See Newspapers and periodicals.
Public institutions and buildings (maintenance and operation of) other than
hospitals and sanitariums........................................................................................
Public institutions and buildings (maintenance and operation of) used as hos
pitals or sanitariums..............................................
Public utilities: Gasplants producingtoluol...........................................................
Public utilities: Street railways, electric lighting and power companies, gas
plants and not otherwise classified, telephone and telegraph companies, watersupply companies, and like general utilities........................................................
Public utilities: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing equipment for
railways or other public utilities...........................................................................
Pulp and paper: Plants engaged exclusively in manufacturing same.................
Railways: Operated by Unites States Railroad Administration...........................
Railways: Not operated by United States Railroad Administration (excluding
those operated as plant facilities)...........................................................................
Railways (street). See Public utilities.
Rope. See Twine and rope.
Rope wdre. See Wire rope.
Sanitariums. See Public institutions and buildings.
Ships (maintenance and operation of): Excluding pleasure craft not common
carriers.......................................1..............................................................................
Ships: Plants engaged principally in building ships, excluding (a) pleasure
craft not common carriers, (b) ships not built for the United States Govern
ment or the Allies nor under license from United States Shipping Board___
Soap: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing same.....................................
Steel-making furnaces: Plants engaged solely in manufacturing ingots and
steel castings by the open-hearth, Bessemer, crucible, or electric-furnace
process, including blooming mills, billet mills, and slabbing mills for sam e..
Steel-plate m ills.............................................
Steel-rail mills: Rolling rails, 50 or more pounds per yard....................................
Steel : All plants operating steel rolling and drawing mills, exclusive of those
taking higher classification......................................................................................
Surgical supplies. See Drugs and medicines.
Tanners: Plants engaged principally in tanning leather.......................................
Tanning: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing tanning extracts...........
Textiles: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing cotton textiles, in
cluding spinning, weaving, and finishing.............................................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[869]
33
Class.
Ill
IV
I
I
I
I ll
HI
I
I
II
II
IV
I
II
j
i
IV
I
I
II
HI
IV
IV
IV
34
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
Textiles: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing woolen textiles, including spinners, top makers, and weavers............. ....................... ...........................
Textiles: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing cotton or woolen knit
goods......................................................................
Textiles: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing textile machinery.........
Tin plates: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing same...........................
Tobacco: Only for preserving, drying, curing, packing, and storing same—not
for manufacturing and marketing...........................................................................
Toluol. See Coke; also Public utilities.
Tools: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing small or hand tools for
working wood or m etal.............................................................................................
Twine (binder and rope): Plants engaged principally in manufacturing sam e..
War and Navy Departments: Construction work conducted by either the War
Department or the Navy Department of the United States in embarkation
ports, harbors, fortified places, flood-protection operations, docks, locks,
channels, inland waterways and in the maintenance and repair of same.......
Wire rope and rope wire: Plants engaged principally in manufacturing sam e..
Woolen textiles. See Textiles.
(The term “ principally” means 75 per cent of the products mentioned.)
Class.
IV
IV
IV
Ill
IV
Ill
IV
II
II
NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME OF GREAT BRITAIN.
At the outset of the war the necessity for coordinating all the
industrial forces of the nation so that labor could be mobilized and
placed where it is most needed was not fully realized, partly because
the extent of the war and new methods of warfare could not be fore
seen and partly through a lack of realization of the degree of depend
ency of the armed forces on the industry of the country for a suc
cessful prosecution of the war. Little thought was given in the rush
to enlist in the opening months of the war to the necessity for main
taining a sufficient supply of skilled labor for the essential industries,
and as a result many men who could have done better service outside
the army were lost to industry while many of those outside should
have been in khaki. With the adoption of compulsory service, with
a few exceptions, for men between the ages of 18 and 41, efforts were
directed toward safeguarding the personnel of those branches of
industry which were essential to the carrying on of military and naval
operations. One of the first evidences of official recognition of this
fact is found in the decision of the Cabinet in August, 1916, to estab
lish a man-power distribution board whose functions should be to
make a survey of the whole field of possible supply and advise the
Cabinet as to its most economical means of employment. In Decem
ber, 1916, Mr. Lioyd-George announced, in connection with other
changes, as an important feature of his new program, the adoption of
the principle of universal national service. His plan was to schedule
industries according to their essential character during the war in
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 870 ]
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
35
order to set labor free from nonessential industries so that it could
at once be enrolled for war work.
In February, 1917, the Ministry of National Service bill was intro
duced and became a law March 28, 1917. The purpose of this act
was “ to make the best use of all persons, whether men or women,
able to work in any industry, occupation, or service.”
Mr. Neville Chamberlain, who was the first head of the department,
found the situation demanded the further release of men for the army
from munition work, the increase of men in agricultural labor, and
increase in the industrial output. Difficulties and delays were met
with, because of the lack of definite agreements between different
Government departments concerned, and because of a general mis
understanding as to the purpose of the National Service Department.
In response to the appeal by the National Service Department about
400,000 enrolled as national service volunteers. This appeal to all
kinds of workers to enroll gave the impression, however, that many
desirable positions at profitable wages were available and that the
department was in effect a great national employment agency.
Much useful work was done in spite of this misapprehension, the most
important of which was placing on the land, at a critical time, its own
national service volunteers, both men and women, and about 60,000
soldiers temporarily released from the army. The department
succeeded in establishing the cooperation of employers and employees
through the trade committees, but the defect in the system was the
failure to place administrative responsibility for recruiting with the
department.
In August, 1917, therefore, the War Cabinet decided upon com
plete reconstruction, and in October Sir Auckland Geddes, K. C. B.,M. P., was designated to fill the office of minister of national service
and at once took up the task of uniting the recruiting and national
service organizations into a single “man-power department.”
The functions of the Ministry of National Service, as determined
by the War Cabinet, briefly summed up, are as follows:
To review the whole field of man power and to have this informa
tion available at all times; to provide for the transfer from civil work
not of primary importance or from the army, navy, or air service
such numbers of men as are necessary for urgent national work; to
determine, subject to the approval of the War Cabinet, the relative
importance of different branches of civil work and to prepare from
time to time such lists of reserved occupations as are necessary for
the maintenance of essential public services and the preservation of a
nucleus of civil occupations and industries; to obtain for the military
forces such men as can be withdrawn from civil life without detriment
to essential industries of all kinds, and to determine the physical
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 871 ]
36
M ONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW.
fitness of such men and to provide where necessary for substitution
of labor for these men’s services.
The department was originally divided into eight sections—labor
supply, medical, recruiting, registration, trade exemptions, statistics,
finance, and the secretariat. Advisory boards were appointed for
the first four sections named and recently the registration and
statistical divisions have been united in a single section called the
recording department.
WAR WORK VOLUNTEERS.
The new scheme for enrolling war work volunteers was taken
up by the new ministry. Up to this time there had been various
agencies used for securing the labor required in essential indus
tries, such as the War Munitions Volunteers and the Army Reserve
Munition Workers, organizations of the Ministry of Munitions, and
the Substitution Volunteer Scheme started by the Ministry of
National Service for obtaining men from the less essential trades
through the committees of employers and workmen. From Novem
ber 1, 1917, no further national service volunteers were enrolled under
the last-named scheme but those who had already been transferred
to work of national importance were retained in their places until the
expiration of their agreements. If they were required for a new job
they were given an opportunity to enroll as war work volunteers.
Any national service volunteers who had not been transferred to
work of national importance were released from their obligations.
The war work volunteer scheme aims to meet the urgent requirements
for labor on work of national importance which may arise from time
to time. The war work volunteers sign an enrollment form on which
they agree to undertake work of national importance either for the
duration of a particular job or for a year. There are three categories
of war work volunteers^—trade, general, and special. Those in the
general class volunteer for a yeajr and the special and trade classes
volunteer for a specific job. Professional men (other than medical
men) are not asked to enroll as war work volunteers but offers of work
from them are dealt with by the professional and business register
organized by the Ministry of Labor in connection with the Ministry
of National Service.
War work volunteers on transfer receive the rate of wages they
were receiving before transfer or the time rate of the district to
which they are removed, whichever is higher, and in the former
case the difference is recoverable by the employer from the Ministry
of National Service. In certain instances a subsistence allowance
not to exceed 2s. 6d. (61 cents) daily is given, and if the worker is
within daily traveling distance a traveling allowance is granted, or
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[872]
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
37
if he is at a greater distance from home he is given a free railway
warrant at the beginning and end of employment. Volunteers under
certain conditions may claim out-of-work allowance at the rate of
3s. 6d. (85 cents) a day, these allowances being paid by the Ministry
of National Service through the employment exchanges.
D IL U T IO N AND D IS T R IB U T IO N .
Statistics as to the present man power of Great Britain are with
held by the Ministry of Munitions, but an idea of the extent to
wnich women have taken the place of men can be gained from the
fact that in January, 1918, more than 4,740,000 women were working
for pay, of whom 1,442,000 directly replaced men. These figures do
not include the 45,000 or more women employed in military, naval,
or Red Cross hospitals, or domestic servants. Alien and prison
'abor has as far as possible been utilized. It has been a somewhat
difficult matter to handle since many have the feeling that it is taking
work from the home workers, but under present conditions when
every available worker is needed it has been possible to place prac
tically all of them upon work of national importance. Protection
has been afforded to proprietors of businesses who have been called
to the colors by requiring any person wishing to start in business to
take out a license, which has enabled the authorities to prevent
aliens from securing the trade of these men.
A division has been formed for the purpose of dealing with the
technical matters pertaining to the turning to practical account
of the man and woman power. The staff is made up of qualified
engineers and of women experienced in the subjects with which
they deal. Its purpose is to provide for dilution of industries which
are not covered by other Government departments and to fix stand
ards which shall insure the proper proportional employment of
skilled, semiskilled, discharged soldiers, women, and other abor.
This is accomplished by direct investigations where necessary and
by use of all existing data, so that standards which are fair to all
factories may be set. These standards are used in determining
whether demands of firms for labor should be granted. This work
is carried on in close cooperation with the production departments
of the Government, so that while labor is safeguarded an adequate
supply of products is also insured. Standards insuring the proper
output are also set by the division and dilution is carried out in those
ndustries, some of the largest in the country, which are not covered
by the Labor Department and other ministries.
Two priority committees have been set up to control the placing
of labor. One, the War Priority Committee, consists of. Gen. Smuts,
the First Lord of the Admiralty, the Secretary of State for War, the
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1873]
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
38
Minister of Munitions, the Secretary of State for Air Service, and
the Minister of National Service, who decide what are the most
urgent industrial needs. This committee is limited to industrial
employment of man power; that is, it determines where labor is to be
employed. The other priority committee is the national labor
priority committee of the Ministry of National Service. Its func
tion is to carry out through the employment exchanges 1 and trade
committees the instructions of the War Priority Committee. In 1917
there were 731,000 vacancies for men and 804,000 for women filled
through the employment exchanges.
The problem of one-man businesses has been a serious one, and
the effort has been made as far as possible not to destroy them.
In cases where it is absolutely impossible to secure anyone to take
charge the practice is to exempt a man, especially if he is in one of
the lower medical grades—that is, grades 2 or 3, from which men
are not taken for general military service, provided he will under
take part-time work of national importance. This part-time work
will as far as possible on the part of men thus exempted take the
form of assuming the task of running other one-man businesses
. from which the owners have been withdrawn. Committees are set
up in each district to settle details on which the scheme can be
carried out.
The schemes developed in a number of towns in connection with
this question, with the object of releasing all the men possible for
service, are interesting. In one borough in Kent all the grocers
signed a resolution agreeing to carry on the business of any man
then engaged in the grocery trade who should be called to service,
the owner of the business to choose one of the number to manage it,
while an assistant to do the manual work should be hired. Nearly
all the other industries in the town had similar schemes. In another
city all those engaged in the boot-repairing trade formed a limited
liability company with a small working capital. An empty factory
was taken over and each man was allowed 10 per cent as rental on
the value of his machine. If a boot repairer joins the colors his
wife takes the boots from the customers and the association collects
and repairs them and returns them again to the woman, who receives
about 12^ per cent on the transaction, amounting to an average of
$10 per week. The results of the scheme, in addition to the preserva
tion of the business of those in the service, have been better working
conditions and increased profits for the men. The problem of cross
deliveries in milk—that is, many carts on one street—has been met by
dividing the city into districts, the sellers exchanging customers
1 See M onthly L abor R e v ie w for September, 1918, pp. 304 to 309.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[874]
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
39
among themselves with the condition that if a man goes outside of
his district he goes into the Army. Part-time labor organized by means of part-time committees is
being used in increasing degrees. In the section about Liverpool
there were in July more than 100 committees formed to deal with
this phase of labor recruiting. The chief use to which part-time
labor is put is agriculture, but it may be used in salvage of otherwise
waste materials, in work in connection with munitions and airplane
construction, public services such as tram driving and street clean
ing, coal delivery, and volunteer organizations such as the Red Cross,
Y. M. C. A., and similar organizations. One munition factory in
Liverpool is run entirely by part-time labor and the manager stated
that the output was as good at least as other factories. It is impos
sible for the ministry to set up complete machinery for dealing
with part-time labor, as it would involve a large organization and
time to get the scheme under way. The most satisfactory way
seemed, therefore, to be to decentralize the work of organization down
to each town and village and results seem to have justified that de
cision.
CURTAILMENT OF NONESSENTIAL INDUSTRIES.
It has been necessary to a great extent, in order to keep the neces
sary supply of men for the fighting forces and for the essential indus
tries, that the nonessential industries should be reduced. The
future, however, had to be considered and it was not considered
advisable in view of the necessity for meeting trade conditions after
the war to crush out all businesses which are not strictly necessary
during the war. A certain amount of manufacturing for export is
also necessary in order to pay for imports. It is difficult to draw
the line absolutely between essential and nonessential industries
since the by-products of many nonessential industries are important
war goods, as, for example, soap making and silk manufacture,
which involve the manufacture of glycerine so essential for explosives
and silk waste used in detonating bags. The general policy of the
Government has been not to interfere directly with any industry
unless direct advantage could be foreseen and the method of curtailing
industries has been negative rather than positive since the usual
method has been to reduce supplies of raw material either by reducing
imports or by withholding materials, to restrict the output or the
hours worked, and to draw on the labor supply for work of material
importance. The building and allied trades are almost the only
ones in which strict control has been exercised, this largely because
normally a great many men are employed on them and because
building, except on Government work, can to a large measure be
deferred until the close of the war. No building work exceeding an
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[875]
40
M ONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW.
estimated cost of £500 ($2,433.25) is allowed without special per
mission from the .Government.
EXEMPTIONS.
The reserved occupations committee is one of the important advi
sory bodies connected with the Ministry of National Service. Its
formation dates from the latter part of 1915 when the first attempt
to hold a balance between the needs of the army and the supply of
men necessary for vital production was made.
The occupations included in the reserved, certified, and protected
lists of occupations have changed from time to time as the needs
of the army have necessitated modifications either in the occupa
tions exempted or in the age limits. It has been the practice of the
committee, however, to endeavor to make its decisions involve a
minimum of disturbance or dislocation to the trades while securing
the required number of men for the army. In order to carry out this
policy the committee has remained in almost constant session so
that it could keep in the closest possible touch with industries which
were constantly changing as a result of the direct and indirect influ
ences of the war.
The considerations guiding the committee in making decisions as
to the extent of reservation in any trade or industry are as follows:
(1) The importance of each industry for the equipment of the
forces.
(2) The importance of each industry for the vital needs of the
civil population.
(3) The extent to which each industry is engaged in the export
trade, and the extent to which valuable exports can be maintained
without considerable reservation.
(4) The extent to which each industry is producing necessary
articles which would otherwise have to be imported.
(5) The extent to which industries are “ pivotal,” i. e., occupa
tions in which relatively few men are employed, but those few indis
pensable to the working of a much larger number of other work
people. In many trades the reservations relate almost exclusively
to such occupations.
(6) The extent to which an occupation needs skill that can only
be slowly acquired. Apart from a very few exceptional cases, no
protection is accorded to laborers engaged on purely unskilled jobs,
or even to men forming a technical class if there seems to be a possi
bility of substituting other workpeople.
The possibility of the substitution of women for men is always
carefully considered and no occupation is reserved, however import
ant, until the committee is satisfied that the substitution of women
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[876]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
41
is impossible or that all the women available have been used. After
the first readjustment of industry to the new conditions it was found
that some general alterations could be made in the rules. In order
not to shield men who might have entered an industry to escape
military service, the date of their entrance as a reason for exemption
was set back to August 15, 1915. An age limit, at first only for single
men but later for married men, was introduced and the rule was
established that men should be taken from certified occupations for
general service only.
The schedule of protected occupations which came into effect May
7, 1917, has been revised so as to make available for general service
all men medically classified as fit below the age of 23, whatever their
occupation, with the exception of a few classes engaged in hull con
struction and repair. As this “ clean cut” would not provide a
sufficient number of grade 1 men for the army, a higher age has been
fixed in certain occupations below which grade 1 men are recruited.
The schedule does not confer the right of exemption from military
service if a man is medically classified as fit for general military
service unless he satisfies all the following conditions:
(a) Is engaged in Admiralty, war office, or munitions work, or in
a railway workshop, or if not so engaged is enrolled as a war muni
tions volunteer;
(b) Is employed in a scheduled occupation;
(c) Had on January 1, 1917, attained the age set out in the sched
ule as governing his occupation; and
(d) Entered the scheduled occupation (not necessarily with the
same employer) on or before August 15, 1915; or
(e) Alternatively to (d ) if the occupation is marked (a) in the
schedule of protected occupations, entered the occupation (not
necessarily with the same employer), before January 1 , 1918.
If a man is medically classified lower than grade 1 he must satisfy
all tha above conditions except (c), and if he neglects or refuses to
present himself for medical examination he will be regarded for the
purpose of the schedule as being medically classified as grade 1.
Men engaged in certain classes of Government work and in Gov
ernment departments, especially the contract branch of the War Office,
rely on the tribunals and the observance of the provisions of the list of
certified occupations for necessary protection in a number of important
industries. But for purposes of exemption any such occupation must
be the man’s principal and usual occupation. The inclusion of an
occupation in the list does not automatically exempt the individual
workmen, but it is necessary for each man if he is to be exempted
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1877]
42
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
to be in possession of an individual certificate of exemption secured
from the proper tribunal.
Certain other lists of reserved occupations are prepared from time to
time with such age and other limitations as are necessary to secure
the maintenance of essential public services. Bad timekeeping on
the part of any man is sufficient cause for removing the protection
afforded him by the protected or certified occupation lists, as it is
expected that if a man is exempted as being in an essential occupa
tion he will give satisfactory service in the industry in which he is
employed.
Certain occupations which are not considered essential are put in
the restricted list and employment of men between the ages of 18
and 61 is prohibited. This is accomplished by forbidding any
employer to employ such men in the trades listed except—
(a) With the consent of the Director General of National Service
for the purpose of expediting a Government contract.
(b) In the case of the employer having previously agreed to take
back into employment men who left his service to join the forces.
(c) By requiring any employee in the classified list to give priority
to work directly or indirectly required by the Government and by
requiring compliance with any directions given by the Director
General of National Service in connection with the restricted occupa
tions order.
From the fact that an occupation is on the restricted list it is con
sidered that exemption should seldom need to be asked for. Occa
sionally, however, it is advisable to allow the employment of a sub
stitute and in that case no man not in one of the lower medical grades
or one who has been examined by a recruiting medical board and not
accepted for service may be employed.
The application of age limits allowed the committee to withdraw
gradually the protection afforded to industry, which had the effect
of securing men for the army and yet gave manufacturers time to
adjust themselves.
The trade exemptions department, with which the reserved occu
pations committee is connected, has charge of all questions of recruit
ing from the point of view of industry, and considers all claims both
from groups and from individuals. The work of this department is
closely allied with that of the recruiting department. A decided
change was inaugurated with the withdrawal of recruiting from the
control of the War Office, as the recommendations of the trade exemp
tions department are now considered as orders where formerly they were
considered as requests which were acted upon or not at the discretion
of the War Office. In theory the change is greater than it is in reality,
as there had been little friction between the two departments, the
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 878 ]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
43
greatest benefit resulting from the change being that there are
increased opportunities for discussion before a decision is reached.
Ik e labor department is also closely associated with these two, since
in the present depleted state of the man power of the country trades
not only require protection but also reinforcement, and in some cases
release of men from the army.
The department is also closely associated with the Admiralty and
army contracts departments and the Ministry of Munitions, whose
duties in regard to protection of labor dilution and substitution are
closely associated with those of national service.
Decisions in regard to the protection needed by any industry are
arrived at by consultations with both employers and workpeople and
with Government departments which may be affected.
The passage of the Military Service Act in April, 1918, made all men
between the ages of 18 and 51 liable to service with the colors or in
the reserve for the period of the war. Men who are exempted must,
unless the local tribunal directs otherwise, join the volunteer force
and attend such drills, undergo such training, and undertake such
military duties as may be prescribed.
The first order under the new act, issued in June, 1918, operated
to withdraw all certificates of exemption granted by tribunals and
Government departments, but did not affect protection certificates,
issued under the schedule of protected occupations. A decertified
man has no right to apply for a renewal of his exemption on occu
pational grounds nor has his employer right to make any such applica
tion on his behalf. Suspension of calling-up notices can be granted
only in most exceptional cases and the fact that a man engaged in a
trade or occupation referred to in the schedule is not decertified does
not in any way confer exemption upon him.
RECRUITING AND TRIBUNALS.
Under the Ministry of National Service the whole of Great Britain
is divided into 10 recruiting regions. A director of recruiting is placed
in charge of each of these regions, which are subdivided into areas.
When recruiting was taken out of the hands of the War Office and"
placed under the Ministry of National Service it was divided into three
sections, under a director general of recruiting, a controller of registra
tion, and a chief commissioner of medical services. The first officer is
responsible for recruiting throughout the country, the second for the
preparation and maintenance of the register upon which consideration
of the available man power is based, and the third provides for the
examination and grading of recruits and the provision of medical prac
titioners for the navy, army, Air Service, and Ministry of Pensions.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 879 ]
44
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
In order to secure the greatest possible decentralization each region is
organized on a similar basis to that of central headquarters. The
National Service medical boards are composed entirely of civilians.
The medical examinations are standardized as far as possible. Any
man who is dissatisfied with the decision as to his medical fitness
may apply for reexamination, and if he still feels that he has cause
for complaint he may state his case to an appeal tribunal which will
consider his case.
Under a convention between Great Britain and the United States,
which was laid before Parliament on July 30, it is provided that there
shall be reciprocal liability to service between citizens of the United
States resident in Great Britain and British subjects resident in the
United States. Any American between the ages of 21 and 30, inclusive,
is subject to service in the British Army unless he returns to this country
for military service before September 29, or enlists in England in the
United States forces. A similar convention was earlier concluded
with France and with the Provisional Russian Government.
FEDERATION OF BRITISH INDUSTRIES, AND INDUSTRIAL COUNCILS.
Combination among employers of labor is one of the movements
which have received a vitalizing impetus from the war. This seems
to be especially true in Great Britain, where several federations
either have been initiated since the war began or have developed
from embryo alliances already in existence. One of the most powerful
of these combinations is the Federation of British Industries. This
federation is an association of British manufacturers and producers,
having for its purpose the improvement of the general organization
of British industry. The membership list issued in May, 1918, in
cludes 124 associations and 691 firms and individuals, representing
a total of over 9,000 firms in every trade and industry. On the central
council of the federation are represented 75 per cent of the important
industries of Great Britain, employing between three and four million
workmen and having a capital of over £2,000,000,000 ($9,733,000,000).
The program of the federation, as stated by R. T. Nugent, the
director of the association, is as follows:
The promotion, encouragement, and where necessary the formation of effective
and fully representative associations in each trade for discussing and dealing with
the affairs of that trade.
The collection of these associations and their leading members in a central federa
tion for discussing and dealing with matters of common interest to all trades and for
mutual support.
The organization of this central federation in such a manner that each industry or
trade shall be able to express its views through a representative and self-selected
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[8801
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
45
channel, and shall he accorded a voice proportionate to its size and importance in
relation to other industries, in the discussion and decision of those questions of com
mon interest which alone are dealt with by the central federation.
The provision of such direct assistance in the promotion and development of British
trade as can be given more effectively by a central federation representative of all
trades than by the independent action of the associations of different trades.
One of the objects of the association as stated in the rules of the
federation is—
Tiie promotion and encouragement of free and unrestricted communication and dis
cussion between masters and workmen with a view to the establishment of amicable
arrangements and relations between masters and workmen and to the avoidance and
settlement of strikes and all other forms of industrial warfare between masters and
workmen.
In common with other organizations of employers or workmen,
the federation has taken a keen interest in the industrial council plan
set forth by the Subcommittee on Relations between Employers and
Employed of the Reconstruction Committee (the so-called Whitley
reports)1 and has issued a report stating its recommendations for the
development of that plan.2
The federation indorses the view of the Reconstruction Committee
as to the vital importance of securing cooperation between employers
and workmen after the war and agrees with the views expressed by
that committee as to the important part which associations must
play in the settlement of difficult questions.
In the opinion of the federation this point is so important that they suggest that
the Government ought to go far to recognize, and give an official standing to, organiza
tions representative of employers and workpeople, respectively, and to encourage the
development of such organizations.
The recommendations of the committee are far-reaching and important, but it will
be readily admitted that the construction of an organization on the lines suggested
is a delicate matter, and the federation notes with satisfaction that in the creation of
the proposed organization it is not contemplated that the Government shall actively
interfere. The federation desires to emphasize this point and to urge that while
sympathetic Government assistance may be, and doubtless will be, of great value
it is most important that there should be no suggestion whatever of Government pres
sure or coercion, and that each trade shall be free to build up its own organization
voluntarily and on lines best suited to its peculiar needs.
The federation is of opinion that the basis of the scheme should be trade councils
of masters and men, that is to say, that each trade or section of an industry should
form a council representative of the employers’ organization or organizations, and of
the trade-union or trades-unions concerned with such particular trade or section of
an industry. This council should have sole power of dealing with agreements of all
kinds and any other matters appropriate to the particular trade or section of industry.
In the opinion of the federation, devolution of constructive work to district or works
1 For reprints of these reports see B ui. 237, p p. 229-237, and M o n th ly L a b o r R e v ie w for September,
1918, pp. 53-58.
2 Federation of B ritish Industries. In d u strial councils. R ecom m endations on the W hitley report. Lon
don, 39 St. James St.,A ug. 3, 1917. 4 pp.
82617°—18-
4
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[881J
46
M O NTHLY LAB OB BEVIEW,
committees would be very dangerous. It should only be permitted to develop in
the light of experience.
It is suggested that the main value of district councils would be to constitute a
court of arbitration in the case of any difference between employers and employed
in the trade in the district, having regard to the general and any peculiar conditions
obtaining in that district.
In the opinion of the federation, the works committee should be entirely voluntary
in the case of each individual firm, and not in any way officially constituted. They
should consist entirely of representatives of the employees and they should, if possi
ble, be elected by secret ballot. Where instituted, their duties should be confined
to reporting to, dr receiving from, the management complaints regarding breaches of
any agreements which may have been made between the employers and employed.
It appears to the federation that the general principle underlying these suggested
councils should be the centralization of policy and the decentralization of adminis
tration.
The federation suggests that while the proposed trade, or as they are designated in
the report national, councils, may be well suited for discussing questions peculiar to
to the trade and may provide a suitable court of first instance for the settlement of
disputes, it would be highly desirable that superior bodies should exist, consisting
(1) of representatives of employers and employed in each group of trades forming an
industry, which might possibly be styled “ councils of industry,” and (2) of repre
sentatives of the employers and employed in all industries, which might possibly be
styled “ The national industrial council.”
The councils of industry and the national industrial council would provide suitable
courts of appeal from the trade councils in cases of differences between employers and
employed in any trade which can not be settled by the trade council. I t is not neces
sary to suggest exact details of procedure, nor is it intended to interfere in any way
with existing conciliation boards or other arrangements for settling disputes, b u t rather
to build up similar organizations in industries where they do not at present exist,
and only to supplement existing organizations.
The federation is of opinion that provision of methods for preventing or settling
differences is almost as important as provision of facilities for cooperative action, and
the federation is of opinion that if no strike or lockout could take place until the ques
tion had been submitted to final arbitration by a truly national council of employers
and employed, there would be good grounds for hoping th at the time for reflection
afforded and the pressure of popular opinion would insure the loyal adoption of the
award.
With regard to the consideration of general questions, amongst which many of the
most important are mentioned in pargaraph 16 of the report, the federation is of
opinion that these should be dealt with primarily by the national industrial council,
which should delegate to the councils of industry, and possibly to the trade
councils, the consideration of matters of peculiar trade interest in such cases as the
national industrial council may think desirable. The final decision in all matters of
general policy should be taken by the national industrial council after providing rea
sonable opportunities of criticism on the part of the councils of industry and trade coun
cils. Nothing in this suggestion, however, is intended to prevent trade councils or
councils of industry from initiating the consideration of any matter of general interest.
SYSTEM OF INDUSTRIAL COUNCILS RECOMMENDED BY THE FEDERATION OF BRIT
ISH INDUSTRIES.
I t should be particularly noted that nothing in the proposed system of council®
is intended to interfere in any way w ith existing arrangements for settling disputes or
dealing w ith labor questions generally. The. intention is merely to build up similar
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[8821
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
47
organizations in industries where they do not at present exist and to supplement
existing organizations.
NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL COUNCIL.
Composition.—Representatives of employers and workpeople from all industries.
Duties.—Final court of appeal in disputes. Primary body for consideration of
questions in clause 16 of Whitley report, with powers to allocate specific questions to
other councils. Should take final decision in all matters of general policy after giving
ample opportunity for discussion and criticism by councils of industry and trade
councils.
COUNCILS OF INDUSTRY.
Composition.—Representatives of employers and employed in each group of trades
forming an industry (such as the textile trades, etc.).
Duties.—To act as a court of appeal from the trade councils in disputes, to deal
w ith all special matters which may be allocated to them by the national industrial
council, to initiate consideration of matters of general interest to the particular indus
try with which they are concerned, and to forward such matters to the national indus
trial council if of general interest, and to consider and if necessary forward to the
national industrial council any such matter initiated by a trade council.
TRADE COUNCILS.
Composition.—Representatives of the employers’ organization or organizations
and of the trade-union or trade-unions concerned with a particular trade or section
of an industry.
Duties.—First court of appeal in case of disputes. Sole power of dealing with agree
ments and all other matters pertaining to the particular trade or section, and with any
special matters delegated to them by the council of industry or by the national indus
trial council.
WORK COMMITTEES.
Composition.—An elected body of workpeople in each works, to be set up only by
the joint consent of the individual employers and employed concerned, their institu
tion to be entirely voluntary.
Duties.—Reporting to or receiving from the management complaints regarding any
breaches of agreements which may have been made between employers and work
people.
CANADIAN GOVERNMENT’S DECLARATION OF A WAR LABOR POLICY.
An order in council recently issued by the Canadian Government
embodies a formal declaration of certain principles and policies that
should govern the relations between employers and workmen en
gaged in war production. The text of the order, as published in the
Canada Gazette for August, 1918 (pp. 616-618), is as follows:
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL, APPROVED
BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR GENERAL ON THE l i r a
JULY, 1918.
The committee of the Privy Council have had before them a report, dated July,
1918, from the minister of labor, representing that industrial unrest during the past
few months has become more general than formerly, thus causing serious interruption
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 883 ]
48
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
in some lines of war work, and indications are that it will become more widespread
still unless successful efforts be made to check it. This unrest has many causes, among
which are the shortage of labor, rapid advance in the cost of many of the necessaries
of life, employers denying their workmen the right to organize or to meet them in
joint conference to discuss requests for improved conditions or to negotiate adjustm ent
of differences; and in others from too hasty action on the part of workingmen in
ignoring the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Investigation Act and in adopting
drastic measures before exhausting every reasonable effort to reach a satisfactory
settlement. Wages alleged to be inadequate, together with length of work day said
to be too long, are among other frequent causes of such unrest.
The minister, realizing the necessity of steady work and close and sympathetic
cooperation between employers and employees to secure maximum results from war
efforts, is of opinion that the Government should forthwith adopt such means as may
seem practicable for the prevention of such interruption during the continuance of
the war, whether caused by lockouts or strikes, and the establishment of such coopera
tion, while at the same time striving to insure to the workmen adequate compensation
for their labor and reasonable safeguards for their health and safety, and to employers
fair and reasonable treatment.
4
The minister is further of opinion that a declaration by the Government of a war
labor policy, fair and equitable to all concerned, governing relations between em
ployers and workmen in all industries engaged in war work and including all those
mentioned in the Industrial Disputes Investigation Act (except railways), and
amendments thereto by Parliament or extensions thereof by order in council, for the
duration of the war, would materially contribute to the attainment of these objects.
The minister, therefore, recommends that the governor in council declare the fol
lowing principles and policies and urge their adoption upon both employers and
workmen for the period of the war:
1. That there should be no strike or lockout during the war.
2. That all employees have the right to organize in trade-unions, and this right
shall not be denied or interfered with in any manner whatsoever, and through their
chosen representatives should be permitted and encouraged to negotiate with em
ployers concerning working conditions, rates of pay, or other grievances.
3. That employers shall have the right to organize in associations or groups, and this
right shall not be denied or interfered with by workers in any manner whatsoever.
4. That employers should not discharge or refuse to employ workers merely by reason
of membership in trade-unions or for legitimate trade-union activities outside working
hours.
5. That workers in the exercise of their right to organize shall use neither coercion
nor intimidation of any kind to influence any person to join their organizations or
employers to bargain or deal therewith.
6. That in establishments where the union shop exists by an agreement the same
shall continue and the union standards as to wages, hours of labor, and other conditions
of employment shall be maintained.
7. That in establishments where union and nonunion men and women now work
together, and the employer meets only with employees or representatives engaged
in such establishments, the continuance of such conditions shall not be deemed a
grievance.
This declaration, however, is not intended in any manner to deny the right, or
discourage the practice of forming labor unions, or the joining of the same by workers
in said establishments as aforesaid, nor to prevent a board of conciliation or other
body or adjuster from recommending improvements in the matter of wages, hours of
labor, or other conditions, as shall from time to time be found desirable.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[884]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
49
8. That established safeguards and regulations for the protection of health and safety
of workers shall not be relaxed.
9. That all workers, including common laborers, shall be entitled to a wage ample
to enable them with thrift to maintain themselves and families in decency and com
fort, and to make reasonable provision for old age.
10. That in fixing wages, minimum rates of pay should be established.
11. That women on work ordinarily performed by men should be allowed equal
pay for equal work and should not be allotted tasks disproportionate to their strength.
12. That in all cases wTiere eight hours is by law or agreement the basic day, it shall
so continue. In all other cases the question of hours of labor should be settled with due
regard to governmental necessities and the welfare, health, and proper comfort of the
workers.
13. That a maximum production from all war industries should be sought and
methods of works and operation on the part of employers or workers which operate
to delay or limit production or which tend to artificially increase the cost thereof
should be discouraged.
14. That for the purpose of mobilizing the available labor supply with a view to
its rapid and effective distribution as well as constant employment, the managers
and operators of industrial establishments and the trade-unions concerned should
keep provincial or municipal employment agencies and the Canada registration board
fully informed as to labor required or available. Those agencies should be given
opportunity to aid in the distribution of labor.
15. That in fixing wages, hours, and conditions of labor regard should be had to the
labor standards, wage scales, and other conditions prevailing in the locality affected,
always mindful, however, of the necessity of payment of living wages.
16. That to better preserve industrial peace during the war, employers and em
ployees should, after once establishing an agreement as to wages and w o r k i n g condi
tions, agree to its continuance during the war, subject only to such changes in rates
of pay as fluctutation in cost of living may justify.
17. That when employers and employees are unable to arrive at a mutual agreement
concerning any existing dispute, unless some other means of settlement is agreed
upon by the parties, they should use the machinery provided for in the Industrial
Disputes Investigation Act in an endeavor to reach an adjustment.
Should the recommendation of the board of conciliation not be accepted either
party may appeal to the board of appeal, who shall review the findings of the board
of conciliation and hear such further evidence as either party to the dispute may
desire to submit at their own expense, the decision of the board of appeal to be final.
Any settlement of a dispute referred to the board of conciliation, or carried in
appeal to the board of appeal, shall be effective not later than the date on which the
application for a board of conciliation was filed.
The board of appeal shall be composed of two representatives of labor nominated by
the executive council of the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada, two representatives
of the employers, nominated by the executive of the Canadian Manufacturers Asso
ciation, and a chairman nominated by the said members of the board, or, in case of
failure to agree upon a chairman, then the minister of labor shall appoint such chair
man.
The minister further recommends that the minister of labor be authorized to make
regulations governing procedure on appeal provided for by paragraph 17 of the above
re comm endations.
The committee concur in the foregoing recommendations, and submit the same for
your excellency’s approval.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[885]
50
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
It is announced that the board of appeal provided for in the order
will not deal with matters arising out of disputes between the railroad
companies and their employees, but that for this purpose a railway
board of adjustment No. 1 has been formed. This board consists of
six representatives of the railroad companies and six representatives
of labor, and in case an agreement can not be reached in any dispute,
provision is made for the appointment, either by the board itself or
the minister of railways and canals, of a referee, whose decision shall
be binding.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[886]
RECONSTRUCTION IN INDUSTRY.
ENGLISH RECONSTRUCTION PROBLEMS FROM THE STANDPOINT OF
EMPLOYERS AND TRADE-UNIONISTS.1
During March and April of this year a series of conferences was
held at Plymouth which led to the formation of an association to be
known as the Devon and Cornwall Association for Industrial and
Commercial Reconstruction. The report of these conferences is of
interest as giving the views of an entirely unofficial body made up
of employers and trade-unionists in almost equal numbers, meeting
to decide on the principles which should underlie reconstruction and
then uniting to secure for these principles an enlightened public
support.
Considering the situation in industry and commerce as it had
existed before the war, the conferees agreed that the root of difficulty
was the distrust and suspicion between capital and management
and labor, that in spite of the unifying effect of the war this distrust
might easily be revived and even aggravated by the special diffi
culties of demobilization and reconstruction, and that the most
important duty at present is to substitute for the old antagonism a
cooperation based on mutual understanding. “ No palliatives will
suffice. The causes which have created and kept alive distrust and
suspicion must be ascertained, faced, and removed.”
These causes are given as the dissociation of employees from any
share in the control of industry or responsibility for the conditions
under which it is carried on, the belief of each side that the other had
secured or was trying to secure more than its share of the profits of
industry, the workers’ fear of unemployment, and the objection of
some employers to associations whether of employees or employers.
Of these the first is fundamental, but it can hardly be remedied until
the present conception of capital and labor as antagonistic forces
whose share of profits is determined by their relative strength is
banished in favor of an entirely different outlook on life, based on a
frank recognition of the solidarity of society. A new attitude is
needed:
This new spirit must proceed from a new conception of commerce and industry,
and of the consideration due to human life and personality. Commerce and industry
1 R eport on th e reconstruction of industry prepar x l after a series of conferences of Plym outh and Cornish
citizens who were also employers and trade-unionists, held a t P lym outh in March and April, 1918. Lon
don, The Argus Prin tin g Co., 1918. 28 pp.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[887]
51
52
M ONTHLY LABOE KEVIEW.
must be considered in relation to tlie national life as a whole and be viewed as essen
tial national services. The creation and maintenance of physically sound and men
tally developed men and women must be regarded as a definite object for which the
community, as a whole, is responsible, and commerce and industry must be reorganized
to serve this end. Industry is made for man and not man for industry. If—but only
if—this principle is frankly accepted and acted upon by capital, management and
labor, we believe that the difficulties of industrial reconstruction can be overcome
without a national catastrophe.
As part of the acceptance of this principle the report urges a better
understanding between employers and employees, and suggests that
for this purpose informal meetings between individuals or groups of
employers and employees should be held at once all over the country
for an exchange of views on problems relating to industry and com
merce. Operatives should in fairness receive a greater part of the
returns of industry than has been the case in the past. Workers
should be secured against the risk of unemployment, and in return
should give up all restrictions on output. Employers and employees
alike should organize:
The principle of collective bargaining is sound, and should be widely extended.
It should be the definite policy of employers not only to encourage and strengthen
the labor organizations but themselves to join and strengthen employers’ federations,
not for the purpose of antagonism but for consultation and cooperation.
R E C O N S T R U C T IO N P R O B L E M S .
Turning to the immediate problems of reconstruction, the con
ferees recommend the adoption of the proposals contained in the
Whitley reports, both for organized and unorganized trades. Apart
from their obvious function of preventing and settling industrial
disputes, the councils which it is proposed to establish may serve
another important function:
In our opinion much of the friction and disturbance connected with industry in
the past has been due to either (1) the employers or shareholders making excessive
profits, or (2) the men suspecting the existence of excessive profits, when this was
not actually the case, or (3) inefficient organization and absence of up-to-date business
methods which impeded the paying of fair wages and the making of reasonable profits.
We believe that under the proposed reorganization and cooperation it will be possible
for the Whitley industrial councils to give to all firms in an industry the average
costs of production and other essential facts for the whole of the industry (without,
of course, disclosing particulars connected with any individual firm). Such informa
tion should be of incalculable advantage to firms engaged in the industry. Further,
fhis greater information on the financial factors of industry will either enable the
workers to claim that proper share in the prosperity of their industry to which they
believe they are entitled or will allay any unfounded suspicion that may have existed
as to profiteering.
The conferees recommend a more careful selection and training of
foremen and forewomen, on whom to a large degree depends the
smooth running of an establishment. The employee is so directly
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[888]
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
5a
affected by the character of the foreman that he might well have
some voice in the selection. Two alternative propositions aro
tentatively put forward for meeting what is admittedly a difficult
problem:
(1) That in large firms the employer should appoint a small panel from which the
employees should select the actual foreman.
(2) That a foreman should not be appointed or continued in office in face of reasoned
opposition.
It is recommended also that the employer should adopt a method
of dismissal which shall give the employee some right of appeal to
an impartial tribunal. Since the employer is financially responsible
lor the industry, the final decision as to a dismissal should rest with
him, but there might be some limitation upon the exercise of his
right.
We feel bound to record the fact that the uncontrolled right of dismissal and its
arbitrary use is and has been a deep cause of ill-feeling on the part of employees
conscious of the human consequences to their families which are apt to follow.
Compulsory conciliation is recommended as a means of preserving
industrial peace, but compulsory arbitration is looked upon as likely
to cause rather than to cure industrial unrest. Conciliation boards
should have more power of initiative than has been the case and
special pains should be taken to hasten action, since distrust is apt
to arise from protracted negotiations.
D EM O BILIZ A TIO N .
The conferees are by no means ready to pronounce on the problems
of demobilization, but they put forward recommendations on a few
points. They consider that the employment exchanges should be
made more efficient and be used more extensively; they believe that
the restoration of trade-union customs as they were before the war
is practically impossible, but that permanent modifications in those
customs should be made only as the outcome of joint arrangement
between employers and employees. They believe that it is impossible
to advocate the immediate dismissal of all women who have taken
the place of men in industry owing to the war, and they also believe
that the loss and destruction due to the war can be repaired only
by a collective and national increase in production, to secure which
the help of women will be needed. They agree with the analysis
of wages into (1) a basic or minimum wage, and (2) a secondary
wage or supplementary income which an employee may earn as
the result of acquired aptitude, extra effort, or natural physical or
mental endowment, but they are not prepared to lay down the
principles by which the basic wage should be determined.
[889]
otcuG j
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
54
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
Considerable attention is given to the problems connected with
the increased employment of women, but no general program for
dealing with the situation is presented. On social grounds the
conferees recommend the exclusion from industry of women with
dependents (children or incapacitated husbands), who should receive
adequate pensions, and they also ask for a commission to investigate
the effect of different employments upon the health and physique of
women workers.
It is strongly recommended that steps be taken to prevent the
introduction of partially disabled soldiers as cheap labor:
Their pensions should not be allowed to count in the fixing of wages. I t is neces
sary to assess (through some tribunal) the relation of a disabled man’s earning capacity
to the earning capacity of an able-bodied adult. As disabled men are getting on
the market to an increasing extent, we look on this matter as one of urgency.
The cost of unemployment, the conferees think, will have to be
borne to a larger extent than heretofore by the industry in which
it occurs. The State will have an important part to play in regu
larizing employment, and as one means to this end a ministry of sup
ply is recommended:
The demands of certain Government departments, like the office of works, of our
Dominions and Crown colonies abroad, of our great municipalities at home are enor
mous in their totality. They represent a vast amount of goods and services which
are not all needed with the same degree of urgency. A ministry of supply, properly
informed by the ministry of labor as to the probable fluctuations of ordinary trade,
could let loose in time of depression and withhold in time of prosperity demands for
Government and municipal work. By such means trade would be steadied, bad
trade being rendered less bad, and good trade less good. There would be less inse
curity of employment for all.
INDUSTRIAL SELF-GOVERNMENT.1
In the summer of 1914 the federated employers and organized
employees in the building trades of London had a serious and costly
disagreement. It had reached a point where a widespread lockout
and strike, involving a number of other trades, seemed inevitable
when the war broke out. Immediately terms were reached, with a
reservation of some points to be settled at a more convenient time,
and the trouble was adjusted. In considering these things, Mr.
Malcolm Sparkes, a director and works manager in the London dis
trict, strove to think out some way by which the useless and wasteful
antagonism between employer and employee might be overcome,
and the “ underlying unity and good will in the country’s service”
displayed by both might be made operative in times when the need
for it was less dramatic and conspicuous, but hardly less urgent.
i A M em orandum on Self-government in In d u stry together w ith a D raft for a B uilders’ N ational Indus
trial P arliam en t, b y Malcolm Sparkes. London, H arrison and Sons. [1918.1 28 p p .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[890]
55
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
The trouble lay, he felt, in the fact that the relations of employer
and employee have been based on antagonism, coercion, and
resistance:
Throughout the whole of the civilized world the story is the same. The parallel
rise of trade-unions and employers’ associations in mutual opposition has reached a
point where it is generally recognized that the “ normal condition of the world of
industry is one of suppressed war.”
Under such a system many a forward move on the part of labor towards improved
conditions is opposed, almost as a matter of duty, by the employers’ associations,
and conversely many improvements in the direction of increased production and
efficiency are countered by the restrictive regulations of the trade-unions; both sides
acting, as they believe, in the interests of their members.
The two sides rarely meet except to make demands of one another or to compromise
conflicting claims, and negotiations are inevitably carried on as between two hostile
bodies. In this way great powers of leadership are diverted from constructive work
into the sterile fields of largely useless controversy.
Mr. Sparkes believed it might be possible to substitute for this
attitude a recognition of the fact that the common interests of
employer and employee are wider and more fundamental than those
which are admittedly opposed ; and that upon these common interests
it might be possible to raise the fabric of a new industrial order and
to secure industrial peace. When in 1916 a new crisis in the London
building trades seemed imminent, he proposed to the employees’
unions the following plan:
A NATIONAL
INDUSTRIAL PARLIAMENT
INDUSTRY.
FOR
THE
BUILDING
Argum ent.
The interests of employers and employed are in many respects opposed; but they
have a common interest in promoting the efficiency and status of the service in which
they are engaged and in advancing the well-being of its personnel.
P ro po sa l.
I t is proposed that there should be set up, for the building industry, a national
industrial parliament, representative of the trade-unions and the employers’ associa
tions, which would focus their combined energies upon the continuous and progressive
improvement of the industry.
Nam e.
The proposed body would be called the Builders’ National Industrial Parliament
of Great Britain and Ireland.
O b je c t s .
The objects of the parliament would be to promote the continuous and progressive
improvement of the industry, to realize its organic unity as a great national service,
and to advance the well-being and status of all connected with it.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 891 ]
56
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
P rogram .
The parliament would not concern itself with the adjustment of differences or the
settlement of disputes. Means already exist for conducting such negotiations and
settling such issues. The function of the parliament would be constructive, and
nothing but constructive.
The agenda would be determined from time to time according to circumstances as
they arose, and would naturally include such matters as the following:
1. R e g u la r iz a tio n o f w a g e s. —The provision of a graduated scale of minimum rates
designed to maintain rea l wages as nearly as possible on a level throughout the country.
Subsequent advances to be on a national basis.
2. P r e v e n tio n o f u n e m p lo y m e n t. —(a) To acquire a fuller participation in the control
of the Board of Trade labor exchanges, and to supplement their work by improved
organization special to the building trade for the decasualization of labor, and (6) to
minimize the fluctuation of trade by intelligent anticipation and the augmentation
of demand in slack periods, in cooperation with the national housing and town plan
ning council and. the local government board.
3. E m p lo y m e n t o f p a r tia lly d isa b le d so ld ie r s.■—To regulate the employment of par
tially disabled soldiers and to insure that the pensions granted by the nation shall not
become the means of reducing the standard rate of wages.
4. T ech n ical tr a in in g a n d research. —To arrange for adequate technical training for
the members of the industry, the improvement of processes, design and standards of
workmanship, apprenticeship, research, and the regulation of the conditions of entry
into the trade.
5. P u b lic ity . —To issue authoritative information upon all matters whereon it is
deemed desirable that leaders of public opinion, the press, and the general public
should have exact information.
6. C o n tin u o u s a n d p ro g re ssiv e im p r o v e m e n t. —To provide a clearing house for ideas,
and to investigate, in conjunction with experts, every suggested line of improvement,
including, for example, such questions as: Industrial control and status of labor;
scientific management and increase of output; welfare methods; closer association
between commercial and aesthetic requirements.
M eth o d .
The parliament would set up committees of inquiry (with power to coopt experts)
to investigate and report on each of the foregoing matters, and would deal with their
recommendations as and when presented. All proposals before the parliament would
be fully ventilated and discussed through the medium of joint district boards, works
committees, the trade papers and the general press, in order that the opinion of the
members of the building trade and of the general public thereon might be accurately
gauged before final decisions were taken.
R
esult,
The result would be the progressive development of two codes:
(а) A compulsory code, probably' involving legal sanction of agreed minimum
standards; and
(б) A voluntary code, built up from the recommendations of the improvements
committee for the voluntary, and perhaps experimental, adoption of progressive
employers.
I t would thus embody all proposals of which the principle was generally approved,
but for which it was not yet possible or advisable to ask for compulsory powers. It
would greatly stimulate the advance of public opinion on matters of industrial and
social improvement.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
f892]
M ONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW,
L e g a l S a n c t io n
fob
57
C o m pu lso r y Co d e .
This might he accomplished by a special act of Parliament, giving power to the
Board of Trade, or a ministry of industry, to ratify the decisions of the industrial par
liament, and apply them to the whole of the industry, subject to adequate safeguards
for the interests of consumers.
Sta tu s
of
I n d u s t r ia l P a r l ia m e n t .
There is at present no recognized body with which the Government can communi
cate in regard to matters concerning the building industry as a whole—employers and
employed. The parliament would exactly meet this need, and would become the
mouthpiece and executive of the industry as a whole.
S u g g e s t e d C o n s t it u t io n .
M E M B E R S H IP .
Pending the establishment of more elaborate electoral machinery, it is suggested
that 20 members should be appointed by the National Federation of Building
Trades Employers of Great Britain and Ireland, and 20 members by the National
Associated Building Trades Council.
It might be advisable that the representatives of the above organizations should be
appointed in a manner to insure, on the one hand, the inclusion of actual operatives
in addition to trade-union officials, and, on the other hand, of representatives of the
managing staffs as well as the actual employers. Either side would be at liberty to
change its representatives to suit its convenience.
C H A IR M A N .
To be chosen by ballot by the whole assembly.
only, and to have no casting vote.
To be independent and advisory
SECRETA RY .
The routine work of the parliament would largely devolve upon the secretary, who
should be an impartial salaried administrator of proved experience and capacity.
M E E T IN G S .
The parliament should meet at such times and intervals as would allow of members
still devoting part of their time to their ordinary occupations.
R E M U N E R A T IO N
OF M EM BER S.
This would be restricted to the refund of expenses and compensation for loss of
earnings. Financial provision for this would be arranged by each of the two organ
izations independently.
V O T IN G .
In order to secure a basis of absolute confidence, it is suggested that rules be drawn
up to insure that the number of employers’ representatives and operatives’ repre
sentatives voting upon a measure shall always be equal.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[893]
58
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
S u g g e s t e d A u x il ia r y A s s e m b l ie s .
JO IN T DISTRICT BO ARD S.
These would be set up by local units of the two organizations for the discussion of
the proposals of the industrial parliament and the furnishing of local facts and statistics
as required. They would also perform a valuable service by preparing and forwarding
suggestions for consideration.
W ORKS COMM ITTEES.
These would be small groups representing management and labor, set up for the
same purpose in particular shops.
The parliament thus formed would differ from the industrial
councils of the Whitley report1 in that it would not touch upon
industrial disputes, devoting itself wholly to constructive work. To
prevent any possibility of forcing through a measure by the votes
of one side only, it is provided that the chairman should not have
a vote, and that the number of representatives of labor and manage
ment voting on any question must be equal. Under such an arrange
ment, where neither side could by any combination of circumstances
override the other, the instinctive distrust of a proposition emanating
from'the other camp would tend to disappear. The more progressive
employers would be likely to side with the same class among the men,
"and thus the condition of two hostile camps of employers and
employees would be abolished/’ With this- disappearance of sus
picion and hostility would come the ability to view any new measure
with regard to its effect on the industry as a whole rather than
with reference to the interests of a particular employer or tradeunion group. As an instance of the advantages of this, the probable
action of the parliament in regularizing wages is cited. The hours
and wages prevailing in the building trades vary widely in different
places throughout the Kingdom, the range being in some cases
as much as 100 per cent. As a consequence, when employees
make a demand for an increase of wages, no matter how much the
employer may think it justified, he is almost forced to oppose it
because of the competition of districts not subject to a proportional
advance, and if the increase is secured it is at the cost of much friction
if not of an actual strike. But if standardization could once be
established and real wages made equal throughout the Kingdom,
subsequent advances would be arranged upon a national basis, and
an immense amount of friction would be avoided. As a second
benefit, the mobility of labor would be much increased. Naturally
a workman objects to moving into a district where the prevailing
wage is lower than that to which he is accustomed, but this objection
would disappear at once if real wages were equalized. It will be
remembered that when, in the interests of war work, it became
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
iSee note 1, p. 45.
[ 894 ]
M O NTHLY LABOE EEVIEW.
59
desirable to transfer workers from one district to another this
difference in wages was one of the outstanding difficulties, and
organized labor consented to the plan only on condition that the
transferred worker should receive the higher of the two rates
concerned.
CO M PU LSO RY AND V O LU N TA R Y CODES.
Although the parliament itself would have no powers of compul
sion, it might adopt a code which the Government would be asked
to make compulsory, since there are certain basic matters in regard
to which standardization is so desirable that a few recalcitrants
ought not to have the power to render the decision of the majority
futile. The compulsory code u would merely regulate, for example,
the minimum wage, the normal day, overtime conditions, traveling
and lodging allowances, terms of notice on discharge, and any other
matters which tend to standardize industrial practice, and upon
which it would be possible to obtain an overwhelming measure of
agreement. ”
The voluntary code would be far more comprehensive. One of
the purposes of the parliament is to afford a clearing house for
suggestions and schemes from the best thinkers of the world.
Some of these schemes would be rejected by the industrial parliament and some
might be accepted for the voluntary code. But the fact that they were proposed for
voluntary adoption only would transform the whole tone of the discussions. It
would enable the parliament, the press, and public opinion at large to discuss important
lines of advance entirely on their merits and without ulterior motives, and would
tend gradually to create a general readiness to think out problems in terms of humanity
as well as in terms of materialism.
The schemes adopted for the voluntary code would, it is hoped,
be tried out by progressive employers, who would make public full
details as to the experiment and its results. Often employers would
be willing to accept for experiment schemes they would "feel bound
to reject if proposed under threat of coercion, and by such experi
ments they could advance the real interests of industry to a degree
hardly possible through other means.
The progressive employer is the backbone of the scheme. If he is a mere figment
of the imagination, then the scheme is largely valueless, but if he does exist (and we
know he does), then there seems literally no limit to its possibilities. Conceptions
of the team spirit in industry and of its organic unity in the public service would
gradually cease to be utopian dreams, and wou.d assume a definite and concrete
shape. It is sometimes held that industrial progress must in the long run be limited
by the standards of the public or social conscience of the nation at large—but it seems
reasonable to hope that the operation of the voluntary code might promote the devel
opment of an active industrial conscience which would recognize no such restric
tions, but would actually lead the way.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[895]
60
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
ADMINISTRATIVE ADVANTAGES OF SCHEME.
Apart from its effect upon industry the plan, if adopted generally,
would relieve the difficulties arising from the overloading of the national
Parliament. Even before the war the congestion of Parliament and
the delays and difficulties arising therefrom were well known, and
with the coming of peace these will be increased by the necessity of
dealing with the problems of reconstruction—international, impe
rial, national, industrial, and social.
E very one of these matters w ill be urgent, yet every one of them w ill have to be
dealt w ith by one cabinet and one parliament. Is it not inevitab le that there will
be serious delays and inefficiency and hurry in the effort to avoid delay? * * *
It requires, indeed, no elaboration to show that we m ay be far nearer a real break
down in our governmental machinery than anyone supposes.1
Industrial legislation is peculiarly controversial, and after the war
there is danger of a definite lining up of employers and employees,
each intent upon wringing the greatest possible advantage out of the
general overturn of previous conditions, a situation which will
increase immensely the difficulty of getting through any labor meas
ures. The plan of industrial parliaments, if at all generally adopted,
would ‘‘withdraw from the Plouse of Commons altogether an enor
mous mass of intricate and highly controversial industrial legisla
tion and would set it free for the larger problems, national, imperial,
and international.”
ATTITUDE OF UNIONS.
How practicable is such a scheme? As yet there is no record of
any similar plan having been tried, so that the appeal to experience
is useless. But t^e scheme has appealed to a large number of the
workers immediately concerned as practical and desirable. Early in
1916 it was offered by Mr. Sparkes to the London committee of car
penters and joiners, who strongly approved it and sent it forward to
their national executive. It was fully discussed by the national
council of these trades, and unanimously recommended to the
National Associated Building Trades Council. By this body it was
discussed, printed, and circulated among the 12 affiliated unions,
and a conference held upon it in October at which it was adopted
without a dissentient vote by 22 delegates, ‘‘representing the national
executives of the principal trade-unions in the industry.” It was
then referred back to the national executives for final consideration,
and in November the council reassembled and, the replies of the
executives being favorable, unanimously voted to lay the scheme
before the national federation of building trades employers, and ask
for a preliminary conference upon it. No news has as yet been
1 Round. Table, December, 1916, quoted in m em orandum u nder review.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[8961
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
61
received of the reception given it by this latter body, but it is signifi
cant and of good promise that the trade-unions, after the fullest con
sideration and discussion, decided that the scheme was entirely
possible, and that they unanimously voted to indorse it as a method
of reducing friction and securing cooperative effort for the common
good of their industry.
AUSTRIAN EMPLOYERS’ PREPARATIONS FOR PEACE TIME.
The Correspondenzblatt der Gewerkschaften Deutschlands1 learns
that Austrian employers are making extensive preparations for peace
time, such preparations, however, aiming less at the development of
industrial production on modern lines so as to meet increased inter
national competition than at combating all efforts at emancipation
on the- part of the working classes. Short-sighted employers inva
riably regard the salvation of industry as attainable by keeping the
working classes in subjection, and similarly the Austrian employers,
ignoring the need of the State and the industries for a vigorous and
therefore efficient working class, are directing all their efforts to
frustrating the fulfillment of this requirement. For this purpose they
have recently brought about a unification of their organizations cal
culated to prejudice the interests of their workmen. Three of the
most influential employers’ associations, viz, the “ Industrial Club,”
the “ Central Association of Austrian Manufacturers,” and the “Aus
trian Manufacturers’ Federation” have combined and formed the
“ Imperial Federation of Austrian Industries” with a view of main
taining the interests of the employers as a class. Of the three organi
zations named the first was the most influential, comprising exclu
sively the great industrial magnates. The second was in the main
the association of moderate sized industrial concerns; in 1917 it had
2,600 members, employing about half a million hands.
The fact that three organizations so different in scope and aims
have been amalgamated shows the importance which the employers
attach to the formation of a central organization in order the better to
guard their interests. While it is regrettable that this new move is
directed against the working classes, it is still more regrettable that
it is a proof of the neglect of the true interests of the industries, for
the workmen and their trade-unions will certainly adopt defensive
measures against this strengthening of the weapons of attack of
their economic antagonists and will show the employers that the
development of their organizations will not always be allowed to
prejudice the working classes when once the latter draw the neces
sary lessons from this development.
1 Correspondenzblatt der Gewerkschaften D eutschlands. B erlin, June 8,1918.
82617°—1 8 - — 5
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[897]
PROVISION FOR THE DISABLED, AND VOCATIONAL
EDUCATION.
ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF PERMANENT DISABILITY ACCIDENTS
IN CALIFORNIA.
The Monthly Labor R eview for July, 1918, contains a report on
the results of an investigation of the economic effects of permanent
injuries suffered by industrial workers in the State of Massachusetts.1
The present article presents the results of a similar study for Cali
fornia. In Massachusetts the facts were obtained through field inves
tigations made by an agent of the bureau while the California study
is based upon schedules filled out by the industrial accident com
mission of that State. The latter study also includes minor injuries,
whereas in Massachusetts the investigation whs limited to injuries
resulting in the loss of a hand, arm, foot, or leg. Injuries causing
permanent impairment of function were included. A comparison
of the results of the two investigations shows striking similarities as
regards length of total disability, reemployability, and relative
severity of the several types of injuries.
The following table shows the average length of total disability for
each type of injury and their distribution into total disability periods.
D IS T R IB U T IO N O F IN JU R IE S , BY P E R IO D OF TO T A L D IS A B IL IT Y .
N um ber.
Period of total
disability (in
m onths).
H and
or
arm.
Foot
or
leg.
Total
hand,
arm ,
foot,
or leg.
Per cent.
Eye.
Foot
or
leg.
Total
hand,
arm,
foot,
or leg.
30
9
9
13
11
11
17
23
9
6
6
15
21
21
27
9
S
10
13
15
18
67
9
11
2
9
2
86
8
2
2
1
1
1
100
100
100
100
100
100
Two or H and
F in
or
ger or more
fin
arm.
thumb. gers.
U nder 5.............
5 and under 7 ...
7 and under 9 ...
9and under 12..
12 and under 18.
18 and under 24.
24 and over.......
16
5
5
7
6
6
9
8
3
2
2
5
7
7
24
8
7
9
11
13
16
30
4
5
1
4
1
Total-.......
54
34
88
45
173
97
Average disability , in m onths
12.7
13.4
13.0
4.8
2.4
3.8
149
14
4
3
2
73
10
5
5
3
1
1
Eye.
F in Two or
ger or mere
fin
thumb. gers.
75
10
5
5
2
The relative severity of the various accidents is indicated both by
the average length of total disability and by their distribution into
1 “ W hat becomes of m en crippled in in d u stry ? ” in M o n th ly L abor R e v ie w for July, 1918, pp. 32-49.
62
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[898]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
63
disability period groups. The above figures are minima. Many of
the injured men were still disabled or unemployed at the time of the
investigation and the actual disability periods therefore are longer
than the figures indicate. The average disability periods reported
for California are shorter than those for Massachusetts, but this is
due in part to the fact that most of the accidents studied occurred in
1916, while those in Massachusetts were equally distributed through
the three-year period ending June 30, 1916.
The following table shows a more refined distribution of minor
accidents, classified according to period of total disability:
D IS T R IB U T IO N OR M IN O R IN JU R IE S , B Y P E R IO D O P T O T A L D IS A B IL IT Y .
N um ber.
Period of to ta l disability (in m onths).
One
eye.
U nder 1......................................................
1 and under 2 ...........................................
2 and under 3 ...........................................
3 and under 5 ...........................................
5 and under 7...........................................
7 and under 9 ............................................
9 and under 12..........................................
12 and o v e r...............................................
9
7
14
4
5
1
5
T o ta l...............................................
45
Average disability in m o n th s..............
4.8
Per cent.
One
One Two or
th u m b . finger. more
fingers.
4
4
6
One
eye.
One
One Two or
thum b. finger. more
fingers.
8
23
43
13
12
5
2
2
1
9
25
18
24
10
5
5
4
100
100
100
9
24
17
23
10
5
5
* 4
20
16
31
9
11
2
n
29
4
2
35
04
19
18
7
3
3
1
24
149
97
100
2.4
2. 1
3.8
7
1
17
17
25
The effect of age upon the length of total disability for the several
types of injuries is brought out in the following table:
A V E R A G E L E N G T H O F T O T A L D IS A B IL IT Y F O R S P E C IF IE D IN JU R IE S , C L A SS IFIE D
B Y A G E G R O U PS.
Average length of
total disability'in
m onths.
N um ber.
N um ber
Injury.
U nder 45 45 years U nder 45 45 years
years. a n d over. years. and over.
Loss of—
H an d or a rm .................................................................
Foot or le g ......................................................................
One e y e ...........................................................................
One th u m b .....................................................................
One finger.......................................................................
Two or more fingers.....................................................
50
32
42
22
147
93
35
20
30
14
115
09
15
12
12
8
32
24
9.4
13.4
4.4
4.1
2.0
3.4
19.2
13.5
6.5
4.6
2.7
5.1
It will be noted that in every case the average length of total disa
bility for employees 45 years and over is greater than for those under
45 years.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[899]
64
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
The percentage of injured persons reemployed at the same occupa
tion or by the same employer, classified by nature of injury, is shown
in the following table:
P E R C E N T A G E O F IN JU R E D P E R S O N S R E E M P L O Y E D A T SAME O CCU PA TIO N OR B Y
SAME E M P L O Y E R , C L A SS IFIE D B Y N A T U R E O F IN JU R Y .
P er cent
of injured
persons
reem
ployed
a t same
occupa
tion.
P er cent
of injured
persons
returned
to same
employer.
........ .........................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
30
34
40
32
Total—hand, arm , foot, or le g .........................................................................................
Opp, pye
......................... ....................................................................... .
One tbiiimfi
_ ..............................................................................................................
One finger
______ _____________ ___ ______________________________
Two or m ere fingers - .....................................................................................................
33
73
68
69
60
37
62
56
58
57
G rand to ta l - - TTr T.......................................................................... ................................
59
54
In ju ry .
Loss of—
TTqrwi nr arm
Foot or 1eg
It will be noted that only about one-third of the persons sustaining
the loss of a major extremity reenter the same occupation or return
to the same employer, while in the case of minor injuries over one-half
return to the same employer and two-thirds follow the same occu
pation. Of the several types of injuries the loss of an eye has the least
effect upon the change of occupation or employer.
The number and per cent of injured men unemployed at the time
of the inquiry is showm by the following table:
N U M B ER AND P E R C E N T A G E O F IN JU R E D M EN U N E M P L O Y E D A T T IM E OF IN JU R Y .
um ber
N um ber Nunem
injured. ployed.
Injury.
Loss of—
H and nr arm
....................................... .........................................................
Font nr 1eg
.......... ............................................ ...................................
...................................... .............................................. .
One eye
O ne th u m b
...................... .................................................................. .
O ne finger ............... .................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Two or more fingers...........................................................................................
54
34
45
24
149
104
16
T o t a l ............................................................................................... ...............
410
Per cent
unem
ployed.
8
6
30
24
13
3
5
5
38
9
2
Opportunity for reemployment of workmen sustaining major disa
bilities increases wTith occupational skill. In the case of minor injuries
this factor is of less importance. The following table gives the per
cent of employees in skilled occupations before and after injury,
classified by type of injury.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[900]
65
M O NTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
P E R C E N T A G E O F E M P L O Y E E S IN S K IL L E D O CCUPATIONS B E F O R E AN D A F T E R
IN JU R Y , C L A SS IFIE D B Y T Y P E O F IN JU R Y .
N um ber
of
persons
injured.
T ype of injury.
P er cent in skilled
occupations.
Before
injury.
After
injury.
Loss of—
H an d or arm
..................................................................................................
Foot or l e g . . . . ......................................................................................... ____
One eye ...............................................................................................................
One th u m b ...........................................................................................................
One finger.............................................................................................................
Two or more fingers........ ....................................... ........... .
49
31
44
21
131
90
59
65
73
62
69
57
42
48
76
62
57
51
T o t a l ____________________________ ___________________________
366
64
60
The economic severity of certain types of injuries is accentuated by
the fact that a preponderant number occur in industries in which the
loss of the member is a practical bar to employment. A man with
one leg, for example, is effectively excluded from most of the occupa
tions in the transportation, construction, lumbering, and mining
industries, yet it is in employments of this character that three-fourths
of the foot and leg injuries occur. In California 91 per cent of the
permanent foot and leg injuries occurred in nonmanufacturing indus
tries, of which 60 per cent occurred in transportation and construction.
The distribution of the several types of injuries by industry is shown
in more detail in the following table:
N U M B ER AND P E R CEN T OF IN JU R E D E M PL O Y E E S , C LA SSIFIE D B Y IN D U ST R Y AND
T Y P E O F IN JU R Y .
N um ber.
Type of injury.
Per cent.
an
Nonman
Manufac Nonm
ufactur Manufac
ufactur
turing.
turing.
ing.
ing.
Loss of—
H and or a rm .....................................................................................
Foot or leg.........................................................................................
One eye.............................................................................................
One th u m b .......................................................................................
One finger.........................................................................................
Two or more fingers........................................................................
22
3
33
14
92
60
31
31
21
10
58
39
42
9
61
58
61
61
58
91
39
42
39
39
T o ta l................................................................. ...........................
224
190
54
46
The effect of the injuries upon earning capacity is difficult of deter
mination because of the constant increase in the wage level. Some
idea of the reduced earning capacity is obtained by the following
table, which gives the number and per cent of injured employees
receiving less, more, and the same wage at present than was received
at the time of injury.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[901]
66
M ONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW.
C O M PA RISO N O P P R E S E N T W A G ES W IT H T H O SE R E C E IV E D A T TIM E OF IN JU R Y ,
C L A SS IFIE D B Y T Y P E O F IN JU R Y .
N um ber a t present receiving—
P e r cent a t present receiving—
Type of injury.
Less.
Same.
More.
Total.
Less.
Same.
More.
Total.
Loss of—
H and or a rm .....................................
Foot or leg.........................................
One eye..............................................
One t h u m b . . . .................................
One Anger..........................................
Two or more Angers........................
13
7
6
2
18
13
9
7
15
9
34
18
7
6
7
6
70
35
29
20
28
17
122
66
45
35
21
12
15
20
31
35
54
53
28
27
24
30
25
35
57
53
100
100
100
100
100
100
T o ta l...............................................
59
92
131
282
21
33
46
100
OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED MEN.
In connection -with its placement work the Red Cross Institute for
Crippled and Disabled Men has been conducting a series of surveys
in various industries to determine opportunities for the employment
of cripples, preliminary reports of which were issued in a recent
bulletin.1
The purpose of the surveys was fivefold: (1) To. assemble infor
mation as to the desirability of establishing classes for the training
of cripples in the various industries, (2) to obtain adequate knowl
edge of the possibilities of employing cripples in specific industries,
(3) to obtain a mailing list, consisting of the names of firms able and
willing to employ cripples, (4) to educate the employer to give the
cripple a fair chance, not as an appeal to charity, but as a sound
economic proposition, (5) to find definite jobs for the men who apply
for work at the employment bureau of the institute.
Considerable publicity work was first done through the national
and local trade associations. These associations were asked to send
literature furnished by the institute to their members and to allow
speakers to address their meetings. Editors of trade journals were
asked to give space in their columns to this subject, and responded
generously. Employers were easily interested in the employment
of the war cripple and soon educated to consider the industrial
cripple as well.
Twenty-three industries were taken up one at a time. Investi
gators were sent to all the largest factories in each industry in and
near New York City. Cooperation of the smaller factories was
solicitated, either by letter or by visit. The work was done partly
by paid workers and partly by carefully trained volunteers, and
resulted in the securing of the names of 862 firms which are willing
to cooperate. Since January 1, 1918, 542 factories have been inves1 O pportunities for tlie E m ploym ent of D isabled Men. R ed Cross In s titu te for Crippled a nd Disabled
Men. B ulletin , Ju ly 24,1918. Series L No. 16. New Y ork, 311 F o u rth Ave. 33 pp.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[9021
M ONTHLY LABOE KEVIEW.
67
tigated. One thousand two hundred and three kinds of jobs have
been found possible for leg cripples and 278 kinds of jobs for arm
cripples. In this investigation careful attention was given to sani
tary conditions, precautions for safety, etc., for future use in place
ment work.
These surveys resulted not only in special knowledge of jobs
appropriate for cripples of varied types, but in locating actual jobs
for industrial cripples who are being placed by the employment
bureau of the institute.
The report describes in detail the processes involved in each
industry investigated, the advantages and disadvantages of each for
arm and leg cripples, the wages paid, the organization of the trade,
and*the general provisions for the safety of the workers. The follow
ing industries are included: The piano industry, the leather industry,
the rubber industry, the paper-goods industry, the shoe industry,
sheet-metal goods, the silk industry, cigar manufacture,, drugs and
chemicals, the candy industry, the celluloid industry, optical goods,
and the motion-picture industry. The survey of the optical goods
industry, reprinted below, is fairly representative of the manner in
which these industries are treated in the report.
O p t ic a l G o o d s .
The optical-goods industry is a growing one and can be looked upon as being stable
during and after the war; The trade of the small retail dealer has been considerably
changed since the beginning of the war. Formerly the lenses were bought already
ground, but now a great many of the retail dealers have found that they can not buy
their lenses already ground and, therefore, have to do their own grinding.
The majority of the employers interviewed were very anxious to cooperate with
the movement for employing cripples. They are all willing to take a few learners,
but, of course, where the factory is small they are unable to take very many.
The president of the Wholesale Optical Manfacturers’ Association of New York
stated that, he did not think that one-armed men could be used, but he thought there
was a great opportunity for one-legged men. The editor of the Optical Journal and
Review maintained that one-armed men with work arms could work at some of the
processes in the trade and that one-legged men could be employed at almost all the
processes. He said that a great many learners were taken. The editor of the Optical
Record thought that one-armed men could be employed at edging and polishing
lenses and one-legged men at most of the other processes. The majority of the em
ployers seen thought that one-legged men could be employed in almost all processes.
Only one or two employers thought that one-armed men could be employed and one
employer said that he would take one-eyed men.
PROCESSES.
1. A s s e m b lin g .—Assembling frames and putting in lenses. This is very skilled
work and is mostly seated. Legless men could be employed at it.
2. B lo c k in g .—This is highly skilled work and is almost all seated; it could be done
by legless men. It consists of sticking the lens on a round metal disk with tar. It is
rather difficult as it is necessary to have the lens lit on the middle of the disk.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[9031
68
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
3. L e n s g r in d in g . —(a ) S u r fa c in g . —This is very skilled work and is almost all stand
ing; it could be done by one-legged men. I t is done by placing lens on a revolving
metal disk. A pointed metal piece is placed on the blocked lens and grinds off the
glass.
(6) E d g in g . —This is a simple process and is usually standing work; it could be done
by one-legged men, possibly by a one-armed man. The lens is held between the
fingers of both hands and the edge ground down on a revolving wheel. (In some of
the small factories the edging and surfacing machines have a foot pedal, but in the
larger places all the machines are worked by hand.)
(c) P o lis h in g . —This is quite simple work. It is done standing. It could be done
by a one-legged and possibly by a one-armed man. The lens is held between the
fingers and placed on a revolving metal disk, which is covered with rouge and some
sort of powder. These lenses are then sent to the final polisher. The final polisher
consists of a number of metal disks upon which the lenses are placed. After being
covered with rouge they are screwed into place and the machinery revolves and»they
are polished down to a fine surface. One man can tend the series of polishers and
walks up and down turning hand levers.
4. L e n s c u ttin g . —This is highly skilled work, is usually seated, and could be done
by legless men. It requires a highly trained eye. The lenses are measured according
to geometrical charts and are then marked. They are then placed in a small cutting
machine, which has to be set very carefully. Only a few men are employed at this
work in each factory.
5. S u rfa ce g r in d in g f o r in s tr u m e n ts .— This work is done in a few factories. It is
skilled work and is seated and it could, therefore, be done by legless men. It is
almost similar to the process of surfacing but it takes longer and requires more patience.
6. S o r tin g . —In large factories they make first, second, and third grade lenses.
These are sorted by testing them with an instrument. It is very unskilled work and
it could be done seated. It is sometimes done by girls.
7. W r a p p in g . —In large factories there is a good deal of -wrapping glasses in paper, etc.
P O S S IB IL IT IE S F O R O N E-L EG G ED AN D FO R O N E-A R M ED M EN.
Process.
Weekly
wage for
one-legged
men.
Process.
Mini M axi
mum. m um.
Lens edging................................................
Lens polishing...........................................
Lens c u ttin g ..............................................
Surface grinding for in stru m en ts..........
Sorting lenses.............................................
$18
18
18
15
15
18
18
12
$30
25
30
30
30
35
35
Weekly
wage for
one-armed
men.
Mini M axi
mum. m um .
Lens edging................................................
Lens polishing..................... : ....................
Lens sorting...............................................
$15
15
12
W O R K IN G C O N D IT IO N S .
1. W a g e s. —Wages for learners range from $10 to $12 a week. Most of the employers
maintain that, in six months, men ought to be able to earn from $15 to $20. Very
skilled workers earn from $25 to $35.
2. P h y s ic a l c o n d itio n s . —Fair.
3. N a tio n a litie s . —On account of the shortage of labor, they are willing to take men
of any nationality. Most of the workmen seem to be of a good type.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[904]
MONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW.
69
A D V A N T A G E S F O E C E IP P L E S .
1. I t is a nonseasonal trade.
2. The work is light and could be done by one-legged men, some of it by one-armed
men.
3. The wages are high.
4. In general, the conditions, in regard to light, ventilation, etc., are fair.
5. While a great deal of the work is skilled, most of the employers agree that a man
could learn a good deal in six months.
6. Learners are taken in almost all factories.
D IS A D V A N T A G E S F O E C E IP P L E S .
1. The principal drawback to placing cripples in this trade is that there are few large
factories, especially in New York City. Of course, the smaller ones can not take very
many learners at a time.
2. A good deal of the work is standing but it requires very little strength. Opinions
differ as to the desirability of standing work for men with leg amputations. A onelegged man who is one of the investigators for the institute claims that he is perfectly
able to stand all day long, whereas one of the physicians of the staff maintains that a
cripple with a recent leg amputation can not do standing work. However, in some
of the smaller factories, they have high stools for the men, and it would seem perfectly
possible for the larger factories to allow the men to sit at a good deal of the work.
LOANS AUTHORIZED TO FRENCH WAR P E N SIO N E R S AS AID IN
ESTABLISHING H O M E S.1
By a recent law of France (Apr. 9-, 1918), real estate mortgage
associations and agricultural loan associations are authorized to make
loans under the laws of April 10, 1908, and March 19, 1910, to pen
sioners for certain purposes, and subject to certain provisions for
securing the repayment of the loans.
Loans are authorized to former soldiers and marines in receipt of an
invalidity pension paid by the State for injuries received or infirmities
contracted in the course of the present war; to widows in receipt of a
pension or annuity paid by the State or by the French marine provi
dent fund because of the death of their husbands through injuries
received or sickness contracted since August 2, 1914; to dependents
having a right to annuities or pensions paid by the State or French
marine provident und because of injuries to persons resulting from
the war, provided they present proofs that they are eligible to insur
ance in the laborers’ and peasants’ retirement fund under the law of
April 5, 1910, and that they have complied with its provisions.
Individual loans secured by mortgages are authorized for the pur
pose of acquiring, managing, transforming, and reconstructing small
rural properties, without regard to the area, of which the value, not
including expense and insurance costs, does not exceed 10,000 francs
1Revue Interalliée pour l ’etude des questions intéressant les M utilés de la Guerre. Vol. I, Nos. 1 and 2.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[905]
70
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
($1,930). Repayment of the loan may extend over a period of 25
years, unless the age of the borrower at the date the last installment
becomes due shall be above 60 years.
Loans made in accordance with this law shall bear interest at 2 per
cen t1 per annum.
At the time the loan is made the borrower must contract with the
national insurance fund for the payment of the annuities which may
remain unpaid in the event of the death of the borrower. This insur
ance is effected by a single premium which, together with the costs of
the negotiation of the loan, is added to the sum borrowed.
The certificate as to healthfulness, required under the law of April
10, 1908, for cheap dwelling houses located on small areas of land,
shall, in addition to being signed by the rural inspector, be signed by
an inspector appointed for ‘this purpose from among the members of
agricultural syndicates, productive agricultural cooperative societies,
mutual agricultural credit associations, or committees of the depart
ment for cripples.
Borrowers are exempt from showing that they are in possession of
one-fiftieth, at least,2 of the purchase price of the property to be
improved.
Every contract shall contain the provision that on default of the
payment of an installment the loaning society may attach one-fifth of
the annuity or pension unpaid, provided that fraction does not
decrease such pension by more than one-half or to a sum under
360 francs ($69.48). In case the borrower demurs to such attach
ment, a justice of the peace shall definitely rule upon the question.
For the exclusive purpose of making loans authorized by this law,
loaning societies may receive special advances without interest,
without being limited to double the amount of subscribed capital.
Such advances shall be based on the amount of general subsidies for
agricultural credit for long-term loans authorized by the law of
March 19, 1910, and be repayable in annual installments during the
period of 26 years. Advances are to be made to agricultural credit
associations by the minister of agriculture and to real-estate mortgage
associations by the minister of labor and social welfare, when recom
mended by a special commission.
For each child born to the borrower after the loan is made the
State will annually place to the credit of the borrower one-half of
1 per cent of original loan. This grant will be credited on. the
required annual payment.
Rural property acquired, managed, transformed, or reconstructed
under the provisions of this law may be declared a homestead. But
1 This rate was changed in th e Chamber of D eputies to 1 per cent.
* See laws of A pr. 12, 1906, Apr. 10,1908, and Feb. 11, 1904.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[906]
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
71
this shall not abridge the rights of the loaning society as to registering
the mortgage against such property or in measures taken for its fore
closure (see laws of July 12, 1909, and Mar. 19, 1910). This provision
applies also to unmarried persons having no children, on condition
that marriage shall be contracted within three years. If after that
period the borrower is still single any interested person may cause
the homestead declaration to be set aside.
In respect to long-term loans in favor of mobilized persons granted
by district agricultural credit societies as provided for by law of
March 19, 1910, the provision limiting advances to double the capital
of the fund is not applicable, but the total advances shall not exceed
four times such capital.
The law becomes effective three months after its publication.
VOCATIONAL REEDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED SOLDIERS
IN ITALY.1
THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOE. THE PROTECTION AND ASSISTANCE OF MEN
DISABLED IN THE WAR.
The Italian system of care for disabled soldiers is an outgrowth of
private interest in relief work connected with the war. Civil relief
committees have cooperated with the governmental health service,
the Red Cross, and the Order of the Knights of the Cross of Malta
in caring for the wounded and maimed. The work has always been
more or less connected with the Government; but governmental
organization and control of the work did not begin until the passage
of the law of March 25, 1917, No. 481 (published in the Gazzetta
Ufficiale of Apr. 2, 1917).
Upon this law is based not only the organization of vocational
reeducation in Italy, but also the whole complex work of the aftercare
and social assistance of every disabled soldier or sailor, whether he
be incapacitated by wounds or through illness.
The execution of this great undertaking has been intrusted by law
to a new organization, known as the National Commission for the
Protection and Assistance of the Men Disabled in the War (Opera
Naziondle per la Protezione ed Assistenza degli Invalidi di Guerra).
1 This article has been compiled from th e following sources: The Interallied Conference on the Aftercare
of Disabled Men. Second annual meeting, London, May 20 to 25,1918. R eports presented to the con
ference. London, 1918. Two p ap ers on “ Technical Reeducation in Ita ly ,” by Prof. G iovanni Chevalley
(pp. 139-149) and Prof. E tto re Levi (pp. 150-156); “ La rééducation Agricole des invalides de guerre en
Italie,” by D r. Mario G usm itta (pp. 183-204); “ L a system ation des avengles de guerre en rap p o rt a u x
critérium s suivis pour leur rééducation,” by D r. Lavinia Mondolfo (pp. 283-311).
Federazione Nazionale dei C om itati di Assistenz a ail M ilitari Ciechi, Storpi M utilati. L ’opera svolta in
Italia 1915-1918. Rome, 1918. Illustrated. 326 p p .
Publications of th e Red Cross In stitu te for Crippled and Disabled Men. Provision for war cripples
in Italy, by Ruth U nderhill. Series 1, No. 12. New Y ork, May 31,1918. 18 p p .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
£907]
72
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
The national commission with headquarters in Rome is administered
by a council composed of 19 members—2 deputies and 2 senators
elected by the respective houses of Parliament, and 15 members
appointed by the Crown, representing the different Government
departments, committees for the care of war invalids, and public
relief and social insurance institutes. An executive committee is
elected by the commission comprising 7 members and the president
or vice president of the commission.
The task of the national commission has been greatly facilitated
b y ‘the work accomplished during the first two years of the war by
municipal and regional committees, whose activities have been since
October, 1916, coordinated and directed by a special inspector,
Prof. Enrico Burci, of Florence, attached to the Ministry of War, and
appointed by the Prime Minister. The essential duties of the special
inspector have been the reorganization of the military institutes for
the reception of disabled men and their coordination with those
already established by the civil authorities. Only by such reorgan
ization and coordination could the uniform and continuous treatment,
both material and moral, of the disabled be secured.
The amalgamation of the existing civil and military organizations
has been brought about of necessity, by the experience of the first
year of war. For this experience indubitably showed that reedu
cation, as a general measure, was doomed to failure if it were not
preceded by an adequate moral and physical preparation of the
disabled man from the initial stages of his incapacity, and followed
by a wise and kindly supervision during the critical period of his
return to normal surroundings. Accordingly vocational reeducation
for disabled soldiers and sailors in Italy is distinguished by three
distinct features: (1) Propaganda with regard to vocational reedu
cation, and the preparation and persuading of disabled men to go
through with it; (2) actual vocational reeducation (technical training
centers and institutions); and (3) assistance given to disabled men
on completion of their technical training.
PR E R E E D T JC A T IO N OF T H E D ISA B L E D IN C O N N ECTIO N W IT H T H E IR
TREATM ENT.
H O S P IT A L
Ideally, the prereeducation of the disabled man—that is to say,
the moral preparation of the patient—should be initiated at the very
moment when he first realizes that he will remaip hampered for life
by his physical disabilities. In order to realize such an ideal, it has
been attempted in Italy to concentrate without delay all the seriously
disabled in two surgical first receiving centers, where they may live
in an atmosphere favorable to their preparation for an active future.
For this reason every seriously disabled man,#from whatever sector
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[908]
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
73
of the extended Italian front he may come, is immediately conveyed
to Mantna for the northern front, and Bari for the eastern front,
where he is insured not only the most efficient medical and surgical
treatment, but also the most intelligent and loving moral preparation.
In order that such preparation should be carried out in the most
ideal way from the very start—in the small field hospitals and in the
hospital trains—the national commission has undertaken the pub
lication and distribution of a pamphlet of propaganda. This pam
phlet, published in the simplest form, is designed to popularize the law
relating to the disabled, explaining to the patient and to all who may
attend him—doctors, nurses, chaplains, etc.—what are the rights to
which he is entitled, and all that these imply—medical and surgical
attendance, free provision of artificial limbs, maintenance for six
months in a school of reeducation, the laws relating to pensions and
legal medical attendance, social relief, and the securing of employment
for discharged disabled men in 'the public service and in private
enterprises. The pamphlet, abundantly illustrated, and distributed
by the thousand throughout the whole country by moans of the civil
authorities, doctors, parish priests, etc., will also serve the purpose of
explaining those advantages to many discharged disabled soldiers
who, during the first period of insufficient organization, did not profit
by rights and privileges which-had not been made adequately clear
to them.
From the first receiving hospitals in Mantua and Bari the patients
are distributed, according to their district of residence, among the
first concentration hospitals of Turin, Milan, Genoa, Bologna, Flor
ence, Rome, and Naples, thus being brought without delay into the
neighborhood of their families and of their normal environment. In
these hospitals, chosen for their healthful and agreeable surroundings,
the surgical treatment of the patient is completed, and, simultane
ously, the moral preparation, already initiated, is carried out by the
personnel of the local school of reeducation. As soon as the patient
is able to sit up in bed, he is encouraged to attempt light occupa
tions—beadwmrk, cardboard work, toy making, etc. Thus his pas
sive mentality is transformed into an active mentality, and he begins
to feel the hope of a renewed possibility of work and to appreciate
its necessity.
The wounds of the patient being nearly healed, he passes to the
local concentration hospital of the second grade, where his physical
and orthopedic treatment is completed. The stumps of the muti
lated limbs are then put into a condition favorable for the adaptation
of artificial members, and crippled limbs are restored as far as possible
to their functions. In this period the patient is no longer confined
to bed, and his general reeducation may be extended; he is accord-
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
i909]
74
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
ingly encouraged to attend the schools which exist throughout these
districts. In such schools illiterates, unfortunately numerous in Italy,
are taught to read and to write; or those having already mastered the
rudiments of education may bring their knowledge to some degree of
perfection. The patients have also at their disposal small workshops,
intended, for the most part, for the light manual work suitable for
the great mass of those disabled who come from agricultural districts—
the auxiliary trades of agriculture, such as wickerwork and basket
making, coopering, clog making, etc. By these means, even those
patients who persistently refuse £o spend six months in the schools of
reeducation proper are enabled to return to their homes with some
notion of the best way to exercise their normal occupations. During
this period the patients are furnished with temporary artificial limbs.
Then follows the third and last period of treatment. The physical
treatment of the patient completed, after a month’s leave he passes
on to the school of reeducation already existing in each one of the
above-mentioned cities.
SY ST EM OF V O CA TIO N A L R E E D U C A T IO N .
Reeducation is, unfortunately, not compulsory in Italy; but the
law on the care of disabled soldiers has been framed with such fore
sight as to affect the greater number of those who have need of it,
making compulsory for every indigent disabled man a sojourn of at
least 15 days in the schools of reeducation. He is, accordingly, made
to realize the opportunities open to him and does not risk refusing
such benefits owing to an incomplete appreciation of them.
Only in the school of reeducation itself do the disabled receive their
permanent artificial limbs. These are supplied by the special labora
tory attached to each school, under the direction of an orthopedic
surgeon. Many schools also furnish gratuitously the necessary imple
ments for the exercise of the trades and handicrafts taught there.
This system has the object of centralizing and retaining every patient
for the longest time possible in the schools of reeducation.
These schools were established in Italy through local initiative, and
for this reason neither their administration nor their programs of
instruction have been perfected or coordinated. They are now, how
ever, under the control of the national commission, which will
strengthen and reorganize them according to a general and uniform
design. Formerly these schools were entirely supported by private
contributions. In view, however, of the enormous expenditure en
tailed by the adequate development of these institutions the Govern
ment has granted the local committees for the assistance of disabled
soldiers and sailors a subsidy for every disabled man kept in the
various training institutions, amounting to 3.5 lire (67.6 cents) per
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[9101
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
75
day for indoor patients and 2 lire (38.6 cents) per day for outdoor
patients, for a stated period of not more than six months. In many
cases, however, this period is much too short for a complete training,
and, under those circumstances, the Italian local committees them
selves defray the extra expense out of their own funds for so long as
the disabled man is obliged to remain in the institution. For instance
in the Turin schools the average stay is about one year. The com
mittees generally allow a small daily amount of pocket money to
their pupils—about 1 lire (19.3) cents) per day. Part of this amount
is put into a savings bank and is handed to the disabled man when
he finally leaves the institution.
The trades that are generally taught in the Italian schools of reedu
cation are shoemaking, tailoring, saddlery, carpentering, general
mechanics, cabinetmaking, bookbinding, manufacture of wooden
shoes, etc.; furthermore, all trades indigenous to agricultural dis
tricts, as, for instance, basket making, and the wheelwright and cooper
trades, etc. In addition to these there are commercial courses which
comprise bookkeeping, typewritmg, drawing, telegraphy, etc. All
disabled men who are learning a manual trade are also compelled to
attend the public school classes during one or two hours daily.
As in other countries, the selection of trades for the disabled men
has not always been wise; the result of much experience, however,
has enabled the national commission,to lay down the following rules:
(1) Whenever it is possible, the disabled men ought to be retained
in the trade followed by them in prewar days, or in a similar one.
(2) The above rule ought to be applied especially to agricultural
laborers, who constitute in Italy about 85 per cent of the total number
of disabled men.
(3) In view of the very large number of disabled men who aim at
obtaining small Government appointments,. the necessity has been
recognized of discountenancing their applications, and by so doing
sparing them many future disappointments. It has also been recog
nized that it is infinitely preferable to give the disabled men a thor
ough training in appropriate trades and callings, which besides being
of a more profitable and independent nature, are also not quite so
much sought after.
(4) The authorities have also come to realize the necessity of dis
couraging crowding into the cities which has increased to large pro
portions. This' has been effected by persuading the disabled men to
return to their native towns or villages wherever possible.
Through the efforts that have lately been made by the league of
the assistance committees, and by individual committees as well,
agricultural laborers have been induced to return to the land. This
is a step, however, to be taken only after the disabled men have learned
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 911 ]
76
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
tlie use of labor appliances suitable to each particular case, and on
their completing a course wherein they have been taught the rudi
ments of modern agriculture. In this way, and in spite of their
physical disability, they may obtain from the land a much better
yield than they would have done had they persisted in following the
old methods.
The national commission is convinced that the resident system of
training is greatly superior to the nonresident, and has, therefore,
put the former into more extensive practice, yet without such rigid
enforcement as to prevent men availing themselves of every practical
local training scheme carried out upon a different basis. The com
mission is equally convinced that the larger institutions present
material advantages over the smaller. Up to the present time, how
ever, the smaller institutions have perforce been more prevalent.
Since during the early days of private initiative, the local bodies,
though zealous, were little controlled and lacking in means, the na
tional commission, now reviewing the entire situation with impartial
judgment, intends to give the maximum assistance to the mom flour
ishing institutions, and inexorably to condemn the weaker and less
successful.
S U P E R V IS IO N AND CO NTR O L.
The work of supervision and control is carried out by continuous
inspections, intrusted to committees chosen from among the members
of the commission and composed for the most part of a specialist
in reeducation, an administrative official, and a disabled officer or
soldier.
In this connection it is worthy of note that there exists in Italy
an association of disabled soldiers, numbering already some 20,000
members, and acting in strict accord with the military authorities and
with the national commission. Representatives of this society are
members of the council of the national commission and of every
local committee. They have also the right to control the methods
of reeducation prevailing in the various centers.
The national commission exercises its complex work of control
through the medium of the local committees, which, during the first
period of the war spontaneously undertook the establishment of
schools of reeducation. The local distribution of these institutions
is, however, unfortunate, being numerous in the north and scarce in
the south. To obviate this grave inconvenience the national com
mission is undertaking, at its own expense, to found a large institu
tion at Bari, and another in Sardinia, and is intending also greatly to
extend the already existing institutions at Naples. In 33 Provinces
of Italy there exist at present no schools of reeducation, and it is not
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[912]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
77
desirable that they should exist, for, as has been said above, the aim
of the national commission tends rather toward the perfecting of the
larger local institutions. It is to be desired, however, that in these
Provinces the disabled who have rejected their first opportunity for
reeducation should, if possible, be drawn back under its influence,
and by every other means be helped and protected.
To this end the national commission has created in the chief towns
of these 33 Provinces official committees, composed each of seven
members, one of whom is himself disabled. These committees exer
cise in the outlying districts the fundamental functions of the na
tional commission, and have also the' duty of choosing the communal
delegates who extend their beneficent propaganda to every remote
part of the country.
The national commission is actively engaged in the preparation of
a new and complete census of the disabled men who have already
returned to their homes. The commission will thus be enabled to
supply, with the least possible delay, what has been lacking in the
past. For only by means of an exact report of the physical, reeducative, and social circumstances of each individual is it possible to
bring under fresh supervision those disabled men whose condition is
still capable of improvement, to complete and perfect the application
of artificial limbs, to attract to the schools of reeducation those who
have not already profited by them, and to secure employment for
those who have or have not been reeducated.
R E E D U C A T IO N OF T H E B L IN D AN D D E A F.
The blind are quickly removed from the ophthalmic wards in the
field hospitals and distributed amongst the three hospitals for con
centration at Milan, Florence, and Romo. In these hospitals they
receive the special treatment their cases call for, and are supplied
with such ocular prostheses as are required, at the expense of the
military administration. From these establishments the totally
blind are transferred to one of the five institutions for the care and
training of the blind at Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples, and Catania,
that have been recognized and approved by the Ministry of War.
Following the principle adopted for the assistance of disabled men,
everything is done to aid them morally and mentally while the sur
gical treatment is being carried on.
The point of view of the Italian system of reeducating the soldiers
and sailors who have lost their sight during the war is not that these
blind men are normal men forced to live in darkness, but that thenreeducation must be effected on other than the traditional lines of the
education of those born blind. For the soldier who has become blind
still sees in his memory. He remembers form, weight, distance, sur82617°—IS----- 6
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[9131
78
M O N TH LY LABOE REVIEW.
face, etc., of all objects. Taking into account this potentiality of
the blind soldier, the number of occupations for which he may be
trained successfully is vastly greater than that for which, hitherto,
persons born blind have been educated. On the other hand, there
is to be considered his moral depression and his state of discourage
ment which weakens his will power and causes lack of confidence,
and therefore it does not seem opportune to influence him to choose
at the beginning oi his training a trade difficult to learn.
For this reason the Italian schools of reeducation for the blind offer
to all their pupils, at least during the first weeks of their stay at the
school, a choice among a number of occupations easy to learn, and
thus the most intelligent among them as well as the most backward
achieve, almost immediately the consolation of a first victory over
the dark discouragement that dominates them. Among the more
easy trades taught to the blind men are the following: Chair caning;
the making of brushes, brooms, nets for various purposes; matting,
etc. All these trades offer useful distraction to the men and the
possibility of small earnings at easy work when they return to their
rural or urban homes. The less intelligent and the lazy content
themselves with mastering one of these trades, but the more active
and intelligent tire of this crude and elementary work after a few
days and try to learn a more difficult trade, such as saddlery, shoe
making, bookbinding, basket making, woodworking, etc. Some of
the men learn even two or more trades.
The choice of a trade, although in part accomplished under the
efficient suggestion of the director of the school, is, after a period of
trying out of the individual aptitudes, left to the free will of the
blind soldiers. These are not always willing to be reeducated for
the occupation exercised by them before the war. The men con
senting to reeducation for their former occupation have to go through
long days of disappointment spared to those learning a new trade.
It has been observed that the effort to accomplish in darkness the
same operations which, with the aid of the eye and owing to long
practice, had become rapid and automatic and did not require fatigu
ing attention, annoys and irritates the blind soldier and discourages
him to continue his reeducation. To make the blind soldier over
come the impatience and dejection of the first few days or weeks and
to cause the love for his former occupation again to take root in him
is a result aimed at by all the Italian schools for the reeducation of
the blind. Special instruments which make the blind men’s work
sure and precise and permit relatively rapid operation make possible
their placement in a considerable number of trades. Some of these
instruments have been invented by the blind soldiers themselves
during their course of training and others by instructors of the various
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 914 ]
MONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW.
79
schools. To be of value, the instruments in question must be easy
to handle, be of simple construction, and not too cumbersome so that
when the reeducated blind soldier returns to his home he can easily
carry the instrument and repair it or replace it when it gets out of
order or deteriorates.
For former agricultural laborers who have become blind in the war
it is in every respect most suitable that they return to their former
occupation. Since the majority of the blind soldiers are former agri
cultural laborers, special sections for agriculturists have been estab
lished in the schools for the blind of Milan, Florence, and Rome.
In addition to agricultural labor these men are also taught basket,
broom, brush, and net making, the making of matting, and other
similar trades, for which, when at their homes, they can easily obtain
raw materials and which they may exercise when not engaged in
agricultural labor.
The occupations chosen by the more intelligent blind soldiers in the
Italian schools of reeducation are nearly the same as those chosen
by the intelligent blind in other belligerent countries. Massage, the
study of languages, piano tuning, music, commercial studies, etc.
All of the more intelligent are being taught to read and write
“ Braille.”
The reeducation of soldiers who have become deaf in the war con
sists chiefly in their instruction in lip reading.
REEDUCATION OE SOLDIERS DISABLED THROUGH ILLNESS.
Lastly, the national commission has also the task of extending its
protection and assistance to all Service men incapacitated through
illness. This is a work of immense proportions and of essentially
medical character, which, however, must not be separated from reed
ucation. For no patient, until he be restored to favorable physical
condition, is capable either of reeducation or of social usefulness.
Special study is given by the commission, with the close cooperation
of the military and civil sanitary authorities, to the grave problem
of the tubercular cases. It is intended that tubercular patients shall
be taught, in special tuberculosis sanatoria, that régime of life which
they must follow if they hope to be cured. While actively forwarding
such antitubercular preeducation, the commission expects to have
among such patients a steadily increasing percentage who may be
come candidates for a future technical reeducation under a special
supervision which must never lose sight of the pathological origin of
their disability.
AFTERCARE.
A further task of the national commission is the aftercare that
follows the technical training and that devotes itself to sustaining
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 915 ]
80
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
and helping the disabled men on their return to the life of civilians.
This question is most important and is closely connected with the
technical training, inasmuch that without the aftercare all the advan
tages of the training would be lost.
On leaving the training school the disabled man nearly always has
a small capital with which to get the necessities of life. This is the
result of those deposits made during his training in a savings bank
account by his committee and represents part of his earnings during
the said training. To this amount have been added from time to
time the rewards for training given by the minister of the interior or
by the committees themselves. The disabled man is generally pre
sented with the surgical appliances he may need and with tools or
books required for his new trade.
As a rule the disabled men find employment with comparative ease
on leaving the training centers and nearly always obtain a much
higher wage than they earned in peace time. Each local committee
takes a special pride and interest in finding work for the discharged
disabled men, and many have created special employment offices.
Nor are the men either forgotten or neglected once they have found
work to do, each training center taking special care and pride in watch
ing over its old pupils, especially at the start. For those who have no
families to return to and yet need a certain amount of care the
national commission pays for board in private families, which must
render a regular account to the commission. In this respect it would
be well to mention the activities of the Sicilian Institute for Disabled
Men with regard to the aftercare of its former pupils who have
obtained work in the factories of Palermo. It has established a dis
abled soldiers’ home, which has proved a real boon to disabled men
who, after leaving the training center, have often found great diffi
culty in obtaining board and lodging. To this end the Sicilian Insti
tute has rented and furnished suitable apartments and lets them out
to its former pupils at a nominal rent. All the management of this
home with regard to board and all other details is left entirely to its
inmates. This undertaking is giving the best of results and should
soon find imitators.
STATE AND LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS FOR THE PLACING OF DISABLED SOLDIERS.
The securing of positions for crippled soldiers is only beginning to
he systematized in Italy. The law of March 25, 1917, creating the
National Commission for the Protection and Assistance of Men Dis
abled in the War, intrusts the finding of employment to the local
committees of this commission. The early reports of the committees
of assistance always mentioned placement as one of the functions of
the committee' but there were no actual arrangements for carrying it
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[916]
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
81
out. When the schools of reeducation were first established the onlytrades taught were the simple ones of tailor, shoemaker, etc., which
a peasant could carry on in his own home. Men were sent back to
their home villages, sometimes supplied with tools by the commit
tees, and expected to set up in business for themselves. With the
duration of the War there has been more discussion of this subject
and it is realized that the problem of maintaining the stability of
industry is a very serious one, which the schools of reeducation should
study scientifically.
There is no set rule, as there is in Germany, that a man should be
reeducated to his old trade or an allied one. If this were actually
carried out in Italy almost all the cripples would be educated as
farmers. The statement made in the law creating the national com
mission, a statement expressive of theory rather than practice, is:
“ Men should be educated preferably to their old occupation, agricul
tural or industrial, or to a new one suited to their tastes and to their
social and economic condition and to the labor conditions of the
locality where they reside.”
Italian critics of the work have pointed out that this ideal has so
far not been carried out and that schools have taught the two or three
trades easiest to install without regard to the demand for them or
their suitability to the cripples’ tastes.
The national federation of the local committees of assistance had
almost from the first an employunent office whose function was to
assist the committees in placing their discharged pupils. This office
made inquiry among large firms in the country as to their willingness
and ability to employ cripples and was able to publish in its monthly
bulletin the names of several with the positions which they can offer.
The employment office of the national federation keeps up a con
tinual campaign of publicity to interest public officers and private
employers in the subject of employment of disabled soldiers.
In addition to this almost all the local committees have developed
employment bureaus. Those at Florence and Turin are particularly
active. The employment committee at Florence, composed of physi
cians and employment exports, interviews all men before they leave
the hospital and makes out a card containing the necessary social
information, after which it makes an effort to get them really appro
priate work. The Turin school has within its building an employ
ment office for crippled soldiers and also uses a carefully worked out
blank in taking applications.
There have also been organized in many of the Italian Provinces
volunteer committees for industrial mobilization (Comitati di mobilitazione industrials) under a central national committee. This com
mittee makes it its particular business to look up the firms which
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[917]
82
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW.
will employ cripples and publishes the results. The local committee
for Lombardy publishes a tabularized statement every month in the
monthly bulletin of the federation and the national committee also
has a report.
The agency to which all others look for help in the matter of place
ment is, of course, the State. State aid in this respect has been
regulated by the law of March 25, 1917. The respective provisions
of the law have for substance the following principles: Retention in
the army, reinstatement and admission into public offices and works,,
preference in competitions for civil-service positions, reemployment
with private concerns.
According to the above law, soldiers, who in accordance with the
regulations in force have been disabled, may, when their disablement
allows, remain in the army if the military authorities consent.
The law makes a distinction between soldiers who, in spite of thendisablement, are able to continue in active service and those who are
able to undertake only sedentary work. The former may, almost
without exclusion as to rank and in an unlimited number, after the
suspension or repeal of every provision for pensioning or permanent
discharge, be taken back into the army, passing, however, into the
reserves. For both these categories, however, their respective rights
to advancement hold good, and both, during the whole of the period
they are serving, will have the right to receive, over and above the
privileged pension, the salary due to members of the army of equal
rank of the same corps in permanent active service. Both of them,
in addition, although being able to remain in the service right up to
the age limit generally prescribed,* may at any time ask to be pen
sioned, and they will in any case have the right to add the privileged
pension already obtained to the pension due them for the period of
service subsequently given. Special detailed rules, of course, regu
late the manner of establishing the physical fitness of the applicant
as well as the terms of the request to be reinstated into the army.
Italy had, perhaps, more difficulty than other countries in com
bating the usual conviction of the war cripple that he was entitled
to a Government position. She was situated something like the
United States, having had a popular war at about the same time
(1861), after which the principle of liberal treatment and Government
jobs for pensioners became well established. Many of the heroes of
the War of the Risorgimento (recovery of Italian independence)
were supplied with sinecure posts which they were unfitted to fill,
and the general presupposition at the beginning of the present War
was that all veterans must be treated in the same way. The Govern
ment, however, made it plain at the beginning of the present war
that such a policy would not be adopted, and discouraged all disabled
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 918 ]
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
83
soldiers who did not possess proper qualifications from applying for
civil-service positions.
The law of March 25, 1917, provided, however, that disabled sol
diers shall be reinstated in positions in public and Government offices
held by them at the time of their being called up for this war, pro
vided they have reacquired the capacity to perform useful service.
The appointment of disabled soldiers formerly not in the Govern
ment service to situations without competitive examination has been
limited to fixed situations of a lower category. In regulations pub
lished in August, 1917, in pursuance of the above law, there were
inserted tables giving, for the various ministries, the different grades
of employment and the number of situations in each grade to which
disabled soldiers formerly not in the Government service might have
access. The procedure for the admission is very simple. The appli
cants simply have to present their petition to the national commis
sion, furnishing such documents as prove that they possess the quali
fications prescribed for each of the situations in the respective adminis
trations; the latter then chooses from the various applicants those
whom it considers most adapted by their qualifications for vacancies.
Another privilege granted by the law is that on the basis of which
being a disabled soldier constitutes a right to precedence, in the case
of equality of qualifications, in the competition for admission to
public employments. And as a last privilege single administrative
departments have been authorized to establish rules and regulations
for the admission, by competition, of disabled men to employments
not included in the tables of which mention is made above, provided
they are not of the higher grade or connected with accounting
departments, on special conditions, not excluding the eventual
reservation of a part of these situations exclusively to disabled men.
Privileges of a general character, in connection with the read
mission and admission into public offices and works, have also been
granted both by law and by rules and regulations. Among these
the following are worthy of mention: The authority granted to the
public administrative departments to deviate, when it is’ considered
-opportune in the interest of the disabled men, from the age limits
established by their respective regulations for the admission to com
petitive examinations; the right to add the privileged pension to their
salary during service and to the civil pension when pensioned off;
and the possibility of obtaining bonds for those employees for whom
they might be required, by allotments from the war pension or from
corresponding temporary allowances, in such measure, however, as
not to exceed one-third of the sum annually paid under this heading.
With regard to the treatment to be received by disabled soldiers
in connection with their reinstatement or admission into employment
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 919 ]
84
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
with industrial concerns and commercial offices, the legislator was
confronted with much greater difficulties, as it was a question of
invading private territory. As is known, this question had been
discussed at length at the interallied congress at Paris, which decided
that it should be left to the legislators in the various countries to
determine whether private firms could be forced to employ disabled
soldiers, limiting itself to expressing the wish that a moral obligation
might be felt on the part of private firms to employ disabled men in a
number proportionate to the importance of the respective firms.
The question was solved in different ways in the different countries.
In some, as in France, it was established that industrial and com
mercial firms should not be able to obtain a concession, monopoly,
or subsidy from the State, or from public institutions unless they
reserved a certain number of situations for disabled men. This
necessitates complex regulations, with detailed instructions and tables
to establish according to the capacity, infirmity, dependents, etc.,
the right to the different situations.
In view of these complications -and difficulties the Italian legis
lature did not think fit to study the problem specially, and considered
it sufficient to extend to the disabled men the regulations which by a
decree of May, 1916, had been adopted in favor of the employees
of private firms called to the colors. These regulations provide that
in firms who usually keep more than two employees, the contract of
employment of those employees who have been in the service of the
linn for at least one year and who are called to the colors remains
in force although suspended until the end of their military service.
The disabled men, who find themselves in this position, therefore
have the right to readmission to the employment occupied previous
to being called to the colors. They must, however, furnish proof of
the reacquired physical ability necessary to carry out the duties
entailed and must forward their request to the firm within one year
from the cessation of the war. The same privilege of reinstatement
is granted by the law to disabled men who have been discharged by
their employer previous to being called to the colors, provided that
they are able to prove that the discharge was determined by the
express desire to evade the obligations of the law. It should also be
mentioned that the obligation, in the case of transfer of the firm, is to
be assumed by the purchaser or licensee of the firm. Employers
who do not employ more than three persons are not affected by the
above obligation, provided they themselves have been called up for
military service.
In connection with the employment of disabled soldiers by private
firms it should also be noted that the law of March 25, 1917, provided
that insurance institutes underwriting accident insurance of indus-
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[920]
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
85
trial establishments must also insure disabled soldiers employed in
such establishments and may not make a surcharge on the pre ium
for their insurance unless the number of disabled soldiers employed
in the establishment is in excess of 10 per cent of the total number
of employees or workmen. The rules and limitations for the appli
cations of an increase of the premium are to be determined by a decree
to be issued by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Labor, in
respect to all insurance institutes with the exception of the National
Insurance Institute for Workmen’s Accident Insurance (Cassa
Nazionale d’Assicurazione per gli Infortuni degli Opérai sul Lavoro).
This latter institution in valuing the risk must keep within the limits
and observe the rules stated in articles 13 of their own rules concerning
premiums and indemnities as approved by Royal Decree No. 612
of April 15, 1915.
Finally, it should also be mentioned that the law of March 25, 1917,
provides that disabled soldiers who have been pensioned are entitled
to receive from all financial institutions special facilities for rates of
interest and of refund in obtaining loans for the acquisition of farming
or grazing land, of country property, or for the acquisition or building
of a settlement or workmen’s dwelling, giving as guaranty for the
payment of the interest or of the refund the pension received by them.
WHAT BECOMES OF THE MAN DISABLED IN INDUSTRY IN DENMARK.
The Danish Industrial Accident Insurance Board (Arbejderforsikrings-Raad) has made a special study for the Fourth Scandina
vian Industrial Accident Insurance Conference (Nordisk Arbejderjorsikringsm^de) of what becomes of persons industrially disabled
in Denmark.1
Two earlier and similar studies in Denmark may be mentioned;
one, by Bureau Chief Cordt Trap, a member of the industrial accident
insurance board, based on material furnished by certain employers
and printed in the proceedings of the First Scandinavian Industrial
Accident Insurance Conference, 1907, p. 123, and in the National0konomisk Tidsskrift, 1907, p. 626; the other by Division Chief
Birkmose of the board, one part based on material from employers
in the metal industry, the other part on experience among brick
and stone masons. These latter studies are published only in the
Danish Parliamentary proceedings (Rigsdagstidende, Tilling A, ord.
Sami., 1914-15, Sp. 3311 if).
1 Danske ulykkesinvalider; unders^gelse om hvordan det ¡Skonomisk er gaaet for personer, der 19051914 af Arbejderforsikrings-Raadet h a r faaet tilkendt erstatning for m indst 50 p. ct. invaliditet, * * *
ved Ik Zeutlien. (Les invalides des accidents d u travail en D anem ark). Copenhagen, 1918. 161 pp.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[921]
86
M O N TH LY LABOS REVIEW.
The data for the present study have been taken from the com
pensation statistics of the system of workmen’s insurance. This
system included until 1908 only industrial workers, but beginning
in May, 1908, agricultural laborers were added. Payment of com
pensation for permanent injuries is by lump sum usually within a
year after the injury occurs.
The investigation here noted includes 464 injury cases out of a
total of 631 compensated during the period 1905-1914 for loss of
earning capacity of 50 per cent and over. The material for the
study was secured from each handicapped man by correspondence
through employers, municipal authorities, and doctors.
O C C U PA T IO N OF IN JU R E D P E R S O N S .
Of the 464 injury cases studied approximately one-fourth are em
ployed in a different trade from that before the injury; that is, 17
per cent entering a trade requiring considerable mental skill and 8 per
cent entering office or similar work, or serving as messengers, watch
men, etc., work requiring neither special physical nor mental effort.
About one-fourth of the injured persons have their own handicraft
shops or agricultural holdings. The present occupations of the injured
persons classified according to the nature of the injury are contained
in the following table.
N U M B E R A N D P E R C E N T O F S P E C I F IE D I N J U R Y C A SE S A C C O R D IN G T O P R E S E N T
O C C U P A T IO N O F I N J U R E D P E R S O N S .
N umber.
Present occupation.
H and
and
arm.
Foot
and
leg.
P er cent.
H and
Foot
and
and
arm. , leg.
Other.
Total.
12
16
10
3
18.6
8.8
15.6
6.8
4.2
3.0
10.7
13.3
3.8
7.6
7.6
5.5
10.0
30.0
1.1
4.5
5.5
10.0
6.7
5. 4
14.4
9. 0
10.0
16.7
Î4.4
19.9
14.2
10.4
16.8
4.7
3. 2
4.1
11.4
ll.o
2. 2
9.7
0.3
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
Same w ith same em ployer....................
Same occupation...._______ ________
O ther th a n occupation before in ju ry ..
Messenger, w atchm an, e tc ....................
Ofiice w o rk ...............................................
Own handicraft shop.................... .........
Own shop or sto re......................... .........
Own agricultural p lo t............................
H ousekeeper............................................
Minor or un im p o rtan t w ork........... .....
W ithou t em ploym ent............................
49
23
41
18
11
8
28
35
10
20
20
5
9
27
1
4
5
9
6
6
16
10
9
15
16
22
66
48
78
22
15
19
53
51
10
45
57
T o tal...............................................
263
90
111
464
Other.
10.8
14.4
9.0
2.7
Total.
N A T U R E OF IN J U R Y AND LO SS O F E A R N IN G C A PA C ITY .
Hand and arm cases have fared better under the provisions of the
law than foot and leg cases, as appears from the table following. Thus,
66.3 per cent of the hand and arm cases as against only 14.9 per
cent of the foot and leg cases have been compensated for loss of
earning capacity of 70 per cent and over.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[922]
87
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
N U M B ER A N D P E R CEN T OF CASES C L A S S IF IE D B Y LOSS O F E A R N IN G CAPA CITY .
Num ber.
Per cent of loss of earning capacity.
H and
and
arm .
SO to 59 per cent................................... ........................
60 to 64 per cent........................................................
65 to 69 per cent............... ..................................................
70 to 79 per cen t...............................................................
80 to 89 per cent.................................................................
90 per cent and over.............................................................
1
33
52
14
1
T o t a l . .. .'.....................................................................
101
Foot
and
leg.
Per cent.
Total.
H and
and
arm .
Foot
and
leg.
23
19
26
11
1
23
20
59
63
15
]
1.0
32.7
51.5
13.8
23.8
32.5
13.7
1.2
11.05
32.60
34.81
8.29
55
80
181
100.0
100.0
100.0
Total.
While it is shown by the study that compensation has been made
under the law for a relatively greater degree of disability in hand and
arm cases than in foot and leg cases yet from the point of view of
period of disability before taking up work, of earning capacity upon
reemployment, and of probability of needing public assistance, those
who had lost a leg or a foot fared worse. This would seem to suggest
that as a matter of fact the loss of a leg or a foot is a greater handicap
to successful reemployment than the loss of a hand or an arm. The
author of the study further states that the greater handicap of leg
and foot over hand and arm cases is only partly explained by differ
ence of age or other similar reason. It may be noted, too, that it is
proposed to amend the law so as to allow greater compensation in
the future for foot and leg cases.
No essential difference in resulting handicap seems to arise in case
of the loss of the right or the left hand. Such difference as does at
first arise is nullified with the lapse of time.
E F F E C T O F IN J U R Y U PO N W AGES.
The table below includes only persons employed for wages in more
important occupations. It is confined to males occupied in manu
facturing and agriculture who were between the ages of 20 and 50
years at the time of the accident and who suffered the loss of or injuries
to an arm or a leg.
N U M B ER AND P E R C EN T O F IN JU R E D PE R S O N S R E C E IV IN G EA C H C LA SSIFIE D
AM OUNT O F A N N U A L EA R N IN G S.
N um ber.
Classified annual earnings.
H an d
and
arm .
Foot
and
leg.
Per cent.
Total.
H and
and
arm.
Foot
and
leg.
Total.
401 to 800 crowns ($107.47 to $214.40).................................
801 to 1,200 crowns ($214.67 to $321.60)..............................
1,201 to 1,600 crowns ($321.87 to $428.80)...........................
1,601 crowns ($429.07) and over...........................................
13
23
15
12
2
7
4
2
2
2
20
27
17
14
20.6
36.6
23.8
19.0
11.8
41.1
23.5
11.8
11.8
2.5
25.0
33.8
21.2
17.5
T otal...............................................................................
63
17
80
100.0
100.0
100.0
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[9231
88
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
As is evident in the table, wages vary considerably. Of the total
of 80 cases involved, 22 are earning 800 crowns ($214.40) or less per
year; 27 from 800 to 1,200 crowns ($214.40 to $321.60), and 31 over
1,200 crowns ($321.60). In hand-and-arm cases only 20.6 per cent
are earning 800 crowns ($214.40) or less per year, while in foot-andleg cases the proportion is 52.9 per cent. Average wages are also
less in foot-and-leg cases than in hand-and-arm cases.
A V ER A G E W A GES B Y IN D U S T R Y G R O U P AND N A T U R E O F IN JU R Y .
Loss of arm
or hand.
In d u stry .
Crovjns.
Metal and woodworking industries....................................... 1,550 ($415.40)
O ther m anufacturing in d u stries............................................ 1,140 ($305.52)
A griculture............. .................................................................
725 ($195.30)
O ther injury to
arm or hand.
Crowns.
1,470 ($393.96)
1,200 ($321.60)
900 ($241.20)
Leg injury.
Crowns.
950 ($254.60)
1,160 ($320.88)
630 ($168.84)
To compare these earnings, which are compiled for the year 1916,
with the earnings of persons not handicapped by injury the follow
ing facts are cited:
According to the reports of employers who are members of the
Copenhagen Manufacturers’ Association the average annual earn
ings of blacksmiths and machinists in Copenhagen are 2,435 crowns
($652.58); and of those outside the city 1,958 crowns ($424.74); for
laborers in the city 1,634 crowns ($437.91) and in outside districts
1,459 crowns ($391.01); for workmen in factories 1,557 crowns
($417.28) in-the districts outside the city; and for operatives in the
textile industry in the city 1,442 crowns ($386.46).
The wages of adult male agricultural laborers employed by the
month in 1915 averaged 795 crowns ($213.06) for the year, and of
those employed by the day, 830 crowns ($222.44).
P E R IO D OF D IS A B IL IT Y .
In 244 injury cases information is available to show the period of
disability. This material is contained in the following table:
N U M B ER AND P E R CENT O F IN JU R Y CASES C LA SS IFIE D BY P E R IO D OF D IS
A B IL IT Y (P E R IO D B E F O R E R E T U R N IN G TO W O RK ).
N um ber.
Period of disability.
H and
and
arm.
Foot
and
leg.
P er cent.
Other.
Total.
H and
and
arm.
Foot
and
leg.
Other.
Total.
U nder 4 m onths............................. ........
4 and undej: 6 m o n th s............................
6 and under 12 m o n th s..........................
12 and under 18 m onth^........................
18 and under 24 m o n th s........................
24 m onths and over................................
26
20
46
23
13
14
1
1
9
10
9
17
6
3
8
11
8
19
33
24
63
44
30
50
18.2
14.1
32.4
16.2
9.1
9.9
2.1
2.1
19.2
21.3
19.1
36.2
10.9
5.5
14.5
20.0
14.5
34.6
13.5
9.9
25.8
18.0
12.3
20.5
T o tal................................................
142
47
55
244
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
89
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
U N EM PLO Y M EN T .
Only very limited data have been secured to show the amount of
unemployment suffered by the handicapped after taking up employ
ment. Of 163 injured persons 55 replied “ Yes” to the inquiry as to
whether as a result of their injury they were more subject to unem
ployment than their able-bodied fellow workers; 32 replied/‘No,”
while 76 did not venture any explanation. The amount of unem
ployment during the year suffered by the 55 answering in the affirma
tive was as follows:
Under 1 month...........................................................................................
1 month but under 2.................................................................................
2 months but under 4...............................................................: ...............
4 months but under 6 .............................................................
6 months and over.....................................................................................
Not reported...............................................................................................
1
3
13
9
7
22
T otal..............................................................................................................
55
USE MADE OE COM PEN SA TIO N PA Y M EN TS.
The compensation received by the injured persons has been
variously applied. Over three-fifths (64 per cent) of the 412 recip
ients for whom data are reported have placed it in permanent invest
ments, some of which however have been lost. Thus, about one-fifth
of the recipients have deposited all or some considerable part of the
lump sums received in banks, and another fifth has applied the money
wholly or partly to the purchase or improvement of small agricul
tural holdings or other properties; about one-seventh have invested
their funds in annuities, mortgages, or other credit obligations, while
the remainder have variously invested their funds.
Of the approximate two-fifths (36 per cent) who spent their funds
for temporary objects, the largest proportion, or one-fourth, applied
the money to pay such expenses as debts contracted after and as a
result of the accident, while others applied them for the purchase of
furniture, payment of former debts, for educational purposes, medical
fees, or for artificial limbs. Only 18, or one-twenty-fifth of the total,
may be said to have squandered the compensation received.
In 390 instances it is known whether or not the victims of accident
during the period 1904 to 1914 still own any property. Thus 273,
or 73 per cent, either have part of their compensation left or own
property secured through the aid of the compensation paid, and 107,
or 27 per cent, do not. The situation in this respect is more favorable
for those who have taken up agricultural pursuits. Naturally, too,
those who have suffered the greatest loss of earning capacity are less
favorably situated hi this respect.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[925]
90
M O N TH LY LABOE EEVIEW.
M ETH O D OF C O M PE N SA TIO N .
About four-fifths of the informants expressed their preference
for the lump-sum method of compensation as against the annuity
method. Those who preferred the annuity were those who had met
with failure in their modest business adventures.
R E L IE F B E N E F IT S .
Of 565 cases reported, relief benefits from either public or mutual
aid funds were paid to 92, or 25 per cent, of the victims of industrial
accidents, 10 per cent receiving poor relief, the others receiving oldage pensions, unemployment benefits, etc., provided under certain
laws and regulations and not accountable as poor relief. Further, it
is shown that at least one-half of those who received poor relief were
alcoholics, or had dissipated their compensation.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[926 ]
PRICES AND COST OF LIVING,
RETAIL PRICES OF FOOD AND COAL IN THE UNITED STATES.
Retail prices of food as reported to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
for August, 1918, show, for the United States, for all articles combined
an increase of 2 per cent as compared with July, 1918. The prices of
eight articles decreased. Fresh beef declined in price during the
month. Chuck roast and plate boiling beef decreased 3 per cent each,
rib roast and round steak decreased 2 per cent each, and sirloin
decreased 1 per cent. Slight decreases are also shown in ham, lamb,
and navy beans. Pork chops and eggs show the greatest increases.
Bread, potatoes, and coffee did not change in price in the month.
The increase in the price of all articles of food combined in August,
1918, as compared with August, 1917, was 15 per cent. In this period
hens show the greatest increase, or 38 per cent. Chuck roast in
creased 30 per cent; round steak 29 per cent; rib roast 28 per cent;
sirloin steak, plate boiling beef, and bacon, 26 per cent each. Rice
was 26 per cent higher than a year ago. Beans, flour, sugar, bread,
and coffee were cheaper than in August, 1917.
A V E R A G E M ON EY R E T A IL P R IC E A N D P E R C EN T O F IN C R E A S E OR D E C R E A SE
AUG. 15,1918, C O M PA R ED W IT H A U G . 15,1917, A N D JU L Y 15,1918.
Average m oney price.
Unit.
Article.
Sirloin ste a k ___
R ound stea k ___
R ib ro a st............
Chuck ro a s t.___
P la te beef............
P ork chops.........
B acon ..................
H a m .................
L a rd .....................
L a m b ...................
H e n s....................
Salmon, canned.
E ggs.....................
B u tte r.................
Cheese.................
M ilk.....................
B re ad ..................
F lo u r........ „.........
Corn m eal...........
R ic e ..............
P otatoes..............
O nions.................
Beans, n a v y ___
P ru n e s .................
R aisins, seeded..
Sugar...................
Coflee...................
T e a .......................
P o u n d ..
.do___
.d o .
.d o .
.d o .
.d o .
.d o .
.d o .
.d o .
.d o .
.d o .
.d o .
D ozen...
P o u n d ..
..d o ___
Q u a rt...
P o u n d 3.
...d o ___
...d o ___
...d o ___
...d o ___
...d o ___
..d o ___
..d o ___
..d o ___
..d o ___
..d o ___
..d o ___
A ug. 15,
1917.
Ju ly 15,
1918.
1.329
.308
.255
.217
.172
.344
.430
.395
.277
.297
.279
.271
.460
.476
.328
.114
80.421
.403
.333
.291
.224
.379
.523
.487
.325
.373
.380
.296
.491
.526
.335
.132
.099
.067
.067
.102
.075
.066
.106
.036
.046
.192
.162
.148
.099
.305
.602
.129
.039
.053
.173
.167
.151
.092
.301
.653
All articles com bined.
Aug. 15, Aug. 15, July 15,
1918.
1917.
1918.
$0.415
.396
.326
.283
.217
.422
.540
.485
.331
.369
.386
.302
.536
.539
.346
.136
.099
.068
.068
.134
.039
.055
.171
.171
.153
.093
.301
.658
+ 26
+ 29
+28
+30
+26
+23
+ 26
+23
+ 19
+24
+38
+ 11
+ 17
+ 13
+ 5
+ 19
- 3
- 9
+ 3
+26
+8
+20
-1 1
+6
+ 3
-
6
- 1
+ 9
+ 15
3 Decrease of less th a n five-tenths per cent.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Per cent of in
crease ( + ) or
decrease (—)
A ugust 15,1918,
compared
w ith—
1No change in price.
[9271
* Baked weight.
91
- 1
-
2
2
- 3
- 3
+ 11
+ 3
0)+
2
+2
+2
+ 9
+
2
+ 3
+ 3
(s)
+1
+
1
+ 4
(2)
+ 4
+
+
+
(2)
+
+2
92
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,
For the five-year period, August 15, 1913, to August 15, 1918, all
food combined showed an increase in price of 70 per cent. All the
17 articles for which prices have been obtained for five years show
increases of 52 per cent and over. Four articles increased over 100
per cent, as follows: Corn meal, 127 per cent; lard and flour, 106
per cent each; and potatoes, 105 per cent.
The prices for bread given in this report are for a pound of baked
bread instead of a loaf of 16 ounces, scaling weight. For all loaves
weighing other than 1 pound baked the price per pound has been
computed. No figures were obtainable for baked weights previous
to 1918, hence figures for those years have been converted to an 18ounce scaling weight from those previously published for a 16-ounce
scaling weight, as 18 ounces is now the average scaling weight for a
baked loaf weighing a pound. This gives prices comparable with
those for 1918 on a pound loaf, baked weight.
A V E R A G E M O N EY R E T A IL P R IC E S AND P E R CEN T O F IN C R EA SE OR D EC R EA SE
AUG. 15 O F EACH S P E C IF IE D Y E A R C O M PA RED W IT H AUG. 15, 1913.
Per cent of increase (+ ) or de
crease (—) A ugust 15 of each
specified year compared w ith
Aug. 15, 1913.
Average m oney price Aug. 15Article.
U nit.
1913
Sirloin stea k .........
R ound ste a k ........
R ib roast..............
Chuck ro ast.........
P la te beef.............
Pork chops...........
Bacon....................
H a m ......................
L a rd ......................
L a m b ....................
H en s......................
Salmon, can n ed ..
E g g s . .. .. .............
B u tte r...................
Cheese...................
M ilk.......................
B read.....................
F lo u r.....................
Corn m e a l............
R ice.......................
Potatoes................
Onions...................
Beans, n a v y ........
P runes...................
Raisins, see d e d ..
Sugar. .'.................
Coflee.....................
T e a .........................
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
1914
1915
1916
P o u n d .. SO. 265 $0.278 $0.265 $0.284 $0.329 $0.415
. .. d o ___
.233
.252
.238
.257
308
.396
. .. d o ___
.201
.214
.204
.218
.255
.326
. ..d o ___
.181
.167
.177
.217
.283
. .. d o ___
.131
.123
. 129
.172
.217
. .. d o ___ .218
.250
.216
.243
344
.422
__d o __ _ .281
293
430
540
.287
.270
__d o __ _ .285
.262
326
395
435
.291
. .. d o ___
.161
.156
.140
.210
.277
.331
. .. d o ___
.189
.206
.205
.231
.297
.369
.. . d o . . . . .215
. 279*
.222
.205
386
.238
. .. d o ___
.198
.202
.271
.302
D ozen... .330
.334
.304
.364
.460
.536
P o u n d .. .355
.362
.335
.366
.476
.539
. . .d o .. . .
.227
.245
.328
.346
Q u a rt... .088
.114
.089
.088
.090
.136
P o u n d 2. .056
.063
.071
.072
.102
.099
. .. d o ___
.033
.035
.040
.044
.075
.068
. .. d o ___
.030
.032
.033
.033
.066
.068
. .. d o ___
.091
.091
.106
.134
. . . d o ----- .019
.014
.019
.025
.036
.039
...d o ....
.031
.050
.046
.055
. . . d o ___
.076
.121
.192
.171
. .. d o ___
.135
.134
.162
.171
...d o ....
.125
.128
.148
.153
.099
__d o .. . .
.056
.093
.078
.067
.085
...d o .. . .
.305
.301
.299
.299
...d o .. . .
.546
.546
.602
.658
+ 5
+ 8
+ 6
C1)
+ 2
+ 1
+ 7 + 24
+ 10 + 32
+ 8 + 27
+ 57
+ 70
+ 62
+ 15
-
1
+ 11 + 58
+ 94
+ 92
—3
+ 9
+ 3
-1 3
+ 8
+30 + 72
+22 + 57
+ 11 + 30
+ 106
+ 95
+ 1
+ 2
- 8
- 6
+ 10 + 39
+ 3 + 34
+ 62
+ 52
+
+
+
+
C1)
+27
+ 21
+ 10
+ 2
+29
+33
+ 10
+ 30
+ 82
+ 127
+ 120
+ 55
+ 77
+ 106
+ 127
0)
-2 6
+32 + 89
+ 105
+39
+20
+52 + 77
+ 66
+ 6
—1
+ 13 + 47
+ 70
All articles comb in e d .................
1
13
6
7
1
* No change in price.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
* Baked weight.
[928]
1917
1918
93
M O NTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
R E L A T IV E R E T A IL P R IC E S O P FO O D ON JU L Y 15 AN D AUG. 15, 1918, A N D ON AUG. 15,
1913, 1914, 1915, 1916, AND 1917.
[The relative price shows th e t>er cent th a t th e average price on th e 15th of each m o n th was of the aver
age price for th e year 1913.]
1918
Article.
Aug. 15—
U nit.
Ju ly 15. Aug. 15. 1913
Sirloin steak.
R ound steak
R ib ro a st___
Pork chops..
Bacon............
H a m .............
L a rd .............
H ens.............
Eggs.............
B u tte r___
M ilk..............
B read........... .
F lo u r.............
Corn m eal__
P otatoes..
Sugar.............
P o und.
...d o ...
...d o ...
. .. d o ___
...d o ...
. ..d o ___
. ..d o ___
...d o ___
Dozen..
P o u n d ..
Q u a rt...
Pound 1
.do
.do
.do
.do.
All articles combined.
1914
1915
1916
1917
166
181
168
180
194
181
206
178
142
137
149
174
203
223
229
167
163
178
165
201
200
180
209
181
155
141
153
174
206
227
229
169
104
104
102
104
105
106
102
101
96
92
99
100
100
100
109
102
110
113
108
119
107
108
99
104
96
94
100
112
106
105
111
143
104
107
104
103
100
98
89
97
88
88
99
126
124
108
82
123
112
115
111
116
108
121
133
112
105
95
101
128
134
110
141
155
130
138
129
164
160
147
176
131
134
124
128
182
229
219
206
181
167
171
101
107
100
113
149
1 Baked w eight.
A V ER A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E PR IN C IP A L A R T IC L E S O F FO O D FO R 19 SE L E C T E D
C IT IE S FO R A U G U ST 15, 1913, 1914, 1917, 1918, AND JU L Y 15,1918.
[The prices shown below are com puted from rep o rts sent m o n th ly to th e b u reau b y retail dealers
some dealers occasionally fail to rep o rt, th e n u m b er of quotations variesfrom m o n th to m onth.]
A tlan ta, Ga.
Article.
U nit.
A ug. 15—
1913
S irloin s te a k ___
R o u n d s te a k ___
R ib r o a s t............
C huck r o a s t___
P la te b ee f...........
P o rk c h o p s ........
B acon, s lic e d ...
H a m , s lic e d ___
L a r d .....................
L a m b ..................
H e n s ....................
S alm o n , canned
E g g s.....................
B u tt e r ..................
Cheese..................
M ilk ......................
B r e a d ..................
F lo u r....................
Corn m e a l..........
R ic e ......................
P o ta to e s ............
O n io n s .................
B ean s, n a v y ___
P r u n e s .................
R aisin s, s eed ed .
S u g ar....................
Coffee...................
T e a ........................
P o u n d .. $0.250
. ..d o ....... .215
. .. d o ....... .201
. ..d o .......
. ..d o .......
. ..d o .......
235
. ..d o .......
320
. ..d o .......
310
. ..d o .......
161
194
. ..d o .......
202
. ..d o .......
. ..d o .......
D ozen...
283
P o u n d ..
371
. ..d o .......
Q u a rt...
100
Pound L
060
035
. .. d o .......
026
. .. d o .......
. .. d o .......
023
. ..d o .......
.. .do.......
. .. d o .......
. .. d o .......
. .. d o .......
059
. ..d o .......
. ..d o .......
. .. d o .......
1914
1917
Ju ly
15,
1918.
82617°—IS----- 7
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Baltimore, Md.
Aug.
15,
1918.
276 $0.311 $0.398 $0.396 $0.243
234
.278
.366
.365
230
203
.229
.300
.313
193
171
.196
.264
.259
109
.157
.218
.209
268
.334
.386
.424
193
336
.429
.578
.550
263
330
.482
.405
.509
345
170
.271
.336
.340
150
208
.288
.400
.371
183
218
.232
.362
212
.353
.231
.246
.256
309
.424
.498
.431
277
377
.497
.574
.579
367
.334
.345
.350
100
.133
.200
.200
088
.102
.100
059
.100
054
035
.073
.071
.071
032
029
.063
.057
.057
025
.107
.136
.139
026
.044
.043
.051
017
.061
.062
.065
.189
.190
.188
.178
.175
.185
.150
.156
.156
080
.107
.094
.093
051
.298
.293
.296
.774
.877
.881
i Baked weight.
[929]
As
Aug. 15—
1914
286
373
0S7
057
036
025
018
073
1917
July
15,
1918.
$0.332 $0.466
.322
.459
.258
.368
.230
.317
.249
.163
.352
.420
.422
.495
. .428
.528
.268
.320
.403
.295
.295
.425
.257
.268
.424
.456
.496
.550
.352
.350
.108
.130
.089
.097
.076
.068
.062
.063
.108
.121
.029
.040
.046
.055
.186
.179
.159
.167
.142
.152
.095
.089
.274
.283
.624
.675
Aug.
15,
1918.
$0.465
.457
.366
.313
.242
.460
.513
.543
.324
.416
.427
.268
.499
.563
.353
.130
.097
.069
.065
.130
.042
.055
.178
.174
.156
.090
.284
.685
94
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
A V ER A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T IC L E S O F FO O D FO R 19 SE L E C T E D
CITlfeS FO R A U G U ST 15,1913, 1914,1917,1918, AND JU L Y 15,1918—C ontinued.
Boston, Mass.
Birm ingham , Ala.
Article.
Aug. 15—
U n it.
1913
Sirloin steak .............
R ound steak .............
R ib ro ast...................
(Thnck ro a st..............
P late beef..................
Pork chops...............
Bacon, sliced............
H am , sliced..............
L a rd ...........................
L a m b ___ _
H e n s ..
Salmon, can n ed ___
E ggs...........................
B u tte r........................
Cheese___ ___ ____
M ilk............................
B re ad ........................
F lour..........................
Com m e a l.................
Rice.
...............
P otatoes....................
O nions...................
Beans, n a v y .............
P ru n es__ _
Raisins, seeded........
S u g a r........................
Coffee.....................
T e a .............................
1914
1917
Ju ly
15,
1918.
Aug.
15,
1918.
Aug. 15—
1913
1917
Ju ly
15,
1918.
P o u n d .. SO.281 $0,294 $0.355 $0.436 $0.414 $0.358 $0.406 $0.429 $0.550
.244
.401
.387
.362
.452
. .. d o ....... .225
.325
.377
.571
.256
.225
.263
.360
.335
.257
.310
. .. d o ....... .200
.397
.192
.. .d o .......
.175
.220
.305
.295
.269
.335
.. .d o .......
.226
.125
.163
.237
. . .d o ....... .200
.250
.368
.387
.242
.252
.345
.351
.427
.549
.350
.546
.258
.268
. .. d o ....... .350
.477
.416
.485
.474
. ..d o ....... .313
.350
.418
.460
.338
.424
.499
.345
.324
.. .do....... .165
.160
.316
.157
.159
.279
.328
.285
.. .d o ....... .233
.244
.252
.325
.400
.393
.230
.340
.'403
. . .do....... .170
.221
.336
.326
.256
.260
.308
.193
.433
. ..d o .......
.302
.290
.263
.291
.306
.422
.444
.424
D ozen... .283
.327
.487
.406
.580
.639
P o m id .. .390
.388
.515
.547
.563
.359
.471
.522
.363
.348
...d o .......
.345
.335
.318
.330
Q u a rt... . ÌÓ3
.160
.160
.089
. ÌÓÓ .133
.089
.130
.145
Pound i. .054
.056
.106
.102
.115
.059
.091
.059
.093
.036
.075
.072
.071
.038
.. .do....... .036
.040
.083
.069
.056
. .. d o ....... .024
.029
.063
.036
.074
.055
.035
.075
.. .do.......
.110
.140
.131
.110
.127
.042
.041
. .. d o ....... .023
.027
.047
.019
.019
.051
.033
.. .do.......
,062
.055
.057
.052
.067
.. .d o .......
.189
.185
.179
.188
.177
•
.160
.. . d o .. .. .
.163
.153
.168
.170
. . .do.......
.152
.156
.153
.146
.152
. . .do....... .057
.080
.107
.091
.090
.056
.079
.097
.092
. . .d o .......
.330
.321
.324
.341
.342
. . .d o .......
.729
.796
.765
.632
.642
Buffalo, N Y.
Sirloin steak .............
R ound ste a k ............
R ib ro a st...................
Chuck ro a s t..............
P la te beef..................
Pork chops...............
Bacon, sliced............
H am , sliced..............
L a rd ...........................
L a m b .........................
H e n s ..........................
Salmon, can n ed ___
E g g s ...'.....................
B u tte r........................
Cheese........................
M ilk............................
B re ad .........................
F lo u r..........................
Corn m eal.................
R ice............................
Potatoes....................
O nions.......................
Beans, n a v y .........
1914
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
.055
.079
.159
.131
.098
.291
.513
.176
.140
.090
.300
.590
»Baked weight.
[930]
$0.575
.580
.410
.339
.475
.510
.515
.332
.386
.438
.322
.671
.532
.334
.150
.091
.068
.073
.131
.041
.068
.176
.173
.150
.092
.340
.640
Chicago, 111.
.. .d o ....... $0,238 $0.252 $0.320 $0.415 $0.410 $0.241 SO. 277 $0.308 $0.377
.. .do....... .205
.300
.226
.391
.212
.244
.386
.350
.273
. 184
.. .do....... .170
.323
.227
.248
.316
.202
.251
.318
. . .do.......
.166
.215
.293
. 182
.283
.213
.285
.. .do.......
.132
.165
.231
. 132
.226
.167
.213
.392
.414
...d o ....... .220
.248
.209
.239
.322
.459
.355
.414
...d o ....... .245
.236
.486
.517
.333
.320
.429
.547
...d o ....... .280
.290
.413
.481
.322
.509
.346
.407
.491
. . .do....... .145
.140
.262
.309
.265
.314
.
151
.318
. 151
.. .do....... .155
.274
.173
.346
.222
.288
357
.339
. 199
.. .do....... .218
.218
.289
.391
.401
265
353
.197
.208
. . .do.......
.277
.257
270
303
.278
D ozen... .298
.287
.487
.501
.428
.280
.457
.540
.273
P o u n d .. .329
.463
.510
.348
.514
.332
.448
.480
.327
. . .do.......
.318
.319
342
345
.326
Q u a rt... .080
.080
.110
.130
.100
.140
.080
.100
.120
Pou n d i. .056
.050
.097
.100
.100
.061
.060
.105
.102
__do........ .031
. 063
.077
029
033
072
.033
.062
. ..d o ....... .026
.026
.064
.066
.065
.028
.028
.059
.068
.. .do.......
. 105
105
125
.124
. 126
. ..d o ....... .020
.032
.018
.044
.037
.018
.034
.020
.037
.. .do.......
040
.051
.060
051
037
.. .do.......
192
172
.190
.169
164
P r u n e s ___ ’. ............... . . . d o ........
R a isin s, s e e d e d ........ . . .d o ........
S u g a r.. 1...................... . . .d o ........
Coffee......................... . . .d o ........
T e a ................................ . . .d o ........
Aug.
15,
1918.
.176
.140
.091
.296
.608
.165
.146
.052
.072
094
292
.571
088
284
$0.377
.349
.314
.278
.210
.388
'.564
.505
.321
.354
357
306
.478
.490
357
.124
.102
065
!o68
127
.035
04h
169
172
150
089
279
.581
.575
171
148
95
M O NTHLY LABOE EE VIEW,
A V E R A G E R E T A I L P R IC E S O E T H E P R I N C I P A L A R T IC L E S O P F O O D F O R 19 S E L E C T E D
C IT IE S F O R A U G U S T 15,1913,1914,1917,1918, A N D J U L Y 15,1918—C o n tin u e d .
Cleveland, Ohio.
Article.
U n it.
Aug. 15—
1913
Sirloin steak .............
R ound s t e a k . . . . . . .
R ib ro a st.................
Chuck ro a s t..............
P la te beef___ . . . __
P ork chops...............
Bacon sliced.............
H am , sliced..............
L a rd ................ ..........
L a m b .........................
H e n s..........................
Salmon, canned. . . .
Eggs...........................
B u tte r........................
Cheese......... .............
M i l k ............. ...........
B read ........................
F lour............. ...........
Com m eal.................
Hice................. ..........
Potatoes....................
O nions.......................
Beans, n a v y ..........
P ru n es.......................
R aisins, seeded___
S ugar...
Coffee.........................
T ea_________ _____
1914
1917
Ju ly
15,
1918.
Aug.
15,
1918.
Aug. 15—
1913
1914
1917
July
15,
1918.
P o u n d .. SO.254 $0.273 $0.308 $0.395 .$0.388 $0.243 $0.250 $0.315 $0.411
.. .do....... .229
.372
.239
.291
.365
.222
.235
.296
.395
. . .do....... .187
.197
.235
.311
.299
.178
.189
.239
.316
...d o .......
.172
.283
.215
.278
.174
.211
.290
.. .do.......
.122
.151
.211
.107
.205
.147
.202
...d o ....... .221
.256
.392
.379
.448
.200
.253
.347
.381
.. .do....... .303
.306
.441
.490
.521
.305
.305
.455
.569
. ..d o ....... .373
.365
.441
.488
.510
.338
.325
.438
.515
.. .do....... .166
.160
.281
.316
.329
.165
.158
.289
.316
.. .do___
.193
.285
.216
.361
.363
.161
. 179
.308
.356
. . .do....... .215
.302
.390
.226
.404
.194
.216
.267
.356
.. .do.......
.249
.289
.293
.264
.280
.. .do....... .333
.333
.495
.495
.307
.539
.300
.450
.467
P o u n d .. .357
.377
.478
.525
.538
.343
.343
.448
. 492
...d o .......
.313
.324
.336
.347
.346
Q u a rt... .080
.080
.120
.130
.130
.084
.084
.103
.115
Pound L .056
.056
.101
.100
.100
.054
.054
.101
.120
.. .do__ _ .032
.036
.076
.071
.070
.045
.025
.065
.055
...d o ....... .028
.028
.063
.066
.066
.025
.025
.062
.059
. . .do.......
.103
.128
. 132
112
134
.. .do....... .021
.020
.033
.045
.041
.041
.018
.013
.038
.. .do.......
.047
.052
.057
.044
.049
.. .do.......
.199
.153
.153
.202
157
. . .do.......
.153
.167
.173
.178
.168
.. .dOklL.
.140
.150
.149
.147
.147
.. .do....... .056
.082
.092
.100
096
.093
.077
.097
.058
... .do___
.280
.296 ' .294
.307
.306
.. .do.......
.512
.632
.632
.569
.608
D etroit, Mich.
Sirloin steak.............
R ound steak ...........
R ib ro ast...................
Chuck ro a st_______
Plate beef.................
P ork chops..............
Bacon, s lic e d ..........
H am , sliced_______
h a rd ...........................
L a m b .........................
H ens...........................
Salmon, c a n n e d .. . .
E g g s...........................
B u tte r____ : ...........
Cheese__
M ilk...........................
B read.........................
F lour..........................
Corn m eal.................
R i c e ..........................
Potatoes.....................
O nions......................
Beans, navy .
P ru n es__
Raisins, seeded........
Sugar..........................
Coffee....................
Tea.._____ ______
Denver, Colo.
...do ....... SO.210
...d o .......
. ..d o .......
.. .d o__
. ..d o __
. ..d o .......
...d o .......
. ..d o .......
...d o __
. ..d o __
.. .d o__
.. .do__
D o z en ..
P o u n d ..
.. .do__
Q u a rt...
P oundl.
...d o __
. ..d o .......
.. .do__
. ..d o .......
.. .do__
__do___
.. .do__
...d o __
. ..d o __
.. .d o __
. ..d o __
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
.210
.205
.2Ì5
.250
.280
.166
.173
.218
.300
.337
.079
.056
.031
.028
.019
.054
* Baked weight.
[ 931 ]
$0.390
.363
.291
.253
. 180
.414
.569
.525
.325
357
360
288
498
.500
358
.112
.120
060
.060
142
.038
040
159
176
147
096
304
.610
Los Angeles Cal.
259 SO.316 10.392 $0.390 $0.240 $0.237 $0.268 $0.329
.226
.286
.367
.360
.210
.215
.239
.312
.200
.258
.312
.198
.224
.308
.196
.289
.202
.166
.275
.159
. 177
.268
.237
.124
.152
.217
.211
.131
.143
.197
.234
.355
.375
.254
.270
.344
.415
.415
.427
.260
.502
.522
.338
.352
.475
.593
.417
.300
.493
.522
.367
.374
.458
.568
.157
.275
.326
. 173
.332
.179
.273
.334
.189
.300
.361
.360
.188
.274
.193
.319
.221
.288
.385
.394
.268
.272
.271
.348
.258
.304
.313
.303
.372
.292
.463
.505
.400
.469
.533
.390
.528
.348
.455
.504
.514
.487
.395
.343
.566
.308
.326
.338
.330
.342
.080
.120
.130
.140
.100
.100
.110
.140
.090
.095
.055
.062
.095
.060
.089
.091
.076
.072
.033
.069
.036
.036
.070
.067
.067
.032
.073
.072
.035
.070
.033
.073
.107
.131
. 102
. 133
. 131
. ÓÌ7
.035
.043
.011
.038
.018
.038
.023
.048
.053
.054
.029
.039
.190
.154
.151
.174
. 165
.164
.176
.182
.163
.168
.138
.149
.152
.141
.142
.081
.100
.093
.081
.092
.095
.056
.088
.294
.302
.304
.306
.302
.508
.559
.577
.565
.639
SO .
Aug.
15,
1918.
$0.329
.311
.292
234
. 194
.425
.613
.572
.336
.329
.364
.373
.569
.580
. 353
. 140
.093
.071
.077
. 136
.033
.042
. 167
. 177
.140
.089
.304
.645
06
M ONTHLY LABOR EEVIEW.
A V ER A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T IC L E S O F FO O D F O R 19 S E L E C T E D
C IT IE S F O R A U G U ST 15, 1913,1914,1917,1918, AND JU L Y 15,1918—Continued.
Milwaukee, Wis.
Article.
A ug. 15—
U n it.
1913
1914
1917
Ju ly
15,
1918.
New Orleans, La.
Aug.
15,
1918.
Aug. 15—
1914
1913
1917
July
15,
1918.
Sirloin steak............. P o u n d .. 80.226 $0.248 80.305 80.380 $0.373 $0. 219 $0.238 $0. 277 $0,339
.358
.189
.199
.228
.285
.365
.239
.313
R ound steak............. . . .do....... .212
.291
.194
.194
.242
.305
.196
.230
.303
R ib ro ast................... . ..d o ....... .188
.281
. 154
.221
.269
. 1S3
__do........
. 170
.231
.204
.126
. 156
.215
.128
.152
P late hftftf ............... .. .do.......
.193
.354
.387
.238
.230
.342
.270
.336
.387
P ork c h o p s ............. .. .do....... .202
.506
.527
.317
.324
.286
.420
.458
.542
Bacon, sliced............ . ..d o ....... .286
.292
.464
.482
.398
.313
.300
.391
.450
H am , sliced.............. ...d o ....... .290
.277
.321
.154
.147
.271
.160
.331
.330
L a rd ........................... .. .d o ....... . 163
.377
.369
.222
.210
.305
.213
.279
.368
L a m b ......................... ...d o ....... .205
.214
.344
.359
.217
.259
.213
.283
.375
H ens.......................... . ..d o ....... .198
.. .do.......
.271
.294
.289
.300
.323
.474
.304
.298
.270
.425
.450
.413
.448
Eggs............................ Dozen .. .262
.337
.454
.501
.340
.356
. 467
.493
.513
B u tte r........................ P o u n d .. .322
.. .do.......
.321
.312
.341
.312
Cheese
.325
.097
.070
.090
.100
.110
.093
.116
.142
Milk............................ Q u a rt... .070
.114
.092
.092
.051
.048
.060
.087
.095
B re a d ........................ Pound >. .056
.038
.078
.037
.035
.065
.067
.080
.073
Flour ........................ .. .do....... .031
.074
.061
.028
.028
.072
.064
.036
.066
Corn m eal................. . . .do....... .033
Fine
.. .do.......
.141
. 102
. 115
.135
.119
.041
.022
.019
.038
.025
.051
.030
P otatoes.................... . . .d o .......
.035
.. .d o .......
Onions
.045. .053
.052
.043
.050
. . .d o __
.150
.172
.161
.203
.149
.158
.169
Prunes
.. .d o.......
.153
.156
.165
.148
. 148
.154
.154
Raisins, seeded
. . .d o .......
.148
.074
.099
.091
.080
.099
.090
.093
.053
Sugar.......................... . . .d o....... .055
.281
.269
__do........
.268
.266
.251
Coffee. . .
.594
.620
.605
Tea
.. .d o .......
.636
.615
New Y ork, N. Y.
Sirloin steak.............
R ound steak.............
R ib ro ast___............
Chuck roast............
P late beef.................
Pork chops...............
Bacon, sliced...........
H am , sliced..............
L a rd ...........................
L a m b ........................
H e n s..........................
Salmon, can n ed___
E g g s...'......................
B u tte r....... ................
Cheese........................
M ilk............................
B read.........................
F lour..........................
Corn m eal.................
R ice............................
P o ta to e s..................
O nions.......................
Beans, n av y .............
P ru n es.......................
Raisins, seeded........
S ugar..........................
Coffee.........................
T e a .........................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
i
* Whole.
[982]
$0,332
.300
.291
.218
. 187
.416
.555
.457
.329
.361
.364
.324
.484
.526
.343
.142
.095
.073
.066
.123
.039
.054
.160
.171
.157
.090
.251
.618
Philadelphia, Pa.
...d o ....... $0.268 80.292 $0.351 80.439 $0.448 $0.323 $0.331 $0.387 $0.531
.284
.351
.463
.291
.275
.364
.467
.483
. ..d o ....... .261
.235
.237
.286
.375
.225
.286
.391
.376
...d o ....... .219
.182
.311
.195
.226
.311
.248
. .d o .......
.350
.160
.128
.206
.288
.168
.. .d o.......
.239
.286
.348
.224
.262
.259
.406
.361
...d o ....... .222
.423
.419
.423
.498
.282
.284
.417
.261
.519
.527
. . .do....... .264
.332
.326
.453
.533
. ..d o ....... 2.217 2.224 2.283 2.346 2.361
.275
.322
.151
. . .do....... .162
.156
.283
.323
.325
.156
.264
.332
.202
.215
.186
.313
. . .do....... .158
.331
.391
.225
.288
.410
.231
.240
.. .d o....... .220
.407
.306
.434
.317
.334
.250
.do__
.354
.265
.544
.573
.343
.330
.389
.476
.520
D ozen... .386
.609
.355
.470
.514
.394
.407
.521
.531 • .576
P o u n d .. .343
.331
.332
. . .d o .......
.348
.335
.361
.125
.090
.127
.080
.080
.110
.140
.120
Q u a rt... .090
.064
.048
.047
.099
.100
.089
.095
.099
Pound 1. .061
.072
.032
.033
.079
.074
.036
.080
.071
.. .do.......
.036
.067
.079
.057
.034
.078
.027
.028
.068
. . .do....... .034
. 104
. .do.......
.126
.134
.110
.138
.022
.032
.042
.021
. . .do....... .024
.038
.020
.026
.048
. . .do.......
.047
.057
.063
.049
.056
.189
.175
.182
.171
__do........
.174
.. .do.......
.165
.177
.185
.155
.170
. .do.......
.146
.149
.150
.138
.144
.071
.090
.071
.090
.089
. . .do....... .050
.088
.088
.050
.263
.274
.268
__do........
.280
.270
.501
.542
.d o__
.540
.576
.569
i Baked weight.
Aug.
15,
1918.
$0.513
.482
.392
.335
.230
.456
.542
.545
.330
.392
.433
.278
.550
.586
.367
.120
.095
.070
.070
.144
.041
.066
.171
.177
.144
.089
.273
.598
97
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF THE PRINCIPAL ARTICLES OF FOOD FOR 19 SELECTED
CITIES FOR AUGUST 15, 1913, 1914, 1917, 1918, AND JULY 15, 1918-Continued.
P ittsburgh, Pa.
Article.
U n it.
Aug. 15—
1913
Sirloin steak.............
Round steak.............
R ib ro ast...................
Chunk ro a st..............
Plat.fi hoof.......... .......
, Pork chops...............
Bacon, sliced............
H am , sliced..............
L a rd ...........................
L a m b ........................
H e n s..........................
Salmon, c a n n e d .. . .
Eggs...........................
B u tte r.......................
Cheese........................
Milk............................
B read........................
Flour..........................
Corn m eal.................
Rice............................
Potatoes....................
O nions.......................
Beans, nav y.............
P ru n es.......................
Raisins, seeded........
Sugar..........................
Coffee.........................
Tea.............................
1914
Ju ly
1917
1918.
Aug.
15,
1918.
Aug. 15—
1913
1914
1917
July
15,
1918.
P o u n d .. $0.280 $0.298 $0.364 $0.471 $0.467 $0.256 $0.283 $0,311 $0.384
...d o ....... .248
.265
.440
.437
.247
.331
.260
.305
.379
.. .do....... .225
.235
.357
.277
.366
.190
.200
.255
.316
.. .do.......
.187
.315
.235
.327
.168
.210
.264
. ..d o .......
.138
.234
. 168
.229
.142
.160
.212
...d o ....... .235
.270
.444
.360
.398
.208
.263
.355
.366
. ..d o ....... .301
.315
.537
.557
.443
.280
.280
.420
.494
...d o ....... .316
.544
.329
.519
.283
.300
.437
.416
.494
. . .d o ....... .158
.157
.281
322
.327
.145
.139
.263
.296
. . .do....... .197
.227
.391
.386
.329
.190
.193
.280
.376
.. .do....... .260
.441
.265
.346
.438
.174
.187
.246
.340
.. .do.......
.313
.320
.287
.271
.300
D ozen... .289
.531
.291
.435
.489
.230
.377
.256
.425
P o u n d .. .356
.530
.540
.368
.475
.475
.338
.355
.522
.. .do.......
.343
.358
.326
.324
.333
Q u a rt. . . .086
.125
.128
.130
.090
.080
.080
.110
.123
Pound L .054
.054
.098
.098
.104
.055
.108
.100
.056
.. .do....... .032
.078
.067
.067
.036
.030
.033
.071
.063
.. .do....... .028
.070
.068
.071
.030
.022
.062
.057
.026
.. .do.......
.133
.140
.106
.129
.099
. . .do....... .019
.032
.045
.019
.039
.020
.033
.034
.019
.059
. . .do.......
' .051
.058
.043
.044
.. .do.......
.174
.189
.170
. 194
.170
.. .do.......
.159
.180
.179
.168
.166
.. .d o .. . . .
.143
.146
.147
.165
.170
. . .d o....... .057
.102
.094
.094
.079
.054
.079
.100
.090
.302
. . .do.......
.296
.296
.280
.270
.. .do.......
.685
.750
.752
.610
.683
San Francisco, Cal.
Sirloin steak.............
R ound stea k .............
R ib ro a s t..................
Chuck ro a s t..............
P late beef..................
Pork chops...............
Bacon, sliced............
Ham, sliced..............
L a rd ...........................
L am b .........................
H e n s..........................
Salmon, canned.......
Fggs...........................
B u tte r.............. .........
Cheese...................... _
M ilk............................
B read.........................
F lo u r..........................
Corn m eal..................
R ice............................
Potato es....................
O nions.......................
Beans, n a v y .............
P ru n es__ ..................
Raisins, seeded........
Sugar..’. ...................
Coffee.........................
T ea.............................
St. Louis, Mo.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[933]
$0,380
.376
.307
. 257
_206
.406
.503
.502
.304
.346
.341
. 2Q8
.466
.538
. 358
.140
.100
.065
.061
. 134
.034
.051
.169
.176
.164
.094
.277
.687
Seattle, W ash.
.. .d o ....... SO. 207 $0.207 $0. 231 $0.321 $0,316 $0. 244 $0.233 $0. 261 $0.370
.197
.226
.316
.310
.. -do....... .193
.205
.215
.248
.353
.217
.227
.300
.300
. . .d o ....... .210
.200
.188
.219
.315
.157
.232
.155
. .d o .......
.228
. 145
.255
.178
.153
.150
.213
.210
. .d o .......
. 120
.150
.213
.250
.328
.403
.430
.245
.401
.--d o ....... .237
.242
.339
.356
.446
.557
.583
.562
.333
.460
. . -do....... .347
.342
.430
.330
.512
.503
.500
__d o ....... .320
.317
.406
.317
.170
.284
.334
.341
.160
.330
__d o ....... .180
.269
.174
.184
.338
.266
.176
.. .d o ....... .165
.338
. 194
.270
.368
.262
.383
.243
.384
. .d o ....... .238
.405
.228
.258
.238
.245
.. d o .......
.267
.273
.270
.293
.400
.475
.514
.392
.547
D ozen... .382
.573
.390
.511
.504
.566
.346
.586
.378
.390
.548
P o u n d .. .407
.491
. .d o .......
.306
.323
.316
.338
.303
.100
.100
.121
.121
.086
.085
.120
.128
Q u a rt... .100
.100
.059
.093
.100
.060
.104
.108
.055
P o u n d 1. .059
.069
.069
.069
__do ........ .034
.071
.030
.067
.061
.030
.035
.073
.074
.069
.072
.. -do....... .034
.032
.033
.073
.. .d o .......
.135
.141
.099
.137
.103
.029
.038
.011
.035
.027
.033
.017
.. .d o ....... .017
.016
.025
.024
.036
.032
.029
__do ........
.152
. .d o __
.176
.197
.185
.153
.142
.144
.148
.151
.148
__do ........
.142
. 129
.143
.. .d o .......
.138
.147
.092
.079
.091
.089
.089
.082
.098
__d o ....... .055
.063
.304
.304
.314
.317
__do ........
.309
.521
.544
.520
.583
__d o ........
.533
i Baked weight.
Aug.
15,
1918.
SO 362
.343
.313
. 254
.207
. 445
.581
.519
.336
.357
.394
.299
.599
.592
.333
.140
.108
.065
.074
.141
.043
.041
.171
.157
.144
.095
.316
.579
98
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF THE PRINCIPAL ARTICLES OF FOOD FOR 19 SELECTED
CITIES FOR AUGUST 15,1913,1914,1917,1918, AND JULY 15,1918—Concluded.
W ashington, D. C.
Aug. 15—
U nit.
Article.
Ju ly 15,
1918.
Sirloin s te a k .....................................................
R ound s te a k ......................................................
R ib ro a s t............................. .
Chuck ro a st....... ..............................................
PI at.fi bfi.fif- ...................... ................................
P o rk chops.................................. .....................
Bacon,.sliced.....................................................
H am , sliced.......................................................
L a rd ............................................ .......................
L a m b .......................................... .......................
H e n s...................................................................
Salmon, can n ed ................................................
E g g s...................................................................
B u tte r ..............................................................
Cheese.................................................................
M ilk..................................... ...............................
B read ...............- .............................., ................
F lo u r.............................................. ...................
Corn m eal........- ................................................
R ic e ................. .......................... ......................
P o ta to e s.............................................................
O nions................................................................
B eans, n a v y ...................................................
P ru n e s................................................. .............
R aisins, seeded.................................................
S u g ar............. ^...................................................
Coffee...............- ......................... - .....................
T e a ......................................................................
P o u n d ..
. . .d o .......
__d o .......
.. .d o .......
__d o .......
. . .do.......
.. .d o .......
. . .d o .......
. .. d o .......
__do ___
.. .d o .......
__d o .......
D ozen...
P o u n d ..
. . -do ..
Q uart - ..
P o u n d 1.
__do
.. .do
.. .do.
__do. .
__d o ___
__do .......
. . . do .
__d o ........
__do ___
__d o ..
__do
1913
1914
1917
$0.278
.245
.216
.230
.284
.310
.153
.194
.219
$0.313
.284
.244
.198
.146
.269
.289
.320
.144
.240
.219
.300
.366
.314
.383
.080
.057
.038
.025
.080
.056
.041
.026
.020
.019
.052
.079
$0.354
.341
.279
.240
.181
.412
.413
.410
.276
.337
.311
.230
.443
.481
.341
.110
.102
.077
.062
.109
.029
.052
.200
.162
.144
' . 092
.281
.588
Aug. 15,
1918.
$0.492
.471
.397
.353
.238
.465
.516
.512
.337
.430
.443
.284
.481
.560
.332
.140
.102
.067
.060
.124
.045
.061
.182
.176
.155
.089
.287
.708
SO.494
.470
.396
.351
.252
.480
.526
.521
.340
.443
.445
.301
.537
.560
.351
.140
.103
.069
.060
.126
.042
.058
.174
.175
.162
.089
.292
.713
1Baked weight.
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF THE PRINCIPAL ARTICLES OF FOOD FOR JULY 15, 1918,
AND AUGUST 15, 1918, FOR 31 CITIES.
[The prices shown below are computed from reports sent monthly to the bureau by retail dealers. As
some dealers occasionally fail to report, the number of quotations varies from month to month.]
Bridgeport,
Conn.
Article.
Unit.
July
15,
1918.
Aug.
15,
1918.
Butte,
Mont.
July
15,
1918.
Aug.
15,
1918.
Charleston,
S. C.
July
15,
1918.
Aug.
15,
1918.
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Columbus,
Ohio.
July
15,
1918.
July
15,
1918.
Aug.
15,
1918.
Pound.. $0.529 $0.529 10.388 $0 368 $0 377 ,80 373 $0 366 $0 347 $0 409
...d o ...... .506
.513
.361
.340 .383 .386 ’ .359 .338 .383
...d o ...... .402 .404 .309
.300 .320 .318 .299
.285 .324
...d o ....... .346 .347
.270 .256 .262 .265 .256
.240 .291
...d o ...... .224 .224
.199
.181
.217
.220 .223 .208 .241
...d o ...... .411
.431
.390
.407 .400 .407 .372
.416
.355
...d o ...... .537 .565 .580 .605 .546
.563 .484 .509
.504
...d o ...... .527
.565 .530
.545
.473
.480 .491
.509
.489
...d o ___ .317 .326 .334
.331
.329
.335 .299
.311
.315
__do....... ,412 .383
358
392
381
360
326
371
.. .do...... .424 .432
416 ■430
378
386
344
.376
388
...d o ....... .355
357 .330
.344
.292
.292
.269
.275 1296
Dozen... .625 .694 .590 .706
.461
.513
.427 .435
.431
Pound.. .512
.517
.521
.579
.539
.518
.546 .511
.512
. . .do...... .338 .344 . 354
326
359
354
338
345
Quart... .130 .140 .150
.150 .185 .190
1130 .130
1120
I’ound 1. .100 .100
.125
.125 .100 .100 .095 .095 .097
__do....... .069 . 069 . 068
069
070
071
...d o ....... .083 .082
.085 .086
! 058 1062 1060 1060 .003
__do....... .133
. 138
140
143
106
127 137
112
__do....... . 046 . 040
033
042
034 *043
033
030
.. .do....... .060 .072
. 051
042
048
058
061
041
...d o ....... .177 .176 .177 .178 1194 .193
.156
.156
.167
.. .do...... .177
171
177
159
155
. 175 . 169
169
171
...d o ....... .154 .155 .152 .152
.155 .159
1152 .157
1151
__do....... .094 .094
. 100
091
093
100
089
089
Coffee......................... ...d o ...... .317
425
276
281
276
266
?86
.316 .427
Tea.............................. ...d o ......
.659
.653
.779
.792
1657 .675
1659 .650
1805
Sirloin steak............
Round steak............
Rib roast.................
Chuck roast.............
Plate beef...............
Pork chops.............
Bacon, sliced...........
Ham, sliced______
Lard-----------------Lamb.......................
Hens........................
Salmon, canned___
Eggs--.....................--Butter......................
Cheese......................
Milk.........................
Bread.......................
Flour........................
Corn meal................
Rice..........................
Potatoes...................
Onions....... .'...........
Beans, navy............
Prunes.....................
Raisins, seeded.......
Sugar........................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1 Baked weight.
£934]
Aug.
15,
1918.
.376
.309
.286
.236
.393
.531
.502
.332
.315
.442
. 534
.130
.097
.065
.167
. J*2
.149
.095
.814
99
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,
A V ER A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S OF T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T IC L E S OF FOOD FO R JU L Y 15, 1918,
AND AUG U ST 15, 1918, F O R 31 C IT IE S —Continued.
Dallas,
Tex.
Article.
Sirloin steak .............
R ound stea k .............
R.i b roast,............... ..
Chuck ro a s t..............
Pork chops...............
Bacon, sliced............
H am , sliced..............
L ard ..............- .........
Lam b
H ens .......................
Salmon, c a n n e d ----Eggs............................
B u tte r........................
Cheese.......................
M ilk............................
B re a d .........................
Flour
...................
Corn m e a l.................
Ripe
.....................
P otatoes....................
O nions.......................
Beans, n a v y ., ..........
P ru n e s ................. .
R aisins, seeded. . . ’. .
Snirar ........................
( oiiee.........................
Tea.............................
U nit.
July
15,
1918.
Aug.
15,
1918.
P ork chops...............
Bacon, sliced............
H am , sliced..............
Lard
.....................
L am b ............... - __
H e n s......................
Salmon, c a n n e d ___
Eggs...........................
B u tte r........................
Cheese........................
Milk............................
B re ad ................. .
Flour .........................
Corn m e a l.................
Rice
_________
Potatoes........... .........
O nions........ .
Beans, n a v y .............
Prunes .......................
Raisins, seeded........
Sugar..........................
Coffee
Tea.............................
July
15,
1918.
Aug.
15,
1918.
H ouston,
Tex.
July
15,
1918.
Aug.
15,
1918.
Indianapolis,
Ind.
July
15,
1918.
Aug.
15,
1918.
Jacksonville,
Fla.
July
15,
1918.
P o u n d .. $0.386 $0.376 $0.592 SO. 589 80.357 $0.347 $0.381 $0.386 $0.399
.358
.347
.374
.376
.391
.510
.. .d o ....... .376
.365
.506
.300
.289
.287
.315
.392
.384
.286
.. .do....... .332
.323
.271
.254
.274
.271
.249
...d o ....... .293
.285
.334
.326
.218
.217
.201
. .d o ....... .245
.218
.215
.235
.362
.405
.392
.412
.438
.369
.394
.378
.. -de....... .372
.546
.503
.523
.530
.483
.496
.565
. . -do....... .530
.583
.482
.473
.480
.504
.466
.477
. 4S7
.. -do....... .503
.505
.314
.311
.314
.329
.338
.314
.319
.310
. . .d o ....... .330
.358
.360
.379
. . .do....... .390
.379
.378
.420
.421
.340
.310
.351
.308
.412
.350
.330
. . .do.......
.317
.298
.302
.249
.251
.293
.279
.287
.274
. . .do....... .299
.512
.432
.439
.602
.667
.414
.483
.445
D ozen... .397
.505
.517
.554
.518
.504
. 522
.505
.506
P o u n d .. .502
.358
.359
.345
.325
.339
.. .do....... .331
.347
.333 * .330
.162
.110
.110
.153
.130
.150
.157
.170
Q u a rt... .168
.100
.100
.100
.100
.090
.090
.100
.100
P o u n d l . .100
.072
.065
.069
.072
.072
.074
.065
.. .do....... .066
.066
.062
.062
.083
.063
.064
.063
.066
.083
.. .do....... .066
.132
.124
.125
.133
.125
.121
.125
. . .do....... .120
.124
.039
.032
.048
.043
.031
.044
.035
.049
. ..d o ....... .042
.047
.052
.053
.052
.063
.065
.066
. . .do....... .050
.056
.171
.174
.171
.197
.175
.167
.179
.177
. ..d o ....... .181
.162
.160
.175
.178
.171
.171
.175
.172
. ..d o ....... .161
.172
.173
.169
.171
.158
.158
.163
.154
. . -do....... .150
.098
.094
.095
.096
.091
.098
.091
.096
.do....... .095
.278
.291
.291
.322
.322
.316
.283
. . .do....... .332
.330
.767
.773
.736
.575
.619
.615
.778
.569
. ..d o ....... .796
K ansas City,
Mo.
Sirloin steak .............
R ound steak .............
R ib ro ast............... .
Chuck ro a st..............
F all R iver,
Mass.
L ittle Rock,
Ark.
Louisville,
K y.
M anchester,
N. H .
Aug.
15,
1918.
$0.409
.390
.325
.276
.208
.396
.553
.483
.333
.373
.355
.288
.544
.557
.352
.153
.100
.071
.063
.133
.043
.066
.195
.171
.170
.092
.321
.737
Memphis,
Tenn.
.. .d o ___ $0.378 $0.375 $0. 417 SO. 407 SO. 387 30.377 $0. 555 SO. 555 $0.409 SO. 402
.360
.512
.379
.516
.388
.383
.386
.377
.366
.. .d o ....... . 368
.307
.372
.371
.321
.358
.333
.315
.284
.317
. . .d o ....... .289
.278
.269
.330
.277
.325
.293
.288
.306
.256
. ..d o ....... .259
.236
.227
.252
.244
.237
218
.213
.253
.414
.471
.401
.361
.377
.370
.384
.385
.398
. . .do....... .352
.489
.538
.516
.541
.505
.559
.569
.579
.547
. ..d o ....... .530
.482
.457
.478
.479
.531
.496
.473
.517
.517
. ..d o ....... .498
.312
.324
.331
.334
.320
.334
.336
.349
.325
.. .do....... .345
.3SS
.388
.395
.391
.397
.387
.379
.403
.300
.. .do....... .318
.366
.428
.435
.326
.347
. 353
.335
.318
.313
.. .do....... .316
.301
.271
.301
.301
.307
.314
.257
.342
.310
.. .do....... .303
.405
.585
.408
.543
.445
.623
.422
.458
.457
.435
D ozen...
. 539
.554
.562
.523
.543
.516
.533
.521
.534
P o u n d .. .499
.337
.362
.339
.340
.359
.363
.326
.337
.357
.. .do....... .350
.128
.140
.150
.128
.140
.150
.150
.150
.143
Q ,uart... .133
.100
.100
.093
.093
.103
.100
.100
.099
.100
Pound l . .100
.067
.067
.070
.071
.067
.067
.069
.070
.067
. ..d o ....... .067
.078
.057
.061
.060
.077
.060
.065
.066
.067
.. .do....... .068
.122
.128
.137
.126
.128
.129
. 134
.133
.140
.. .d o ....... .131
.032
.032
.046
.040
.033
.038
.046
.035
.031
. . .d o ....... .035
.042
.043
.067
.070
.046
.047
.059
.057
.055
.. . d o .. .. . .048
.171
.173
.181
.175
.189
.179
.182
.186
.185
...d o ....... .185
.165
. 168
. 161
.166
.170
.165
.176
.186
.171
. . .do....... .155
.155
.165
.154
.158
. 155
.154
.161
.150
.165
. .. d o ....... .161
.094
.095
.094
.090
.092
.090
.095
.099
.096
. . .do....... .095
.338
.302
.270
.336
.300
.312
.269
.318
.287
.. .d o ....... .282
.603
.594
.789
.858
.739
.784
.716
.714
.854
.. .do....... .708
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
* B aked weight.
19851
100
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
A V ER A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T IC L E S O F FOOD F O R JU L Y 15, 1918,
AND A U G U ST 15, 1918, F O R 31 C IT IE S —Continued.
Minneapolis,
Minn.
Article.
Sirloin steak..........................
"Ron n rl st c a k .......... .............
"R.ili roast,
......................
Chuck ro a st...........................
Pork f*,hops ............. ........
Bacon, sliced........................
TTam sliced...........................
L ard ......................................
L a m b ......................................
lie n s .......................................
Salmon, can n ed ...............
Eggs........................................
B u tte r....................................
Cheese ..................................
Milk. .....................................
B re ad ......................................
Flour ...................................
Corn m eal..............................
Rice.........................................
Potatoes.................................
O nions. . .
Beans, n a v y ......................
P ru n es....................................
Raisins, seeded.....................
S ugar......................................
Coffee.............................. .
T e a ..........................................
U nit.
July
15,
1918.
P o u n d .. $0.348
. „.do.......
.337
.294
. . .d o ___
.259
. . .d o ----. . .d o . . . .
.206
.348
. . .d o ___
. : .d o ----.518
. . .d o ___
.477
. . .d o ___
.320
.321
. . .d o ___
.302
. . .d o ___
. . .d o ----.350
Dozen...
.443
.474
Pound..
.305
. . .d o ___
.100
Q u a rt...
.088
P o u n d 2.
. . .d o ___
.083
. . .d o ----.057
. . .d o ___
.123
.033
. . .d o ___
. . .d o ___
.053
. 160
. . .d o ___
.152
. . .d o ___
. . .d o ___
.145
.096
. . .d o ___
. . .d o ___
.311
.503
. . .d o -----
Aug.
15,
1918.
July
15,
1918.
Aug.
15,
1918.
$0.312
.299
.264
.228
. 179
.387
.523
.464
.325
.311
.327
.350
.444
.500
.314
.110
.088
.063
.059
.133
.024
.042
. 159
.162
.146
.098
.311
.518
$0.356
.347
.314
.269
.240
.397
.541
.442
.312
.359
.392
.261
.483
.543
.325
.150
.114
.070
.067
.123
.026
.050
.179
.179
.172
.090
.281
.627
$0. 346
.339
.311
.266
.239
.400
.544
.477
.322
.346
.400
.274
.557
.540
.343
. 150
.105
.071
.068
.130
.043
.061
.175
.184
.193
.090
.274
.604
Norfolk, Va.
Sirloin steak.......................
R ound ste a k .........................
R ib ro a st................................
Chuck ro a s t.........................
P late beef.......................
Pork chops............................
Bacon, sliced.........................
H am , sliced........................
L a rd ..................................
L a m b ....................................
H e n s.......................................
Salmon, can n ed...................
Eggs........................................
B u tte r....................................
Cheese.................................
M ilk........................................
B re ad .....................................
F lo u r..................................
Corn m eal...........................
Rice ..................................
P otatoes.................................
O nions..................................
Beans, nav y ..........................
P r u n e s .. . . . .........................
Raisins, seeded.....................
S ugar......................................
Coffee....................................
T e a ..........................................
Mobile, Ala.
.. .d o ___ $0. 506
.463
. . .d o .__
.397
. . .d o ___
.341
__d o ___
.243
. . .d o .. . .
.398
. . .d o .. ..
.521
. . .d o ----.401
. . . d o ___
.344
. . .d o ___
.423
. . .d o ___
.423
. . .d o ___
.274
. . .d o ___
.489
D ozen...
.567
P o u n d ..
.353
. . .d o . . . .
.180
Q u a rt. . .
.099
Pound 2.
.071
.d o . . . .
.063
.d o ___
. 140
.d o . . .
.042
. .d o . . . .
.061
. . . do. . . .
. 186
.d o . . . .
. 181
. . .d o . . . .
.149
. . .d o ----.090
__d o ___
.316
.d o . . . .
.793
. . .d o -----
$0. 501
.453
.383
.317
.220
.414
.547
.418
.343
.433
.428
.284
.525
.577
.353
.180
.099
.072
.064
. 145
.043
.065
. 183
.186
.154
.092
.325
.783
Omaha, N ehr.
SO. 415
.415
.309
.291
.199
.355
.529
.503
.341
.348
.325
.291
.411
.496
.336
.125
.100
.064
.062
. 130
.042
.049
. 172
.166
.165
.096
.316
.653
i Whole.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
$0. 380
.368
.296
.270
.190
.382
.546
.515
.344
.343
.326
.297
.444
.505
.346
.133
.100
.065
.061
.135
.037
.054
.167
.168
.167
.098
.311
.664
Newark, N. J.
July
15,
1918.
10.477 $0.476
.484
.484
.386
.384
.342
.344
.249
.255
.416
.438
.504
.495'
1.381
1.365
.338
.335
.400
.393
.417
.420
.337
.331
.642
.613
.541
.547
.358
.356
.137
.140
.098
.098
.072
.073
.081
.084
.134
.141
.043
.038
.067
.064
.178
.178
.175
.178
.151
. 15Ï
.090
.090
.301
.299
.581
.571
Peoria, 111.
$0. 375
.370
.279
.263
.208
.368
.525
.493
.334
.417
.327
.292
.409
.487
.346
.103
.100
.070
.063
. 128
.033
.058
. 181
. 177
.149
.095
.267
.631
2 Baked weight.
[936]
Aug.
15,
1918.
SO.367
.364
.270
.253
.199
.393
.537
. 510
.342
.383
.332
.299
.441
.495
-.375
.104
.100
.072
.066
. 137
.030
.056
.182
.173
.157
.096
.270
. 650
New Haven,
Conn.
July
15,
1918.
Aug.
15,
1918.
SO. 558
.520
.407
.368
SO. 558
.522
.397
.363
.423
.543
.538
.331
.424
.432
.322
.653
.533
.343
.143
.100
. 069
.080
.127
.047
.069
.180
.173
.154
.098
.329
.641
.464
.570
.559
.336
.404
.439
.323
.715
.538
.346
.143
.100
.069
.078
.133
.041
.067
.180
.182
.155
.099
.329
.611
Portland, Me.
$0.605
.514
.357
.325
$0. 579
.511
.347
.306
.411
.492
.474
.334
.388
.418
.287
.575
.555
.348
.128
.100
.068
.072
. 124
.044
.059
.179
.155
.142
.090
.308
.630
.453
.521
.500
.335
.405
.447
.286
.654
.558
.351
.128
.100
.068
.072
. 125
.040
.066
. 179
. 161
.146
.091
.311
.633
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
101
A V ER A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T IC L E S O F FOOD F O R JU L Y 15, 1918,
AND AUG U ST 15, 1918, FO R 31 C ITIES—Concluded.
U nit.
Article.
Sirloin s t e a k ........................
R ound s t e a k . . .....................
Kil> ro a st................................
Chuck ro a st...........................
Plate beef. .
Pork chops............................
Bacon, sliced........................
H am , sliced...........................
L a rd ........................................
L a m b ......................................
H ons.......................................
Salmon, can n ed...................
Eggs........................................
B u tte r....................................
Cheese.....................................
M ilk........................................
B read......................................
Flour
___
Corn m eal..............................
Rice.........................................
Potatoes.................................
O nions...................................
Beans, nav y ................. ........
P r u n e s ...." ..................j ___
Raisins, seeded.....................
S ugar......................................
Coffee......................................
T e a ................................
Providence,
R. I.
Portland, Oreg.
Ju ly
15,
1918.
P o u n d .. SO. 340
.. .d o ----.329
. . .d o ___
.296
. . .d o ___
.248
. . .d o ___
. 192
. . .d o ___
.399
. . .d o ___
. 550
. . .d o ___
.494
. . .d o ___
.350
. . .d o ___
.329
. . .d o ___
.350
. . .d o ___
.350
Dozen...
.490
P o u n d ..
.553
. . .d o ___
.335
Q u a rt. . .
. 136
Pound C
.110
.062
.d o ___
__d o ___
.076
. . .d o ___
. 141
. . .d o ___
.028
. . .d o ___
.040
. . .d o ___
.165
. . .d o ___
.138
. . .d o ----.146
. . .d o ___
.096
. . .d o ___
.327
.. .d o .. . .
.573
R ichm ond, Va.
Aug.
15,
1918.
Ju ly
15,
1918.
Aug.
15,
1918.
July
15,
1918.
Aug.
15,
1918.
July
15,
1918.
SO. 326
.319
.289
.232
.183
.429
. 569
.500
.350
.336
.346
.360
.559
'.597
.350
. 138
. 110
.065
.077
.142
.041
.046
.163
.143
.148
.095
.325
.597
$0. 659
.550
.428
.395
SO. 661
.552
.422
.397
.438
.492
.557
.335
.420
.439
.291
.606
.632
.339
.144
. 100
.069
.070
. 122
.045
.065
.179
. 179
.148
.094
.339
.584
.488
.518
.581
.341
.399
.443
.296
.658
.539
.341
.150
. 100
.069
.071
.126
.040
.066
.177
.179
.148
.095
.339
.609
$0.447
.421
.358
.324
.262
.386
.489
.440
.339
.413
.408
.238
.472
.558
.347
.145
.100
.066
.061
.139
.048
.069
.191
.162
.149
.093
.283
.743
SO. 437
.413
.365
.321
.259
.395
.528
.463
.339
.425
.404
.235
.515
.565
.351
.147
.100
.068
.063
.143
.041
.068
.192
.172
.150
.093
.279
.740
SO. 406
.386
.325
.321
.237
.401
.465
.454
.330
.371
.413
.296
.536
.516
.326
.125
.098
.067
.065
.134
.046
.059
.174
.187
. 149
.090
.289
.575
City,
St. Paul, Minn. Salt Lake
U tah.
Sirloin steak...........................
R ound ste a k .........................
R ib ro a st................................
Chuck ro a st...........................
P late beef...............................
Pork chops............................
Bacon, sliced...................... .
H am , sliced...........................
L a rd ........................................
L a m b .....................................
H en s.....................
Salmon, canned...................
Eggs..................................
B utter.....................................
Cheese.....................................
Milk.................................
B read......................................
Flour.......................................
Corn m eal.............................
Rice.........................................
Potatoes.................................
O nions.............................. .
Beans, nav y ...........................
P ru n es. . . . ”. ..........................
Raisins, seeded.....................
Sugar.......................................
Co.Tee......................................
Tea..........................................
.-•-do---- $0. 381 $0.365 SO. 350 $0. 342
.342
.330
.325
.358
...d o ....
.284
.296
.288
. . .d o ___
.323
.264
.252
.265
.281
. . .d o ___
.198
.208
.189
.204
.. .d o ----.389
.458
.401
. . .d o ___
.354
.550
.533
.525
. . .d o ----.507
.481
.483
.488
. . .d o ___
.473
.352
.331
.351
.319
. . .d o ___
.328
.330
.332
.335
. . .d o ____
.350
.324
.360
.. .d o . . . .
.308
.320
.328
.301
.297
. . .d o ----.492
.515
.452
Dozen .
.438
.549
.493
.539
.481
P ound..
.329
.339
.325
. . .d o .__
.311
.112
.114
. 107
. 100
Q u a rt...
.100
.103
. 085
.085
P o u n d 1.
.060
.057
.067
__d o ___
.065
.074
.075
.064
. . .d o ___
.063
.136
.127
. 135
. 134
__d o ___
.024
.021
.034
. . .d o ___
.029
.052
.045
.044
.044
.d o ___
.172
.171
.176
.175
. . .d o ___
.150
.152
.176
.166
__d o ___
.142
.145
.147
.145
.. .d o ----.098
.100
.097
. . .d o ___
.099
.346
.312 . .350
.314
__d o . . . .
.624
.562
.609
.587
__d o ___
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Rochester,
N. Y.
Scranton, Pa.
SO. 477
.446
.377
.344
.242
.406
.544
.501
.322
.423
.436
.305
.486
.515
.318
. 120
.100
.070
.077
.129
.046
. 059
.176
.160
.145
.090
.320
.610
SO. 476
.444
.376
.342
.229
.426
.567
.518
.330
.406
.442
.308
.542
.528
.321
.130
.097
.070
.079
.132
.041
.061
.174
.160
.146
.095
.327
.614
i B aked weight.
[937]
^V*
J
I» v
Aug.
15,
1918.
SO. 408
.391
.321
.310
.231
.437
.494
.493
.334
.373
.426
.298
.581
.519
.334
.128
.099
.067
.066
.137
.038
.061
.164
.191
.148
.091
.291
.569
Springfield, 111.
$0.402
.398
.313
.282
.233
.358
.525
.477
.343
.367
.291
.278
.408
.519
.344
.125
.100
.067
.075
. 132
.039
.051
.181
.170
.180
.098
.302
.725
$0.378
.381
.292
.274
.221
.397
.514
.477
.334
.379
.320
.281
. 456
.538
.357
.125
.100
.068
.076
.139
.038
.047
.180
.181
.174
.098
.298
.738
102
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
The following table shows the average retail prices of coal on
January 15 and July 15 of each year, 1913 to 1918, inclusive, by cities.
The prices are those quoted for retail trade for household use. The
table gives prices for Pennsylvania anthracite white-ash coal, both in
stove size and in chestnut size, and an average price for each city
of the several kinds of bituminous coal. The coal dealers in each
city were asked to quote prices on the kind of bituminous coal
usually sold for household use. The prices quoted are for coal
delivered to consumers, but do not include charges for storing the
coal in cellar or coal bin where an extra handling was necessary.
Prices are shown for coal only in the cities in which prices are
scheduled for food and begin in each city with the year that prices
were secured for food. In July, 1917, prices for coal were not secured
by the bureau.
R E T A IL P R IC E S JPER TON O F 2,000 PO U N D S OF COAL, FO R H O U SE H O L D USE,
JAN. 15 AND JU L Y 15 O F EA CH Y E A R , 1913 TO 1918, IN C LU SIV E, B Y C ITIES.
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
ON
1918
City.
Jan.
A tlanta, Ga.:
B itum inous............
B altim ore, Md.:
A n thracite—
Stove....... ........
C hestn u t..........
Birm ingham , Ala.:
B itum inous............
Boston, Mass.:
A nthracite—
Stove................
C h e stn u t.........
Bridgeport, Conn.:
A n thracite—
Stove.................
C hestn u t..........
Buffalo, N . Y.:
A n thracite—
Stove.................
C hestnut..........
B u tte, Mont.:
B itu m in o u s.. . . . . .
C harleston, S. C.:
A nthracite—
Stove.................
C hestnut..........
B itum inous.............
Chicago, 111.:
A nthracite—
Stove......... .......
C hestnut..........
B itum inous.............
C incinnati, Ohio:
A n thracite—
Stove________
C h estn u t..........
B itum inous............
Cleveland, Ohio:
A nthracite—
Stove.................
C hestnut..........
B itum inous............
Columbus, Ohio:
B itum inous............
Dallas, Tex.:
B itum inous............
Denver, Colo.:
B itum inous.............
July.
Jan.
July.
Jan.
July.
Jan:
July.
Jan.
Jan.
July.
$5. 875 $4.833 $5. 295 #5.083 $5. 250 $4.575 $5.050 $4. 500 $7.000 $7. 444 87. 778
17.700 17.240 17. 700 17.280
17.930 17.490 17.950 1 7.520
1 7.
1 7.
620
870
1 7.138 17.
1 7 .363 1 7.
650
880
1 7.
1 7.
800
950
1 8.160 1 9.
1 8. 310 1 9.
600
750
1
1
10.450
10.550
4. 217
4 .0 il
4.228
3.833
4.090
3.646
3.913
3.644
5.080
5.616
6.461
8. 250
8.250
7.500
7.750
8.000
8.250
7.500
7.750
7. 750
S.000
7.500
7. 750
8.000
8.250
8.000
8.000
9.500
9.500
9.850
9.850
10.250
10.250
10.000 10.500
10.000 10.500
If). 400
10.400
6.750
6.992
6.542
6.800
6. 817
7.067
18.375 17.750 17.750
18.500 18.000 18.250
i6. 750 16.750 16.750
6.650
6. 900
6.850
7.100
6.650
6. 900
6.850
7.100
7.010
7.260
7.600
7.850
8.830
8. 830
9.180
9.240
7.417
6. 750
7.125
7.125
8 222
9.188
9.083
1 7. 750 1 7. 750 17.750 1 7.750 1 7. 875 1 8.750 112.275
1 8. 250 18.250 1 8. 250 1 8.250 1 8.375 19.250 112.475
1 6.750 16.750 16.750 16.750 16. 750 7.000
8.000
8.375
8.000
8.250
4.969
7.800
8.050
4. 650
8.080
8.330
5.000
7. 900
8.130
4.850
S. 100
8.350
5.068
7.900
8.150
4. 708
8.100
8.350
4.938
8.240
8.490
4.800
8.250
8.750
3.500
7.500
7. 750
3.375
8.000
8.250
3. 750
7.917
8.167
3.500
7. 917
8.167
3.500
7. 667
7.833
3.500
8. 000
8.083
3.688
7.875 10.000
8.125 10.125
3.500 5.500
9.500
9. 500
6.098
7. 500
7. 750
4.143
7.250
7.500
4.143
7.50Ö
7. 750
4.400
7.500
7.750
4. 571
7.650
7.900
4.643
7.400
7.650
4.607
7.650
7.900
4. 643
7. 850 9. 688
8.100 10. 000
4.946 8. 227
9. 825
9. 575
6.901
3. 640
5.943
6.179
10.386
9. 570 10.350
9. 670 10.388
7. 083 6.671
6. 400
8.250
7. 214
7.929
7.150
7.545
6.950
7.458
7.208 10.167 10.139
5.250
4.875
6. 474
5.300
5.641
5.192
5.250
5.019
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1 P e r ton of 2,240 pounds.
£938]
6.000
7.598
10. 900
10. 975
6. 475
11. 660
6.725
6.443
7.995
103
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,
R E T A IL P R IC E S P E R TO N O F 2,000 PO U N D S O F COAL, FO R H O U SE H O L D U SE, ON
JAN . 15 AND JU L Y 15 O F EA CH Y E A R , 1913 TO 1918, IN C LU SIV E, B Y C IT IE S—Continued.
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
City.
Jan.
D etroit, Mich.:
A nthracite—
Stove........- ....... $8.000
C hestn u t_____ 8.250
B itum inous............. 5.200
F all R iver, Mass.:
A nthracite—
Stove................. 8.250
C hestn u t.......... 8.250
B itum inous............
H ouston, Tex.:
A nthracite—
C hestnut..........
B itum inous............
Indianapolis, Ind.:
«A nthracite—
Stove................. 8.950
C hestn u t.......... 9.150
B itum inous............ 3.813
Jacksonville; Fla.:
A nthracite—
Stove................. 10. 000
C hestn u t.......... 10. 000
"R ftm rnnnns_____ 7. 500
K ansas C ity, Mo.:
B itum inous............ 4.391
L ittle Rock, Ark:
B itum inous............ 6.000
Los Angeles, Cal:
B itum inous______
Louisville, K y.:
A nthracite—
Stove________ 9.000
C hestn u t.......... 9.000
B itum inous............ 4.200
Manchester, N. H .:
A nthracite—
Stove................. 10.000
C h estn u t.......... 10.000
B itum inous............
Memphis, Term.:
B itum inous............ 14.344
Milwaukee, W is.:
A nthracite—
Stove................. 8.000
C hestnut.......... 8.250
B itum inous............. 6.250
Minneapolis, Minn.:
A nthracite—
Stove................. 9.250
C hestnut.......... 9. 500
B itum inous............ 5. 889,
Mobile, Ala. :
A nthracite—
Stove.................
C hestnut..........
B itum inous............
N ewark, N. ,T.:
A nthracite—
Stove................. 6. 500
C hestnut.......... 6. 750
New H aven, Conn.:
A nthracite—
Stove................. 7.500
C hestn u t.......... 7.500
New Orleans, La.:
A nthracite—
Stove................. 10.000
C hestn u t.......... 10.500
B itum inous............ 16.056
New York, N . Y .:
A nthracite—
Stove................. 7.071
C hestn u t.......... 7.143
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
July.
Jan.
July.
Jan.
July.
Jan.
July.
Jan.
■Tan.
July.
$7.450 18. 000 87. 500 $7. 938 $7. 500 $7.950 $8.000 $9. 750 $9,880 $10.150
7.650 8.250 7. 750 8.188 7. 750 8.200 8.250 9.800 10.080 10. 520
5.200 5. 200 5.188 5.179 5. 237 5. 237 5. 611 7. 583 8.267
8.180
7.425
7.613
7.750
8.000
7.688
7.688
8.000
8.000
7. 750
7. 750
8. 750
8. 750
8.438 11. 000 10. 750
8.438 11.000 10.750
11. 00
11.00
10.000
15.750
9.000
8.000
8.250
3.700
8.300
8.500
4.611
7.750
7.950
4.000
8.250
8.450
4. 673
7. 650
7. 900
4.208
8.250
8. 450
4.518
8.500 10.167
8.688 10.333
4.568 6. 800
9.000
9.000
7.000
9.000
9.000
7.125
9.125
9.125
6.875
9.000
9.000
7. 500
9. 000
9.000
7.000
9. 000
9.000
7.500
9. 000 1 1 .0 0 0 12.000
9.000 11.000 12.000
7.375 8.000 9.333
9.825
3.935
4.276
4.093
4.200
4.056
4 515
4.353
6. 438
6.703
6. 700
5.333
6.250
5.833
5.972
5. 361
6.000
5.750
8.000
8.250
9.155
12.500 13. 500 12.000 13.600 11.375 13. 700 12.900 15.000 14. 881
14.700
9.825
9.925
7.107
10. 250
10.500
6.163
8. 250
8.250
4.000
8. 750
8. 750
4.377
8. 450
8.450
3.953
3.997
3. 478
3.816
3.737
6.038
10,640
6.'783
8.500
8.500
8. 750
8.750
8.500
8. 500
8.750
8.750
8.500
8.500
9.000
9.000
8.750 11.000 11.000
8.750 11.000. 11.000
10. 500
10. 500
10.000
14.219 14. 219 >4. 219 13.883 13.833 '3,904 14.083 16. 222 6.539
7.171
8. 700
7.850
8.100
5. 714
8.080
8. 330
6.143
7.930
8.180
5.714
8.100
8.350
6.143
7.900 8.100
8.150 8.350
5. 625 . 6.000
9.050
9.300
5. 792
9. 350
9. 600
5.875
9.133
9. 383
5.846
9.307
9. 557
5. 990
9.150
9.400
5. 960
8.300
8. 550
5.875
5. 734
9.500
9. 650
8. 500
10. 968
10.904
7.385
9. 350 9.900 10. 350 10. 826
9. 600 10.150 10.600 10. 926
5.977 6.375 8. 077 8. 888
12. 238
12.328
8. 474
9.020
9. 270
7.743
14. 000
14.000
8 .0 0 0
9. 000
6. 250
6.500
6.500
6. 750
6.250
6.500
6.500
6.750
6.250
6.500
6.500
6.750
6. 750
7.000
7.208
7.292
8.100
8.100
8. 500
8. 500
6.250
6.250
6. 571
6. 571
6. 579
6. 579
7.000
7.000
6. 750
6.750
7.500
7.500
7.742
7.742
9.500
9. 500
9.750
9. 750
10.100
10.100
10. 000 10. 000 10 000 10 000 10 125 10 500 11 700 13.100 13 067
10.500 10.500 10.500 10.500 10.625 11.000 12.2ÖÖ 13. 500 13.300
16.063 15. 944 16.071 15.950 16.083 ‘ 6.091 16.063 16.944 8.040
14.550
7.789
6.657
6.800
6.857
7.000
6.850
6.993
7.143
7.286
6.907
7.057
7.107
7.250
? Price per 10-barrel lots (1,800 pounds).
[939]
7.393
7.421
8.500
8.500
9.058
9.083
9.300
9.293
104
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,
R E T A IL P R IC E S P E R TON O F 2,000 PO U N D S O F COAL, FO R H O U SE H O L D U SE, ON
JAN . 15 AND JU L Y 15 O F EA CH Y E A R , 1913 TO 1918, IN C LU SIV E, B Y C IT IE S —Concluded.
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
City.
Jan.
July.
Jan.
July.
Jan.
July.
Norfolk, Va.:
A nthracite—
•
Jan.
July.
Jan.
Jan.
July.
510.000 $9,500
10.000 9.500
7.750 7.750
Omaha, N ebr.:
A nthracite—
$12,000 $10,750 $10,700 $10,700 $10,750 $10,700 $10,750 $11,750 >13.200 13.188
C hestn u t.......... 12.000 11.000 10.950 10.950 11.000 10.950 11.000 12.000 13.400 13.338
7.388
B itum inous............ 6.625 6.125 6.125 6.125 6.083 6.167 6.042 6.000 7.857 7.950
Peoria, Hi.:
A nthracite—
10.250 11.000
10.500 11.025
5.500
Philadelphia, Pa.:
A nthracite—
Stove................. W.156 16. 894 1 7. 2 S1 17.050 17.250 17.013 1 7.250 1 7.494 17.969 19.594 1 9.806
C h estn u t.......... 17.375 17.144 17.531 17.300 i 7.500 1 7.263 7.500 1 7.744 1 8.188 1 9.681 19.888
P ittsburgh, Pa.:
A nthracite—
1 11.000
Stove,
17.938 17.375 17. 713 17.550 17.875 17.567 17.967 18. 000 110.500
C h estn u t.......... 18.000 17.438 17.775 17.550 17.933 17.567 1 8.017 18.100 110.850 110.150 1 11.050
5.656
B itu m in o u s............ 23.158 23.176 2 3.188 23.158 23.225 23.225 2 3.326 23.450 24.857 2 5 .278
Portland, Me.:
A nthracite—
10.890 11.040
Stove
10.890 11.040
Chestnut
10.453 10.890
’B itu m in o u s..
Portland, Oreg.:
B itu m in o u s............ 9.786 9.656 9.625 9.279 9.382 9.224 9.438 9.263 10. 276 10.181 10.442
Providence, R . I.:
A nthracite—
Stove................. 8.250 7.500 7.750 7.450 7.750 7.500 8.750 8.500 10.000 10.500 11.375
C h estn u t.......... 8.250 7.750 8.000 7.700 8.000 7.750 9.000 8.500 10.000 10.500 11.375
Richm ond, Va.:
A nthracite—
9.900
Stove................. 8.000 7.250 7.750 7.542 8.000 7.500 7.900 8.000 9.450 9.500
9.900
C h estn u t.......... 8.000 7.250 7.750 7.542 8.000 7.500 7.900 8.000 9.450 9.500
7.811
B itum inous............ 5.500 4.944 5.423 5.042 5.444 5.023 5.364 5.063 7.268 7.686
Rochester, N. Y.:
A nthracite—
Stove
9.050
7.200 7.750 8.550
7.450 7.900 8.650
9.150
Chestnut .
St. Louis, Mo.:
A nthracite—■
Stove................. 8.438 7.740 8.150 8.175 8.333 8.033 8.583 8.500 9.813 10.433 11.000
C h estn u t.......... 8.680 7.990 8.350 S'. 363 8.500 8.200 8.750 8.750 10. 500 10.533 11.250
5.893
B itu m in o u s............ 3.360 3.037 3.288 3.056 3.214 3.050 3.179 3.073 4.615 5.444
St. Paul, Minn.:
A nthracite—
9.050 9.333 9.183 9,350 9.150 9.350 9.883 10.350 10.727 12.248
Stove.................
9.300 9.583 9.433 9.600 9.400 9.600 10.133 10.600 10.827 12.417
C h estn u t__
9.148
6.041 6.121 6.089 6.167 6.153 6.203 6.610 8.318 9.162
B itu m in o u s ..
Salt Lake City, U tah:
7.303
B itu m in o u s........... 5.639 5.548 5.580 5.552 5.462 5.462 5.464 5.464 5.658 7.250
San Francisco, Cal.:
B itum inous............ 12.000 12.000 12.091 12.400 12.273 12.333 12.250 12. 250 13.429 13.867 14.083
Scranton, Pa.:
A nthracite—
6.05C
Stove................. 4.250 4.313 4.500 4.313 4.438 4.125 4.375 4.800 5.250 6.113
6.150
C h estn u t.......... 4.500 4.563 4.750 4.563 4.688 4.313 4.625 4.800 5.250 6.150
Seattle, W ash.:
B itu m in o u s........... 37.125 37.200 36.167 35.800 35.906 3 5.313 35.528 35.750 35.850 47. 867 59 .13c
Springfield, 111.:
3.661
2.646 2.078 2.094 2.563 2.750 2.706 3.711
B itum inous. .
W ashington, D. C.:
A nthracite—
Stove................. 17.500 17.381 17.588 >7.419 17.731 17.400 1 7.625 17.725 18.206 110.000 19.960
C h estn u t.......... 17.650 17.531 17.738 17.569 1 7 .881 1 7.550 17.775 17.858 18.200 110.190 110.064
17.70C
B itum inous
___
!
1 Per to n of 2,240 pounds.
2 Per 25-bushel lots (1,900 pounds).
3 Prices quoted a t yard; delivery charges 50 cents to $2 per ton, according to distance.
4Prices in zone A. Prices in other zones range from $0.25 to $1.25 additional.
•Prices in zone A. Prices in other zones range from $0.35 to $1.30 additional.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[940]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
105
INDEX NUMBERS OF WHOLESALE PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES,
1913 TO AUGUST, 1918.
Continuing information published in preceding issues of the
Monthly L abor R eview ,1 index numbers showing wholesale price
changes since 1913 are contained in the subjoined table. During
1914 the prices of most commodities increased between January and
September, but declined rapidly in the closing months of the year,
due to the prevailing business stagnation brought about by the war.
In 1915 a reaction occurred and prices again advanced, reaching high
levels late in the year. Since January, 1916, the rise in wholesale
prices of many important articles has been unprecedented, although
fuel and lighting show a sharp drop in the last half of 1917.
During the first eight months of 1918 prices as a whole have con
tinued to advance steadily. The increase from June to July, and
again from July to August, has been noticeably large. The bureau’s
weighted index number for August stood at 203, as compared with
198 for July, 193 for June, 185 for July, 1917, and 100 as the average
for the 12 months of 1913. Considerable increases in price from
July to August of the present year are shown by the index numbers
for each of the groups of commodities designated as farm products,
food, etc., chemicals and drugs, and house-furnishing goods, respec
tively. Somewhat smaller increases were recorded for cloths and
clothing and lumber and building materials. The groups of fuel
and lighting and metals and metal products show no change in
price, while the group of miscellaneous articles show a slight decrease.
Among important commodities whose wholesale prices in August
averaged higher than in July were cotton, corn, hay, hogs, tobacco,
cattle, sheep, butter, cheese, eggs, milk, lard, ham, and potatoes.
Wheat, hides, poultry, coffee, tea, sugar, salt, bacon, beef, and
mutton were practically unchanged in price, while barley, oats, rye,
rice, flaxseed, peanuts, corn meal, and wheat flour were cheaper
than in July.
In the period from August, 1917, to August, 1918, the index num
ber of farm products increased from 204 to 229, that of food articles
from 180 to 192, and that of cloths and clothing from 193 to 251.
In the same period the index number of fuel and lighting increased
from 159 to 178, that of lumber and building materials from 133 to
156, that of chemicals and drugs from 198 to 207, and that of miscel
laneous articles from 156 to 191. The index number for housefurnishing goods, which is built on a small number of tableware
articles only, increased from 165 to 227. In the group of metals and
metal products the index number decreased from 249 in August,
1917, to 183 in August of the present year.
i Form erly th e M o n t h l y R e v ie w ; the,nam e was changed w ith th e Ju ly (1918) issue.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[941]
106
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
IN D E X N U M B ER S O P W H O L E S A L E PR IC E S , 1913 TO A U G U ST, 1918, B Y G R O U PS O P
COM M ODITIES.
[1913=100.]
Metals
and
m etal
prod
ucts.
Lum
ber
and
build
ing
m ate
rials.
100
99
99
100
100
100
107
102
98
99
100
100
101
101
98
100
101
100
99
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
99
102
100
100
99
98
101
101
98
99
100
100
100
99
98
97
97
92
99
98
90
89
87
87
87
87
87
92
91
85
85
86
83
81
83
97
98
99
97
97
96
96
95
94
103
101
101
101
100
106
109
108
107
103
103
103
103
103
103
103
103
103
07
98
99
97
97
98
95
95
96
99
100
98
99
102
103
99
98
97
104
106
108
104
105
105
102
104
103
100
104
108
111
100
96
97
97
98
98
98
99
99
100
103
105
107
87
86
86
86
84
83
83
84
85
88
90
93
96
97
83
87
89
91
96
100
102
100
100
100
104
114
94
94
95
94
94
94
93
94
93
93
93
95
97
113
106
104
103
102
102
104
107
109
114
121
141
146
101
101
101
101
101
101
101
101
101
101
101
101
101
98
98
97
97
97
95
90
96
96
96
99
100
103
100
98
100
99
99
100
99
101
100
98
101
102
105
122
108
109
111
114
116
116
118
126
131
136
145
141
126
114
114
115
117
119
119
121
128
134
140
150
146
127
110
114
117
119
122
123
126
128
131
137
146
155
115
102
102
104
105
104
105
105
107
101
99
100
101
102
102
101
98
100
100
101
103
105
143
140
144
147
150
153
150
143
132
132
135
142
143
no
105
105
105
109
109
109
111
111
111
114
115
115
121
107
106
109
111
114
121
122
123
126
132
135
136
123
128
150
163
148
126
132
141
147
151
149
145
145
148
151
160
185
1917.
Average for y e a r___
Jan u a ry — ...............
F e b ru a ry ....................
M arch.................. .......
A p ril...........................
M ay....... ........... .........
J u n e ............................
J u ly ......................... ..
A ugust........................
S eptem b er.................
O ctober......................
N ovem ber.................
D ecem ber...................
188
147
150
162
180
196
196
198
204
203
207
211
204
177
150
160
161
182
191
187
180
180
178
183
184
185
181
161
162
163
169
173
179
187
193
193
194
202
206
169
170
178
181
178
187
193
183
159
155
142
151
153
208
183
190
199
208
217
239
257
249
- 228
182
173
173
124
106
108
111
114
117
127
132
133
134
134
135
135
185
144
146
151
155
164
165
185
198
203
242
232
230
155
128
129
129
151
151
162
165
165
165
165
175
175
154
137
138
140
144
148
153
151
156
155
164
165
188
175
150
155
160
171
181
184
185
184
182
180
182
181
1918.
Jan u a ry ......................
F e b ru a ry ....................
M arch--------- --------A p ril.............. ...........
M ay.............. ......... .
J u n e ............................
J u ly .............................
A u g u st1.....................
205
207
211
217
212
214
221
229
188
186
178
179
178
179
185
192
209
213
220
230
234
243
249
251
169
171
171
170
172
171
178
178
173
175
175
176
177
177
183
183
136
137
142
145
147
148
152
156
216
217
217
214
209
205
202
207
188
188
188
188
188
192
192
227
178
181
184
193
197
199
192
191
185
187
187
191
191
193
198
203
Farm
prod
ucts.
Food,
etc.
Cloths
and
cloth
ing.
1913.
Average for y e a r----J a n u a ry ......................
A p ril...........................
J u ly ............ ................
O ctober......................
100
97
97
101
103
100
99
96
101
102
100
100
100
100
100
1914.
Average for y e a r----Jan u a ry .................... A p ril...........................
J u ly .............................
A ugust-----------------S eptem ber.................
O ctober............. .........
N ovem ber.................
D ecem ber...................
103
101
103
104
109
103
103
101
99
103
102
95
103
112
116
107
106
105
1915.
Average for y e a r----Jan u a ry ___________
F e b ru a ry ...................
M arch.........................
A p ril...........................
M ay.............................
J u n e ............... ............
J u ly .............................
A ugust........................
Septem ber............... O ctober..................
N ovem ber..................
D ecem b er.................
105
102
105
105
107
109
105
108
108
103
105
102
103
1916.
Average for y e a r----Jan u a ry ......................
F e b ru a ry ....................
M arch.........................
A p ril...........................
M ay.............................
J u n e ............................
J u ly .............................
A ugust.......................
S eptem b er.................
O ctober......................
N ovem ber..................
D ecem ber..................
Y ear and m onth.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Fuel
and
light
ing.
no
l Prelim inary.
[942]
Chem HouseA ll
furMiscel com
icals
nishlane m odi
and
ing
ous.
drugs. goods.
ties.
no
111
114
116
118
118
119
123
127
133
143
146
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
107
PRICE CHANGES, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IN THE UNITED STATES.
Exact comparison of wholesale with retail prices is not attempted
in the table which follows. Some food products—fresh meats, for
example—are not sold by the retailer in the same form in which they
leave the wholesaler, hence strictly comparable wholesale and retail
prices are not obtainable. In such cases the articles most nearly
comparable were selected. It was found impracticable also to obtain
both wholesale and retail prices for the same date. The retail prices
shown are in all cases those prevailing on the 15th of the month,
while the wholesale prices are for a variable date, usually several
days prior to the 15th. In each case the wholesale price is the mean
of the high and the low quotation on the date selected, as published
in leading trade journals, while the retail price is the average of all
prices for the article and city in question reported directly to the
bureau by retailers. The figures in the tables are therefore to be
considered as merely indicative of price variations in the retail as
compared with wholesale markets.
To assist in comparing wholesale with retail price fluctuations, the
differential between the two series of quotations at successive dates
is given. It should not be assumed, however, that this differential
represents the margin of profit to the retailer, since, in addition to
the difference between the wholesale and the retail prices pointed
out above, the cost of handling the commodity is included in the
figure.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[9431
108
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
W H O L E S A L E AND R E T A IL P R IC E S OF IM PO R T A N T FOOD A R T IC L E S IN SELECTED
C ITIES.
[The initials W =w holesale; R = retail.]
Article and city.
Beef. Chicago:
Steer loin e n d s ............. ..W ..
Sirloin stea k ................. . . . R . .
Price differential.........
Beef, Chicago:
Steer rounds, No. 2___ ..W ..
Round stea k ................ . . R . .
Price differential.........
Beef, Chicago:
Steer ribs, No. 2........... ..W ..
R ib roast ”. .................... . . . R . .
Price differential........
Beef, New York:
No. 2, loins.................... ..W ..
...R ..
Sirloin steak ......... ..
Price differential........
Beef, New York:
No. 2, ro u n d s................ ..W ..
R ound steak ................. . . . R . .
Price differential.........
Beef, New York:
No. 2, rib s ..................... ..W ..
R ib ro a st...................... . . . R . .
Price differential........
Pork, Chicago:
L oins............................ ..W ..
Chops............................. . . . R . .
Price differential.........
Pork, New York:
Loins, w estern ............ ..W ..
C hops............................. . . . R . .
Price differential........
Bacon, Chicago:Short clear sides......... ..W ..
Sliced............................. . . . R . .
PpoA differential.........
H am , Chicago:
Smoked........................ ..W ..
Smoked, sliced............ . . . R . .
Price differential.........
L ard, New York:
Prim e, co n tract.......... ..W ..
Pure, tu b ...................... . . . R . .
Price differential.........
Lam b, Chicago:
Dressed ro u n d ............ ..W ..
Leg of, yearling........... . . . R . .
Price differential........
Poultry , New York:
Dressed fowls.............. ..W ..
Dressed h e n s................ . . . R . .
Price differential.........
B u tte r, Chicago:
Creamery, e x tra ......... . .W ..
Creamery, e x tra .......... . . . R . .
Price differential........
B utter, New York:
Creamery, e x tra ......... ..W ..
Creamery, e x tra .......... . . . R . .
Price differential. . . . .
B utter, San Francisco:
Creamery, e x tra ......... .. W . .
Creamery, e x tra .......... . . . R . .
Price differential.........
Cheese, Chicago:
Whole m ilk ................. . . . W . .
F u ll cream ................... . . . R . .
Price differential.........
Cheese, New York:
Whole m ilk, S tate___ . .. W . .
Pnll erea.m________
Price differential.....................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1918
1917
July—
1913:
Av
U nit. erage
for
Apr. July. Oct. Jan. Apr. July. Aug.
year. 1914 1915 1916 Jan.
Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts.
L b .. 16-8 17.5 16.0 20.5 20.0 20.0 19.0 23.5 20.0 23.0 34.0 34.0
L b .. 23.2 26.0 25.8 28.1 26.5 29.3 30.2 30.6 30.2 33.7 37.7 37.7
6.4 8.5 9.8 7.6 6.5 9.3 11.2 7.1 10.2 10.7 3.7 3.7
L b .. 13.1 14.5 14.3 14.5 12.0 15.5 17.0 19.0 16.5 18.5 25.0 26.0
L b .. 20.2 23.3 22.8 24.1 22.7 25.6 26.6 27.3 27.3 30.4 35.0 34.9
7.1 8.8 8.5 9.6 10.7 10.1 9.6 8.3 10.8 11.9 10.0 8.9
L b .. 15.7 16.5 14.5 17.5 16.0 21.0 20.0 23.0 20.0 22.0 28.0 30.0
L b .. 19.5 21.2 21.3 22.9 22.3 24.1 24.6 24.7 25.4 28.8 31.8 31.4
3.8 4.7 6.8 5.4 6.3 3.1 4.6 1.7 5.4 6.8 3.8 1.4
L b .. 15.8 18.3 17.0 20.0 18.0 19.0 19.0 27.5 23.5 26.0 28.0 32.0
L b .. 25.9 27.4 28.2 29.4 28.4 31.8 33.7 35.6 34.4 38.0 43.9 44.8
10.1 9.1 11.2 9.4 10.4 12.8 14.7 8.1 10.9 12.0 15.9 12.8
L b .. 12.1 13.5 13.5 14.5 13.0 17.0 17.5 19.0 18.0 20.0 28.0 29.0
L b .. 24.9 27.0 27.1 28.9 27.5 31.5 33.7 36.0 35.2 38.4 46.3 46.7
12.8 13.5 13.6 14.4 14.5 14.5 16.2 17.0 17.2 18.4 18.3 17.7
L b .. 15.1 16.5 16.0 18.0 16.0 20.0 19.0 27.5 23.5 25.0 28.0 30.5
L b .. 21.8 22.5 22.7 24.3 23.8 27.0 27.9 29.8 29.4 32.4 37.5 37.6
6.7 6.0 6.7 6.3 7.8 7.0 8.9 2.3 5.9 7.4 9.5 7.1
L b .. 14.9 16.5 15.0 16.5 16.5 24.0 25.0 33.0 27.0 29.0 29.0 32.0
L b .. 19.0 20.4 20.1 21.7 22.7 28.5 29.2 35.8 31.6 33.0 35.5 38.8
4.1 3.9 5.1 5.2 6.2 4.5 4.2 2.8 4.6 4.0 6.5 6.8
L b .. 15.2 16.3 15.3 16.5 17.0 23.5 23.5 30.0 26.5 27.5 30.5 33.5
L b .. 21.7 23.0 21.7 23.9 24.8 31.9 32.6 39.9 34.8 36.7 40.6 42.3
6.5 6.7 6.4 7.4 7.8 8.4 9.1 9.9 8.3 9.2 10.1 8.8
L b .. 12.7 13.9 11.3 15.9 15.8 21.8 24.7 31.8 30.1 27.5 27.4 26.8
L b .. 29.4 31.8 31.5 32.8 31.6 39.5 43.9 47.5 49.8 51.9 54.7 56.4
16.7 17.9 20.2 16.9 15.8 17.7 19.2 15.7 19.7 24.4 27.3 29.6
L b .. 16.6 17.5 16.3 19.0 18.8 24.3 24.3 28.3 29.8 30.0 30.1 32.3
L b .. 26.6 33.8 32.8 34.9 33.3 38.2 41.4 43.9 42.8 46.7 49.1 50.5
10.0 16.3 16.5 15.9 14.5 13.9 17.1 15.6 13.0 16.7 19.0 18.2
L b .. 11.0 10.4 08. C 13.3 15.9 21.5 20.1 24.6 24.6 26.3 26.2 26.9
L b .. 16.0 15.6 15.1 16.8 21.3 26.3 27.4 31.3 33.0 33.4 32.2 32.5
5.0 5.2 7.1 3.5 5.4 4.8 7.3 6.7 8.4 7.1 6.0 5.6
L b .. 14.9 17.0 19. C 19. C 20. C 22. C 26. C 27. C 24.0 29.0 31.0 29.0
L b .. 19.8 21.9 20.8 23.1 23.2 26.3 28. 7 31.4 30.6 35.6 35.7 35.4
4.9 4.9 1.8 4.1 3.2 4.3 2.7 4.4 6.6 6.6 4.7 6.4
Lb
Lb
18.2 18.8 17.5 21.5 22. C 26.5 24.8 28.5 29.8 34.0 36.0 35.0
41.0 40.7
21. 4 22. 0 21. £ 25.6 26.1 29.3 28.7 32.3 32.6
5.0 5.7
3.2 3.2 4.4 4.1 4.1 2.8 3.9 3.8 2.8
L b .. 31. C 26.5 26.5 27.5, 37.0 44.0 37.5 43.5 49.0 40.0 42.5 43.5
L b .. 36.2 31.2 32.2 33.5 43.8 48.4 43.3 48.7 54.4 46.0 48.0 49.0
5.2 4.7 5.7 6.0 6.8 4.4 5.7 5.2 5.4 6.0 5.5 5.5
L b .. 32.3 28. C 27. ( 28.5 39.5 45.0 39.5 44.3 51.0 41.5 44.4 45.8
L b .. 38.2 32.8 33.6 34.6 46. C 51. i 45.3 51.5 57.4 49.3 51.4 52.1
5.9 4.8 6.6 6.1 6.5 6.3 5.8 7.2 6.4 “7.8 7.0 6.3
L b .. 31.7 24.5 26.5 25.5 35.5 39.0 38.5 46.0 53.0 37.5 50.0 52.0
L b .. 38.8 32. £ 33.8 33. i 42.5 45.2 45.5 54.5 60.2 45.2 56.6 58.6
7.1 8.4 7.3 7.8 7.0 6.2 7.0 8.5 7.2 7.7 6.6 6.6
L b .. 14.2 13.3 14.5 14.5 21.8 22.3 21.6 24.6 23. i 21.5 22.7 24.3
22.9 24.2 32.1 32.7 33.! 36.8 37.5 35.3 34.5 35.7
L b ..
8.4 9.7 io.:: 10.' 12.3 12.2 14.2 13.8 11.8 11.4
L b .. 15. ' 14.4 14.6 15.1 22.0 24.5 23.8 25.5 23.0 22.5 23.9 25.3
22.! 22.8, 30.] 33.5 32.8 34.C 34.' 33.8 33.2 33.5
L b ..
8.3 7.7' 8.1 9 .0l 9.0 8.5 11.4 11.3 9.3 8.2
[944]
109
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW,
W H O L E S A L E AND R E T A IL P R IC E S O F IM PO R T A N T FOOD A R T IC L E S IN SE LE C T ED
C ITIES—Concluded.
J u ly 1917
1918
1913:
A v
Unit. erage
for
year. 1914 1915 1916 Jan. Apr. July. Oct. Jan. Apr. July. Aug.
Article and city.
Cheese, San F ran cisco :
F ancy............................ ..W ..
F ull cream .................... . . . R . .
Price differential.........
Milk, Chicago:
F resh ............................ ..W ..
Fresh, b o ttle d ............. . . . R . .
Price differential.........
M ilL New York:
F resh ............................ ..W ..
Fresh, b o ttle d ............. . . . R . .
Price differential........
Milk San Francisco:
F resh ............................ ..W ..
Fresh, b o ttle d .............
Price differential.........
Eggs, Chicago:
Fresh, firsts................. ..W ..
S trictly fresh ................ . . . R . .
Price differential.........
Eggs, New York:
Fresh, firsts................. ..W ..
S trictly fresh ................ . . . R . .
Price differential.........
Eggs, San Francisco:
F resh ............................ ..W ..
S trictly fresh................ . . . R . .
Price differential.........
Meal, corn, Chicago:
F in e .............................. ..W ..
F ine................................ . . . R . .
Price differential.........
Beans, New York:
M edium, choice.......... ..W ..
N avv. w h ite______
. .. R
Potatoes, Chicago:
W hite i .........................
W h ite ............................
Price differential.........
Rice, New Orleans:
I-Tead.............................
H e ad ____________
Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts.
L b .. 15.9 12.5 11.5 13.5 18.0 21.5
25.5 26.0 26.0 27.5
L b ..
22.9 24.2 29.7 29.7 31.6 33.5 33.5 32.3 33.8
7.5 6.3 6.3
8.5 9.4
9.7 9.6
20.0 22.0
20.0
Q t..
Q t ..
Q t ..
Q t ..
Q t..
Q t ..
Doz.
Doz.
Doz.
Doz.
Doz.
Doz.
L b ..
L b ..
L b ..
Lb
..W .. L b ..
. . . R . . L b ..
8.0
6.2 8.2
3.8
3.6
3.7
3.6
4.5
5.4
7.4 7.0 5.8
12.9 11.9 11.9
5.3 5.5 4.9
4.2
4.4
4.3
4.5
5.5
4.6
3.5
9.0
5.5
3.0
9.0
3.0
9.0
3.1
9.0
5.9
5.1
10.0
3.9
3.9
3.8
3.8
3.8
3.8
4.3
5.9
2.3
1.5
4.1
3.2
3.4
4.7
.7
1.6
2.9
3.9
4.8
7.4
4.7
8.0 8.0 8.0 8.1 10.0 10.0 10.0
6.1
5.3 6.6
12.0 12.4
6.7
5.8
8.1
5.9 5.4 6.3
4.9 5.0 7.2
10.9 11.4 13.8 15.0 14.0 12.7 14.0
6.4
6.9
7.3 7.7
4.9
8.1
6.6 5.9 5.9 5.9
10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 12.1 12.1 12.1 12.1 12.1
6.1 6.1 6.2 6.2 6.2 6.2 5.7 6.2 5.5 6.2 6.2 6.2
22.6 18.8 16.8 21.8 48.5 30.5 31.0 37.0 56.5 31.5 36.5 38.3
29.2 26.1 24.8 29.6 52.5 37.6 40.6 46.9 65.1 38.0 45.7 47.8
6.6 7.3 8.0 7.8 4.0 7.1 9.6 9.9 8.6 6.5 9.2 9.5
24.9 21.5 20.0 24.1 50.5 33.0 35.0 40.0 64.5 33.3 40.0 41.5
39.7 35.3 32.6 37.2 68.7 42.4 47.7 62.7 80.8 47.6 57.3 60.9
14.8 13.8 12.6 13.1 16.2 9.4 12.7 22.7 16.3 14.3 17.3 19.4
26.8 23.0 22.0 24.0 38.0 28.0 32.0 43.5 61.0 36.5 44.0 48.5
37.3 33.8 31.0 33.3 48.0 37.4 39.2 60.8 71.0 41.9 51.4 57.3
10.5 10.8 9.0 9.3 10.0 9.4 7.2 17.3 10.0 5.4 7.4 8.8
1.4 1.6
1.9 2.4 3.6 4.5 5.2 5.1 6.0 5.4 5.3
2.9 2.8 3.1 3.1 4.2 5.0 5.8 7.1 7.0 7.2 6.8 6.8
1.5 1.2
1.2 1.8 1.4 1.3 1.9 1.9 1.2 1.4 1.5
4.0 4.0 5.8 9.8 10.8 13.0 15.4 13.8 14.1 13.7 11.9 11.6
8.1 11.3 14.9 16.2 18.8 18.5 18.5 18.2 17.5 17.4
1.0
6.0 6.0
1.5
.5
2.4
2.7
.3
1.2
.5
2.3
.7
..W .. L b ..
. .. R
T,b
5.0
5.4
4.9
7.5
4.6
7.4
Sugar, New York:
G ranulated.................. ..W .. L b ..
G ranulated................... . . . R . . L b ..
Price differential........
4.3
4.9
4.2
4.6
.4
.6
1.0
2.6 2.8 2.6
5.9 7.5 6.6
6.3 7.9 7.4
.4
.4
.8
6.0
6.6
4.4
4.5
5.6
5.8
2.0 1.1 1.5 2.9
2.8 2.8 1.7 3.7 3.5
1.0 .6 .9 .8 .6 1.2 .6
4.9 7.1 7.7 8.8 8.8 9.3 7.6
8. 8 10.1 10.0 10.6 10.7 11.9 2.3
3.9 3.0 2.3 1.8 1.9 2.6 4.7
8.1 7.4 8.2 7.3 7.3 7.4 7.4
8.7 8.4 9.7 9.7 8.8 8.8 8.8
.6 1.0 1.5 2.4 1.5 1.4 1.4
4.7
5.8
4.4
5.0
1.9
1 Good to choice.
The subjoined table of wholesale and retail prices expressed as
percentages of the average money prices for 1913 will enable the
reader to follow more readily the trend of price fluctuations of food
articles at wholesale and retail. A few articles included in the pre
ceding table are omitted from this one, owing to lack of satisfactory
data for 1913. The table shows that, as compared with base prices
in 1913, the retail prices of all of the articles except sugar were
relatively lower in August than were the wholesale prices. This is
noticeable in the case of beef, pork, bacon, lard, lamb, milk, potatoes,
and particularly corn meal, the retail price of which in August had
increased 134 per cent over the average price for 1913, while the
wholesale price had increased 286 per cent.
82617°—18— —8
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[945]
.
110
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
R E L A T IV E W H O L E S A L E A N D R E T A IL P R IC E S O F IM P O R T A N T FOOD A R T IC L E S IN
SE L E C T E D C IT IE S (A V E R A G E FO R 1913=100).
[The initials W =w holesale; R = re ta il.]
Article and city.
Beef, Chicago:
Steer loin ends (h ip s)............ ..W ..
Sirloin ste a k ............................ . R . .
Beef, Chicago:
Steer rounds, No. 2................ ..W ..
R ound steak............................ . R . .
Beef, Chicago:
Steer ribs, No. 2...................... .W ..
R ib roast ”. ........... ................... . R . .
Beef, New York:
No. 2 loins, city ...................... .W ..
Sirloin s te a k ..'....................... . R . .
Beef, New York:
No. 2 rounds, c ity .................. ..W ..
R ound steak ”. . . I ................... . . R . .
Beef, New York:
No. 2 ribs, city ........................ .W ..
R ib roast ”. . . '. ........................ . . R . .
Pork, Chicago:
Loins......................................... ..W ..
Chops........................................ . . R . .
Pork, New York:
Loins, w estern........................ ..W ..
Chops........................................ . . R . .
Bacon, Chicago:
Short clear sid es..................... ..W ..
Sliced......................................... . . R . .
H am , Chicago:
Smoked..................................... ..W ..
Smoked, sliced.................. .. . . R . .
Lard, N ew York:
Prime, contract....................... ..W ..
Pure, tu b .................................. . . R . .
Lam b, Chicago:
Dressed, ro u n d ....................... ..W ..
Leg of, yearling....................... . . R . .
Poultry, New York:
Dressed fowls.......................... ..W ..
Dressed hens........................... . . R . .
B utter, Chicago:
Creamery, e x tra ..................... ..W ..
Creamery, e x tra ..................... . . R . .
B utter, N ew York:
Creamery, e x tra ..................... ..W ..
Creamery, e x tra ..................... . . R . .
B utter, San Francisco:
Creamery, e x tra ..................... ..W ..
Creamery, e x tra ..................... . . R . .
Milk, Chicago:
Fresh......................................... ..W ..
Fresh, bottled, delivered___ . . R . .
Milk, New York:
Fresh......................................... ..W ..
Fresh, bottled, delivered___ . . R . .
Milk, San Francisco:
Fresh......................................... ..W ..
Fresh, b o ttle d ......................... . . R . .
Eggs, Chicago:
Fresh, firsts.............................. ..W ..
Strictly fresh............................ . . R . .
Eggs, New York:
Fresh, firsts.............................. ..W ..
Strictly fresh............................ . . R . .
Eggs, San Francisco:
Fresh....................................... . ..W ..
Strictly fresh............................ . . R . .
Meal, corn, Chicago:
F in e ........................................... ..W ..
F in e ........................................... . . R . .
Potatoes, Chicago:
W hite, good to choice............ ..W ..
W h ite ........................................ . . R . .
Sugar, New York:
G ranulated............................. ..W ..
G ranulated.............................. . . R . .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1913:
1917
Ju ly —
1918
Aver
age
for
year. 1914 1915 1916 Jan. Apr. July. Oct. Jan. Apr. July. Aug.
100
100
104
112
95
111
122
121
119
114
119
126
113
130
140
132
119
130
137
145
202
163
202
163
100
100
111
115
109
113
111
119
92
112
118
127
130
132
145
135
126
135
141
151
191
173
198
173
100
100
105
109
92
109
111
117
102
114
134
124
127
126
146
127
127
130
140
148
178
163
191
161
100
100
116
106
108
109
127
114
114
110
120
123
120
130
174
137
149
133
165
147
177
170
203
173
100
100
112
108
112
109
120
116
107
110
140
127
145
135
157
145
149
141
165
154
231
186
240
1S8.
100
100
109
103
106
104
119
111
106
109
132
124
126
128
182
137
156
135
166
149
185
172
202
172
100
100
111
107
101
106
111
114
111
119
161
150
168
154
221
188
181
166
195
174
195
187
215
204
100
100
107
108
101
100
109
110
112
114
155
147
155
150
197
184
174
160
181
169
201
187
220
195
100
100
109
108
89
107
125
112
124
107
172
134
194
149
250
162
237
109
217
177
216
186
211
192
100
100
105
127
98
123
114
131
113
125
146
144
146
156
170
165
180
161
181
176
181
185
195
190
100
100
95
98
73
94
121
105
145
133
195
164
1S3
171
224
196
224
206
239
209
238
201
245
203
100
100
114
111
128
105
12S
117
134
117
148
133
174
145
181
159
161
155
195
180
208
180
195
179
100
100
103
103
96
102
118
120
121
122
146
137
136
134
157
151
164
152
187
198
192
192
190
100
100
85
86
85
89
89
93
119
121
142
134
121
119
140
135
158
150
129
127
137
133
140
135
100
100
87
86
84
88
88
91
122 139
120, 134
122
119
137
135
158
150
128
129
137
135
142
136
fOO
100
77
85
84
87
80
86
112
110
123
116
121
117
145
140
167
155
118
116
158
146
164
151
100
100
95
100
97
100
95
101
113
125
142
125
124
125
195
161
184
149
153
149
139
150
174
155
100
100
86
100
86
100
89
100
146
111
140
121
143
127
206
153
231
167
169
156
154
141
180
156
100
100
100
100
97
100
97
100
97
100
97
100
110
100
151
121
169
121
151
121
151
121
151
121
100
100
83
89
74
85
96
101
215
180
135
129
137
139
164
161
250
223
139
130
162
137
169
164
100
100
86
89
80
82
97
94
203
168
133
107
141
120
161
158
259
204
134
120
161
144
167
153
100,
100
86
91
82
83
90
89
142
129
105
100
119
105
162
163
223
190
136
112
164
138
181
154
100
100
114
97
107
136
107
171
145
257
172
321
200
371
245
364
241
429
248
386
234
379
234
100
100
237
182
66
78
160
151
286
263
458
384
429
331
185
185
194
187
106
111
147
245
279
232
100
100
98
94
137
129
174
161
153
151
188
178
172
171
191
198
170
198
170
180
172
180
172
180
[9461
Ill
M ONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW.
COMPARISON OF RETAIL PRICE CHANGES IN THE UNITED STATES AND
FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
The index numbers of retail prices published by several foreign
countries have been brought together with those of this bureau in the
subjoined table after having been reduced to a common base, viz,
prices for July, 1914, equal 100. This base was selected instead of
the average for the year 1913, which is used in other tables of index
numbers compiled by the bureau, because of the fact that in some
instances satisfactory information for 1913 was not available. For
Great Britain, Norway, and Sweden the index numbers are repro
duced as published in the original sources, while those for Austria and
Germany have been rounded off to the nearest whole number from
figures published in the British Labor Gazette. All of these are shown
on the July, 1914, base in the sources from which the information is
taken. The index numbers here shown for the remaining countries
have been obtained by dividing the index for July, 1914, as published,
into the index for each month specified in the table. As indicated
in the table, some of these index numbers are weighted and some are
not, while the number of articles included differs widely. They should
not, therefore, be considered as closely comparable one with another.
IN D E X
N U M B E R S O F R E T A IL P R IC E S IN T H E U N IT E D
O T H E R C O U N T R IE S.
ST A T E S A N D C E R T A IN
[Prices for Ju ly , 1914=100.]
France:
U nited
13 foodstufls;
Austria:
Canada:
A ustralia:
Germany:
States:
cities
over
foodstuffs; 18 foodstufls; 29 foodstufls; 10,000 popu
19 foodstuffs;
Y ear and m onth. 22 foodstuffs; 4630
60 cities.
towns.
Vienna.
Berlin.
45 cities.
lation
(except
W eighted.
W eighted.
W eighted.
Weighted.
Weighted.
Paris).
W eighted.
1914
Ju ly ............
O ctober___
1915
Jan u ary —
A pril...........
J u ly ............
O ctober___
1916
Jan u a ry —
A pril...........
Ju ly ............
O ctober..*.
1917
Jan u a ry —
F e b ru a ry ...
M arch.........
A pril...........
M ay............
J u n e ............
J u ly ............
A ugust.......
Septem ber.
O ctober___
Novem ber.
D ecem ber..
1918
Jan u a ry —
F e b ru a ry ..
M arch.........
A pril...........
M ay............
J u n e ............
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
100
103
100
99
100
104
100
108
101
97
98
101
107
113
131
133
121
166
179
217
107
105
105
105
105
107
109
119
129
131
130
125
222
125
130
130
142
148
149
143
146
150
154
152
154
125
126
126
127
127
127
126
129
129
129
129
128
157
158
151
151
155
159
129
130
131
272
275
288
312
337
315
UOO
100
116
1110
1 123
131
157
170
193
112
112
114
125
1133
1137
1141
>146
189
220
218
209
138
141
144
145
159
160
157
157
157
159
'163
165
1154
167
169
170
169
171
172
1 Q uarter beginning th a t m onth.
[9471
i 171
i 1S4
1200
1211
•
i 232
112
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
IN D E X N U M B ER S O F R E T A IL P R IC E S IN T H E U N IT E D
O T H E R C O U N T R IE S —Concluded.
Italy:
Great, B ritain: 7 foodstuffs;
21 foodstuffs;
43 cities
Y ear and m onth.
600 towns.
(variable).
W eighted.
Not
weighted.
S T A T E S AN D C E R T A IN
Norway:
N etherlands: New Zealand: 24 (21 foods)
articles;
29 articles; 59 foodstuffs;
20 towns
40 cities.
25 towns.
(variable).
Not
W eighted.
Not
weighted.
weighted.
Sweden:
21 articles;
44 towns.
Weighted.
1914
Ju ly .........................
O ctober...................
100
112
100
104
1100
2 107
100
102
100
3110
100
s107
1915
Jan u a ry ..................
A pril........................
Ju ly .........................
O ctober...................
118
124
132J
140
108
113
120
127
114
123
131
128
111
113
112
112
3 118
3 125
3 129
3 134
»113
»121
»124
»128
145
149
101
168
133
132
132
132
135
142
150
158
116
118
119
120
155
176
182
»130
»134
»142
3 152
187
189
192
194
19S
202
204
202
206
197
206
205
144
154
161
164
167
171
172
178
188
165
165
169
170
180
184
188
127
126
126
127
128
128
127
127
129
130
130
132
1916
A pril.......................
Ju ly .........................
October...................
1917
-p Y
M arch......................
A pril.......................
M ay.........................
An g n st
OuLnhfir
Nnyftmhftr
1918
206
208
207
206
207
208
MarrVh
May
1January-July.
'
190
221
133
134
134
137
139
139
2 August-December.
204
212
227
261
273
278
293
312
160
166
170
175
175
175
177
181
187
192
200
212
221
227
235
247
258
1Q uarter beginning th a t m onth.
COST OF LIVING IN SHIPBUILDING DISTRICTS.
FAMILY BUDGETS AND PRICE CHANGES IN THE GREAT LAKES DISTRICT.
In preceding issues of the Monthly Labor R eview 1 summary
figures concerning the cost of living in various shipbuilding districts
in the United States have been presented in connection with per
centages showing changes in retail prices since 1914 of the articles
entering into family consumption. Like figures are here given for the
following districts: Chicago, 111., Detroit, Mich., Cleveland, Ohio,
Lorain, Ohio, Toledo, Ohio, Buffalo, N. Y., Superior, Wis., and
Manitowoc, Wis. For Chicago, Superior, and Toledo the price figures
have been brought down to August, 1918, for Lorain to May, 1918,
but for the other places to March, 1918, only.
1 M o n th ly R e v ie w , M arch, A pril, June; M o n th ly L a b o r R eview , A ugust and Septem ber, 1918.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[948]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
3)3
The study was made by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in coopera
tion with the Wage Adjustment Board of the Emergency EJeet
Corporation. Reports showing in detail the family expenditures for
the year ending March 31, 1918, were collected in each of these dis
tricts by special agents of the Bureau of Labor Statistics in personal
visits to the homes of the families of workers in shipyards and of other
wage earners in the same locality. The purpose of the study was
to show the present cost of living and the changes in the cost of living
in recent years. Retail prices for clothing, furniture and furnishings,
rent, and fuel and light back to 1914 were obtained in each locality
by the agents in addition to the information collected by them
concerning the family cost of living for one year. Retail prices of
food from 1914 to 1918 were available in the bureau’s publications
for Chicago, Detroit, Buffalo, and Cleveland. Food prices were not
available for Superior Rnd Manitowoc. The locality nearest to these
places for which the bureau had food prices throughout the period
was Milwaukee. While the prices of food might not be the same in
Superior and Manitowoc as in Milwaukee, it was deemed satisfactory
to use the per cent of change that took place in food prices in Mil
waukee as fairly applicable to these two localities.
In like manner the per cent of changes in food prices in Cleveland
were assumed for Toledo and Lorain.
The prices from 1914 to 1917 are mainly for December and for
food entirely so. For a few summer articles June prices were taken»
but the figures are so nearly all for December that the tables are
made to speak as for that month.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[949]
114
M O N TH LY LABOE REVIEW,
A V E R A G E E X P E N D IT U R E S A N D P E R C E N T O P A V E R A G E T O T A L E X P E N D IT U R E S O F
F A M IL IE S IN S P E C I F IE D S H I P B U I L D I N G D IS T R IC T S IN 1917 A N D 1918, F O R E A C H O F
T H E P R IN C IP A L IT E M S O F C O S T O F L IV IN G , A N D T H E P E R C E N T O F IN C R E A S E IN
T H E R E T A I L P R IC E O F E A C H IN D E C E M B E R , 1915, 1916, A N D 1917, A N D M A R C H A N D
A U G U S T , 1918, A B O V E T H E P R IC E S IN D E C E M B E R , 1914.
CHICAGO, IL L : 215 families.
E x p e n d itu re s p e r
fam ily.
P e r c e n t of increase in re ta il p rices in D ecem b er,
1915, 1916, a n d 1917, a n d M arch a n d A u g u st,
1918, ab o v e th e prices in D ecem b er, 1914.
Ite m s of ex p e n d itu re.
A verage.
D ecem
D ecem
D ecem
P e r cent. b e r, 1915. b e r, 1916. b er, 1917.
C lo th in g :
M ale.........................................
F e m a le ....................................
$118.80
91.90
8.09
6.26
T o ta l....................................
210. 70
54.59’
615.93
187.65
78.16
320.96
F u r n itu r e a n d fu rn is h in g s ___
F o o d ................................................
H o u s in g ..........................................
F u e l a n d li g h t..............................
M iscellaneous................................
A ll it e m s ............................
1,467.99
8.51
6.15
26.53
21.22
14.35
7.48
24.21
3.72
41.96
12.78
5.33
21.86
5.91
2.66
» .08
1 .93
3.01
19.96
25.23
f 70
6.64
19.51
100.00
3.01
19.51
51.01
50.03
M arch,
1918.
A u g u st,
1918.
88.36
88.70
103.94
112.26
50.58
88. 51
107.57
47.45
53.42
1.38
19.34
41.78
87.04
48.83
2.08
30.82
49.06
96.28
69.81
3.06
37.41
64.88
41.78
49.06
64.88
32.17
41.87
50.70
60.33
61.04
72.28
SU PER IO R., W IS .: 109 fam ilies.
C lo th in g :
M ale.........................................
F e m a le ....................................
$110.67
105.30
8.23'
7.83
0.15
3.26
7.84
16.20
T o ta l....................................
215.97
16.06
1.67
11.92
36.90
55.39
66.52
F u r n itu r e a n d fu rn is h in g s ___
F o o d 2..............................................
H o u s in g ..........................................
F u e l a n d li g h t..............................
M iscellaneous................................
67.47
548.66
158.41
84.05
270.50
5.01
40. 79
11.78
6.25
20.11
4.57
h89
1.34
.15
.13
23.65
25.92
1.16
7.81
17. 70
52.83
55.69
1.51
29.50
41.70
73.26
50.01
5.28
36. 84
44.92
83.85
68. 91
11.69
52.26
59.63
A ll it e m s ............................
1,345.06
100.00
.13
17.70
41.70
44. 92
59.63
TO LED O , O H IO : 207 fam ilies.
C lo th in g :
M ale.........................................
F e m a le ....................................
$105.05
90.36
7.42
6.38
1.92
6.30
12.71
25. 42
33.08
50. 51
54.83
70.03
70.39
96.22
T o ta l....................................
195.41
13.80
3.94
18. 59
41.14
61.86
82.33
F u r n itu r e a n d fu rn is h in g s ___
F o o d 3..............................................
H o u sin g ..........................................
F u e l a n d li g h t..............................
M iscellaneous................................
65.71
605.17
192.29
69.56
287.52
4.64
42.75
13.58
4.92
20.31
7.84
1.43
4.79
1.74
2.68
24.59
26. 43
11.58
11.03
21.48
46. 44
54.33
19.00
29.80
44.05
65.60
48. 22
20. 20
38. 43
46. 21
82.48
70.16
21.63
37. 97
62.73
A ll ite m s ............................
1,415.66
100.00
2.68
21.48
44.05
46.21
62.73
' D ecrease.
2 T h e p e r c e n t of changes in food prices in M ilw aukee w as u s e d in co n n e ctio n w ith th e fa m ily b u d g e t
figures ta k e n in th is lo c ality , S u p erio r food prices n o t b ein g a v a ilab le.
,
3 T h e p e r c e n t of in c rease in food p ric es in C le v ela n d h a s b e e n u s e d in th is ta b le , figures for Toledo
n o t bein g av a ila b le .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 950 ]
115
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,
A V ER A G E E X P E N D IT U R E S AND P E R C EN T O F A V ER A G E TO T A L E X P E N D IT U R E S O F
. FA M IL IE S IN S P E C IF IE D S H IP B U IL D IN G D IST R IC TS IN 1917 AN D 1918 F O R EA C H O F
T H E P R IN C IP A L IT EM S O F COST O F L IV IN G , AND T H E P E R C EN T O F IN C R EA SE IN
T H E R E T A IL P R IC E O F EACH IN D EC EM B ER , 1915, 1916, AND 1917, AN D MARCH, 1918,
ABOV E T H E PR IC E S IN D EC EM B ER , 1914.
B U F F A L O , N. Y .: 204 fam ilies.
E x p e n d itu re s p er
fam ily.
Ite m s of e x p e n d itu re .
A verage.
C lothing:
M ale................................................................
F em a le.............................................................
P e r cent.
P e r c e n t of in crease in r e ta il prices in
D ecem ber, 1915, 1916, a n d 1917, a n d
M arch, 1918, ab o v e th e prices in D ecem
ber, 1914.
D ecem D ecem
D ecem
ber, 1915. ber, 1916. b er, 1917,
8101.72
87.50
7.60
6.54
9.11
8.76
31.01
27.92
59.27
57.54
T o ta l................................................... .
M arch,
1918.
'
89.48
88.48
189.22
14.14
8.95
29.58
58.47
89.02
F u r n itu re a n d fu rn is h in g s ............................
F o o d ................ .......... ....................... .................
H o u sin g ...............................................................
F u e l a n d lig h t..................................................
M iscellaneous....................................................
51.21
597.62
180.75
54.79
264.78
3.83
44.65
13.51
4.09
19.78
7.05
2.44
1.15
1.30
3.53
24.13
30.09
4. 70
9.30
24.38
50.15
64.07
9.35
23.46
51.13
84.58
59.85
10.48
30.61
56.37
A ll i t e m s . . . . .......... ...............................
1,338.37
100.00
3.53
24.38
51.13
56.37
17.43
18.57
42.85
44.65
67.65
73.09
C LE V E LA N D , O H IO : 203 fam ilies.
C lothing:
M ale..............................................................
F e m a le .........................................................
8113.69
• 103.75
7.84
7.15
T o ta l......................................... ..............
217.44
14.99
1.96
17.97
43.71
70.24
F u r n itu re a n d fu rn is h in g s ............................
F o o d .....................................................................
H o u sin g ...............................................................
F u e l an d lig h t................................. .................
M iscellaneous.................... ...............................
62.89
608.76
205.52
56.55
299.24
4.34
41.97
14.17
3.90
20.63
4.72
1.43
.12
.30
1.42
19.67
26.43
.92
10.04
19.10
47.84
54.33
11.29
26.80
42.93
76.83
48.22
12.70
26.15
46.52
1,450.40
100.00
1.42
19.10
42.93
46.52
19.35
18.30
46.91
46.46
84.33
85.74
A ll ite m s ............................................. .
1.60
2.36
,
D E T R O IT , M IC H .: 256 fam ilies.
C lothing:
M ale.............................................................
F e m a le ....................... - ..............................
$122.48
106. 79
7.67
6.69
1.70
3.00
T o ta l........................................... .............
229.27
14.36
2.31
18.88
46.70
84.99
F u r n itu re a n d fu rn is h in g s ............................
F o o d .....................................................................
H o u sin g ...............................................................
F u e l a n d l i g h t . . . ..............................................
M iscellaneous...................................... ............
81.82
650.25
232.85
87.31
314.90
5.12
40.73
14.59
5.47
19.73
8.73
4.05
2.08
1.62
3.51
24.50
26. 51
17.52
9.94
22.25
50.40
59.69
32.64
30.20
49.85
90.38
56.42
37.86
32.68
58.71
A ll ite m s .................................................
1,596.40
100.00
3.51
22.25
49.85
58.71
1.96
.25
15.11
10.27
37.54
31.46
58.72
49.16
O
00
05
00
C lothing:
M ale..............................................................
•Fem ale.........................................................
€/3
M AN ITOW OC, W IS .: I l l fam ilies.
94.38
7.92
6.88
T o ta l.........................................................
203.06
14.80
1.16
12.86
34.71
54.28
F u r n itu re a n d fu rn is h in g s ................ ..........
F o o d 1...................................................................
H o u sin g ...............................................................
F u e l a n d lig h t...................................................
M iscellaneous....................................................
46.97
549.38
261.50
78. 71
232.83
3.42
40.03
19.05
5. 74
16.96
3.95
s . 89
1.30
.97
.31
14.69
25.92
5.29
6.20
17.03
40.35
55.69
16.96
25.94
40.38
64.89
50.01
22.72
35.74
44.14
A ll ite m s ................ ................... ... .........
1, 372. 45
100.00
.31
17.03
40.38
44.14
1 T h e p e r c e n t of changes in food prices in M ilw aukee w as u s e d in co n n ectio n w ith th e fam ily b u d g e t
figures ta k e n in th is lo c ality , M anitow oc food prices n o t b ein g a v a ila b le .
2 D ecrease.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[951]
116
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
A V E R A G E E X P E N D IT U R E S A N D P E R C E N T O F A V E R A G E T O T A L E X P E N D IT U R E S O F
F A M IL IE S IN S P E C I F IE D S H I P B U I L D I N G D IS T R IC T S IN 1917 A N D 1918 F O R E A C H
O F T H E P R IN C IP A L IT E M S O F C O ST O F L IV IN G , A N D T H E P E R C E N T O F IN C R E A S E
IN T H E R E T A I L P R IC E O F E A C H IN D E C E M B E R , 1915, 1916, A N D 1917 A N D M A Y , 1918,
A B O V E T H E P R IC E S IN D E C E M B E R , 1914.
LO R A IN , O H IO : 109 fam ilies.
E x p e n d itu re s p e r
fam ily.
P e r ce n t of increase in re ta il.p ric e s in D e
cem ber, 1915, 1916, a n d 1917 a n d M ay,
1918, above th e p rices in D ecem b er, 1914.
I te m s of e x p e n d itu re .
A verage.
P e r ce n t.
C lothing:
M aie.............................................................
F e m a le ........................................................
112.77
109.08
7.87
7.61
D ecem D ecem D ecem
ber, 1915. ber, 1916. b e r, 1917.
.49
.14
2.76
1.78
M ay,
1918.
33.17
26.90
53.86
51.91
T o ta l.........................................................
221.85
15.48
.32
2.28
30.09
52.90
F u r n itu r e a n d fu rn ish in g s............................
F o o d 1...................................................................
H o u sin g ..............................................................
F u e l a n d lig h t....................................... ...........
M iscellaneous....................................................
62.12
600.42
211.74
58.39
278.60
4.33
41.90
14.78
4.07
19.44
4.89
1.43
1.06
1.43
1.33
14.00
26.43
4.49
17.43
16.64
37.71
54.33
11.90
39.80
40.26
58. 40
53.73
25.84
38.97
47.96
A ll ite m s ................................................
1,433.12
100.00
1.33
16.64
40.26
47.96
1 T h e p e r ce n t of increase in food prices in C leveland, O hio, w as used in connection w ith th e fam ily b u d g e t
figures ta k e n in th is locality, L o ra in food prices n o t being av a ilab le.
The term “ Miscellaneous” in the tables includes items such as
doctor bills, cleaning supplies, amusements, tobacco, etc., not
included in the other expense groups specified. As the increase in
the cost of many of these miscellaneous items could not well be
traced through the period, it has been assumed that the percentage
of increase in this group has been the same as the average increase
for all other items combined. The average per cent of increase for
the total of all items each year has been computed by multiplying
the proportion of expenditures of each item by the per cent of increase
in the retail price of the item as compared with 1914 and dividing the
aggregate of the products thus obtained by 100.
P R IC E CH AN G ES IN O T H E R D IS T R IC T S .
In some of the localities covered earlier in the investigation and for
which figures have been published in previous issues of the L a b o r
R e v i e w inquiry has since been made as to price changes and the figures
have been brought down to August, 1918. The figures for August are
here presented and for convenience in comparison the figures for the
earlier dates are republished.
In certain districts retail price figures were obtained earlier in the
year for the month of March, but in the other districts named in the
table which follows the price quotation interval is from December,
1917, to August, 1918.
Each locality shows a sharp increase in retail prices in August as
compared with the preceding periods.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[952]
117
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
P E R C E N T O F IN C R E A S E IN R E T A I L P R IC E S IN D E C E M B E R , 1915, 1916, A N D 1917, A N D
M A R C H A N D A U G U S T , 1918, A B O V E T H E P R IC E S IN D E C E M B E R , 1914.
N O R FO LK , V A .: W h ite families.
P e r c e n t of increase in re ta il p rices in D ecem ber, 1915, 1916,
a n d 1917, a n d M arch a n d A u g u st, 1918, ab o v e th e prices
in D ecem ber, 1914.
Ite m s of e x p e n d itu re .
C lothing:
M ale...................................................................
F e m a le .............................................................
D ecem ber,
1915.
D ecem ber,
1916.
D ecem ber,
1917.
1.60
10.33
1.68
37.15
26.02
63.47
55.36
M arch,
1918.
A u g u st,
1918.
89 15
109.12
T o ta l..............................................................
.80
5.98
31.55
59.39
99.19
F u r n itu r e a n d fu rn is h in g s .................................
F o o d .................................. .“ ...................................
H o u sin g ...................................................................
F u el a n d li g h t........................................................
M iscellaneous..........................................................
.62
.75
.07
38.96
63.89
i 1.72
33.30
45.15
74.03
53.32
8.32
42.95
48.99
107.82
78.15
22.00
56.08
.61
8.73
22.38
i 1.72
17.03
14.73
A ll ite m s ......................................................
.61
14.73
45.15
48.99
74.99
74.92
83.02
108.16
130.59
74.99
B O STO N D IS T R IC T : W hite fam ilies.
C lothing:
M ale.................................................................;
F e m a le .............................................................
6.06
7.76
20.95
22.85
45.31
49.92
T o ta l.............................................................
6.63
21.86
47.53
78.82
118.96
F u r n itu r e a n d fu rn is h in g s ................................
F o o d .........................................................................
H o u sin g ...................................................................
1<uel a n d lig h t.......................................................
M iscellaneous...................... ............................ '. . .
8.40
1.33
i .07
1.12
1.57
26.31
18.03
.06
10.51
15. 72
58.37
45. 76
i .06
29.21
38.13
89.97
39.40
.99
39.74
42.95
134.17
61.90
2.36
45.65
65.24
A ll i t e m s .....................................................
1.57
15.72
38.13
42.95
65. 2j-
70.20
85.15
105.04
118.29
B A L T IM O R E D IS T R IC T : W hite fam ilies.
C lothing:
M ales.................................................................
F e m a le s ............................................................
2.46
3.03
22.97
25.09
49.55
54.75
T o ta l.............................................................
2.74
24.00
52.07
77.44
111.46
F u r n itu r e a n d fu rn ish in g s................................
F o o d .........................................................................
H o u sin g ...................................................................
F u e l a n d lig h t........................................................
M iscellaneous.........................................................
5.59
14.08
1.18
.49
i 1.37
26.38
20.87
.85
9.14
18.51
60.79
64.35
2.86
24.54
51.27
85.04
60.34
4.83
42.07
56.80
116.04
83.69
12.86
55. 72
80.18
A ll ite m s .....................................................
11.37
18.51
51.27
56.80
80-18
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
i Decrease
[953]
118
M O NTHLY LABOE EEVIEW,
P E R C E N T O F IN C R E A S E I N R E T A I L P R IC E S I N D E C E M B E R , 1915, 1916, A N D 1917, A N D
M A R C H A N D A U G U S T , 1918, A B O V E T H E P R IC E S IN D E C E M B E R , 1914—C oncluded.
B A T H , ME., D IS T R IC T : W hite families.
P e r ce n t of increase in re ta il p rices in D ecem b er, 1915, 1916,
a n d 1917, a n d M arch a n d A u g u st, 1918, ab o v e th e prices
in D ecem ber, 1914.
Ite m s of ex p e n d itu re.
C lothing:
M jaIp,
........ ................................................
Tprnftlp........ ....................................................
D ecem ber,
1915.
D ecem ber,
1916.
D ecem ber,
1917.
M arch,
1918.
0.47
2. 76
5.47
8.50
31.54
,27.11
47.67
61.98
A u g u st,
1918.
71.59
101.95
T n tftl.............................................................
1.65
7.03
29.26
55.02
87.19
Tinrnitnrp. and fu rn is h in g s ,
___
P o o d i ............................................- .......................
TToilfflilg .................................................................
Toftl and lig h t.......... .............................................
Mi sftftl 19Ufton a
.................................................
3.03
21.96
2 .10
3 .59
11.92
18.59
1.43
14.43
13.55
39.30
49.83
13.82
34.92
39.68
68.07
47.28
26.33
42.30
47.09
98.24
68.26
34.47
47.98
68.02
3.59
13.55
39.68
47.09
68.02
80.04
91.30
All it e m s ........ .............................................
PO R T L A N D , ME., D IS T R IC T :' W hite families.
C lothing:
M ale..................................................................
F e m a le .............................................................
1.09
3.21
8.98
10.48
31.45
34.15
51.30
55.67
T o ta l.............................................................
2.13
9.72
32.78
53.45
85.59
F u r n itu r e a n d fu rn ish in g s................................
F o o d 3.......................................................................
H o u sin g ....................................................................
F u e l a n d lig h t........................................................
M iscellaneous...................... — ............................
6.24
2 1.96
.24
.37
2.42
20.94
18.59
.61
11.39
13.83
43. 49
49.83
2.38
28.85
37.96
75.17
47.28
3.46
41.98
42. 70
105.02
68.26
6.15
54.47
62.85
A ll it e m s .....................................................
2 .4 2
13.83
37.96
42.70
62.85
PO R T S M O U T H , N. H ., D IS T R IC T : W hite fam ilies.
C lothing:
M a le .................................
F e m a le --------- -----------
2.57
.78
14.48
10.45
39.61
40.03
70.36
63.73
-
105.34
103.47
T o ta l___ ____ _____
1.67
12.45
39.82
67.02
104.40
F u r n itu r e a n d fu rn ish in g s
F o o d 4................ ................... .
H o u sin g ..................................
F u e l a n d l i g h t ....................
M iscellaneous........................
2.88
21.96
(5)
1.7.2
2.53
13.72
18. 59
(5)
13.69
14.36
42.57
49.83
.43
29.28
39.45
83.74
47. 28
3.28
38.03
45.88
114.88
68.26
4.04
47.06
66.79
A ll it e m s ....................
2.53
14.36
39.45
45.88
66. 79
1 T h e p er ce n t of change in food prices in M anchester, N . H ., h a s been u sed , food p rices for B a th n o t b eing
av a ilab le.
2 D ecrease.
s T h e p er c e n t of change in food prices in M anchester, N . H ., h a s b ee n u sed , food p rices for P o rtla n d
n o t being av a ilab le.
4
T h e per c e n t of change in food prices in M anchester, N . H ., h a s b ee n u sed , food prices for P o r ts m o u th .
n o t being av a ilab le.
6 N o change.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 954 ]
119
M O NTHLY LABOE BEVIEW .
P E R C E N T O F IN C R E A S E I N R E T A I L P R I C E S IN D E C E M B E R , 1915; 1916, A N D 1917, A N D
A U G U S T , 1918, A B O V E T H E P R IC E S IN D E C E M B E R , 1914.
N E W Y O R K D IS T R IC T : W hite fam ilies.
P e r c e n t of increase in re ta il prices in D ecem ber, 1915, 1916,
a n d 1917, a n d in A u g u st, 1918, ab o v e th e p rices in Decem
ber, 1914.
Item s of expenditure.
D ecem ber,
1915.
C lothing:
M ale....................................................................
F e m a le ..............................................................
4.78
4.87
D ecem ber,
1916.
D ecem ber,
1917.
20.32
24.73
T o t a l..............................................................
4.82
22.31
F u r n itu r e a n d fu rn ish in g s..................................
F o o d ...........................................................................
H o u s in g ....................................................................
F u e l a n d li g h t.........................................................
M iscellaneous..........................................................
8.43
1.34
1.10
i .06
1.97
27.60
16.26
i .05
10.98
14.91
A ll ite m s .......................................................
1.97
14.91
51.40
57.63
'
A u g u st,
1918.
95.59
112.86
54.21
103.39
56.47
55.28
2.63
19.92
44.68
104.55
65.40
5.52
25.20
62.07
44.68
62.07
P H IL A D E L P H IA D IS T R IC T : W hite fam ilies.
C lothing:
M ale...................................................................
F e m a le ..............................................................
3.30
3.94
16.15
15.90
54.11
49.12
109.36
106.73
T o ta l..............................................................
3.60
16.03
51.33
108.12
F u r n itu r e a n d fu rn ish in g s.................................
F o o d ...........................................................................
H o u s in g ....................................................................
F u e l a n d li g h t................... .....................................
M iscellaneous..........................................................
6.94
.34
1 .29
l .81
1.19
19.87
18.92
i .72
5.37
14.65
49.84
54.41
2.60
21.54
43.81
105.76
68.09
9.69
31.65
67.17
1.19
14.65
43.81
67.17
A ll ite m s ..................................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
i Decrease.
[9551
120
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
P E R CENT OF INCREASE IN R ETA IL PRICES IN DECEMBER, 1915, 1916, AND 1917, AND
AUGUST, 1918, ABOVE THE PRICES IN DECEMBER, 1914—Concluded.
Items of expenditure.
SA V A N N A H, G A . : W hite
fam ilies.
SA V A N N A H, G A .: C olored
fam ilies.
Per cent of increase in retail
prices in December, 1915,1916,
and 1917, and August, 1918,
above the prices in December,
1914.
Per cent of increase in retail
prices in December, 1915,1916,
and 1917, and August, 1918,
above the prices in December,
1914.
Decem Decem Decem Au
ber,
gust,
ber,
ber,
1918.
1917.
1915.
1916.
Decem Decem Decem Au
ber,
ber,
ber,
gust,
1916.
1917.
1918.
1915.
Clothing:
Female..........................................
1.65
25.62
22.21
60.03
52.51
87.17
96.77
1.65
25.62
22.21
60.03
52.51
87.17
96.77
Total..........................................
.76
24.06
56.58
91.57
.83
23.90
56.23
92.02
Furniture and furnishings.................
Food1...................................................
Housing................................ , .............
Fuel and light.....................................
Miscellaneous.......................................
1.84
2.26
2 1.44
21.30
2 .21
12.75
17.57
2 3.04
2 1.65
14.59
50.67
50.83
2 4.32
21.11
42.49
104.34
59.76
.24
31.92
57.67
1.84
2 .26
2 1.44
2 1.30
2 .21
12.75
17.57
2 3.04
2 1.65
14.32
50.67
50.83
2 4.32
21.11
42.18
104.34
59.76
.24
31.92
57.42
All item s....................................
2 .21
14.59
42.49
57.67
2 .21
14.32
42.18
57.42
JA C K S O N V IL L E , FLA.:
W hite fam ilies.
JA C K S O N V IL L E , FLA .:
C olored fam ilies.
Clothing:
Male...............................................
Female..........................................
10.35
10.61
35.06
32.03
74.76
68.49
133.55
121.20
10.35
10.61
35.06
32.03
74.76
68.49
133.55
121.20
Total..........................................
10.47
33.69
33.80
Furniture and furnishings.................
Food.....................................................
Housing...............................................
Fuel and light.....................................
Miscellaneous.......................................
A11 item s....................................
71.92
127.96
10.46
72.15
128.41
15.13 43.42 73.73
17.57 50.83
2 .26
2 6.87 2 18.15 218.65
2.30
15.07
14.66 41.63
1.27
131.48
59.76
2 1.42
27.53
62.73
15.13 43.42 73.73
2 .26 17.57 50.83
2 6.87 218.15 2 18.65
2.30
15.07
.76
13.19 39.20
131.48
59.76
2 1.42
27.53
59.03
41.63
62.73
39.20
59.03
1.27
14.66
M OBILE, ALA..: W hite
families.
Clothing:
Male...............................................
Female..................................... .
1.77
2.35
Total..........................................
Furniture and furnishings.................
Food8...................................................
Housing...............................................
Fuel and light.....................................
Miscellaneous.......................................
All item s....................................
9.12
8.82
37.91
39.72
2.04
8.98
4.07
2 1.04
2 1.86
(9
2 .40
15.29
19.92
2 4.33
8.76
13.82
2 .40
13.82
.76
9.12
8.82
37.91
39.72
2.04
8.98
38.74
70.86
4.07
2 1.04
21.86
(*)
2 .58
15.29
19.92
2 4.33
8.76
14.13
42.76
57.32
2 3.60
27.11
43.85
88.37
64.02
1.40
44.13
55.18
2.58
14.T3
43.85
55.18
63.47
79.53
1.77
2.35
38.76
71.03
42.76
57.32
2 3.60
27.11
43.16
88.37
64.02
1.40
44.13
55.85
43.16
55.85
BEA U M O N T, T E X .: W hite
fam ilies.
13.19
M OBILE, A LA .: C olored
fam ilies.
63.47
79.53
H O U STO N , T E X .: W hite
fam ilies.
Clothing:
Male...............................................
Female..........................................
2.36
6.29
24.56
30.09
58.65
60.41
95.21
134.49
3.11
2.13
24.76
25.34
49.32
53.85
33.02
90.04
Total..........................................
4.17
27.10
59.46
113.31
2.66
25.04
51.49
36.39
Furniture and furnishings.................
Food3.................................... ..............
Housing...............................................
Fuel and light.....................................
Miscellaneous.......................................
8.49
21.04
2.01
(9
.44
28.87
19.92
.04
5.96
16.46
53.26
57.32
2.30
10.95
43.44
100.00
64.02
10.54
25.24
59.37
6.12
2 1.04
2 2.29
2.85
2.29
29.62
19.92
2 7.34
8.28
16.41
62.31
57.32
2 7.72
22.70
44.89
112.54
64. u2
2 2.08
34.97
58.33
All item s....................................
.44
16.46
43.44
59.37
2 .29
16.41
44.89
58.33
1 The per cent of increase in food prices in Jacksonville is here used, such figures for Savannah not being
available.
2 Decrease.
3 New Orleans food prices were used.
*No change.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[956]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW».
121
WAGES AND COST OF LIVING IN MINING DISTRICT OF SANTA ROSALIA,
LOWER CALIFORNIA, MEXICO.1
The El Boleo Mining Co., a French company that has been operat
ing mines in the Santa Rosalia mining district of Lower California
since 1885, having petitioned the Mexican Government for permission
to lower the wages paid its employees, a commission was appointed
to investigate the situation both as regards the interests of the em
ployer and employees. This commission left the capital on December
25, 1917, and proceeded to investigate the living conditions, wages,
and cost of living in the district.
The number of inhabitants living in and about the mines is about
11,000. Of these 3,800 are persons able to work. The company
employs 2,800 and as there is no other industry or enterprise in
operation in the district there are about 1,000 able-bodied persons
without employment.
The report says: “ In order properly to consider the question of
wages other conditions are worthy of notice.” Schools are main
tained by the company in which the course of study is equivalent to
that adopted for the Federal district (Mexico City), and provision is
made for both day and night schools. These are in charge of 5
directors, 22 assistants; a professor of music and a professor of
military instruction and a general inspector employed by the company
at its own expense. School books and accessories are all supplied at
the expense of the company, subject to an insignificant charge to
prevent abuse, “ there being no relation between the cost of the school
supplies and the amount charged for them.” The schools were open
during the entire year and the average enrollment was 1,275, with an
average attendance of 778.
Efforts are being made to improve the sanitary and hygienic condi
tions. Experts in the employ of the company are trying to solve the
problem of drainage, etc. Four physicians are employed by the
company to attend to the needs of the miners and their families in
case of sickness as well as in cases of injuries due to accidents while
at work.
There are no natural resources other than mineral in the district.
Even the drinking water is brought from a considerable distance;
Cereals, fruit, and some domestic animals are brought from other
Mexican States, and other articles are secured in the United States.
Dwelling houses forming groups which may be classed generally in
three grades—miners’, laborers’, and employees’ (clerks, etc.)—have
been constructed by the company with a view to securing ventilation
and cleanliness. The houses occupied by the Yaquis and Chinese,
i B o le tin M inero.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
M exico C ity , M arch a n d A p ril, 1918.
[957]
122
.M O NTH LY LABOE REVIEW.
whose customs and idiosyncrasies must be considered, are of a
different type. The monthly rental for the 1,551 dwellings reported
varied from $1 to -$12.50, only 34 renting for $7 or more. The rent
for miners’ quarters ranges from $1 to $4 per month.
Company stores are located in each of the four mining camps.
Since the low price of prime necessities is considered conducive of
waste the company prohibits the purchase of large quantities. The
following prices per kilo (2.2 lbs.) are reported: Corn, 8 cents; beans,
16 cents; sugar, 32 cents; coffee, 85 cents; rice, 28 cents; flour, 23
cents, and butter, 90 cents.
Wages at the time of the investigation were reported at $2.50 per
day as a minimum, with an average of $3.50 and a maximum of $9.
An 8-hour day was observed. Continuous operations were divided
into 3 shifts of 8 hours each. Sunday rest was regularly observed.
Work done on Sundays* holidays, and overtime work was paid for at
double rate. Premiums of 12 cents per day are paid for regularity in
working, and supplementary wages equal to 8 per cent of wages are
paid those who have been in the employment of the company one year
or more, and 15 per cent to those having worked two years or more.
Wages paid during the past year amounted to $3,065,000. The fol
lowing statement gives some idea of the number to whom supple
mentary wages were paid last year: There were 2,687 persons em
ployed on January 1, 1918. Of these 1,214 had worked for the com
pany more than 10 years, 517 from 5 to 10 years, 379 from 2 to 5 years,
160 less than one year, and 76 were newly employed.
A census showed that there were 1,682 married men, 1,929 unmar
ried men, 3,318 women, and 2,785 children in the district. Generally
speaking, a family consisted of a husband, wife, and one child. A
calculation based on the amount and value of food sold by the stores
seems to indicate that the daily expense per family can not be less
than $2.50. Fixing the number of working days per month at 26
and the minimum wages at $2.50 per day, there is a deficit of $10 per
. month, but the number of persons working at that rate is small.
The company was refused the authority to reduce wages.
INCREASED COST OF LIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA.
According to the report of the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce
made available through the United States Department of Commerce,
the percentage of increase in the retail prices of foodstuffs, etc., above
prewar prices in Capetown, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg, and
Durban, South Africa, has been 36, 32, 25, and 39, respectively. The
following table taken from the report gives the prewar and present
prices in the four centers:
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[958]
123
M ONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW.
PREWAR AND PRESENT RETAIL PRICES OP FOODSTUFFS, ETC., IN CAPETOWN, PORT
ELIZABETH, JOHANNESBURG, AND DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA.
C apetow n.
Article.
Fish, fresh.........
Flour, w heaten.
J a m .....................
Heats:
B acon...............
H a m .................
Beef...................
M utton.............
P o rk .................
Milk:
F resh................
Condensed.......
Oatmeal:
South A frican.
Im po rted.........
Rolled oats:
South A frican.
Im po rted.........
Potatoes..................
L b ........
L b ........
L b ........
L b ........
L b ........
P re
w ar P resen t.
.36
.15
.15
.36.51.14.14.20-
.52
.54
20
.22
.24
.32
.44.44.16.16.16-
.48
.48
.24
.20
.22
.06
.12
.16
.15
.39
.16
.16
.46.48
.1 4 .1 6 -
.54
.54
.20
.20
.24
.35
.25-
.06
.30
.06
.14
.07.26-
.08
.28
.06
.14
.16
.17
.4440
.18.20-
.48
48
.24
.28
J22
.22-
.07
.20
L b ........
.07
.07
.08.10-
.14
.18
.07
.07
.11.18-
.16 -.09
.20 .09
.1 1 .1 4 -
.15
.20
.07
.07
.12-
.16
.18
.07
.07
.26
.05
.05
.08
.09.11.42-
.13
.15
.48
.09
.09
.16
.07
.07
.19
.05
.05
.08
.10.15.24.08-
.13
.16
.48
.10
.09.12.28.08-
.13
.16
.44
.18
.12-
.07
.07
.24
.05
.05
.07
.10.12.36-
.14-
.15
.15
.42
.16
.09
.15
.50
.38- .48
.19- .20
.7 6 - 1.04
.50
.12
.72
L b ........
L b ........
L b ........
South A frican.
Im po rted ..........
C andles..................
Coal..........................
L b ........
L b ........
L b ........
2 0 0 -lb .
Paraffin...........................
bag.
î-g a l.
case.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
P re
w ar. P re se n t.
.06
.13
Tea:
E stim ated expenditure of
a family of five on above
articles.
R e n t.........................................
P re
P resen t.
w ar
P t .........
1 4 -o z.
tin .
Sugar........................
Sirup, golden..........
Soap, household....................
Household sundries..............
Clothing, including boots
and shoes.............................
D u rb a n .
2 - l b . . . . $0.12 $0.13-$0.16 SO. 10
$0.16 $0.12
$0.16 SO. 08
$0.14
L b ........
so 4248
.42 $0.28.36 .42- .51
40
L b ........
.34 .26- .42 .35 .28- .48 .36 .3 6 - .48 .34 $0.36- .44
D o z ___
.51 .60- .78 . 6C .60- .72 .66 .48- .96 .49! .96- 1.08
L b ........
.1C
• 1C .07
.08 .12
.14 .12
.12
25 l b s . . 1.25 1.62- 2.04 1.25 1.62- 2.10 1.66 1.80- 2.40 1.20 2.10- 2.28
2 8 -o z.
.22 .24- .32 .2t
.22- .28 .23 .28- .36 .19 .24- .31
tin .
12 l b s . .
L b ........
L b ........
L b ........
Rice........................
J o h a n n e sb u rg .
U n it.
P re
w ar P re se n t.
B re ad ..................................
B u tte r.................................
Coffee, ground or m ixed.
P o rt E liz a b e th .
.11
.96
.06.07.13-
.09
.36.48.24-
.66-
.09
.09
.20
.07
.06
.09
.48
.66
.54
.12
.48
.32
.84
1
.24-
.07
.28
.06-
.12
.14-
.08
.16
42
.24
.48-
.84
.26-
.46
.46-
.30
! s4
.20-
.26
.48-
.54
.13
.72
38
.72
2.22 3.84- 4.26 2.28 4.20- 4.56 3.22 4.28- 5.16 2.16 3 .8 4 - 4.08
L b ........
.13-
.20
.12-
.16
P er mo. 7.32
10.08 7.32
10.08 7.32
.13-
.18
0.08 7.32
.12-
15
0.08
19.47
34.06 19.47
34.06 19.47
34.06 19.47
34.08
_____ 66.02
94.17 65.58
93.40, 67.69
93.74 64.58
97.55
19.47
21.72 20.68
21.66 31.63
30.25 23.12
24.43
[9591
1
1
FOOD CONTROL
FOOD CONTROL IN THE UNITED STATES.
WHEAT FLOUR.
In conformity with the international policy recently adopted for the
conservation of wheat flour in all countries of the allies during the
coming year, regulations effective September 1 were formulated by
the Food Administration which provided for the preparation and
marketing in the United States of mixed flours containing 20 per
cent of grains other than wheat. All such mixed flours must be
milled in accordance with the standards of the Food Administration
and are to be labeled with the ingredients in order of their proportion.
The regulations provide that:
Mixed wheat and barley flour shall be in the proportion of 4 pounds of wheat flour
to 1 pound of barley flour.
Mixed wheat and corn flour shall contain the proportion of 4 pounds of wheat flour
to 1 pound of corn flour.
Mixed wheat, barley, and corn flour shall contain the proportions of 8 pounds of wheat
flour to 1 pound of barley and 1 pound of corn flour.
Mixed wheat and rye flour shall contain the proportion of 3 pounds of wheat flour
to not less than 2 pounds of rye flour.
Whole wheat, entire wheat, or graham flour or meal shall contain at least 95 per
cent of the wheat berry.
All the above “ Victory flours” may be sold without substitutes,
but at no greater price from the miller, wholesaler, or retail dealer
than in the case of standard wheat flour. It is desired that millers
and dealers encourage the use of this flour, so that the country may
be on a mixed flour basis without the necessity of retailers making
combination sales of wheat flour and substitutes. At the same time
it is not intended that the mixed flour shall displace the present large
use of corn bread by the American people.
In cases where straight wheat flour is sold by retailers, the regula
tions provide that 20 per cent of other cereal flours must be sold
coincidentally. It is also required that all baker’s bread shall contain
20 per cent of other cereals and the Food Administration relies upon
the householders of the country to mix at least 20 per cent of the sub
stitute cereals into the wheat flour at home for all uses.
In localities where such substitutes are available it is permissible
for retailers to sell, if the consumer so demands, the following flours
at the ratio of one pound to each four pounds of wheat flour: Feterita
flour and meal, rice flour, oat flour, kafir flour, rnilo flour, peanut flour,
124
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[9601
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
125
bean flour, potato flour, sweet potato flour, and buckwheat flour. Pure
rye flour or meal may be sold as a substitute in the ratio of at least 2
pounds of rye to 3 pounds of wheat flour.
Other alterations of previous rules are announced by the Food
Administration as follows:
The consumption of wheat flour in bakery products not to exceed 70 per cent of the
1917 consumption is hereby rescinded.
Wheat flour substitutes for bakers remain as heretofore with the exception of rye,
which will be a substitute when used upon a basis of not less than 40 per cent, which
is 2 pounds of rye flour to every 3 pounds of standard wheat flour. When rye is used
in this proportion or a greater proportion, no other substitutes are required. If less
than this proportion of rye flour is used the difference between such amount used
and 40 per cent must be made up of other substitutes.
Bakers will,be required to use 1 pound of substitutes to each 4 pounds of wheat
flour in all bakery products, including bread, except class 3a—crackers—in which
only 10 per cent of substitutes other than rye are required.
The use of the name “ Victory” will be allowed in all products containing the above
proportions of substitutes.
The previous rules limiting licensees, millers, wholesalers, retailers, and bakera
to 30 days’ supply of flour will be changed to permit a 60 days’ supply.
The rules limiting sales by retailers of wheat flour to an eighth of a barrel in cities
and a quarter of a barrel in sparsely settled districts are rescinded.
The rule limiting the sale of flour by millers to wholesalers, or wholesalers to retailerg
in combination with substitutes' or certificates therefore and the rule restricting
the sale to 70 per cent of previous sales are rescinded.
Manufacturers of alimentary pastes and wheat breakfast foods are limited to their
normal consumption of wheat or wheat flour with the understanding that they are
not to unduly expand their ordinary consumption of wheat.
Rules prohibiting the starting of new plants ready for operation prior to July 1, 1918,
are rescinded.
Where millers sell directly to consumers they shall obey the same regulations as
retail store dealers.
Wheatless days and wheatless meals are discontinued.
Nothing in these regulations is to be construed to mean that there has been any
setting aside or changing of the pure food laws as promulgated by the Bureau of
Chemistry, Department of Agriculture or the internal revenue lawr as administered
by the internal revenue commissioner, which requirements must be conformed to
by manufacturers and dealers in all cases.
RICE.
After conferences with representatives of the trade, the Food
Administration has arranged for an equitable distribution of the rice
crop among millers. Under the plan adopted each mill will have
allotted to it the maximum amount it may purchase of the 1918 crop,
based on its present capacity and its average receipts during the pastthree seasons. Millers are required to furnish a sworn statement
covering these facts.
Valuation committees have been appointed in various southern
cities in which sales offices have been established and all rice is to be
82617°— 18------ 9
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[961]
126
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
bought at the valuation and on the grades fixed by these committees.
To save man power and expense, all rice is to be weighed at points of
shipment to mills, where grading will be done by officials designated
by the committees. No purchases will be made except at regular sales
offices, unless with the prior approval of one of the offices, and after a
valuation has been set on the rice to be sold. By agreement, millers
have pledged themselves to the Food Administration not to sell clean
rice at more than 7 | cents a pound for choice Japan to 9 | cents for
fancy Honduras.
CORN GOODS.
To further standardize corn milling products, changes in grades
affecting grits, cream meal, corn flour, pearl meal, and common
corn-meals were announced by the Food Administration on August
25. The new grades will permit grits, cream meal and corn flour
to have a moisture content of from 12J to 13| per cent, while the fat
content may range from 1^ to 2} per cent instead of being limited
rigidly to 1J per cent as heretofore. In any case, the sum of the
two must not exceed 15 per cent.
When shipped in interstate traffic, common corn meal must not
contain more than 12 per cent of moisture. If for local distribution
no restriction as to moisture or fat content is imposed. Standards
for pearl meal are now fixed at 12 per cent for moisture and 3 per
cent for fat, whether for domestic use or for export, instead of 11
per cent and 3 per cent, respectively. Rye and barley flour and oat
products have been standardized in the same manner.
SUGAR.
Effective September 9, the price of cane sugar for next'year basis
was fixed by the sugar equalization board at 9 cents per pound for
granulated, less 2 per cent, f. o. b. seaboard refining points. Whole
salers and retailers will continue to sell upon the old basis until their
stocks of the lower priced sugars are exhausted. No averaging of
prices will be allowed. In order that manufacturers may not benefit
by the increased price, all increase in price of sugar in the hands of
refiners or of raw sugar under contract must be accounted for to the
sugar equalization board.
To compensate for the increased costs of materials, labor, and the
increase in the value of raw sugar lost in refining, the Food Adminis
tration has authorized an increase in the differential over that allowed
last year. Working back from the established basis of 9 cents,
granulated, seaboard points, the price of raw sugar has been fixed at
$7.28 per 100 pounds, duty paid, effective September 9. For old
crop sugars the difference between this basis and the old basis will
be accounted for to the sugar equalization board by the refiners.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[962]
MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
»
127
A contract for the purchase of the new Cuban sugar crop at a
price of about $5.50 per hundred pounds, f. o. b. Cuban ports, has
been closed with the Cuban Government by the sugar equalization
board on behalf of the American, English, French, and Italian Govern
ments. This arrangement put an end to all speculation in sugar
and assures an equitable distribution of sugar among the allied
countries.
P O U L T R Y A N D EGGS.
In transactions involving the sale of fresh poultry and fresh eggs
the following classes of dealers are recognized by the Food Adminis
tration: (1) Original packers and shippers, (2) commission mer
chants and wholesalers, (3) jobbers and suppliers of hotels and insti
tutions, and (4) retailers. With few exceptions, sales between
dealers in any one of these classes are prohibited. For the present,
sales between wholesalers in different cities will be permitted when
necessary to supply the reasonable requirements of the buyer’s
business. In such cases, however, there must be an actual shipment
of the goods and the movement between cities must be in the direc
tion of normal trade movement from producer to consumer.
In addition to sales between cities, only two sales between dealers
in class 2 may be made without obtaining the consent of the local
Federal Food Administrator, and then only if such sales are neces
sary to supply the reasonable requirements of the buyer’s business.
Further sales in this class can not be made without the written
consent of the local administrator. In the other classes only one
sale between dealers in the same class can be made without the con
sent of the local Federal Food Administrator, and such sale must
be for the purpose of supplying the reasonable requirements of the
buyer’s business. No backward movements of poultry and eggs
will be allowed, the purpose being to keep these products moving in
as direct a line as possible from the producer to the consumer.
FOOD REGULATION IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
In the August issue of the M o n t h l y L a b o r R e v i e w ( p p . 141-144)
an account was given of the method pursued by the District of
Columbia Food Administration in controlling prices by the publica
tion each week of a “ fair price list” giving maximum and minimum
prices that consumers should pay for the leading food commodities.
Many complaints are daily received by the Food Administration from
housewives who feel that they are being imposed upon in the matter
of prices. They are encouraged to report unfair charges, but it is
insisted that the complaints must be definite and well founded and
accompanied by sales slips showing the prices paid.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[963]
128
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
A uniform method of procedure is followed in investigating com
plaints of unfair charges. The inspection clerk enters them in a
docket the day they are received and then apportions them among
members of the force. In case the letter is signed, a letter of ac
knowledgment is written. The inspector then goes to the store
and prices the commodity or commodities in question, as if he were
a customer, in order to get as much information as possible before
explaining his real business. In flagrant cases of violation, or where
the grocer shows a willful disregard of the rules and regulations,of
the Food Administration and a satisfactory understanding can not
bo reached between the grocer and the inspector, the former is
summoned to the office and given a hearing before the local food
administrator. At these hearings every effort is made to weigh
both sides of the question and to do justice to the grocer as well
as to the consumer. The United States Food Administration has
at no time attempted to fix prices or to say what prices are fair or
unfair. It has, however, suggested a fair margin of profit on a list
of commodities. If it can be established without a doubt that a
grocer is making an unfair margin of profit, he is a profiteer and
liable to such punishment as the law allows. However, upon in
vestigation it often appears that what at first seemed an unfair
margin of profit is not unreasonable in reality, for if a grocer pays
more for a commodity he may charge more for it and still not make
an unfair profit. Many Washington grocers claim that their trade
demands goods of extra quality. In such instances in which the
dealer insists that it would be detrimental to his business not to
cater to this trade, the administrator requires him to carry goods
of good standard quality also and offer them for sale along with the
more fancy grades.
It does not appear to be the desire of the Food Administration to
require a merchant to sell at a price so low as to force him out of
business and the problem of reducing prices in Washington is further
complicated by the unanimous testimony of the grocers that the cost
ol doing business in Washington is higher than in the other cities so
often compared to Washington.
On the other hand, there are clear cases of profiteering which can
be handled quite easily and a number of such have been brought to
light by inspectors working for the sugar department. As was
explained in the last number, all persons handling sugar in large
quantities must file a statement in the sugar department of the amount
on hand and the amount used during a previous given period. Ail
manufacturers of goods containing sugar, hotel, restaurant, or
boarding-house keepers, druggists who use sugar at the fountain,
grocers and bakers must file statements. Certificates entitling them
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[964]
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
129
to purchase their allotment of sugar are mailed to them on the first
of each month. There was no further reduction in the allotments
for September, as, with a few exceptions, they were figured on the
same basis as for August.
During the month of August the inspection force did some system
atic investigating to ascertain whether or not any false statements
had been sworn to, with the result that several cases of hoarding
were uncovered. One lunch-room proprietor whose allotment
entitled him to 230 pounds per month (figured on the basis of 2
pounds for every 90 meals served) was found upon investigation to
have 1,000 pounds stored away, of which amount he had reported
15 pounds only. As punishment not only were the 1,000 pounds
taken away from him but also an order was issued against him,
prohibiting all dealers from furnishing him any sugar until further
notice.
A grocer who swore to a false statement met with similar treat
ment, only in addition to having his supply cut off and his stock on
hand taken away, he was forced to post a large sign as follows:
“ Mr. Blank made a false statement to the Food Administration on
the 10th of July that he had only 1,200 pounds of sugar, whereas
he actually had on hand 2,640 pounds. On account of this mis
statement of facts, Mr. Blank’s sugar supply has been taken away
and he will not be allowed to deal in sugar until further notice. ”
Grocers prefer almost any kind of punishment to this undesirable
form of advertising and this particular grocer thought to protect
himself by hanging the sign in a window and then lowering the
awning so as almost completely to hide the sign. However, the
Food Administration was soon advised of this attempted camouflage
and the sign was moved to a more conspicuous place inside the store.
Another grocer, who was said not to be restricting his trade to 2
pounds per person per month, was discovered with 3,360 pounds in
his possession which he had failed to report and was forced to
surrender it. But because of the somewhat isolated situation of
this store it was not considered advisable to issue an “ unfair order”
since this would put the neighborhood to considerable inconvenience.
Instead, his monthly allotment was reduced from 4,000 pounds to
1,800 pounds.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[965]
WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR.
NEW WAGE ORDERS ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF
RAILROADS.
Late in August, 1918, the Director General of Railroads issued
Supplements No. 7 and 8 to General Order No. 27,1 fixing wages of
certain railroad employees, the purpose of these supplements being
to stablize wages and remove certain inequalities occurring in General
Order No. 27, which the supplements supersede in so far as it is
applicable to the classes of employees to which they refer. Supple
ment No. 7 affects all clerks, station employees, stationary enginemen, boiler washers, power transfer and turntable operators, and
common laborers in shops, roundhouses, stations, storehouses, and
warehouses. Supplement No. 8 affects all maintenance-of-way
department employees working on tracks, bridges, and buildings^
and includes painters, masons, and concrete workers, water-supply
employees, plumbers, etc. Both supplements contain general rules
for promotion and adjustment of grievances.
Generally speaking, the wage increases contained in the supple
ments amount, as compared with the wages paid on January 1, 1918,
to $25 per month for employees paid on a monthly basis and 12 cents
per hour for employees paid on an hourly basis. These increases
include any increase granted to these employees put into effect under
General Order No. 27. The new rates became effective September 1,
1918, and back pay from January 1, 1918, not already paid out, will
be based on the rate established in General Order No. 27. Under these
supplements the eight-hour day is established throughout for these
employees with overtime up to 10 hours on a pro rata basis and time
and one-half thereafter. Nearly one million employees are affected
by these orders.
T E X T O F S U P P L E M E N T N o. 7.
The following is the text of Supplement No. 7:
Effective September 1, 1918, superseding General Order No. 27, and in lieu thereof,
as to the employees herein named, the following rates of pay and rules for overtime
and working conditions for all clerical forces in all departments and for certain em
ployees in stations, storage or terminal warehouses, docks, storehouses, shops, and
yards, upon railroads under Federal control, are hereby ordered:
i General Order No. 27 was published in full in th e M o n th ly R e v ie w for June, 1918 (pp. 1-21),
and Supplem ent No. 4, providing increases of wages in mechanical departm ents oi railroads, was p u b
lished in th e M o n t h l y L a b o r R e v i e w for Septem ber, 1918 (pp. 131 to 134).
130
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[966]
131
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
.
A r t ic l e I .
SATES OF PAY.
For all employees who devote a majority of their time to clerical work of any
description, including train announcers, gatemen, checkers, baggage and parcel
room employees, train and engine crew callers, and the operators of all office or station
equipment devices (excepting such as come within the scope of existing agreements
or those hereafter negotiated with the railroad telegraphers), establish a basic mini
mum rate of $62.50 per month; and to this basic minimum rate and all rates of $62.50
and above, in effect as of January 1, 1918, prior to the application of General Order
No. 27, add $25 per month, establishing a minimum rate of $87.50 per month.
(б) This order shall apply to chief clerks, foremen, subforemen, and other similar
supervisory forces of employees herein provided for.
(c) For office boys, messengers, chore boys, and other employees under 18 years of
age filling similar positions and station attendants establish a basic m i n i m u m rate of
$20 per month, and to this basic minimum rate and all rates of $20 per month and
above, in effect as of January 1, 1918, prior to the application of General Order No. 27,
add $25 per month, establishing a minimum rate of $45 per month.
(d) For all other employees not otherwise classified, such as janitors, elevator and
telephone switchboard operators, office, station, and warehouse watchmen, establish
a basic minimum rate of $45 per month, and to this basic m i n i m n m rate and all rates
of $45 per month and above, in effect as of January 1, 1918, prior to the application of
General Order No. 27, add $25 per month, establishing a minimum rate of $70 per
month.
(e) The same increases provided for in sections (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this article
shall apply to employees named therein paid on any other basis.
(/) The wages for new positions shall be in conformity with the wage for positions
of similar kind or class where creaked.
(а)
A r t ic l e
S T A T IO N A R Y E N G I N E E R S
II.
(S T E A M ) , F I R E M E N , A N D P O W E R - H O U S E
O IL E R S .
(a) For all stationary engineers (steam), establish a basic minimum rate of $85 per
month, and to this basic minimum rate and all rates of $85 and above, in effect as of
January 1, 1918, prior to the application of General Order No. 27, add $25 per month,
establishing a minimum rate of $110 per month.
( b ) This order shall apply to chief stationary engineers.
(c) For all stationary firemen and power-house oilers, establish a basic minimum
rate of $65 per month, and to this basic minimum rate and all rates of $65 and above,
in effect as of January 1, 1918, prior to the application of General Order No. 27, add
$25 per month, establishing a minimum rate of $90 per month.
A r t ic l e
III.
L O C O M O T IV E B O IL E R W A S H E R S .
For all locomotive boiler washers who were on January 1, 1918, prior to the appli
cation of General Order No. 27, receiving less than 26 cents per hour, establish a basic
minimum rate of 26 cents per hour, and to this basic minimum rate and all hourly
rates of 26 cents and above add 12 cents per hour, establishing a minimum rate of 38
cents per hour, provided that the maximum shall hot exceed 50 cents per hour.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
132
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW,
IV.
A r t ic l e
.
POWER T R A N S F E R A N D T U R N T A B L E O P E R A T O R S .
For all operators of power-driven transfer and turntables wbo were on Januai’y 1,
1918, prior to the application of General Order No. 27, receiving less than 21 cents
per hour, establish a basic minimum rate of 21 cents per hour, and to this basic mini
mum rate and all hourly rates of 21 cents and above add 12 cents per hour, establish
ing a mimimum rate of 33 cents per hour, provided that the maximum shall not exceed
45 cents per hour.
A r t i c l e V.
S H O P , R O U N D H O U S E , S T A T IO N , S T O R E H O U S E , A N D W A R E H O U S E
E M P L O Y E E S (E X C E P T
E M P L O Y E E S P R O V ID E D F O R I N H A R B O R A W A R D S ).
(a) For all laborers employed in and around shops, roundhouses, stations, store
houses, and warehouses (except employees provided for in harbor awards), such as
engine watchmen and wipers, fire builders, ash-pit men, boiler washer helpers, flue
borers, truckers, stowers, shippers, coal passers, coal-chute men, etc., who were on
January 1, 1918, prior to the application of General Order No. 27, receiving less than
19 cents per hour, establish a basic minimum rate of 19 cents per hour, and to this basic
minimum rate, and all hourly rates of 19 cents and above, add 12 cents per hour,
establishing a minimum rate of 31 cents per hour, provided that the maximum shall
not exceed 43 cents per hour.
( b) For all common labor in the departments herein referred to and not otherwise
provided for, who were on January 1, 1918, prior to the application of General Order
No. 27, receiving less than 16 cents per hour, establish a basic minimum rate of 16
cents per hour, and to this basic minimum rate and all hourly rates of 16 cents and
above, add 12 cents per hour, establishing a minimum rate of 28 cents per hour, pro
vided that the maximum shall not exceed 40 cents per hour.
VI.
A r t ic l e
M ONTHLY, W E E K L Y ,
O R D A IL Y R A T E S .
For all monthly, weekly, or daily rated employees in the departments herein
referred to and not otherwise provided for, increase the rates in effect as of January 1,
1918, prior to the application of General Order No. 27, on the basis of $25 per month.
A r t ic l e
VII.
M A X IM U M M O N T H L Y W A G E .
No part of the increases provided for in this order shall apply to establish a salary
in excess of $250 per month.
A r t i c l e V III.
P R E S E R V A T IO N
OF RA TE3.
(a) The minimum rates, and all rates in excess thereof, as herein established, and
higher rates which have been authorized since January 1, 1918, except by General
Order No. 27, shall be preserved.
(b ) Employees temporarily or permanently assigned to higher-rated positions shall
receive the higher rates while occupying such positions; employees temporarily as
signed to lower-rated positions shall not have their rates reduced.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[968]
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW,
A r t ic l e
133
IX.
E X C E P T IO N .
The provisions of this order will not apply in cases where amounts less than $30
per month are paid to individuals for special service which only takes apportion of
their time from outside employment or business.
A r t ic l e
X.
H O U R S OP S E R V IC E .
Eight (8) consecutive hours, exclusive of the meal period, shall constitute a day’s
work.
A r t i c l e X I.
O V E R T IM E A N D C A L L S.
(а) Where there is no existing agreement or practice more favorable to the employees,
overtime shall be computed for the ninth and tenth hour of continuous service, pro
rata on the actual minute basis, and thereafter at the rate of time and one-half timeEven hours will be paid for at the end of each pay period; fractions thereof will be car
ried forward.
(б) When notified or called to work, outside of established hours, employees will
be paid a minimum allowance of three hours.
(c)
Employees will not be required to suspend work during regular hours to absorb
overtime.
A r t i c l e X II.
P R O M O T IO N A N D S E N IO R I T Y .
(a) Promotions shall be based on ability, merit, and seniority; ability and m erit
being sufficient, seniority shall prevail, except, however, that this provision shall not
apply to the personal office forces of such officers as superintendent, train master,
division engineer, master mechanic, general freight or passenger agent, or their supe
riors in rank and executive officers. The management shall be the judge, subject to
an appeal, as provided in Article X III.
(b) Seniority will be restricted to each classified department of the general and other
offices and of each superintendent’s or master mechanic’s division.
(c) Seniority rights of employees referred to herein, to:
(1) New positions,
(2) Vacancies will be governed by paragraphs (a) and (6) of this article.
( d) Employees declining promotion shall not lose their seniority.
{ e y Employees accepting promotion will be allowed 30 days in which to qualify,
and failing, will be returned to former position without loss of seniority.
(/) New positions or vacancies will be promptly bulletined for a period of 5 days in
the departments where they occur. Employees desiring such positions will file their
applications with the designated official within that time, and an appointment will be
made within 10 days thereafter. Such position or vacancy may be filled temporarily
pending an assignment. The name of the appointee will immediately thereafter be
posted where the position or vacancy was bulletined.
(g)
In reducing forces, seniority shall govern. When forces are increased, employees
will be returned to the service and positions formerly occupied, in the order of their
seniority. Employees desiring to avail themselves of this rule must file their names
and addresses with the proper official. Employees failing to report for duty or give
satisfactory reason for not doing so within seven days from date of notification will
be considered out of the service.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[969]
134
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
- (h) A seniority roster of all employees in each classified department, who have been
in the service 6 months or more, showing name, date of entering the service, and the
date of each promotion or change, will he posted in a place accessible to those affected.
(i) The roster will be revised and posted in January of each year, and shall be
open to correction for a period of GO days from date of posting, on presentation of
proof of error by an employee or his representative. The duly accredited representa
tive of the employee shall be furnished with a copy of roster upon written request.
XIII.
A r t ic l e
D IS C IP L IN E A N D G R IE V A N C E S .
(a) An employee disciplined, or who considers himself unjustly treated, shall have
a fair and impartial hearing, provided written request is presented to his immediate
superior within 5 days of the date of the advice of discipline, and the hearing shall be
granted within 5 days thereafter.
(b ) A decision will be rendered within 7 days after the completion of hearing. If
an appeal is taken, it must be filed with the next higher official and a copy furnished
the official whose decision is appealed within 5 days niter date of decision. The
hearing and decision on the appeal shall be governed by the time limits of the preceding
section.
(c) At the hearing or on the appeal, the employee may be assisted by a committee
of employees, or by one or more duly accredited representatives.
(d) The right of appeal by employees or representatives, in regular order of succes
sion and in the manner prescribed up to and inclusive of the highest official designated
by the railroad, to whom appeals may be made, is hereby established.
(e) An employee on request will be given a letter, stating the cause of discipline.
A transcript of evidence taken at the investigation or on the appeal will be furnished
on request to the employee or representative.
(/) If the final decision decrees that charges against the employee were not sus
tained, the record shall be cleared of the charge; if suspended or dismissed, the em
ployee shall be returned to former position and paid for all time lost.
(gr) Committees of employees shall be granted leave of absence and free transporta
tion for the adjustment of differences between the railroad and the employees.
XIV.
A r t ic l e
R U L E S F O R A P P L IC A T IO N
O F T H IS O R D E R .
( a) I t is not the intention of this order to change the number of days per month for
monthly paid employees. The increases per month provided for herein shall apply
to the same number of days per month which were worked as of January 1, 1918.*
(b) The pay of female employees, for the same class of work, shall be the same as
that of men, and their working conditions must be healthful and fitted to their needs.
The laws enacted for the government of their employment must be observed.
A r t ic l e
IN T E R P R E T A T IO N
XV.
O F T H IS
ORDER.
The rates of pay and rules herein established shall be incorporated into existing
agreements and into agreements which may be reached in the future, on the several
railroads; and should differences arise between the management and the employees
of any of the railroads as to such incorporation, intent, or application of this order
prior to the creation of additional railway boards of adjustment, such questions of
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 970 ]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
135
difference shall be referred to the Director of the Division of Labor for decision, when
properly presented, subject always to review b \ the Director General.
Agreements or practices, except as changed by this order, remain in effect.
PROVISIONS OF SUPPLEMENT NO. 8.
In presenting the text of Supplement No. 8 the provisions which
are identical with those of Supplement No. 7 are omitted, reference
to them only being made; the other portions are given in full.
Effective September 1, 1918, superseding (Teneral Order 27, and in lieu thereof,
as to the employees herein named, the following rates of pay and rules for overtime
and working conditions for all employees in the maintenance-of-way department
(except mechanics and helpers where provided for in Supplement No. 4, General
Order No. 27, and clerical forces), upon railroads under Federal control are hereby
ordered:
A r t i c l e I.
R A T E S OF PA Y .
(a) For all building, bridge, painter, signal, and construction, mason and concrete
water supply, maintainer, and plumber foremen, establish a basic minimum rate of
$90 per month, and to this basic minimum rate and all rates of $90 per month and
above, in effect as of January 1, 1918, prior to the application of General Order No. 27,
add $25 per month, establishing a minimum rate of $115 per month.
(b) For all assistant building, bridge, painter, signal and construction, mason and
concrete, water supply, maintainer, and plumber foremen, and for coal wharf, coal
chute, and fence gang foremen; pile driver, ditching and hoisting engineers, and
bridge inspectors, establish a basic minimum rate of $80 per month, and to this basic
minimum rate and all rates of $80 per month and above, in effect as of January 1,1918,
prior to the application of General Order No. 27, add $25 per month, establishing a
minimum rate of $105 per month.
(c) For all track foremen, establish a basic minimum rate of $75 per month, and to
this basic minimum rate and all rates of $75 per month and above, in effect as of
January 1, 1918, prior to the application of General Order No. 27, add $25 per month,
establishing a minimum rate of $100 per month.
( d) Rates of pay for all assistant track foremen will be 5 cents an hour in excess of
the rate paid laborers whom they supervise.
(e) For all mechanics in the maintenance-of-way and bridge and building depart
ments, where not provided for in Supplement No. 4 to General Order No, 27, who
were on January 1, 1918, prior to the application of General Order No. 27, receiving
less than 40 cents per hour, establish a basic minimum rate of 40 cents per hour, and
to this basic minimum rate and all rates of 40 cents per hour and above add 13 cents
per hour, establishing a minimum rate of 53 cents per hour.
(/) For helpers to all mechanics in the maintenance-of-way and bridge and building
departments, where not provided for in Supplement No. 4 to General Order No. 27,
who were on January 1,1918, prior to the application of General Order No. 27, receiving
less than 30 cents per hour, establish a basic minimum rate of 30 cents per hour, and
to this basic minimum rate and all hourly rates of 30 cents per hour and above add 13
cents per hour, establishing a minimum rate of 43 cents per hour.
(g)
For track laborers and all other classes of maintenance-of-way labor not
herein named, who on January 1,1918, prior to the application of General Order No. 27,
were receiving less than 16 cents per hour, establish a basic minimum rate of 16 cents
per hour, and to this basic minimum rate and all hourly rates of 16 cents per horn.' and
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
•
1971 ]
136
M ONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW.
above add 12 cents per hour, establishing a minimum rate of 2S cents per hour, pro
vided that the maximum shall not exceed 40 cents per hour.
(h) For drawbridge tenders, and assistants, pile driver, ditching and hoisting fire
men, pumper engineers and pumpers, crossing watchmen or flagmen, lamp lighters
and tenders, add to the rate in effect as of January 1, 1918, prior to the application of
General Order No. 27, $25 per month.
(i) The wages for new positions shall be in conformity with the wages for positions
of similar kind or class in department where created.
Articles II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII are identical with Articles VI,
VII, VIII, IX, X, and XI, respectively, of Supplement No. 7.
A r t ic l e Y I I I .
P R O M O T IO N A N D S E N IO R I T Y R IG H T S .
(a) Promotions shall be based on ability, merit, and seniority. Ability and merit
being sufficient, seniority shall prevail. The management shall be the judge, subject
to an appeal as provided for in Article IX.
( b) The seniority rights of laborers, as such, will be restricted to their gangs, except
where gang is abolished they may displace laborers in other gangs who are junior in
service.
(c) Except as provided for in section (5) of this article, the seniority rights of em
ployees referred to herein, to:
(1) New positions.
(2) Vacancies: Will be governed by section (a) of this article, and will be
restricted to the maintenance division upon which employed.
Sections (d), 0), and (/) are identical with similarly designated
sections of Article XII, Supplement No. 7.
(g) In reducing forces, seniority shall govern; foremen will displace other foremen
who are their junior in service before displacing laborers. When forces are increased,
employees will be returned to the service and positions formerly occupied in the order
of their seniority. Employees desiring to avail themselves of this rule must file their
names and addresses with the proper official. Employees failing to report for duty
or to give satisfactory reason for not doing so within seven days from date of notifica
tion will be considered out of the service.
(h) Employees furloughed for six months or less will retain their seniority.
(i) A seniority roster of all employees in each classified department, showing name,
date of entering the service, and date of promotion, will be posted in a conspicuous
accessible place in each roadmaster’s or supervisor’s office. The names of laborers
who have been in the service at least six months prior to date roster is posted or
revised will be shown, with their relative standing and the date they entered the
service.
(j ) The roster will be revised and posted in January of each year, and shall be open
to correction for a period of 60 days after date posted on presentation of proof of error
by an employee or representative. A copy will be furnished to each foreman or
duly accredited representative upon request.
Article IX is identical with Article X III, Supplement No. 7.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[972]
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
137
A r t ic l e X .
GENERAL RU LES.
For main line, branch line, and yard-section men, the day’s work will start
and end at point designated to report for duty at their respective sections or yards.
( b ) Employees taken from their regular assignment or outfit, to work temporarily
elsewhere, will be furnished with board and lodging at the railroad’s expense.
(c) Unless they so desire, except in emergency, employees shall not be transferred
from one division to another.
(a)
Articles XI and XII are identical with Articles XIV and XV,
Supplement No. 7.
Supplement No. 6 to General Order No. 27 was issued on August
30, 1918. It gives to the Board of Railroad Wages and Working
Conditions authority to make investigations and submit recommenda
tions to the Director General respecting interpretations of all wage
orders, and indicates the procedure to be followed. The text of the
order is as follows:
In General Order No. 27 and supplements thereto, and in certain memoranda of
understanding creating railway boards of adjustment put in effect by General
Orders No. 13 and No. 29, methods have been provided for interpretation of wage
orders issued by the Director General upon recommendations of such boards and the
division of labor, “ subject always to review by the Director General.” For the pur
pose of affording prompt interpretations of all wage orders issued by the Director
General, the duties and authority of the board of railroad wages and working condi
tions are hereby extended to include investigations and recommendations to the Direc
tor General of interpretations of all such wage orders, when requested to do so by the
director of the division of labor.
I t should be understood by railroad employees that it is impracticable to give inter
pretation on ex parte statement to the thousands who request information as to the
manner in which wage orders should be applied in individual cases. Operating
officials of the railroads are required to place wage orders in effect fairly and equitably,
and should differences of opinion arise necessitating a formal interpretation, the
matter will be disposed of in the following manner:
When a wage order is placed in effect in a manner with which an employee, or the
employee’s committee disagrees, a joint statement quoting the language of the wage
order, and including the contentions of employees and the contentions of officials
signed by the representatives of the employees and the officials, will be transmitted
to the director of labor, who will record and transmit same to the board of railroad
wages and working conditions, which will promptly investigate and make recom
mendation to the Director General. Upon the receipt of interpretation from the
Director General, the director of labor will transmit such interpretation to the rail
way boards of adjustment for their information and guidance in the application of
such interpretation to existing conditions, or to questions arising from the incorpora
tion of the order as so interpreted into existing agreements on all railroads under
Federal control. As occasion demands, all interpretations will be printed and given
general publicity, for the purpose of communicating the information to all concerned,
and thus avoiding the necessity of duplication of interpretations.
On and after September 1, 1918, any disagreement between the employees and
the officials, over the application of any wage order, will be submitted to the director
of labor, as outlined above, but in order promptly to dispose of all requests for inter-
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[973]
138
M ONTHLY LABOE EEYIEW.
pretations previously presented to the division of labor, or to the boards of adjust
ment, such requests will be immediately recorded and transmitted to the board of
railroad wages and working conditions by the director of labor.
Nothing herein contained revokes authority granted to tha. division of labor or
railway boards of adjustment in determining disputes arising in connection with
the application of interpretations of wage orders to existing conditions, or in connec
tion with the incorporation of such interpretations into existing agreements.
INCREASE IN WAGES OF COACH CLEANERS.
An addendum to Supplement No. 4 to General Order No. 27,
affecting wages and hours of coach cleaners, was issued by the Director
General too late for inclusion in the September number of the Monthly
Labor R eview which contained the text of Supplement No. 4, and
that portion pertaining to wages is here given in full.
Effective September 1, 1918, superseding General Order No. 27, and in lieu thereof,
as to the employees herein named, the following rates of pay and rules for coach
cleaners are hereby ordered:
A r t ic l e I .
RA TES OF PA Y.
(а) For coach cleaners who were on January 1, 1918, prior to the application of
General Order No. 27 receiving less than 16 cents per hour, establish a basic minimum
rate of 16 cents per hour, and to this basic minimum rate and all hourly rates of 16
cents and above add 12 cents per hour, establishing a minimum rate of 28 cents per
hour, provided that the maximum shall not exceed 40 cents per hour.
(б) All coach cleaners shall be paid on the hourly basis.
A r t ic l e
II.
P R E S E R V A T IO N O F R A T E S .
(a) The minimum rates and all rates in excess thereof, as herein established, and
higher rates which have been authorized since January 1, 1918, except by General
Order No. 27, shall be preserved.
(b) Coach cleaners temporarily or permanently assigned to higher rated positions
shall receive the higher rates while occupying such positions; coach cleaners tempo
rarily assigned to lower rated positions shall not have their rates reduced.
Articles III and IV contain the same provisions as to hours and
payment for overtime as Article X and sections (a) and (c) of Article
XI, respectively, of Supplement No. 7 noted on page 133 of this issue.
RAILROAD EMPLOYEES’ WAGES EXEMPT FROM GARNISHMENT.
An order of September 5 issued by the Director General of Rail
roads takes additional steps in the direction of fixing the status of
railroad employees by declaring their wages exempt from garnish
ment, because paid from public funds. This places them on the
same footing as other employees paid from such funds, and secures
them in the enjoyment of their earnings without interference by
“ garnishment, attachment, or like process” while such wages are
in the hands of the carriers or of any employee or officer of the
Railroad Administration. It is announced that if found necessary,
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
£9741
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
139
regulations will be issued to require employees to provide for their
just debts, but garnishment and attachment are declared to be
inconsistent with the act of Congress taking over the operation of the
roads, and their economical and efficient administration.
UNION SCALES IN THE BUILDING, METAL, AND GRANITE AND STONE
TRADES AND IN FREIGHT HANDLING.
In the September, 1918, Monthly L abor R eview there was
published the union scale of wages and hours of labor as of May 15,
1918, for the principal occupations in the building, freight handling,
granite and stone, and metal trades in the principal cities of the
North Atlantic division of the United States. In continuation of
that subject there is here published the union scale for the same
date and the same industries and occupations in selected cities of
the North Central division of the country. Known changes since
May 15, 1918, are indicated in footnotes. The scale as of May 15,
1917, is printed in parallel columns so that comparison may be
made between the two years.
The information was collected by special agents of the United
States Bureau of Labor Statistics in personal calls on the local union
officials.
Included in the table are the following occupations in shops of
railroads under control of the United States Director General of
Railroads: Blacksmiths, boiler makers, machinists, sheet-metal work
ers and their helpers.
On July 25, 1918, Supplement No. 4 1 to General Order No. 27 3
awarded to journeymen of the above trades a minimum rate of 68
cents per hour, and to helpers 45 cents per hour, and made provisions
for overtime.
The award was made retroactive to January 1, 1918, therefore the
awarded scale is included in this table, which, as stated, reports as
of May 15, 1918. Single time rate is applied to the eight basic hours,
and noted for any additional time, which constituted the basic
working day before the award was made. Overtime rates and rates
for work on Sundays and holidays, which were in effect on May 15,
1918, prior to the award, are shown in the table. For all overtime
after the basic eight-hour day and for work on Sundays and holidays
the award fixed a rate of time and one-half to be effective as of August
1, 1918.
i See pp. 131-134 ot th e Septem ber, 1918, M o n t h l y L a b o r R e v ie w .
•See pp. 1-45 of th e June, 1918, Monthly R e v ie w .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[975]
140
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
U N IO N SCALE O F W A G E S A N D H O U R S O F L A B O R IN EA C H T R A D E , IN
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A T E S , ON MAY 15, 1913, AND MAY 15, 1917.
B U IL D IN G
TRA D ES.
M a y 15,1917.
M a y 15, 1918.
R a t e o f w a g e s—
O c c u p a ti o n a n d c ity .
For
Sun
Per
For
P e r w eek , o v er d a y s
and
h o u r . f u ll
tim e .
t im e .
h o li
days.
ASBESTOS WORKERS.
Cents. Dolls.
TH E
H o u rs—
F u ll days;
S a tu rd a y s ;
F u ll w eek.
M os.
w ith
S a t
u r
day
h a lf
h o li
day.
Regul ir rate
multi plied
by
R a t e of
w ages—
Per
P er w eek,
h o u r . f u ll
t im e .
H o u rs—
F u ll d ay s;
S a tu r d a y s ;
F u ll w eek.
Cents. Dolls.
i 70.0
60 .0
57.5
62.5
62.5
62.5
57 .5
57.5
5 60.0
71.3
57 .5
30.80
26.40
25.30
27.50
27.50
27.50
25.30
25.30
26.40
31.35
25.30
n
n
It
2
G i
H
4 11
4 Li
li
4H
4li
2
2
s2
22
32
2
2
2
2
2
2
9 75.0
F i r e p r o o f in g ............................... 7 77.5
90 .0
C le v e la n d , O h i o ........................... 90 .0
C o lu m b u s , O h i o ........................... 87.5
D a v e n p o r t, I o w a , a n d R o c k
I s l a n d , 111.................................... 81.3
D e s M o in e s, I o w a ........................ 81.3
D e t r o i t , M ic h ................................. 80.0
G r a n d R a p i d s , M ic h .................. 75 .0
I n d ia n a p o li s , i n d ........................ 85.0
K a n s a s C ity , M o .......................... 87.5
M ilw a u k e e , W i s ........................... lc72.5
M in n e a p o lis , M in n ...................... 75.0
O m a h a , N e b r ..........._.................
75.0
P e o r ia , i l l ........................................ 81.3
S t. L o u is , M o ................................. 85.0
S t. P a u l , M in n .............................. 75.0
87.5
W ic h i ta , K a n s . ..
33.00
34.10
40.50
3 9 .60
38.50
'H
li
2
Ü
li
2
2
2
2
2
35.75
35.75
35.20
33.00
37.40
38.50
31.90
33.00
33.00
35.75
37.40
33.00
38.50
2
2
Ü
It
9It
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
125.0
55.00
2
2
8-4-44
12 125.0
55.00
8-4-44
125.0
110.0
125-.0
100.0
125.0
55.00
48.40
55.00
44.00
55.00
44.00
It
2
12
It
2
2
2
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
125.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
55.00
44.00
44.00
44.00
44.00
44.00
8-4-44
8-4-44
C h ic a g o , 111......................................
C in c in n a ti, O h io ..........................
C le v e la n d , O h i o ...........................
D e t r o i t , M ic h .................................
G r a n d R a p i d s , M ic h ..................
K a n s a s C ity , M o ..........................
M ilw a u k e e , W i s ...........................
M in n e a p o lis , M in n ......................
O m a h a , N e b r ................................
S t. L o u is , M o .................................
S t. P a u l , M in n ..............................
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
8 - 4 -44
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
70 .0
57 .5
5 3 .8
50 .0
45.0
56.3
57.5
55 .0
57.5
67 .5
5 5 .0
30 .8 0
25.30
23.65
24.00
19.80
24.75
25.30
24.20
25.30
29.70
24.20
8-4-44
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
8-8-48
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8
8
8
8
8
4
4
5
4
4
12
12
12
12
12
75.0
77.5
75.0
75 .0
75 .0
33.00
34.10
33.75
33.00
33.00
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-5-45
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
9
12
12
12
12
5
12
12
12
5
12
75 .0
77.5
75.0
70 .0
75.0
75 .0
72 .5
75.0
75.0
75.0
75 .0
75 .0
75.0
33 00
34.10
33.00
30.80
33.00
33.00
31.90
33.00
33.00
33.00
33.00
33.00
33.00
8-4-44
8-4-44
38-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12 g - 4 -44
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
8-4-44
BRICKLAYERS.
2
li
2
2
2
It
2
2
2
2
-4
-4
-5
-4
-4
-4
-4
-4
-4
-4
8 8 - 4 -44
8 - 4 -44
8-4-41
8-4-44
ii S - 4 -4 4
12 8 - 4 -4 4
8-4-44
8-4-44
8 - 4 -44,
15 8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
1 2 3 - 4 -4 4
8-4-44
BRICKLAYERS, SEWER, TUN
NEL, AND CAISSON WORK.
C h ic a g o , 111
C le v e la n d , O h io :
T u n n e l w o r k .............................
S e w e r w o r k .................................
D e t r o i t , M ic h .................................
M ilw a u k e e , W i s ...........................
O m a h a , N e b r ................................
S t. L o u is , M o .................................
1 0 0 .0
li
2
2
2
8 -8 - 4 -44
n 8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
9
12
12
12
1 Scale became 76.3 cents on June 1,1918.
2 Scale became 70 cents on June 1,1918.
3 For Labor D ay triple time.
4 Double tim e after m idnight.
6 Scale became 62.5 cents on October 1,1918.
6 Scale became 81.3 cents on Ju n e 1,1918, and 87.5 cents on A ugust 1,1918.
7 Scale became 80 cents on June 1 , 191 8 , and 82.5 cents on A ugust 1,1918.
s 48 hours per week, December to February, inclusive.
9 Double tim e after 1 hour of overtime.
io Scale became 75 cents on June 1,1918.
u W ork on Saturday afternoon prohibited,
u 48 hours per week, October to April, inclusive.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[976]
88
- 4 -44
8 - 4 -4 4
8-4-44
8-4-44
141
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,
U N IO N SCALE O F W A G E S A N D H O U R S O F L A B O R IN EA C H T R A D E , IN
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A TES, ON MAY 15, 1918, A N D MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
TH E
BUILDING TRADES—Continued.
May 15, 1918
May 15,1917.
R ate of wagesO ccupation and city.
For
Per
Sun
For days
P er week, over
hour. full
and
time. time. holi
days.
BUILDING LABORERS.
Chicago, 111.:
Cents. Dolls.
Building w ork...................... 50.0 2 2 .0 0
Caisson digging..................... 70.0 30.80
Shoring and moving buildm gs...................................... 56.3 24.75
W indlass, niggerhead, sig
nal and trench, scaffold
m e n ..................................... 62.5 27.50
Cincinnati, Ohio...................... 35.0 17.50
Cleveland, O hio................... .
55.0 24.20
Des Moines, Iow a.................... 40.0 2 0 .0 0
K ansas City, Mo.:
B uilding w ork...................... 2 37.5 18.00
Plum bers, laborers.............. 3 45.0 21 60
O maha, N e b r ......................... 6 45.0 24.30
Peoria, 111.................................. 47.5 20.90
St. Louis, Mo.:
U nion A ................................. « 46.9 20.63
U nion B.............................
s 40.0 17.60
Exeavatine:......................
40.0 21.60
W recking............................... 33.3 17.98
W ichita, K ans.......................... 43.8 2 1 .0 0
Regu'i ar rate
mult iplied
by
2
1§
2
U
Hours—
F u ll days;
Saturdays;
Full week.
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
Sat
u r
day
Per
half Per week,
holi hour. full
day.
tim e.
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
Cents. Dolls.
45.0 19.80
65.0 28.60
H ours—
Full days;
Saturdays;
F ull week.
8-4-44
8-4-44
1§
2
8-4-44
12
45.0
19.80
8-4-44
14
n
n
ü
2
12
2
2
8-4-44
9 - 5 -50
8 - 4 -44
9-5-50
12
12
12
12
57.5
30.0
40.0
37.5
25.30
15.00
17.60
18.75
8-4-44
9-5-50
8-4-44
9-5-50
ii
2
2
li
14
8 - 8 -48
8-8-48
9 - 9 -54
8-4-44
i2
37.5
40.0
30.0
40.0
18.00
19.20
16.20
17.60
8-8-48
8-8-48
9 - 9 -54
8-4-44
40.6
30.0
27.5
22.5
(»)
17.88
13.20
14.85
12.15
(u )
8-4-44
8-4-44
9-9-54
9-9-54
(ll)
4H
2
2
2
72
n
14
9l|
Ü
2
2
2
o
8-4-44
8-4-44
9-9-54
9-9-54
10 g - 8 -48
12
12
3
CARPENTERS.
Chicago, 111................................ 12 70.0 30.80
12
2
2
8-4-44
70.0 30.80
Cincinnati, Ohio...................... 65.0 28.93
12
2
8 - 41-441
62.5 27.80
li
Cleveland, O hio....................... 80.0 35.20
12
2
8-4-44
70.0 30.80
<14
Columbus, Ohio......................
8-4-44
12
2
55.0 24.20
65.0 28.60
D avenport, Iowa, and Mo
line and Rock Island, 111... 67.5 29.70
8-4-44
12
2
2
62.5 27.50
Des Moines, Iow a.................... 65.0 28.60
8-4-44
12
2
62.5 27.50
li
D etroit, Mich........................... 13 60.0 26.40
8-4-44
12
2
2
60.0 26.40
G rand R apids, Mich............... 60.0 26.40
8-4-44
12
H
2
55.0 24.20
Indianapolis, In d ....................
2
8 - 4J-44J
12
57.5 25.59
60.0 26.70 14 l i
K ansas City, Mo...................... is 65.0 28.60
2
8-4-44
12
65.0 28.60
14
Milwaukee, W is........ . ............ 1656.3 24.75
2
8-4-44
12
56.3 24.75
14
Minneapolis, M inn.................. 60.0 26.40
2
8-4-44
12
55.0 26.40
li
2
8-4-44
12
O maha, N ebr...........................
57.5 25.30
60.0 26.40
li
8-4-44
12
Peoria, 111.................................. 70.0 30.80
2
60.0 26.40
l*
8-4-44
12
St. Louis, Mo............................ 70.0 30.80
2
2
65.0 28.60
8-4-44
12
St. Paul, M inn......................... 60.0 26.40
2
55.0 26.40
li
8
4
4
4
12
2
50.0 24.00
W ichita, K a n s......................... 6 8 .8 30.25
14
1 For Sundays, Ju ly 4, and Christmas; other holidays regular rate.
2 Scale became 47.5 cents on June 15,1918.
2 Scale became 50 cents on June 15, 1918.
4 Double tim e after m idnight.
6
Scale became 50 cents on Ju ly 11,1918.
6 Scale became 50 cents on Ju ly 1,1918.
i Time and one-half on S aturday afternoon from 12 to 5.
* Scale became 45 cents on June 1,1918.
9 Double tim e after 6 p. m .
10 44 hours per week, June to A ugust, inclusive.
11 N ot organized on May 15,1917.
12 Scale became 80 cents on June 1,1918.
13 Scale became 70 cents on June 1,1918.
14 Double tim e after first 2 hours.
is Scale became 75 cents on June 1,1918.
16 Scale became 62.5 cents on June 14,1918.
17 44 hours p er week during Ju ly and A ugust.
82617°—18----- 10
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[977]
8-4-44
8 - 4i-44i
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8 - 4J-44J
8-4-44
8-4-44
i' 8 - 8 -48
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
17 8 - 8 -48
8-8-48
142
M O NTHLY LABOE, REVIEW,
UNION SCALE OP WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR IN EACH TRADE, IN THE
NORTH CENTRAL STATES, ON MAY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
BUILDING TRADES—Continued.
May 15, 1917.
May 15,1918.
R ate of wages-
Occupation and city.
For
Per
SunPer week, over- days
hour. full time. and
time.
holidays.
Hours—
F u ll days;
Saturdays;
F u ll week.
R ate oi
wages—
w ith
SaturPer
day
half Per week,
holi- hour. full
time.
day.
D e g n i a r ra le
m u ltip lie d
CARPENTERS: MILLWRIGHTS.
H ours—
F ull days:
Saturdays;
F ull week
2
2
2
2
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
12
12
12
12
Cents.
70.0
70.0
62.5
60.0
65.0
60.0
Dolls.
30.80
30.80
27.50
28.80
28.60
28.80
‘8-8
12
12
12
75.0
60.0
60.0
33.00
28.80
28.80
8-4
‘8-8
‘8-8
60.0
28.80
8-8
67.5
55.0
65.0
50.0
29.70
27.50
28.60
27.00
55.0
8-8-48
»14 10 2
« 55.0 26.40
62.5
8 -4
12
75.0 33.00
li
li
55.0
2
8
4
-44
12
"60.0 26.40
li
60.0
H io 2
9 - 5 -50
12
62.5 31.25
8-4-44
65.0
12
75.0 33.00 u l i io 2
50.0
2
8-4-44
12
»860.0 26.40
li
55.0
2
8-8-48
"55.0 26.40
li
62.5
2
8-4-44
12
'862.5 27.50
li
62.5
8-4-44
»14 10 2
12
75.0 33.00
8-4-44
65.0
12
75.0 33.00
»14 io 2
2
60.0
8-8-48
"60,0 28.80
li
2
62.5
« 8 - 8 -48
4
'«62.5 30.00
li
Scale became 80 cents on June 1,1918.
8
Double tim e after m idnight.
* Scale became 70 cents on June 1,1918.
4Double tim e after 8 p . m .
6
44 hours per week during Ju ly and A ugust.
* Scale became 75 cents on June 1,1918.
TScale became 80 cents on Sept. 1,1918.
• Scale became 70 cents on Ju ly 1,1918.
• Double tim e on Saturday after 5 p . m.
w Time and one-half on Saturday afternoon.
11 Scale became 70 cents on June 15,1918.
12 Double tim e on S aturday after 4.30 p . m .
13 Scale became 65 cents on June 1,1918.
m Scale became 65 cents on May 21,1918.
1‘ Scale became 75 cents on Ju ly 1,1918.
16 Scale became 75 cents on Sept. 1,1918.
« 44 hours p er week, June to Septem ber, inclusive,
26.40
27.50
26.40
30.00
28.60
24.00
26.40
27.50
27.50
28.60
28.80
30.00
Chicago, 111................................
Cleveland, Ohio.......................
D etroit, Mich............................
Minneapolis, M inn..................
St. Louis, Mo............................
St. P au l, M inn.........................
Cents D o lls.
'70.0 30.80
80.0 35.20
365.0 28.60
70.0 30.80
«70.0 30.80
70.0 30.80
by—
2
s li
Ü
2
n
8-4
8-4
8-4
‘
8-8
8-4
c a r pen ter s: pa rq u etry flo o r LAYERS.
Cleveland, O hio....................... 90.0
Minneapolis, M inn......... ......... 65.0
St. P a u l, M inn......................... 65.0
carpen ters:
w harf
39.60
28.60
28.60
ü
ü
2
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
28.80
ii
2
8-8-48
li
ìi
2
2
2
2
8-4-44
9-5-50
8-4-44
9-9-54
n
an d
BRIDGE.
D etroit, Mich............................ 60.0
CEMENT FINISHERS.
Chicago, 111................................
C incinnati, O h io .....................
Cleveland, O hio.......................
Columbus, O hio......................
D avenport, Iowa, and M6 line and Rock Island, H I...
Des Moines, Iow a....................
D etroit, Mich............................
Indianapolis, In d .....................
K ansas City, Mo......................
Milwaukee, W is.......... ...........
Minneapolis, M inn......... .
O m aha, N ebr............................
St. Louis, Mo............................
Composition w o rk ...............
St. P au l, M inn.........................
W ichita, K an s..........................
i
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
75.0
57.5
777.5
50.0
33.00
28.75
34.10
27.00
2
li
[978]
12
12
12
8- 4
9-5
8-4
9- S
8-8
88-8
9-5
g- 4
8-8
8 -8
8 -4
8 -4
8 -4
8 -8
«8-8
4
143
' MONTHLY LABOE EE VIEW.
U N IO N SCALE O F W A GES AND H O U R S O F LA B O R IN EA C H T R A D E , IN T H E
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A T E S , ON MAY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
B U IL D IN G T R A D E S —Continued.
May 15,1918.
May 15, 1917.
R ate of wages—
O ccupation and city.
For
Per
For Sun
Per week, over
days
hour. full time. and
time.
holi
days.
Hours—
F u ll days;
Saturdays;
F u ll week.
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
Sat
u r
day
Per
half Per week,
holi hour. full
day.
tim e.
H ours—
F ull days;
Saturdays;
F u ll week.
R e g n i it r a ie
CEMENT FINISHERS’
LABORERS.
C e n ts . D o l l s .
50.0 2 2 .0 0
multiplied
by—
■2
>2
H
2
li
C e n ts . D o l l s .
8-4-44
»8-8-48
8-4-44
45.0
40.0
40.0
19.80
19.20
17.60
8-4-44
8-8-48
8-4-44
67.5
77.5
40.0
50.0
50.0
57.5
32.40
37.20
19.20
24.00
25.30
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
45.0
45.0
50.0
55.0
60.0
24.30
21.60
24.00
24.20
26.40
9-9-54
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-4-44
8-4-44
45.0
35.0
21.60
15.40
8-8-48
8-4-44
12
70.0 30.80
2
2
8-4-44
Chicago, 111................................ 75.0 33.00
12
62.5 27.50
8-4-44
2
2
C incinnati, Ohio......... ........... 65.0 28.60
62.5 27.50
8-4-44
12
2
2
Cleveland, O hio....................... 75.0 33.00
»8-8-48
3 56.3 27.00
Columbus, O hio....................... 56-3 27.00
li
li
12
62.5 27.50
2
2
8-4-44
D etroit, Mich............................ 75.0 33.00
8-8-48
55.0 26.40
(trand Rapids Mich............... 62.5 30.00 14 l i 14 l i
2
2
8-4-44
12
60.0 26.40
Indianapolis, In d ..................... >560.0 26.40
12
2
2
8-4-44
70.0 30.80
K ansas City, Mo— ............... 70.0 30. SO
12
2
8-4-44
52.5 23.10
Milwaukee, W is....................... 58.5 25.74 H l i
2
8-4-44
12
57.5 25.30
2
Minneapolis, M inn.................. 6 6 .0 29.04
2
8-4-44
12
56.3 24.75
2
Omaha, N ebr............................ 62.5 27.50
8-4-44
12
70.0 30.80
2
2
St. Louis, Mo............................ >770.0 30.80
12
57.5 25.30
2
2
8-4-44
St. Paul, M inn......................... 6 6 .0 29.04
1 Time and one-half on Saturday afternoon, June to Septem ber, inclusive^
2 44 hours per week, Ju n e to Septem ber, inclusive.
* Scale became 55 cents on Ju ly 15,1918.
4 Scale became 77.5 cents on June 1,1918.
8 44 hours per week, June to August, inclusive,
8 Scale became 87.5 cents on June 1,1918.
7
Scale became 60 cents on May 25,1918.
* Time and one-half on S aturday afternoon.
9 Scale became 65 cents on May 25,1918.
19 Scale became 70 cents on Ju ly 10,1918.
n Seale became 60 cents on June 1,1918.
18
Scale became 50 cents on June 1,1918.
73 Scale became 45 cents on June 1,1918.
i» On new work; on repair w ork, double tim e.
•* Scale became 65 cents on June 1,1918.
!• Double tim e after m idnight,
u Scale became 75 cents on June 1,1918.
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
*8-8-48
8-4-44
8 - 8 -48
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8 - 4 . -44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8 - 4 -44
Chicago, 111...................... ........
Milwaukee, W is....................... 50.0
St. Louis, Mo............................ 3 50.0
24.00
2 2 .0 0
12
4
12
COMPOSITION ROOFERS.
Chicago, 111................................
Forem en................................
ninninnati Ohio___________
Forp.mftn...............................
Cleveland, O hio.......................
Forem en................................
D avenport, Iowa, and Moline
ivnd Rook ]sln.nriJ i ll..
Kansas City, M o .„ .................
Forem en................................
Milwaukee, W is.......................
St. Louis, Mo............................
4 67.5
«77.5
45.0
55.0
7 50.0
»57.5
>»55.0
60.0
70.0
»55.0
70.0
32.40
37.20
21.60
26.40
2 2 .0 0
25.30
D
11
1
11
1
1
li
2
2
2
2
82
82
»8-8-48
»8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-8-48
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
»8-8-48
8-4-44
26.40
26.40
30.80
24.20
30.80
li
li
2
32
2
2
2
Chicago H I................................ 1*45.0 21.60
Milwaukee, W is....................... >335.0 15.40
li
li
2
2
1
1
:
3
3
12
12
i2
12
12
12
2 2 .0 0
COMPOSITION ROOFERS’
HELPERS.
3
12
ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTORS.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[979]
144
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,
U N IO N SCALE OF W A GES AND H O U R S OF L A B O R IN EA C H T R A D E , IN T H E
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A TES, ON MAY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
B U IL D IN G T R A D E S —Continued.
May 15, 1917.
May 15,1918.
R ate of wages—
O ccupation and city.
For
Sun
Per
For
Per week, over days
hour. full time. and
holi
tim e.
days.
ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTORS’
HELPERS.
Chicago, 111................................
C incinnati, Ohio......................
Cleveland, O hio.......................
Columbus, O hio......................
D etroit, Mich............................
Indianapolis, In d .....................
Kansas C ity, Mo......................
Milwaukee, W is.......................
Minneapolis, M inn..................
Omaha, N ebr............................
St. Louis, Mo............................
St. Paul, M inn.........................
Regni r rate
multiplied
by
H ours—
F u ll days;
Saturdays;
F u ll week.
Cents.
50.0
40.0
50.0
40.0
50.0
35.0
340.0
4 45.0
40.0
43.5
42.5
4 45.0
43.5
Dolls.
«75.0
60.0
33.00
27.00
lì
lì
t2
2
90.0
85.0
75.0
39.60
37.40
36.00
lì
lì
lì
65.0
70.0
28.60
37.80
lì
lì
1 0 0 .0
44.00
33.00
2
75.0
55.0
45.0
72.5
9 75.0
29.70
24.30
31.90
33.00
li
lì
li
8 0 .0
7 5 .0
3 5 .2 0
3 3 .0 0
3 2 .4 0
2 7 .5 0
3 3 .0 0
lì
li
lì
6 il
lì
2
100.0
8 7 .5
3 8 .5 0
44.00
2
2
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
6 7 .5
3 2 .4 0
lì
2
is 8 - 8 - 4 8
22.00
17.60
22.00
19.20
22.00
16.80
17.60
19.80
17.60
19.14
IS. 70
19.80
19.14
2
2
2
2
2
2
H
2
2 11
lì
2
2
2'
2
6
H
2
2
2l ì
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
>8-8-48
8-4-44
8-8-48
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
Sat
u r
Per
day
half Per week,
holi hour. full
tim e.
day.
H ours—
F ull days;
Saturdays;
F ull week.
Cents.
45.0
40.0
42.5
3 40.0
12
42.5
35.0
i 2 40.0
12
45.0
12
36.3
39.0
12
38.0
12
45.0
12
39.0
12
Dolls.
19.80
17.60
18.70
19.20
18.70
16.80
17.60
19.80
15.95
17.16
16.72
19.80
17. r e
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
i 8 - 8 -48
8-4-44
8-8-48
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
12
ENGINEERS, PORTABLE AND
HOISTING.
Chicago, 111................................
Cincinnati, Ohio......................
Cleveland, Ohio:
Boom derrick........................
H oist.......................................
D avenport, Iowa, and Moline
and Rock Island, 111...........
D etroit, Mich.:
Boom derrick........................
H oist......................................
Grand R apids, Mich.:
TSoom derrick......... __ r .........
H oist ...
Indianapolis, L id .....................
Kansas C ity, Mo......................
Milwaukee, Wis.:
Boom derrick........................
H oist.......................................
Minneapolis, Minn __, ___
O maha, N ebr...........................
Peoria, 1 1 1 ..................................
St. Louis, Mo.:
1 engine..................... ............
2 engines................................
St. Paul, M inn.........................
UQ0. 0
1 2 6 2 .5
7 5 .0
lì
11
- 4 -44
8-5-45
8
12
75.0
57.8
33.00
26.00
88-4-44
8-5-45
2
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-8-48
12
12
75.0
70.0
65.0
33.00
30.80
31.20
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-8-48
2
- 8 - 4 -44
9-9-54
12
2
60.0
70.0
28.80
37.80
8-8-48
9-9-54
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
75.0
70.0
33.00
30.80
8-4-44
8-4-44
2
2
2
9-9-54
9-9-54
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
50.0
40.0
70.0
75.0
25.00
21.60
30. SO
33.00
9-5-50
9-9-54
8-4-44
8-4-44
6 7 .5
6 2 .5
2
2
2
2
2
88
io 8 io 8 -
4 -44
4 -44
9-9-54
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
6 2 .5
6 2 .5
2 9 .7 0
2 7 .5 0
3 2 . 40
2 7 .5 0
2 7 .5 0
12
12
2
7 5 .0
8 7 .5
6 2 .5
3 3 .0 0
3 8 .5 0
3 3 .7 5
6
6
60.0
4 -4 4
io 8 - 4 -44
io 8 -
9 - 9 - 5 4
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
is 9 - 9 -54
GLAZIERS.
lì
W ichita, K a n s......................... 4 8 . 0 2 1 . 1 2
1 44 hours per week, June to A ugust, inclusive.
2 On new work; on repair w ork, double tim e.
* Scale became 45 cents on June 1,1918.
« Scale became 50 cents on June 1, 1918.
t Double tim e after m idnight.
• Scale became 87.5 cents on June 1, 1918.
J Time and one-half on Saturday afternoon.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
12
8-4-44
(14)
(“ )
(14)
48 hours per week, December to March, inclusive.
Scale became 81.3 cents on June 1,1918.
w 48 hours per week, November to April, inclusive.
11 Scale became 65 cents on July 1,1918.
12 Scale became 75 cents on June 15, 1918.
is 44 hours per week during July and A ugust.
h No scale in effect on May 15,1917.
2
8
8
[980]
145
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
U N IO N SCALE OE W A GES AND H O U R S O F LA B O R IN EA CH T R A D E , IN T H E
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A TES, ON MAY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
B U IL D IN G T R A D E S —Continued.
May 15, 1918
May 15, 1917.
R ate of w agesOccupation and city.
For
Per
Sun
For days
Per week, over
hour. full time. and
time.
holi
days.
HOD CAEEIEES.
Cents. Dolls.
Chicago, 111................................ 50.0 2 2 .0 0
Cincinnati, Ohio:
. Brick m en.............................. 50.0 22.50
M ortar m e n ........................... 50.0 22.50
Cleveland, Ohio:
Brick m en.............................. 55.0 24.20
M ortar m e n ........................... 55.0 24.20
Columbus, O hio...................... 50.0 2 2 .0 0
Des Moines, Iow a.................... 50.0 2 2 .0 0
D etroit, Mich.:
Brick m en............................. 150.0 2 2 .0 0
M ortar m e n ........................... '50.0 2 2 .0 0
Indianapolis, Ind.:
Brick m en.............................. 47.5 20.90
M ortar m e n ........................... 50.0 2 2 .0 0
Kansas City, M o...................... m o 2 2 .0 0
Milwaukee, Wis.:
Brick m en............................. 50.0 24.00
M ortar m e n ........................... 50.0 24.00
Omaha, Nebr............................ 750.0 2 2 .0 0
Peoria, 111.................................. 47.5 20.90
St. Louis, Mo.:
Brick m en............................. 855.0 24.20
M ortar m e n ........................... «55.0 24.20
St. Paul, M inn......................... 940.6 17.88
W ichita, K a n s......................... 50.0 24.00
Begul ar rate
mult plied
by
H ours—
F u ll days;
Saturdays;
F u ll week.
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
Sat
u r
day
Per
half Per week,
holi hour. full
time.
day.
Cents. Dolls.
45.0 19.80
H ours—
F ull days;
Saturdays;
F ull week.
11
2
8-4-44
12
n
14
2
2
8-5-45
8-5-45
12
12
42.5
45.0
19.13
20.25
8-5-45
8-5-45
14
14
1*
14
2
2
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
12
12
40.0
45.0
45.0
40.0
17. 60
19.80
19.80
17.60
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
li
14
2
2
*8-4-44
*8-4-44
9
9
40.0
43.8
17.60
19.27
*8-4-44
*8-4-44
3 14
*14
14
2
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
12
42.5
45.0
47.5
18.70
19.80
20.90
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
«2
62
14
4
4
12
12
40.0
42.5
40.0
40.0
19.20
20.40
17.60
17.60
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-4-44
8-4-44
20.90
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
(u)
2
2
« 8 - 8 -48
«8-8-48
8-4-44
8-4-44
2
2
2
2
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
io 8 - 8 -48
14
14
14
14
14
12
12
12
3
47.5
50.0
37.5
(ll)
2 2 .0 0
16.50
(u )
8-4-44
INSIDE W IEEM EN.
12
2
2
8-4-44
75.0 33.00
Chicago, 111................................ 81.3 35.75
2
2
8 - 4J-44i
12
62.5 27.81
Cincinnati, Ohio...................... 6 8 .8 30.59
2
8-4-44
12
2
75.0 33.00
Cleveland, O hio....................... 81.3 35.75
D avenport, Iowa, and Mo
12
8-4-44
62.5 27.50
line and Rock Island, 111.. 67.5 29.70 12 l i 13 2
2
8-4-44
12
56.3 24.75
Des Moines, Iow a.................... 65.0 28. 60 12 l i
2
8-4-44
12
66.9 29.43
D etroit, Mich............................ 75.0 33.00 H l i
2
8-4-44
12
45.0 19.80
Grand R apids, Mich............... 60.0 26.40
14
8-4-44
2
12
57.0 25.08
Indianapolis, In d ..................... 67.5 29.70 15 1J
8-4-44
12
30.25
6 8 .8
Kansas City, Mo...................... 75.0 33.00 15 l i 13 2
8-4-44
2
12
56.3 24.75
Milwaukee, W is...................... 1656.3 24.75 12 1J
8-4-44
12
2
56.3 24.75
Minneapolis, M inn.................. 6 8 .8 30.25 12 l i
8-4-44
12
2
57.5 25.30
Omaha, N ebr............................ 70.0 30.80
14
8 - 4 -44
12
56.3 24.75
2
Peoria, 111.................................. 65.0 28.60 15 1J
8-4-44
12
75.0 33.00
2
2
St. Louis, Mo............................ H75.0 33.00
12
l
i
8
4
4
4
12
62.5 27.50
2
30.25
St. Paul, M inn......................... 6 8 .8
8-4-44
12
50.0 24.00
2
W ichita, K ans.......................... 1868.8 33.00 15 l i
1 Scale became 56.3 cents on June L 1918.
2 48 hours per week, December to February, inclusive.
3 Double tim e after 7 p . m.
4 Scale became 55 cents On June 1, 1918.
6 Time and one-half on Saturday afternoon, June to September, inclusive.
6 44 hours per week, Ju n e to September, inclusive.
7 Scale became 55 cents on Ju ly 11,1918.
8 Scale became 65 cents on July 18, 1918.
s Scale became 50 cents on June 1,1918.
w 44 hours per week, June to A ugust, inclusive,
u N ot organized on May 15, 1917.
I2 Double tim e after 10 p . m.
is Time and one-half on Saturday afternoon.
i< Double tim e after 8 p. m .
is Double tim e after m idnight.
1« Scale became 75 cents on July 1, 1918.
n Scale became 86.3 cents on Ju ly 15, 1918.
18 Scale became 87.5 cents on Aug. 16, 1918.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[981]
8-4-44
8 - 4J-44J
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-8-48
146
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
UNION SCALE O F WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR IN EACH TRADE, IN
NORTH CENTRAL STATES, ON MAY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917-Continued.
THE
B U IL D IN G T R A D E S —Continued.
May 15,1917.
May 15,1918.
R ate of wages—
O ccupation a n d city.
For
Sun
Per
F ot days
Per week, over
hour. full time. and
tim e.
holi
days.
INSIDE WIREMEN, FIXTURE
HANGERS.
Centi. D o l l s .
Chicago, 111................................ 75.0 33.00
Cleveland, O hio....................... 70.0 30.80
D etroit, Mich............................ 6 8 .8 30.25
G rand Rapids, Mich............... 60.0 26.40
60.0 26.40
Indianapolis, I n d .............. .
K ansas City, Mo...................... 62.5 27.50
Minneapolis, M inn.................. 6 8 .8 30.25
O maha, N ebr............................ 50.0 2 2 .0 0
Peoria, H I.................................. 65.0 28.60
St. Louis, M o ................. ........ 6 65.0 28.60
St. Paul, M inn..................
. «50.0 24.00
H ours—
F u ll days;
Saturdays;
F u ll week.
Regnior rate
multiplied
by
2
2
U}
li
’ ll
ii
4 li
« li
1 li
li
4 li
2
2
2
2
2
«2
2
2
2
2
2
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
-
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
8
-44
-44
-44
-44
—44
-44
-44
-44
-44
-44
-48
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
Sat
u r
Per
day
half Per week,
holi hour. full
tim e.
day.
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
50.0
Cents.
75.0
60.0
62.5
45.0
50.0
62.5
56.3
50.0
56.3
65.0
H ours—
F ull days;
Saturdays;
F ull week.
D o lls.
33.00
26.40
27.50
19.80
22 00
27.50
24.75
2 2 .0 0
24.75
28.60
24.00
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8 - 8 -48
LATHES9.
8-4-44
12
71.9 31.63
Chicago, 111................................ 7 80.0 35.20
8 - 4 -44
2
2
Cincinnati, Ohio27.81
8
- 4A44}
M etal...................... ................ 6 8 .8 30.59
8
41-44}
12
62.5
2
li
8 - 4J-44J
W ood...................................... (•)
2
8 - 4}-44Ì
12
(9)
li
Cleveland, Ohio:
8-4-44
75.0 33.00
12
M etal or wood, first class. . . 85.0 37.40
8 - 4 -44
2
2
8-4-44
Metal or wood, second class. 75.0 33.00
12
65.6 28.88
8 - 4 -44
2
2
8-4-44
8 - 4 -44
Des Moines, Iow a.................... 6 8 .8 30.25
12
57.5 25.30
2
2
D etroit, Mich :
8-4-44
io 8 - 4 -44
Metal or wood, first class... 75.0 33 00
6 8 .8
30.25
12
2
2
8-4-44
Metal or wood, second class. 66.3 29.15
60.0 26.40
W8 - 4 -44
12
2
2
G rand R apids, Mich.:
8
-8-48
Metal, first class................... 55.0 26.40
26.40
2
8
-48
55.0
8
li
8-8-48
2
45.0 21.60
Metali second.class.............. 450 21.60
8 - 8 -48
1*
W ood...................................... 50.0 24.00
8
-8-48
24
00
2
8
-48
50.0
8
lì
Indianapolis Ind.:
8 - 4J-44}
M etal....................................... 62.5 27.81
12
8 - 4Ì-44}
62.5 27.81
2
2
8 - 4J-44*
W ood...................................... 50.0 22.25
50.0 22.25
8 - 4}-44}
12
2
2
K ansas City, Mo.:
8-4-44
M etal....................................... H6 8 .8 30.25
12
6 8 .8
30.25
2
8 - 4 -44
2
8-4-44
W ood...................................... U6 8 .8 30.25
56.3 24.75
2
8 - 4 -44
12
2
Milwaukee, Wis.:
8-4-44
Metal, first class................... 1256.3 24.75
2
8 - 4 -44
12
56.3 24.75
2
8-4-44
W ood, second class............. 1253.1 23.38
12
53.1 23.38
2
2
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
Wood, th ird class................. 1246.9 20.63
46.9 20.63
12
2
2
8 - 4 -44
Minneapolis, Minn.:
8-4-44
M etal...................................... 62.5 27.50
12
8 - 4 -44
62.5 27.50
2
li
8-4-44
W ood, first class................... 1250.0 2 2 .0 0
50.0 2 2 .0 0
8 - 4 -44
12
2
li
8-4-44
W ood, second class............. 1243.8 19.25
12
43.8 19.25
2
8 - 4 -44
li
8-4-44
Om aha, N ebr............................ 70.0 30.80
12
70.0 30.80
2
2
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
Peoria, 111.................................. 71.9 31.63
2
8 - 4 -44
12
62.5 27.50
2
St. Louis, Mo.:
8-4-44
M etal....................................... 75.0 33 00
8 - 4 -44
12
75.0 33.00
2
2
8-4-44
W ood...................................... (9)
2
8 - 4 -44
12 (»)
2
1 D ouble tim e after 8 p. m.
* Double tim e after m idnight.
* Time and one-half on Saturday afternoon.
4 Double tim e after 10 p. m.
* Scale became 77.5 cents on Ju ly 15,1918.
* Scale became 52.5 cents on May 22,1918.
7 Scale to become 81.3 cents on N ovember 15,1918.
8 $3.75 per 1,0 0 0 laths. Scale became 6 eents p er yard for 3-foot laths, and 7 cento per yard for 4-foot laths
on June 1,1918.
8
$3.50 per L000 laths.
10
\york on Saturday afternoon prohibited,
i* Scale became 75 cents on June 1, 1918.
42 Scale became 62.5 cents on July 1,1913.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[982]
147
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
U N IO N SCALE O F W A GES AND H O U R S OF LA B O R IN EA CH T R A D E , IN T H E
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A TES, ON H A Y 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
B U IL D IN G T R A D E S —Continued.
May 15, 1918.
May 15, 1917.
R ate of wages-
Mos.
O ccupation and city.
For
Per
For Sun
Per week, over days
hour. full time. and
time.
holi
days.
lathees —concluded.
St. Paul, Minn.:
M etal......................................
Wood, first class...................
Wood, second class.............
W ichita, K ans..........................
Regu \ it rate
mult iplied
bit —■'
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Ü
Cents.
62.5
156.3
150.0
275.0
D o lls.
75.0
75.0
75.0
33.00
33.00
33.00
75.0
81.3
75.0
75.0
75.0
75.0
75.0
71.9
68.8
75.0
75.0
33.00
35.75
33.00
33.00
33.00
33.00
33.00
31.63
30.25
33.00
33.00
2
2
14
H
614
14
Chicago, Til................................ 50.0
Cincinnati, Ohio...................... 8 35.0
St. Louis, Mo........................... 40.0
2 2 .0 0
15.75
17.60
4 14
MOSAIC AND TERRAZZO
WORKERS.
Chicago, 111................................
Cincinnati, Ohio......................
D etroit, Mich............................
Kansas City, M o......................
9 68.8
50.0
67.0
65.0
30.25
75.0
60.0
67.5
60.0
33.00
26.40
29.70
26.40
30.00
27.00
24.00
33.00
Hours—
F u ll days;
Saturdays;
F u ll week.
R ate of
wages—
Satun
Per
day
half Per week,
holi hour. full
time.
day.
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-4-44
Cents.
62.5
56.3
50.0
12 »62.5
2
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
12
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
•8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
$ - 4 -44
8-4-44
»8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
9
12
12
12
12
5
2
2
2
8-4-44
8-5-45
8-4-44
12
2
14
14
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
2
u 2
12 2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
« 8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
H ours—
F u ll days;
Saturdays;
Full week.
Dolls.
30.00
27.00
24.00
27.50
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-4-44
71.9
68.8
68.8
31.63
30.25
30.25
8-4-44
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
68.8
77.5
68.8
68.8
68.8
68.8
68.8
68.8
68.8
68.8
68 8
30.25
34.10
30.25
30.25
30.25
30.25
30.25
30.25
30.25
30.25
33.00
8-4-44
8-4-44
»8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
»8-4-44
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
8-8-48
45.0
31.3
35.0
19.80
14.06
15.40
8-4-44
8-5-45
8 - 4 -44
12
12
12
68.8
50.0
59.5
60.0
30.25
25.00
28.56
26.40
8-4-44
9 r 5 -50
8-8-48
8-4-44
12
12
12
12
72.5
55.0
55.0
50.0
31.90
24.20
24.20
8
MARBLE SETTERS.
Chicago, 111................................
Cincinnati, Ohio......................
Cleveland. O hio.......................
D avenport, Iowa, and Moline
and Rock Island, 111.............
Des Moines, Iow a....................
D etroit, Mich............................
G rand Rapids, Mich...............
Indianapolis, In d ....................
K ansas City, Mo......................
Milwaukee, W is.......................
Minneapolis, M inn..................
Omaha, N ebr............................
St. Louis, Mo............................
St. P aul, M inn.........................
14
14
2
14
14
14
14
12
12
12
MARBLE SETTERS’ HELPERS.
PAINTERS.
Chicago, H i................................
Cincinnati, Ohio......................
Cleveland, O hio.......................
Columbus. O hio......................
D avenport, Iowa, and Mo
line and Rock Island, 111...
Des Moines, Iow a....................
D etroit, Mich............................I
2 2 .0 0
29.48
28.60
14
14
14
14
14
1014
14
14
14
14
12
12
12
2 2 .0 0
8-4-44
- "4 -44
8-4-44
8-4-44
65.0 28.60
2
2
8-4-44
12
55.0 24.20
8-4-44
65.0 28.60
2
8-4-44
12
50.0 2 2 .0 0
14
8-4-44
70.0 30.80
2
8-4-44
12
60.0 26.40
14
8-4-44
1 Scale became 75 cents on Ju n e 1,1918.
2 5J cents per square yard for 4-foot laths; 7 cents per square yard for 32-inch laths; tim e rate for all other
lathing.
3 4J cents per square yard for 4-foot laths; 5 cents per square yard for 32-inch laths and 5-naii work; 6 cents
per sq uare yard for m etal lath, nailed on; tim e ra te for all other lathing.
< Double tim e after 10 p. m.
6 48 hours per week, December to February, inclusive.
6 Double tim e after 7 p . m .
f 48 hours per week, October to A pril, inclusive.
8 Scale became 37.5 cents on October 1,1918.
s Scale became 75 cents on June 15,1918.
id Double tim e after m idnight.
n For Sundays and Saturday afternoons; work on other holidays prohibited.
12 W ork on Labor D ay prohibited,
w W ork on Satu rd ay afternoon prohibited.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[983]
148
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,
U N IO N SCALE OF W A GES AND H O U R S O F LA B O R IN EA CH T R A D E , IN T H E
N O R T H C E N T R A L STA TES, ON MAY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
B U IL D IN G T R A D E S —Continued.
May 15,1918.
R ate of wagesOccupation and city.
For
Per
Sun
Per week, For days
hour. full over and
time. time. holi
days.
painters —concluded.
G rand R apids, Mich...............
Indianapolis, In d ....................
K ansas City, Mo......................
Milwaukee, W is.......................
Minneapolis, M inn..................
O maha, N ebr...........................
Peoria, 111.................................
St. Louis, Mo............................
St. Paul, M inn.........................
W ichita, K an s.........................
Cents.
55.0
55.0
2 70.0
60.0
62.5
62.5
65.0
75.0
62.5
65.0
Dolls.
26.40
24.20
30.80
26.40
27.50
27.50
28. GO
33.00
27.50
28.60
H ours—
F u ll days;
Saturdays;
F u ll week.
May 15, 1917.
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
Sat
u r
day
Per
half Per week,
holi hour. full
day.
tim e.
H ours—
F ull days;
Saturdays;
F ull week.
Regni arrate
multiplied
by—
Is
n
iH
U
lì
1 lì
lì
1
2
lì
li
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
8-8-48
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
Cents.
50.0
55.0
60.0
55.0
55.0
62.5
55.0
62.5
55.0
50.0
Dolls.
24.00
24.20
26.40
24.20
24.20
27.50
24.20
27.50
24.20
24.00
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-8-48
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
12
60.0
55.0
55.0
26.40
24.20
24.20
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-8-48
PAINTERS, FRESCO.
Cincinnati, Ohio...................... 65.0
Indianapolis, I n d .................... 55.0
St. Paul, M inn......................... 62.5
28.60
24.20
27.50
lì
lì
lì
s2
35.75
28.88
33.00
33.00
24.75
27.50
35.75
30.25
28.60
33.00
28.60
33.00
28.60
33.60
2
2
2
42
2
2
2
2
2
6 lì
2
2
2
6 lì
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
‘ 8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-8-48
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
' 75.0
65.6
75.0
56.3
62.5
75.0
62.5
62.5
60.0
65.0
75.0
62.5
50.0
33.00
28.88
33.00
30.25
24.75
27.50
33.00
27.50
27.50
26.40
28.60
33.00
27.50
24.00
82
8-4-44
8 - 4J-44i
‘ 8-4-44
‘ 8-4-44
12
12
12
12
75.0
75.0
70.0
75.0
33.00
33.38
30.80
33.00
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8 - 4J-44J
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12 8 _ 8 -48
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
2
2
PAINTERS, SIGN.
Chicago, 111................................
Cincinnati, Ohio......................
Cleveland, O hio.......................
D etroit, M ich............................
G rand R apids, Mich...............
Indianapolis, I n d ....................
K ansas City, Mo......................
Milwaukee, W is.......................
Minneapolis, M m n..................
Omaha, N eb r...........................
Peoria, 111..................................
St. Louis, Mo............................
St. Paul, M inn.........................
W ichita, K an s.........................
81.3
65.6
75.0
75.0
56.3
62.5
81.3
6 8 .8
65.0
75.0
65.0
75.0
65.0
70.0
lì
lì
lì
lì
lì
1 lì
lì
lì
lì
lì
2
lì
lì
6 8 .8
PLASTERERS.
Chicago, 111............................ .. 7 81.3 35.75
2
Cincinnati, Ohio...................... 75.0 33.38
lì
Columbus, O hio...................... 75.0 33.00
2
Cleveland, O hio....................... 8 85.0 37.40
2
D avenport, Iowa, and Moline and Rock Island, 111... 87.5 38.50
2
Des Moines, Iow a.................... 87.5 38.50
2
D etroit, Mich........................... 75.0 33.00
2
G rand R apids, Mich............... 70.0 30.80 8 l ì
Indianapolis, In d .................... 75.0 33.38
2
Kansas City, Mo...................... 87.5 38.50
2
Milwaukee, W is....................... '»70.0 30.80
2
2
Minneapolis, M inn.................. 75.0 33.00
2
O maha, N ebr........................... nso.o 35.20
2
Peoria, 111.................................. 87.5 38.50
2
St. Louis, Mo............................ 87.5 38.50
2
St. Paul, M in n ........................ 75.0 33.00
W ichita, K a n s......................... 8 75.0 36.00
li
1 Double tim e after m idnight.
2 Scale became 75 cents on Sept. 1,1918.
* W ork on holidays prohibited.
4 W ork on Labor D ay prohibited.
* W ork on Saturday afternoon prohibited.
‘ For Sundays; for holidays double time.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
s2
<2
42
2
75.0
75.0
75.0
70.0
72.0
75.0
65.0
75.0
75.0
75.0
75.0
70.0
62.5
8-4-44
- 4J 44}
8-4-44
8-4-44
8
33.00
8-4-44
33.00
8-4-44
33.00
8-4-44
30.80
8 - 4 -44
32.04
8 - 4.5-441
32
33.00
8-4-44
2
28.60
8-4-44
2
33.00
8-4-44
32
33.00
8-4-44
2
33.00
8-4-44
2
33.00
8-4-44
2
30.80
8-4-44
4
2
27.50
12 8 - 8 -48
7 Scale became 87.5 cents on July 1,1918.
8 Scale became 87.5 cents on September 1,1918.
6 Double tim e after 7.30 p. m.
Scale became 75 cents on July 1,1918.
11 Scale became 87.5 cents on July 12,1918.
12 44 hours per week, June to Septem ber, inclusive.
2
2
2
2
[984]
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
149
U N IO N SCALE O F W A G ES AND H O U R S OF LA B O R IN EA CH T R A D E , IN T H E
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A TES, ON MAY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
B U IL D IN G T R A D E S —Continued.
May 15, 1918.
May 15, 1917.
Rate of wages-
Mos.
O ccupation and city.
For
Per
SunFor days
Per week, ovp.rhour. full
and
time. urne. holidays.
PLASTERERS’
la bo rer s.
C h i c a g o , 111................................
C i n c i n n a t i , O h i o ................................
C l e v e l a n d , O h i o ..................................
D e t r o i t , M i c h ........................................
I n d i a n a p o l i s , I n d ..............................
K a n s a s C i t y , M o ................................
M i l w a u k e e , W i s .................................
M i n n e a p o l i s , M i n n ...........................
P e o r i a , 111..................................
S t . L o u i s , M o ........, .............................
W i c h i t a , K a n s .....................................
C e n ts .
D o lls .
55.3
50.0
55.0
50.0
50.0
55.0
50.0
55.0
50.6
62.5
50.0
24.75
22.50
24.20
22.00
22.00
24.20
24.00
24.20
22.2S
27.50
24.00
875.0
65. 6
»81.3
81.3
75.0
1275.O
75.0
62. 5
75.0
87.5
33.00
28.87
35.75
35. 75
33.00
33.00
33.00
27.50
33.00
38.50
30. 25
30.25
33.00
33.00
30,80
33.00
Hours—
Full days;
Saturdays;
Full week.
Saturday
Per
half Per week,
holi- hour. full
day.
time.
R e g n i a r r a te
m u lt ip lie d
b y—
2
li
lè
H
.
2
2
2
12
L1
2
2
2
2
2
2
52
2
92
SU
2
li
2
2
2
8-4-44
.8-5-45
8-4-44
2 8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
8-4-44
<8-8-48
8-4-44
8-4-44
8 - 4 -44
68 - 8 -48
Rate of
wages—
C e n ts .
12 50.0
12 45.0
12 45.0
9 50.0
12 45.0
12 50.0
4 42.9
12 50.0
12 43.1
12 56.3
3
(7)
Hours—
Saturdays;
D o lls .
22.00
20.25
19.80
22.00
19.80
22.00
20.20
22.00
18.98
24.75
(7)
8 - 4 -A 4
8-5-45
8-4-44
28-4-44
8-4-44
8 - 4 -44
<8-8-48
8-4-44
8 -4 -4 4
8-4-44
(7)
PLUMBERS AND GAS FITTERS.
C h i c a g o , 111................................
C i n c i n n a t i , O h i o .................................
C l e v e l a n d , O h i o .................................
C o l u m b u s , O h i o .................................
D a v e n p o r t , I o w a ..............................
D e s M o i n e s , I o w a ..............................
D e t r o i t , M i c h .........................................
G r a n d R a p i d s M i c h ......................
I n d i a n a p o l i s , I n d ..............................
K a n s a s C i t y , M o ................................
M i l w a u k e e , W i s .................................
M i n n e a p o l i s , M i n n ...........................
M o l i n e , 111___: .........................
O m a h a , N e b r ........................................
P e o r i a , 111..................................
R o c k I s l a n d , 111.......................
S t . L o u i s , M o .:
P l u m b e r s .............................................
G a s f i t t e r s ..............................................
S t . P a u l , M i n n ......................................
W ic h if a , K a n s .:
P l u m b e r s ........................................
G a s f i t t e r s ............................................
68.8
74 68.8
/5.0
16 75.0
70.0
75.0
81.3
75.0
i° l i
2
lì
li
1° U
13 1
10 l i
2
2
19 l i
2
li
1 0 1*
2
li
15 l i
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8 - 4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
15 l i
2
2
1468 .8
35.75
33.00
30.25
2
2
2
2
2
2
17 75.0
19 62.5
36.00
30.00
li
li
li
li
8-4-44
8-4-44
48 8
is 8
-
8
8
-48
-48
12
12
12
12
12
12
75.0
65.6
75.0
62.5
62.5
68.8
12
68.8
12
56.3
67.5
75.0
62.5
62.5
6 8 .2
33.00
28.87
33.00
30.00
27.50
30.25
30.25
24.75
29. 70
33.00
27.50
27.50
30.25
33.00
30.80
30.00
8-4-44
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
12
75.0
75.0
62.5
33.00
33.00
27.50
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
3
3
62.5
50.0
30.00
24.00
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
68 .8
75.0
70.0
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-8-48
8-4-44
8-4-44
78 8
is 8
1 T im e a n d one-half on S a tu rd a y afternoon, M arch to N o v em b er, in c lu siv e.
2 48 h o u rs p e r w eek, D ecem ber to F e b ru a ry , inclusive.
3 D o u b le tim e after 7 p . m .
4 44 h o u rs p e r w eek, J u n e to S ep te m b er, inclusive.
6 T im e a n d one-half on S a tu rd a y afternoon, Ju n e to A u g u st, inclu siv e.
6 44 h o u rs p e r w eek, Ju n e to A u g u st, inclusive.
7 N o t organized on M ay 15, 1917.
8 Scale b ecam e 81.3 c e n ts on J u n e 1,1918.
9 T im e a n d one-half for p lu m b e rs , on re p a ir w ork, on S a tu rd a y a ftern o o n .
10 D o u b le tim e a fte r m id n ig h t.
11 Scale becam e 90 c e n ts on J u n e 1,1918.
12 Scale b ecam e 78.1 c e n ts on J u ly 1,1918; to becom e 80 c e n ts on O cto b er 1, 1918.
13 F o r one h o u r or less; for m o re t h a n one h o u r, d o u b le tim e for w hole p erio d of o v e rtim e .
14 Scale becam e 75 c e n ts on J u ly 1,1918.
16 F o r S u n d a y s ; for h o lid ay s, d o u b le tim e .
16 Scale becam e 87.5 ce n ts on J u ly 1,1918.
17 Seale becam e 87.5 c e n ts on J u n e 1,1918.
18 44 h o u rs p e r w eek, J u n e 15 to S ep t. 15, in c lu siv e.
19 Scale becam e 75 c e n ts on J u n e 1,1918.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[985]
-
8
8
-48
-48
150
M O NTHLY LABOE EE VIEW.
UNION SCALE OF WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR IN EACH TRADE, IN THE
NORTH CENTRAL STATES, ON MAY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
BUILDING TRADES—Continued.
May 15, 1917.
May 15,1918.
Rate of
wages—
Rate of wages—
Occupation and city.
For Hours—
Full days;
Per For Sun Saturdays;
Per week, over days Full week.
hour. full time.
and
time.
holi
days.
SH-EET-METAL W ORKERS.!
Chicago, 111.:
B uilding w ork......................
A uto shops.......................... .
M anufacturing shops_____
Cincinnati, Ohio.................... .
Cleveland, O hio.....................
C o l u m b u s . O hio.....................
D avenport, Iowa, and Mo-
Mos.
with
Sat
Hours—
ur
Full days;
Per
day Per week,
Saturdays;
half hour. full
Full week.
holi
time.
day.
R e g n i i r r a te
m u lt p lie d
by
70.0
52.8
60.0
50.0
60.0
37.5
Dolls.
30.80
26.11
26.40
24.00
2a 40
18.00
12
12
12
40.0
57.5
60.0
19.20
25.30
26.40
‘8-8-48
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
12
57.5
35.0
37.5
2a 30
18.90
23.63
8-4-44
9-9-54
9-9-63
8 - 4 -44
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
12
14
71
14
2
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
62.5
42.5
39.5
40.0
40.0
38.0
40.0
40.0
27.50
20.40
21.33
21.55
22.80
20. 48
21.60
21.60
8-4-44
8-8-48
9-9-54
*9-8-53
« 9§- 8?-57
»9-8-53
9-9-54
9-9-54
28.80
32.64
*14
*1
2
14
12 8 - 8 -48
8-8-48
3
52.5
30.5
25.20
1A47
“ 8-8-48
“ 8-8-53
32.64
24.75
28.60
26.40
*14
li
3 14
14
2
2
8-8-48
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
12
33.5
50.0
50.0
50.0
ia 7 5
24.00
22.00
22.00
»9-5-50
8 - 8 -43
8-4-44
8-4-44
28.60
32.64
32.64
32.84
32.64
36.64
32.64
24.75
14
71
*1
1« 14
2
«1
71
2
14
14
14
2
14
14
2
8 - 4 —44
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-4-44
12 62.5
27.50
21.06
21.55
22.68
25.20
20.48
22.68
22.00
8-4-44
9-9-54
»9-8-53
9-9-54
8-8-48
»9-8-53
9-9-54
8-4-44
33.00
32.64
32.64
14
2
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
27.00
17.92
20.75
8-8-48
«8-7-47
» 9 - 8 -53
C e n ts . D o l l s .
C e n ts .
870.0
55.5
65.0
52.5
80.'0
37.5
30.80
27.47
28.60
25.20
35.20
18.00
2
*14
5 14
14
‘ 14
14
2
2
2
2
2
14
8 -4 -8 4
9 - 44-494
8-4-44
8-8-48
8-4-44
8-8-48
12
12
12
65.0
65.0
70.0
28.60
28.60
30.80
14
*14
‘ 14
2
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-48
8 - 4 -48
60.0
68.0
68.0
26.40
32.64
32.64
71
71
14
2
14
14
67.5
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
29.70
32.64
32.64
32.64
32.64
32.64
32.64
32.64
‘ 14
14
60.0
68.0
R ahroad shops (locomo
tiv e d e p t.)........................ 68.0
M i n n e a p o l i s , M inn.................
56.3
O m aha, N ebr.......................... 65.0
Peoria, 111................................ 60.0
St. Louis, Mo.:
B uilding work.................... U65.0
63.0
R a ilro a d sh o p s, ro a d B . . .
68.0
R a i l r o a d s h o p s , r o a d C__
68.0
R a ilro a d sh o p s, ro a d G . . .
68.0
R a i l r o a d s h o p s , r o a d H . ..
68.0
R a i l r o a d s h o p s , r o a d I ____
68.0
St. P au l, M inn.:............... .
1*56.3
■Wichita, K ans.:
B uilding w o r k ............ .............. 68.8
68.0
R ailroad shops, road C.
68.0
Des Moines, Iow a.........
D etroit, Mich.................
Indianapolis, Ind.:
B uilding w ork...........
R ailroad shops, road B . .
R ailroad shops, road C
K ansas City, Mo.:
B uilding work...............
R ailroad shops, road B ___
R ailroad shops, road D ___
R ailroad shops, road E ___
R ailroad shops, road E .
R ailroad shops, road H .
R ailroad shops, road I ..
Milwaukee, Wis.:
B uilding w ork.................
71
*1
10 1
14
‘ 14
14
«1
16 2
“ 14
“ 14
12
12
39.0
40.0
42.0
52.5
38.0
42.0
5a 0
5a 3
37.5
38.5
i F o r e x p la n a tio n of changes in ra te s in ra ilro a d shops, see p . 139.
8 Scale b ec am e 75 c e n ts on J u n e 1,1918.
s D o u b le tim e a fte r 10 p . m .
I D ouble tim e a fte r m id n ig h t.
6 44 h o u rs p e r w eek, J u ly to S e p te m b e r, in c lu siv e.
8 D ouble tim e a fte r 9 p . m .
7 T im e a n d one-half a fte r 1 h o u r.
» T im e a n d one-half after 1 h o u r; o n S a tu rd a y for a ll overtime.
5 W o rk 53 h o u rs , p a id for 53 h o u rs a n d 53 m in u te s .
10 T im e a n d one-half a fte r 1 h o u r a n d 40 m in u te s; on Saturday after 40 minutes.
11 W o rk 57 h o u rs , p a id for 57 h o u rs a n d 57 m in u te s .
15 44 h o u rs p e r w eek, J u n e to A u g u st, in c lu siv e.
13 44 h o u rs p e r w eek, J u n e 15 to S e p t. 15, in c lu siv e.
14 W o rk 53 h o u rs , p a id for 54.
w W o rk 47 h o u rs , p a id for 48, O cto b er to A p ril, in c lu siv e.
16 F o u r tim e s single r a te a fte r 5 p . m .
ii Scale b ecam e 75 c e n ts on J u ly 1,1918.
is D o u b le tim e afte r 8 h o u rs of ov ertim e .
Scale becam e 65 c e n ts on J u n e 1,1918.
80 W ith a m in im u m of 5 h o u r s ’ p a y for 3} h o u rs ’ or less w ork.
II W o rk 47 h o u rs, p a id for 47 h o u rs a n d 47 m in u te s .
19
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[9 8 6 ]
8-4-44
9 - 4J-49J
8 - 4 -44
8-8-48
8-4-44
8-8-48
151
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
U N IO N S C A L E O F W A G E S A N D H O U R S O F L A B O R I N E A C H T R A D E , I N
N O R T H C E N T R A L S T A T E S , O N M A Y 15, 1918, A N D M A Y 15, 1917—C o n tin u ed .
THE
BUILDING TRADES—Continued.
M ay 15, 1918.
R a te of wages—
O c c u p a tio n a n d c ity .
For
Per
Sun
P e r w eek , F o r day s
hour.
full over- an d
tim e. ti m a holi
days.
SHIP CARPENTERS.
S t . L o u i s , M o .:
I n s i d e s h i p y a r d s ...........................
O u t s i d e s h i p y a r d s ......................
Cents. Dolls.
Regni ir rate
mult ■plied
by
M ay 15, 1917.
R a te of
w ages—
Mos.
w ith
H o u rs—
S at
F u ll days; u rd a y
S atu rd a y s;
Per
h alf
F u ll w eek. holi P e r w eek,
hou
r.
full
d ay.
tim a
2
2
2
2
31.90
26.40
37.40
30.00
29.70
28.80
33.00
2
'
L■
4 1J ■
»11
11
lj
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
8
8
8
»8
8
-
»75.0
80.0
65.5
81.3
70.0
75.0
U75.0
75.0
62.5
33.00
35.20
28.82
35.75
30.80
33.00
33.00
33.00
27.50
2
2
2
2
2
2
io 2
2
2
2
2
-
75.0
68.8
33.00
30.25
2
2
87.5
80.0
38.50
35.20
62.5
68.8
1*68.8
75.0
»75.0
70.0
56.3
75.0
75.0
1*68.8
75.0
>50.0
356.3
22.00
24.75
72.5
60.0
385.0
62.5
67.5
60.0
75.0
8 - 4 -44
8 - 4 -44
12
12
4
4
4
8
4
8
8 - 4
-44
-44
-44
-48
-44
-48
-44
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
H o u rs —
F u ll d ay s;
S atu rd a y s;
F u ll w eek.
Cents. Dolls.
50.0
56.3
22.00
24.75
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
12
12
12
4
12
3
12
72.5
50.0
80.0
62.5
62.5
52.5
75.0
31.90
22.00
35.20
30.00
27.50
25.20
33.00
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
»8-8-48
8-4-44
•8-8-48
8-4-44
—44
-44
-44
-44
-44
-44
-44
-44
-44
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
75.0
80.0
62.5
68.8
62.5
62.5
68.8
68.8
56.3
33.00
35.20
27.50
30.25
30.00
27.50
30.25
30.25
24.75
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-8-48
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
2
2
8 - 4 -44
8 - 4 -44
12
12
67.5
56.3
29.70
24.75
8-4-44
8-4-44
2
2
2
2
8 - 4 -44
8 - 4 -44
12
12
75.0
68.8
33.00
30.25
8-4-44
8-4-44
27.50
30.25
30.25
33.00
33.00
6li
2
2
li
li
2
2
2
H li
16 2
8
8
8
8
8
-
4
4
4
4
4
-44
-44
-44
-44
-44
12
12
12
12
12
59.4
62.5
62.5
68.8
75.0
26.14
27.50
27.50
30.25
33.00
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
30.80
24.75
33.00
33.00
30.25
36.00
2
2
8
8
8
8
8
*8
-
4
4
4
4
4
8
-44
-44
-44
-44
-44
—48
12
12
12
12
12
3
66.3
50.0
68.2
75.0
62.5
62.5
29.15
22.00
30.00
33.00
30.00
30.00
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-8-48
*8-8-48
SLATE AND TILE ROOFERS.
C h i c a g o , 1 1 1 ..............................................
C i n c i n n a t i , O h i o ...............................
C l e v e l a n d , O h i o ............................... .
D e t r o i t , M i c h . .....................................
K a n s a s C i t y , M o . .............. ..............
M i l w a u k e e , W i s ................................
S t . L o u i s , M o ........................................
V
’S-
STEAM FITTERS AND SPRINK
LER FITTERS.
C h i c a g o , 111.:
S t e a m f i t t e r s .....................................
S p r i n k l e r f i t t e r s ............................
C i n c i n n a t i , O h i o ...............................
C l e v e l a n d , O h i o ................................
C o l u m b u s , O h i o .............................. .
D a v e n p o r t , I o w a . ......................... .
D e s M o i n e s , I o w a ............................
D e t r o i t . M i c h .......................................
G r a n d R a p i d s , M i c h ................... .
I n d ia n a p o lis , I n d .:
S t e a m f i t t e r s .......................... .........
S p r i n k l e r f i t t e r s .......................... .
K a n s a s C i t y , M o .:
' S t e a m f i t t e r s .................................. .
S p r i n k l e r f i t t e r s ............................
M ilw a u k e e , W is .:
S t e a m f i t t e r s .................................. .
S p r i n k l e r f i t t e r s .......................... .
M i n n e a p o l i s , M i n n ........................ .
M o l i n e , 111.............................................. .
O m a h a , N e b r .......................................
P e o r i a , 111.:
S t e a m f i t t e r s ...................................
S p r i n k l e r f i t t e r s ............................
R o c k I s l a n d , 111....................... ..
S t . L o u i s , M o ........................................
S t . P a u l , M i n n ....................................
W i c h i t a , K a n s ....................................
2
1*
n
6ü
h i
2
2
li
2
2
11 H
2
2
H
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
1 Scale became 56.3 cents on June 17,1918.
3 Scale became 62.5 cents on June 17,1918.
* Scale became 90 cents on Aug. 1,1918.
4 Double tim e after 6 p .m .
* 44 hours per week, May to A ugust, inclusive.
* Double tim e after m idnight. ,
7 44 hours per week, June to A ugust, inclusive.
8 44 hours per week, June 15 to Sept. 15, inclusive.
9 Scale became 81.3 cents on June 1, 1918; to become 85 cents on Dec. 1,1918.
10 Time and one-half on Saturday afternoon.
11 Scale became 78.1 oents on Ju ly 1, 1918; to become 80 cents on Oct. 1, 1918.
13 For one hour or less; for m ore th a n one hour, double tim e for whole period of overtim e.
18 Scale became 75 cents on Ju ly 1,1918.
14 For Sundays; for holidays, double tim e.
16 Scale became 87.5 cents on Ju ly 1, 1918.
i« Tim e and one-half on Saturday afternoon u n til 5 p. m .; double tim e thereafter
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[987]
152
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,
U N IO N
SC ALE
N O R T H
O F
W A G ES
C E N T R A L
A N D
ST A TE S,
H O U R S
O N
OF
M AY
L A B O R
15, 1918, A N D
IN
EA C H
M AY
T R A D E ,
IN
T H E
15, 1917— C o n tin u e d .
BUILDING TRADES—C o n t i n u e d .
M ay 15, 1918.
R a te of w agesO ccu p atio n a n d city .
For
Per
SunP e r w eek, F o r d a ys
over
hour.
full
an d
tim e. tim e. holi
days.
STEAM FITTERS’ AND SPRINK
LER FITTERS’ HELPERS.
C hicago, 111.:
S te a m fitte rs ’ h e lp e rs .. . . . .
S p rin k le r f itte rs ’ h e lp e r s .. .
C in c in n a ti, O h io .........................
C le v ela n d , O h io ........................
D e tro it, M ich ..........................
In d ia n a p o lis, I n d ......................
K a n s a s C ity, Mo.:
S te a m fitte rs ’ h e lp e rs ..........
S p rin k le r fitte rs ’ h e lp e r s .. .
M ilw aukee, W is.:
S te a m fitte rs ’ h e lp e rs ..........
S p rin k le r f itte rs ’ h e lp e rs . . .
M inneapolis, M in n ....................
O m ah a , N e b r .............................
P eo ria , 111....................................
S t. L ouis, M o..............................
St. P a u l, M in n ...........................
M ay 15, 1917.
R a te of
w ages—
Mos.
w ith
H o u rs—
S at
F u ll days;
u
S atu rd a y s; rd a y
P er
F u ll w eek. h alf P e r w eek ,
ho li ho u r.
full
d ay .
tim e.
H o u rs —
F u ll d ay s;
S atu rd a y s;
F u ll w eek.
R e g u l a r ra te
m u l t 'p lie d .
C e n ts .
D o lls .
by
140.0
45.0
33.5
43.8
45.0
37.5
17.60
19.80
14.74
19.25
19.80
16.50
2
2
2 1*
2
81
2
<37.5
40.0
16. 50
17.60
31.3
37.5
535.0
431.3
37.5
43.8
635.0
C e n ts . D o l l s .
2
2
2
2
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8 - 4 -44
12
12
12
12
12
12
40.0
40.0
31.5
34.4
34.4
33.8
17.60
17.60
13.86
15.13
15.13
14.85
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
2
2
‘2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
37.5
34.4
16.50
15.13
8-4-44
8-4-44
13.75
16.50
15.40
13.75
16.50
19. 25
15.40
2H
2
2
2
2
2
n
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
31.3
34.4
31.3
31.3
37.5
43.8
35.0
13.75
15.13
13.75
13. 75
16.50
19. 25
16.80
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-8-48
775.0
70.0
90.0
90.0
70.0
33.00
31.50
39.60
39.60
30.80
14
14
14
14
14
2
2
2
2
2
8-4-44
8-5-45
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
75.0
65.0
33. 00
29.25
33.00
26.40
30.80
8-4-44
8-5-45
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
81.3
80.0
75.0
85.0
75.0
i»72.5
70.0
75.0
81.3
70.0
75.0
75.0
35.75
35.20
33.00
37.40
33.00
31.90
30.80
33.00
35. 75
30.80
36.00
33.00
2
14
n
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
8-4-44
«8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
li 8 - 4 -44
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8 _ 8 -48
8-4-44
12 75.0
33.00
33.00
30.80
30.80
27.50
31.90
30.80
33.00
33.00
30.80
31.20
27.50
8-4-44
*8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12 8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-8-48
8-4-44
Chicago, H I.................................. 1*70.0
C in c in n ati, O hio........................ 75.0
C leveland, O h io ........................ 90.0
C o lu m bus. O h io ........................ 80.0
30.80
33.00
39.60
35.20
30.36
28.60
35.20
26.40
“ 8-4-44
8-4-44
8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
STONEMASONS.
C hicago, 111..................................
C in c in n a ti, O hio........................
C lev eland, O h io ........................
C o ncrete block w o rk ............
C o lu m bus. O h io ........................
D a v e n p o rt, Io w a , a n d Mo
lin e and R o ck Is la n d , 111.. .
D e tro it, M ich .............................
G ra n d R a p id s, M ich................
In d ia n a p o lis, I n d ......................
K a n s a s C ity , Mo........................
M ilw aukee, W is ........................
M in n eapolis, M in n ...................
O m ah a , N e b r .............................
P e o ria , 111....................................
S t L ouis, M o..............................
S t. P a u l, M in n ...........................
W ic h ita ' IC ans.........................
'i 4
14
2
14
2
2
2
14
2
12
13
12 75.0
12 60.0
12 70.0
9
75.0
5
12
12
12
70.0
75.0
75.0
70.0
65.0
62.5
8
69.0
12 70.0
12 70.0
12 62.5
12 72.5
12
STRUCTURAL-IRON ■WORKERS.
14
14
2
2
2
2
2
2
« 8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12 65.0
12 80.0
12 60.0
1 Scale became 45 cents on Ju n e 1,1918.
2 Double tim e alte r m idnight.
8 For one hour or less; for m ore th a n one hour, double time for whole period of overtime.
* Scale became 43.8 cents on Ju ly 1, 1918.
6 For Labor Day triple tim e.
6 Scale became 40 cents on Ju ly 1,1918.
7 Scale became 81.3 cents on A ugust 1, 1918.
8 48 hours, December to February, inclusive.
s Double tim e after first hour.
10 Scale became 75 cents on June 1, 1918.
77 W ork on Saturday afternoon prohibited.
12 48 hours per week, October to April, inclusive.
i8 Scale became 44 hours per week, on Ju ly 1, 1918.
14 Scale became 87.5 cents on June 1, 1918.
14 48 hours per week, December to March, inclusive-
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[9 8 8 ]
153
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
U N IO N S C A L E O F W A G E S A N D H O U R S O F L A B O R IN E A C H T R A D E , I N T H E N O R T H
C E N T R A L S T A T E S , O N M A Y 15, 1918, A N D M A Y 15, 1917—C o n tin u ed .
B U IL D IN G T R A D E S —C o n tin u ed .
May 15, 1918.
R ate of wagesO ccupation and city.
S T R U C T U R A L -IE O N
For
Per
Sun
For days
Per week, over
hour. full
and
time. time. holi
days.
May 15, 1917.
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
Hours—
Sat
Full days; urday
Saturdays;
Per
half Per week,
Full week. holi
hour.
full
day.
time.
H ours—
Full days;
Saturdavs;
Full week.
W ORK-
e rs —concluded.
R e g u l a r ra te
m u lt p lie d
D avenport, Iowa, and Mo
line and Rock Island, 111...
Des Moines, Iow a....................
D etroit, Mich............................
Indianapolis, In d ....................
K ansas City, M o.....................
Milwaukee, W is......................
Minneapolis, M inn..................
Om aha, N ebr............................
Peoria, 111..................................
St. Louis, Mo............................
St. Paul, M inn.........................
—
C e n ts . D o l l s .
73.5
70.0
80.0
75.0
75.0
70.0
668. 8
75.0
76.5
SO.O
«68.8
32.34
30. SO
35.20
33.00
33.00
30.80
30.25
33.00
33. 68
35.20
30.25
970.0
75.0
90.0
80.0
75.0
75.0
70.0
« 68.8
75.0
76.5
80.0
«68.4
30. 80
33.00
39.60
35.20
33.00
33.00
30.80
30.25
33.00
33.66
35.20
30.01
C incinnati, Ohio...................... 45.0
Cleveland. O hio....................... 50.0
D etroit, Mich............................ 50.0
2
C e n ts . D o l l s .
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
* li
2
2
2
2
2
n
2
n
*H
* 14
2
8n
‘H
8
8
8
8
8
-
8
8
8
8
77 8
8
48
8
8
-
4
4
4
4
4
-4 4
-4 4
-4 4
-4 4
-44
4 8 - 4 -44
8 - 4 -44
8 - 4 -44
8 - 4 -44
8 - 4 -44
8 - 4 -44
12
12
12
12
12
8
12
12
12
12
12
62.5
62.5
65.0
75.0
68.8
62.5
62.5
68.8
62.5
70.0
62.5
27.50
30.00
28.60
33.00
30.25
27.50
27.50
30.25
27.50
30.80
30.00
8-4-44
«8-4-44
’8-4-44
«8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
*8-8-48
12
12
12
12
12
12
8
12
12
12
12
12
70.0
59.0
80.0
65.0
75.0
68.8
62.5
62.5
68.8
62.5
70.0
62.5
30.80
25.96
35.20
28.60
33.00
30.25
27. 50
27.50
30.25
27.50
30.80
30.00
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
«8-4-44
i 8 - 4 -44
«8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8 8 - 8 -48
8-4-44
8-4-44
8
78
8
8
-4 - 8
-4 - 4 -
4 4
-4 8
4 4
4 4
STRUCTURAL-IRON WORKERS,
FINISHERS.
Chicago, 111................................
C incinnati, Ohio......................
Cleveland, O hio.......................
D etroit, Mich............................
Indianapolis, In d .....................
K ansas City, Mo......................
Milwaukee, W is.......................
Minneapolis, M inn..................
Om aha, N ebr............................
Peoria, 111..................................
St. Louis, Mo............................
St. Paul, M inn............ .. ...........
8U
8H
2
2
2
2
2
8 -
4 -44
4 -44
4 -44
4 -44
4 -44
4 -44
4 -44
4 -44
4 -44
4 -44
4 -44
4 -44
19.80
22.00
22.00
1J
2
2
2
2
2
8 8 8 -
4 -44
4 -44
4 -44
12
12
12
37.5
45.0
40.0
16.50
19.80
17.60
33.00
30.25
33.00
U
2
8 -
4 -44
12
75.0
33.00
30.25
28.60
2
H
2 1*
H
SÜ
2
10 2
2
2
2
8 8 -
STRUCTURAL-IRON W ORKERS,
FINISHERS’ HELPERS.
8 -4 - 4 4
TILE LAYERS.
Chicago, 111................................ 7275.0
Cincinnati, Ohio...................... 7368.8
Cleveland, O hio....................... 75.0
12 68.8
2
8 - 4 -44
n
12 65.0
2
8 - 4 -44
14 l i
1 44 h o u rs p e r w eek, J u n e to A u g u st, in clu siv e.
8 D ouble tim e a fte r 6 p. m .
8 D o u b le tim e a fte r 7 p. m .
4 48 ho u rs per w eek, D ecem b er to M arch, in c lu siv e.
6 48 ho u rs p e r w eek, N o v em b e r to A p ril, in c lu siv e.
* S cale bec am e 75 c e n ts on J u n e 1, 1918.
7 48 ho u rs p er w eek, S e p te m b e r to A p ril, in c lu siv e.
8 44 ho u rs p er w eek, J u n e to S e p te m b e r, inclusiv e.
9 Scale b ecam e 80 ce n ts on J u n e 1,1918.
w W o rk on L a b o r D a y p ro h ib ited .
n W o rk on S a tu rd a y aftern o o n p ro h ib ite d .
82 Scale becam e 81.3'ce n ts on J u n e 1,1918.
78 Scale becam e 71.9 c e n ts on J u n e 1,1918.
74 D o u b le tim e after m id n ig h t.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[989]
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
154
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,
UNION SCALE OF WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR IN EACH TRADE, IN THE NORTH
CENTRAL STATES, ON MAY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
BUILDING TRADES—Concluded.
M a y 15, 1917.
M a y 15, 1918.
R a te of w a g es-
O c c u p a tio n a n d c ity .
P er
h o u r.
P er
w eek,
fu ll
tim e .
t il e l a y e r s —c o n c l u d e d .
C e n ts. D o l l s .
D e s M o i n e s , I o w a .............................. 7 1 . 9
D e t r o i t , M i c h ........................................ 1 6 8 . 8
G r a n d R a p i d s , M i c h ___
3 6 2 .5
I n d i a n a p o l i s , I n d .............................. 6 8 . 8
K a n s a s C i t y , M o ................................. 7 5 . 0
M i l w a u k e e , W i s ................................. 7 1 . 9
M i n n e a p o l i s , M i n n ........................... 6 8 . 8
O m a h a , N e b r ........................................ 7 1 . 9
S t . L o u i s , M o ......................................... 7 5 . 0
S t . P a u l , M i n n .................................... 6 8 . 8
For
o v e r
tim e .
For
Sun
days
and
h o li
days.
H o u rs—
F u ll d a y s ;
S a tu rd a y s ;
F u ll w e e k .
R a te of
w ages—
M os.
w ith
S a t
u rd a y
Per
h a lf
w eek,
P er
h o li
h o u r.
fu ll
day.
tim e .
R e g n i i r r a te
m u l t p l ie d
by
3 1 .6 3
3 0 .2 5
3 0 .0 0
3 0 .2 5
3 3 .0 0
3 1 .6 3
3 0 .2 5
3 1 .6 3
3 3 .0 2
3 0 .2 5
Ü
Ü
H
'i f
M i
1 9 .2 5
1 6 .5 0
1 6 .5 0
1 7 .8 8
18. 00
1 9 .2 5
li
li
4li
li
li
‘ lì
li
lì
‘ li
li
li
Ü
li
M i
li
li
H o u rs—
F u ll d a y s ;
S a tu rd a y s ;
F u ll w e e k
C e n ts. D o l l s .
7 1 .9
6 8 .8
6 2 .5
6 8 .8
7 5 .0
6 5 .0
6 8 .8
7 1 .9
6 8 .8
6 8 .8
3 1 .6 3
3 0 .2 5
2 7 .5 0
3 0 .2 5
3 3 .0 0
2 8 .6 0
3 0 .2 5
3 1 .6 3
3 0 .2 5
3 0 .2 5
8
« 8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
4 3 .8
3 7 .5
3 4 .4
4 0 .6
3 1 .3
3 7 .5
3 7 .5
3 4 .4
4 0 .0
3 7 .5
3 4 .4
1 9 .2 5
1 6 .5 0
1 5 .1 3
1 7 .8 8
1 3 .7 5
1 6 .5 0
1 6 .5 0
1 5 .1 3
1 7 .6 0
1 6 .5 0
1 5 .1 3
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
S
8
- 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 '- 4
- 4 -
4 4
4 4
4 4
4 4
4 4
4 4
4 4
4 4
4 4
-4 4
4 4
-4 8
-6 0
-6 0
-6 0
4 1 .3
2 5 .0
2 4 .0
4 5 .0
1 9 .8 0
1 5 .0 0
14. 40
2 7 .0 0
8
10
10
10
- 8 -1 0
-1 0
-1 0
4 8
-6 0
-6 0
-6 0
10 -1 0 -6 9
10 - 1 0 - 6 0
10 -1 0 -6 0
3 1 .4
4 5 .0
3 3 .3
2 2 .0 0
2 7 .0 0
2 0 .0 0
10 -1 0 -7 0
10 rlO -6 0
10 -1 0 -6 0
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
- 4
- 4
- 8
- 4
- 4
- 4
- 4
- 4
- 4
- 4
-
4 4
4 4
4 8
4 4
4 4
4 4
4 4
4 4
-4 4
- 4 4
2
2
2
3
2
8
8
3
8
8
8
-
-
13
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
- 4
- 4
- 4
- 4
- 4
- 4
- 4
- 4
- 4
- 4
-
4 4
4 4
4 4
4 4
4 4
4 4
4 4
4 4
-4 4
- 4 4
TILE LAYERS' HELPERS.
C h i c a g o , 111.............................................. M 3 . 8
C i n c i n n a t i , O h i o . . . i ..................... 3 7 . 5
C l e v e l a n d , O h i o . . ' . ......................... 3 7 . 5
D e s M o i n e s , I o w a .............................. 4 0 . 6
G r a n d R a p i d s , M i c h ...................... 3 7 . 5
K a n s a s C i t y , l i o ........ ...................... 4 3 . 8
M i l w au k ee, W i s ................................. 4 3 . 8
M i n n e a p o l i s , M i n n — , -----3 7 .5
O m a h a , N e b r ......................................... 4 0 . 0
4 3 .8
S t . L o u i s , M o ................... ..
S t . P a u l , M i n n .................................... 3 7 . 5
19.25
1 6 .5 0
1 7 .6 0
1 9 .2 5
1 6 .5 0
2
2
2
2
2
2
4
4
4
4
8
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
8
4
8-4-44
8
8
8
8
-
4
4
4
4
-
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
12
12
13
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
FREIGHT HANDLERS.
C h i c a g o , 111.:
L a b o re rs , g ra in e le v a to r,
i n s i d e m e n ...................................
S t o w e r s ................................................
T r u c k e r s .............................................
C l e v e l a n d , O h i o ...............................
M ilw a u k e e , W is .:
C o o p e r s .................................................
P a c k a g e fre ig h t h a n d le rs .
W a r e h o u s e m e n ..........................
M l. 3
3 2 .5
3 2 .5
5 5 .0
1 9 .8 0
1 9 .5 0
1 9 .5 0
3 3 .0 0
5 0 .0
5 0 .0
5 0 .0
3 4 .5 0
3 0 .0 0
3 0 .0 0
2
li
1
2
2
1
7 65 c 7 65 C
1
1
1
1
1
1
8
10
10
10
- 8
-1 0
-1 0
-1 0
GRANITE AND STONE TRADES.
GRANITE CUTTERS.
C h ic a g o , H i.:
O u t s i d e ...................................................
I n s i d e a n d m a c h i n e ...................
C in c in n a ti, O h io :
O u t s i d e ...................................................
I n s i d e .......................................................
M e, l i n e .................................................
C le v e la n d , O h io :
O u t s i d e ...................................................
I n s i d e .......................................................
S u r f a c i n g m a c h i n e ......................
D e s M o i n e s , I o w a ..............................
7 5 .0
6 6 .3
3 3 .0 0
2 9 .1 5
li
lì
2
2
8 - 4 - 4 4
8 - 4 - 4 4
12
7 5 .0
5 6 .3
3 3 .0 0
2 4 .7 5
8 - 4 - 4 4
8 - 4 - 4 4
7 5 .0
6 2 .5
6 9 .5
3 3 .0 0
2 7 .5 0
3 0 .5 8
li
li
li
2
2
2
8 - 4 - 4 4
8 - 4 - 4 4
8 - 4 - 4 4
12
12
12
6 2 .5
5 0 .0
5 7 .0
2 7 .5 0
2 2 .0 0
2 5 .0 8
8 - 4 - 4 4
8 - 4 - 4 4
8 - 4 -4 4
7 5 .0
6 2 .5
6 8 .8
6 0 .0
3 3 .0 0
2 7 .5 0
3 0 .2 5
2 6 .4 0
2
2
2
2
8
8
8
8
12
12
12
12
6 2 .5
5 0 .0
5 3 .8
5 0 .0
2 7 .5 0
2 2 .0 0
2 3 .6 5
2 2 .0 0
8
8
8
8
“ lì
“li
li
1 Scale became 71.9 cents on June 1,1918.
2 48 h o u r s p e r w e e k , N o v e m b e r t o M a r c h , in c lu s iv e .
* S c a l e b e c a m e 6 8 .8 c e n t s o n J u n e 1 , 1 9 1 8 .
* Double time after midnight.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[990]
-
4 - 4 4
4 - 4 4
4 - 4 4
4 -4 4
-
4
4
4
4
-
6 S c a le b e c a m e 50 c e n t s o n J u n e 1 ,1 9 1 8 .
• S c a l e b e c a m e 4 6 .3 c e n t s o n J u n e 1 , 1 9 1 8 .
7 R a to in c e n ts p e r h o u r.
* D o u b le tim e a lte r 8 p . m .
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
155
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
UNION SCALE OF WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR IN EACH TRADE, IN THE NORTH
CENTRAL STATES, ON MAY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
GRANITE AN D STONE TR A D E S—Concluded.
M a y 15,1918.
R a t e of w a g e s—
O c c u p a ti o n a n d c it y .
Per
h o u r.
GRANITE
For
Per
Sun
For
w eek,
days
o v e r
fu ll
and
t im e .
tim e .
h o li
days.
CUTTER8—COn.
D e t r o i t , M ic h .:
O u t s id e ..........................................
I n s i d e .............................................
M a c h in e ...................................
M in n e a p o lis , M in n .:
O u t s id e .........................................
M o n u m e n ta l w o r k ..................
S t . L o u is , M o.:
O u t s id e .........................................
I n s i d e .............................................
M a c h in e ........................................
S t . P a u l , M in n .:
O u t s id e ..........................................
M a c h in e ........................................
Cents. Dolls.
7 3 .8
0 2 .5
6 7 .5
32.45
2 7 .50
2 9 .70
62 .5
6 0 .0
Regular rats
•multiplied
h—
M a y 15,1917.
R a t e of
w a g e s—
M os.
w ith
H o u rs—
S a t
F u ll day s;
S a tu rd a y s ; u r d a y
Per
F u ll w eek .
h a lf
P er w eek,
h o li h o u r .
fu ll
day.
tim e .
H o u rs—
F u ll day s;
S a tu rd a y s
F u ll w e e k
Cents. Dolls.
li
li
li
2
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
12
6 2 .5
51 .3
56 .3
27.50
2 2 .55
2 4 .75
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
27.50
2 6 .40
li
li
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
6 2 .5
5 0 .0
27.50
22.00
8-4-44
8-4-44
7 0 .0
6 0 .0
66.3
3 5 .20
2 6 .4 0
2 9 .15
li
li
li
2
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
12
60 .0
5 0 .0
56 .3
26.40
22.00
2 4 .75
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
6 2 .5
60 .0
2 7 .50
2 6 .40
li
li
2
2
8-4-44
8-4-44
12
12
62 .5
5 0 .0
27.50
22.00
8-4-44
8-4-44
C h ic a g o , 111...................................... 1 7 0 .0
C in c in n a t i, O h io ........................... 7 0 .0
C le v e la n d , O h io ........................... W 7 .5
C o l u m b u s , O h i o ........................... 7 0 .0
D e t r o i t , M ic h .:
O u t s id e .......................................... 70 .0
P l a n i n g m a c h i n e ..................... 60 .0
G r a n d R a p i d s , M ic h .................. 75 .0
I n d ia n a p o li s , l n d ......................... 62 .5
K a n s a s C ity , M o .......................... 6 6 2 .5
M in n e a p o lis , M u m ...................... « 6 2 .5
O m a h a , N e b r ................................. 6 7 .5
P e o r ia , 111......................................... 62 .5
St. L o u is , M o ................................. 70 .0
St. P a u l , M in n .............................. « 6 2 .5
W ic h i ta , K a n s ............................... 6 2 .5
3 0 .80
3 0 .80
3 4 .10
3 0 .80
<’4
li
(*)
2
2
(!)
(J)
8
8
8
8
4
4
4
4
12
12
12
12
7 0 .0
65 .0
7 0 .0
6 0 .0
30.80
27.50
3 0 .80
26.40
8
8
8
8
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8 — 4 —44
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
70 .0
6 0 .0
6 2 .5
6 2 .5
62 .5
62 .5
6 2 .5
50 .0
62 .5
62 .5
56.3
3 0 .80
26.40
27.50
27.50
27.50
2 7 .50
2 7 .50
22.00
27.50
2 7 .50
2 4 .75
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
8-4-44
STONECUTTERS.
3 0 .80
26.40
3 3 .00
2 7 .50
27. 50
27.50
29.70
2 7 .50
30.80
27. 50
27.50
li
li
2
2
(s)
(»)
« li
li
li
2
2
2
(2)
(!)
2
li
li
li
2
2
2
2
-
4
4
4
4
-4
-4
-4
-4
-4
-4
-4
-4
-4
-4
-4
-4
4
4
4
4
METAL TRADES.
BLACKSMITHS.*
Chieago, HI.:
Outside................................... 8 7 .5 38.50
2
2
8-4-44
12 7 5 .0 3 3 .00
M anufacturing shops.......... 75 .0 3 6 .00
2
2
4 56 .0 26.88
»8-8-48
M anufacturing and jobbing
shops................................... 75 .0 36.00
2
2
4 5 6 .0 26.88
»8-8-48
H am m erm en, m anufacturing shops............................ 8 7 .5 4 2 .00
2
2
»8-8-48
4 7 0 .0 33.60
Railroad shops, road A ___ 6 8 .0 32.64
2
8-8-48
42.0 22.68
li
Railroad shops, road B ___ 68 .0 32.64
2
8-8-48
43.5 23.49
li
1 Scale became 81.3 cents on June 1, 1918.
* W ork prohibited.
* Scale became 80 cents on Aug. 1, 1918.
« Double tim e after first tw o hours.
* Scale became 67.5 cents on June 1,1918.
« Scale became 75 cents on June 15,1918.
» Scale became 75 cents on Ju ly 22,1918.
6 For explanation of changes in rates in railroad shops see p. 139.
»44 hours per week, June to Septem ber, inclusive.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Í991]
8 —4 —44
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
9-9-54
9-9-54
156
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
U N IO N SCALE OF W A GES AND H O U R S O F LA B O R IN EA C H T R A D E , IN T H E N O R T H
C E N T R A L ST A TES, ON MAY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
METAL TRADES —Continued.
M ay 15, 1918.
R ate of wagesOccupation and city.
Per
Per week, For
hour. full over
time. time.
For
Sun
days
and
holi
days.
May 15, 1917.
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
Hours—
H ours—
Sat
Full days; urday
Full days;
Saturdays; half
Per
Saturdays;
Full week. holi Per week,
Full week.
day. hour. full
time.
blacksmiths —continued.
Chicago, III.—Concluded.
R ailroad shops, road C—
F irst fire.............................
Second Are.........................
Chain fire............................
General fire............ .........
R ailroad shops, road D ___
R ailroad shops, road E —
H am m erm en.....................
Railroad shops..................
R ailroad shops, road F ___
Cincinnati, Ohio, railroad
shops.......................................
D avenport, Iowa, and Mo
line and Rock Island, 111.,
railroad shops.......................
Indianapolis, Ind.:
R ailroad shops, road A—
H eavy fire..........................
General f ir e ......................
Railroad shops, road B—
H eavy fire..........................
General lir e .......................
K ansas City, Mo.:
Railroad shops, road A ___
Railroad shops, road B ___
R ailroad shops, road C ___
R ailroad shops, road D ___
Railroad shops, road E —
F irst fire.............................
Second fire.........................
Light fire............................
Miscellaneous fire, railroad
shops, road F ....................
R ailroad shops, road H —
H eavy fire..........................
Car fire................................
Fram e fire..........................
R ailroad shops, road J ........
Railroad shops, road K ___
Milwaukee, Wis.:
Railroad shops.....................
H am m erm en.....................
Trip-ham m erm en.............
Minneapolis, Minn.:
Railroad shops, road A—
H eavy fire..........................
Second fire.........................
General locomotive and
spring fires.....................
General car fire.................
Regni ar rate
mult iplied
by
u
2
2
2
2
21
2
Cents.
68.5
69.5
68.0
68.0
68.0
Dolls.
32.88
33.36
32.64
32.64
32.64
71.0
68.0
68.0
34.08
32.64
32.64
2
H
H
68.0
32.64
68.0
32.64
68.0
68.0
32.64
32.64
31
»1
68.0
68.0
32.64
32.64
21
21
lì
li
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
32.64
32.64
32.64
32.64
21
li
lì
21
68.0
68.0
68.0
32.64
32.64
32.64
3li
3li
2li
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
Cents.
47.0
■45.0
39.5
43.5
41.0
Dolls.
25.33
24.25
21.28
23.44
22.14
i 9 - 8 -53
‘ 9-8-53
i 9 - 8 -53
‘9-8-53
9-9-54
2
2
2
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
55.5
43.5
50.0
29.97
23.49
27.00
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
2 lè
li
8-8-48
37.5
20.25
9-9-54
lì
lì
8-8-48
43.5
23.44
‘ 9-8-53
40.5' 21.87
38.5 20. 79
9-9-54
9-9-54
8 - 8 -48
8-8-48
41.5
38.5
22.41
20.79
9-9-54
9-9-54
lì
li
li
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
40.0
40.0
43.5
43.5
21.60
19.20
23.49
23.49
9-9-54
8-8-48
9-9-54
9-9-54
lì
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
47.5
45.5
38.5
25. 59
24.52
20.74
‘ 9-8-53
‘ 9-8-53
‘ 9-8-53
u
u
u
8-8-48
8-8-48
12
12
68.0
32.64
li
iì
8 “ 8 “48
43.5
23.44
‘9-8-53
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
32.64
32.64
32.64
32.64
32.64
li
li
iì
ii
H
H
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
3-8-48
8-8-48
44.0
37.0
46.5
43.5
41.0
23.76
19.98
25.11
23.49
22.14
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
‘ 9-8-53
68.0
68.0
68.0
32.64
32.64
32.64
‘ li
lì
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
32.5
45.5
35.0
16.58
23.21
17.85
«9-5-50
« 9 - 5 -50
«9-5-50
68.0
68.0
32.64
32.64
‘ li
‘ li
li
lì
8-8-48
8 -.8 -48
47.5
45.5
24.23
23.21
«9-5-50
«9-5-50
68.0
68.0
32.64
32.64
‘ lì
li
2 li
‘ li
‘ li
‘ li
iì
li
8-8-48
42.0 21.42
8-8-48
39.5 20.15
1 W ork 53 hours, paid for 53 hours and 53 m inutes.
2 T im e and one-half after 1 hour.
* Tim e and one-half after 1 hour; on Saturday for all overtime.
« Double tim e after m idnight.
» W ork 53 hours, paid for 54.
• W ork 50 hours, paid for 51; 53 hours, paid for 54, October to A pril, inclusive.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
‘ lì
li
li
[ 992 ]
«9-5-50
‘9-5-50
157
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
U N IO N SCALE O F W A GES AND H O U R S O F LA B O R IN EA C H T R A D E , IN
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A TES, ON MAY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
TH E
M ETA L T R A D E S —Continued.
May 15, 1918.
May 15, 1917.
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
H ours—
ours—
For HFull
Full days;
days; Sat
Per
Per
Sun
Saturdays; urday
Saturdays;
For
half Per week,
Per week, over days
Full week.
Full week. holi
hour. full
hour. full time.
and
time.
day.
time.
holi
days.
R ate of wages-
O ccupation and city.
blacksmiths —continued.
Regular rate
multiplied
Minneapolis. M inn.—Concld.
Cents. Dolls.
Railroad shops, road B— Cents. Dolls.
by --8-8-48
32.64
47.0 23.97
Big fire
............... 68.0
li
1li
43.5 22.19
8 - 8 *-48
General fire
................. 68.0 32.64 1 l i
li
i
if
47.5 24.23
8
8
4
8
General engine fire . . . . 68.0 32.64
lì
44.5 22. 70
8-8-48
Spring fire ...................... 68.0 32.64 1 l i
li
8-8-48
Tool fire .......................... 68.0 32. 64 1 l i
44.0 22.44
lì
8-8-48
41.0 20.91
Mixed fire.......................... 68.0 32.64 1 l i
li
8-8-48
38.5 19.64
Light fire............................ 68.0 32.64 ‘ l i
li
Railroad shops, road C—
48.5 24.74
8-8-48
Big fire................................ 68.0 32.64 1 l i
li
8-8-48
46.5 23.72
Spring f i r e ........................ 68.0 32.64 1 l i
lì
li
8-8-48
46.0 2.3.46
Tool ¿ire ............................ 68.0 32.64 1 l i
8-8-48
45.5 23.21
General fire .................... 68.0 32. 64 11Ì
lì
43.5 22.19
8-8-48
General f i r e ...................... 68.0 32.64 1 l i
lì
8-8-48
42.5 21.68
.................... 68.0 32.64 i l f
Mixed fire
li
8-8-48
Car fire................................ 68.0 32. 64 i 11
38.0 19.38
lì
8
8
4
8
Omaha.Nebr.: Railroad shops 68.0 32. 64 3 1
(4)
(4)
lì
St. Louis, Mo.:
M anufacturing shops.......... 50.0 27. 00
9-9-54
40.0 21.60
li
li
8-4-44
12 65.0 28. 60
O utside.........T___ ................ 80.0 35. 20
2
2
Railroad shops—
R oad A—
8 -8-48
32.5 17.23
Car fire............................ 68.0 32. 64. 3 1
li
Engine fire..................... 68. 0 32.64 5 1
8 - 8 - 48
44.0 23. 76
li
R oad B —
8
8
-4S
47.
5 25.59
First fire......................... 68.0 32. 64 5 1
lì
8-8-48
Second fire..................... 68.0 32.64 3 1
45.5 24. 52
li
lf
8-8-48
42.5 22.90
Miscellaneous fire......... 68.0 32. 64 3 1
38.5 20. 74
Light fire........................ 68.0 32.64 3 1
8-8-48
li
8-8-48
32.5 17. 23
Bolt m ak ers................... 68.0 32.64 5 1
li
R oad C—
49.0 26.46
Big fire............................ 68.0 32. 64
8
8
4
8
li
li
8-8-48
Second fire..................... 68.0 32.64
45.5 24. 57
li
li
23.49
8
8
4
8
43.5
Miscellaneous fires....... 68.0 32. 64
li
li
li
L ight fire........................ 68. 0 32. 64
8 - 8 -48
39.5 21.33
li
lf
43.0 23. 22
Miscellaneous fires........ 68.0 32.64
8-8-48
li
lf
39.5 21.33
Car fire............................ 68.0 32.64
8-8-48
li
R oad E ............................... 68. 0 32. 64
2
2'
8-8-48
52.5 25. 20
Road F ............................... 68. 0 32. 64
42.0 22.68
8-8-48
li
lì
8-8-48
43.5 23.44
R oad G .............................. 68.0 32. 64
li
lì
53.0 28. 56
R oad H .............................. 68.0 32.64
li
8-8-48
li
40.0 21.60
8 - 8 -48
R oad I ................................ 68.0 32. 64
li
li
St. Paul, Minn.:
R ailroad shops—
R oad A—
8-8-48
48.5 24. 74
F irst heavy fire............. 68.0 32. 64 1 l i
li
lf
8-8-48
46.5 23. 72
Second heavy fire......... 68. 0 32. 64 1 l i
23.21
8-8-48
General fire.................... 68.0 32. 64 1 l i
li
R oad B—
8-8-48
48.5 24.74
li
First heavy fire............. 68.0 32. 64 i l i
lf
46.5 23.72
8-8-48
Second heavy fire......... 68.0 32. 64 1 l i
lf
8-8-48
45.5 23.21
General engine fire....... 68.0 32.64 1 l i
43.5 22.19
8
8
4
8
General car fire............. 68.0 32.64 1 l i
lì
40.5 20. 66
8-8-48
Light car fire................. 68.0 32.64 1 l i
lì
1 D ouble tim e after m idnight.
2W ork 50 hours, paid for 51; 53 hours, p a id for 54, O ctober to April inclusive.
* Time and one-half after 1 hour.
« Not organized on May 15,1917.
6 Time and one-half after 1 hour: on Satu rd ay for all overtim e.
6 W ork 53 hours, paid for 53 hours and 53 m inutes.
82617°—18—
11
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[90S]
29
29
29
29
29
29
29
-
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
-50
-50
-50
-50
-50
-50
-50
29 29 29 29 29 29 29 (4)
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
-50
-50
-50
-50
-50
-50
-55
9-9-54
8-4-44
6 9 —8 -53
6 9 - 8 -53
69
^9
69
69
69
- 8
—8
-8
- 8
- 8
-53
—
53
-53
-53
-53
9-9-54
9-9-54
9 - 9 -54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
8-8-48
9 - 9 -54
«9-8-53
6 9 - 8 -53
9 - 9 -54
2 9 - 5 -59
2 9 - 5 -50
29 - 5 - 5 0
29
29
29
29
29
-
5
5
5
5
5
-50
-50
-50
-50
-50
158
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,
U N IO N SCALE OF W A GES AND H O U R S OF L A B O R IN EA C H T R A D E , IN T H E N O R T H
C E N T R A L ST A TES, ON MAY 15, 1918, A N D MAY 15, 1917—C ontinued.
METAL T R A D E S—Continued.
May 15,1918.
R ate of wagesOccupation and city.
For
Per
Sun
Per week, For days
hour. full over and
time. time. holi
days.
M ay 15, 1917.
H ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
H ours—
Sat
Full days; urday
Per
Saturdays; half
Fuji week. holi Per week,
hour. full
day.
time.
H ours—
Full days;
Saturdays;
Full week.
blacksmiths —concluded.
St. Paul, Minn.—Concluded.
R ailroad shops—Concld.
R oad C—
H eavy fire......................
Tool fire..........................
Mixed fire.......................
General fire................
General car fire.............
W ichita, Kans.:
R ailroad shops—
R oad A ...............................
R oad B —
Big fire.......................
General fire ................
R oad C ................................
■Regul ar rate
mult iplied
bh—
ill
14
7H
14
iH
14
7H
14
1H
14
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
Cents.
45.5
43.5
41.0
42.5
41.5
14
8-8-48
35.0
18.90
9-9-54
9li
3 14
3 14
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
46.5
44.0
44.0
22.22
21.03
23. 71
<8-7-47
<8-7-47
«9-8-53
62.5
48.0
27.50
23.04
8-4-44
8 8 - 8 -48
Cents.
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
Dolls.
32.64
32.64
32.64
32. 64
32.64
68.0
32.64
U
68.0
68.0
68.0
32.64
32.64
32.64
1*
1*
81
75.0
62.5
33. 00
30.00
2
2
2
2
8-4-44
8 8 - 8 -48
12
4
4
Dolls.
23.21
22.19
20.91
21.68
21.17
29
29
29
29
29
-
5
5
5
5
5
-50
-50
-50
-50
-50
blacksmiths ’ h e lpe r s .7
Chicago, 111.:
O utside..................................
M anufacturing shops..........
M anufacturing and jobbing
shops...................................
R ailroad shops—
R oad A ...............................
R oad B ...............................
R oad C—
F irst fire.........................
F irst fire.........................
Second Are.....................
Second fire.....................
Miscellaneous fires........
Miscellaneous fires........
Miscellaneous fires. . . . .
Miscellaneous fires.
R oad C................................
R oad D ...............................
R oad E ...............................
R oad F ...............................
D avenport, Iowa, and Moline
and Rock Island, 111.: R ail
road shops..............................
Indianapolis, Ind.:
R ailroad shops—
R oad A—
H eavy fire......................
General fire....................
R oad B ...............................
62.5
30.00
2
2
s 8 - 8 -48
45.0
21.60
«8-8-48
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
»1
lè
2
2
8-8-48
8-8-48
28.0
30.0
15.12
16. 20
9 - 9 -54
9-9-54
45. 1
45.0
45.0
45.1
45.0
45.3
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
21.65
21.60
21. 60
21.65
21.60
21.72
21.60
21.60
21.60
24.30
21.60
21.60
14
H
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
•8-8-48
8 - 8 -48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
32.0
31.5
31.5
32.0
31.5
32.0
30.0
31.0
36.0
28.0
28.0
29.0
17.24
16.97
16.97
17. 24
16.97
17.24
16.17
16. 70
19. 40
15.12
15.12
15.66
« 9 - 8 -53
« 9 - 8 -53
« 9 - 8 -53
«9-8-53
« 9 - 8 -53
«9-8-53
«9-8-53
« 9 - 8 -53
« 9 - 8 -53
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
45.0
21.60
14
8-8-48
28.0
15.94
77 9 i- 82-53
H
14
H
n
14
14
H
91
14
91
10 i
45.0 21.60 8 1
14
8-8-48
12 23.5 12.69
45.0 21.00
«1
14
12 21.8 11. 75
8-8-48
45.0 21.60 »1
8-8-48
23.5 12.69
14
1 Double tim e after m idnight.
2 W ork 50 hours, paid for 51; 53 hours, p aid for 54, O ctober to April, inclusive.
s W ith a m inim um of 5 hours’ p ay for 3 | hours’ or less work.
< W ork 47 hours, p aid for 47 hours and 47 m inutes.
6 T im e and one-half after 1 hour; on Saturday for all overtime.
8 W ork 53 hours, p a id for 53 hours and 53 m inutes.
7 For explanation of changes in rates in railroad shops see p. 139.
6 44 hours per week, June to Septem ber, inclusive.
9 Tim e an d one-half after 1 hour.
19 Tim e and one-half after 30 m inutes; on Saturday for all overtim e,
u W ork 56 hours, paid for 56 hours and 56 m inutes.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[994]
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
U N IO N
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
159
SCALE O P W A GES AND H O U R S O P LA B O R IN EA CH T R A D E , IN
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A TES, ON MAY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
TH E
METAL T R A D E S—Continued.
M a}-15,1918.
May 15,1917.
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
H ours—
For
Full days; Sat
urday
Per
Sun
Saturdays;
Per
For days
Per week, over
Full week. half Per week,
holi hour. full
hour. full time.
and
day.
time.
hohtime.
days.
R ate of wages—
O ccupation and city.
H onrs—
Full days;
Saturdays;
F ull week.
BLACKSMITHS’ HELPERS —Con.
Kansas C ity, K ans.:
R ailroad snops—
R oad A ...............................
R oad B ...............................
R oad C ................................
R oad D ............ • ..............
R oad E—
Miscellaneous f i r e ........
Light fire........................
R oad F ...............................
R oad H —
H eavy Are.......................
General Are....................
R oad J ................................
R oad K ..............................
Milwaukee, W is.:
R ailroad shops........ , ..........
H am m erm en’s
helpers,
railroad shops....................
Minneapolis, Minn.:
R ailroad shops—
R oad A—
H eavy Are......................
E ngine Are......................
Car Are............................
R oad B—
Big Are, o u tsid e............
Big Are, h eaters............
General Are....................
R oad C—
Big Are............................
Spring Are.................
General Are...............
O m aha,Nehr.: R ailroad shops
6 t. Louis, Mo.:
M anufacturing shops. . .
O utside.............................
R ailroad shops—
R oad A ..........................
R oad B—
H eaters......................
F irst Are....................
Second Are................
’ Miscellaneous A res..
R oad C—
Big Are.......................
Second Are................
Miscellaneous A res..
Miscellaneous Ares..
Car Are......................
Regu ar rate
mult iplied
h f—
11
li
1*
li
li
H
11
li
Cents.
45.0
45.0
45. 0
45.0
Dolls.
21. 60
21.60
21. 60
21. 60
45.0
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
21.60
*1
21
li
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
li
i*
11
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
Cents.
24.0
23.5
25.5
28.5
Dolls.
12.96
11.28
13. 77
15.39
9 - 9 -54
8-8-48
9-9-54
9-9-54
li
li
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
28.0
26.5
27.5
15.09
14. 28
14.82
» 9 - 8 53
»9-8-53
» 9 - 8 -53
li
11
11
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
27.0
26.0
27.0
22.5
14.58
14.04
14. 58
12.15
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
‘9-8-53
45.0
21.60
‘ ii
li
8-8-48
23.5
11.99
« 9 - 5 -50
45.0
21.60
‘ ii
li
8-8-48
24.5
12.50
«9-5-50
45.0
45.0
45.0
21. 60
21.60
21.60
‘ ii
‘ ii
‘ ii
11
li
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
26.2
25.0
25.0
13.52
12.75
12. 75
« 9 - 5 -50
«9-5-50
«9-5-50
45.0
45.0
45.0
21. 60
21. 60
21. 60
‘ ii
‘ ii
‘ ii
li
ll
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
27.5
28.0
26.5
14.03
14. 28
13.52
« 9 - 5 -50
« 9 - 5 -50
« 9 - 5 -50
45.0
45. 0
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
‘ ii
‘ ii
‘ ii
11
li
11
li
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
29.5
27.5
26.5
(7)
14. 75
14.03
13.52
(7)
« 9 - 5 -50
«9-5-50
«9-5-50
(7)
35.0
56.3
16.80
24.75
ii
2
li
2
8-8-48
8-4-44
30.0
42.5
16.20
18.70
9-9-54
8-4-44
12
45.0
21.60
li
li
8-8-48
23.0
12.39
»9-8-53
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
21
21
21
21
li
li
li
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
30.5
28.0
28.0
27.0
16.43
15.09
15.09
14.55
»9-8-53
»9-8-53
»9-8-53
»9 - 8 -53
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
21.60
8-8-48
li
32.5 17.55
li
21.60
11
8-8-48
li
30.0 16.20
21.60
11
8 —8 —48
li
29.0 15. 66
21.60
8-8-48
li
28.5 15.39
li
21.60
8 - 8 - 4 8 ...... 28.5 15.39
li
li
1Tim e a n d one-half after 1 hour.
2 Time and one-half after 1 hour; on S atu rd ay for all overtim e.
»W ork 53 hours, paid for 53 hours a n d 53 m inutes.
* D ouble tim e after m idnight.
6 W ork 53 hours, paid for 54.
•W o rk 50 hours, paid for 51; 53 hours, paid for 54, October to A pril, inclusive.
• N o t organized on May 15,1917.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[995]
9-9-54
9 - 9 -54
9-9-54
9-9-54
160
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW
U N IO N SCALE OF W A G ES AND H O U R S OF L A B O R IN EA C H T R A D E , IN
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A TES, ON MAY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
TH E
M ETA L T R A D E S —Continued.
May 15, 1918.
May 15, 1917.
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
II ours—
Hours—
Sat
For
Full days; urday
Full days;
Per
Sun
Saturdays;
Per
Saturdays;
For
half
Fer week,
days
Full
week.
Per
week,
Full week.
over and
holi hour. full
hour. full time.
day.
time.
holi
time.
days.
R ate of wages—
O ccupation and city.
BLACKSMITHS’ HELPERS —COn.
St. Louis. Mo.—Concluded.
Railroad shops—Concld.
Road E ..........................
Road F .............................
R oad G...............................
R oad H ..............................
Road I ..............................
S t. P au l, Minn.:
Railroad shops—
R oad A—
F irst heavy fire.............
Second heavv fire.........
General fire...............
R oad B—
F irst heavy fire.............
Second heavv fire.........
General fire....................
R oad C—
H eavy fire....................
General fire...................
W itchita, K ans.:
Railroad .shops—
R oad A ...........................
R oad B—
Big fire............................
General fire....................
R oad C......................
Cents. Dolls.
45.0 21.60
45.0 21.60
21. 60
45.0 21.60
45.0 21.60
Regular rate
multivlied
by
2
2
ij
li
11
U
1J
lì
lì
il
8 - 8 48
8 8 48 •
8 8 48
8 - 8 -48
8-8-48
Cents.
35.0
25.0
27.5
30.0
24.0
Dolls.
16.80
13.50
14.85
16.20
f2.96
8-8-48
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
45.0
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
21.60
1lì
1 lì
11*
iì
iì
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
. 8-8-48
30.0
30.0
28.0
15.30
15.30
14.28
2 9 - 5 -50
2 9 - 5 -50
2 9 - 5 -50
45.0
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
21.60
1lì
1 li
1lì
lì
li
li
8 _ g _48
8-8-48
8-8-48
29.5
27.5
26.5
15.05
14.03
13.52
2 9 - 5 -50
2 9 - 5 -50
2 9 - 5 -50
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
1lì
1lì
li
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
27.5
26.0
14.03
13.26
2 9 - 5 -50
2 9 - 5 -50
45.0
21.60
li
li
8-8-48
26.0
14.04
9-9-54
45.0
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
21.60
li
li
31
3li
3li
3li
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
28.0
26.0
27.0
13.38
12.42
14.55
<8-7-47
< 8 - 7 -47
8 9 - 8 -53
52.0
80.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
28.08
35.20
32.64
32.64
32.64
2
2
lì
lì
li
2
2
li
li
lì
9-9-54
8-4-44
8-8-48
8 - 8.-48
8-8-48
42.0
70.0
44.0
44.0
44.0
22. 68
30.80
23.76
23.71
21.12
9-9-54
8-4-44
9-9-54
«9-8-53
8-8-48
68.0
68.0
68.0
32.64
32.64
32.64
li
li
lì
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
47.5
47.5
47.0
25.65
25.65
25.38
9-9-54
io 9 - 8 -53
9-9-54
»40.0
62.5
19.80
30.00
81
»1
li
12 1J
2
38.0
50.0
18.81
24.00
BOILER M AKERS.7
Chicago, 111,:
M anufacturing and jobbing shops.................
O utside.........................
R ailroad shops, road B . . .
Railroad shops, road C.......
R ailroad shops, road E . . .
R ailroad shops, road G
and H .....................
R ailroad shops, road I . .
R ailroad shops, road J . . .
Cincinnati, Ohio:
M anufacturing shops..........
O utside......................
Outside, high tanks, and
smoke stac k s...................
Railroad shops, road B . . .
Railroad shops, road D . ..
Railroad shops, road F ___
12 l i
2
9 - 4i-49§
8-8-48
12
12
62.5 30.00
2
2
K £ 4£
62.5 30.00
68.0 32.64 8 1
8-8-48
36.5 18.37
li
68.0 32.64
81
8-8-48
42.0 22.68
li
(13)
(13)
68.0 32.64
81
1
8 - 8 -4S
1 D ouble tim e after m idnight.
2 W ork 50 hours, p aid for 51; 53 hours, p aid for 54, October to A pril, inclusive.
3 W ith a m inim um of 5 hours' p a y for 3J h ours' or less work.
* W ork 47 hours, p aid for 47 hours and 47 m inutes.
6 Time and one-half after 1 hour; on Saturday for all overtime
6 W ork 53 hours; paid for 53 hours and 53 m inutes.
i For explanation of changes in rates in railroad shops see p. 139.
8 Tim e and one-half after 1 hour.
8 Tim e a n d one-half after 2 hours.
10 W ork 53 hours, paid for 54.
11 Scale became 55 cents on June 1, 1918.
12 On new work; on repair work, double tim e.
11 N ot organized on May 15, 1917.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[996]
9 - 4Ì-49Ì
8-8-48
8 - 8 -48
9 - 5Ì-53S
9-9-54
(13)
U N IO N
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
161
SCALE O F W A GES AND H O U R S OF L A B O R IN EA C H T R A D E , IN
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A TES, ON MAY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
THE
M ETA L T R A D E S —Continued.
May 15, 1918.
M ay 15, 1917.
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
H ours—
Sat
For
Full days; urday
Per
Saturdays;
Sun
Per
half
Per week, For days
Full week. holi Per week,
hour. full over and
hour.
full
day.
time. time. holi
time.
days.
R ate of wages-
O ccupation and city.
Regniar rate
multiplied
Cleveland, Ohio:
Cents. Dolls.
by
Cents.
M anufacturing shops........ 60.0 29.70
2
9 - 4J-49J
12 50.0
1?
O utside................................. 75.0 33.00
2
2
8-4-44
12 62.5
R ailroad shops, road A __ 68.0 32.64 i 1*
8-8-48
41.5
li
R ailroad shops, road B __ 68.0 32.64
1
1
8-8-48
40.0
R ailroad shops, road C___ 68.0 32.64 i 1
8-8-48
41.5
lì
Columbus, Ohio: R a i l r o a d
shops, road B ...................... . 68.0 32.64 i 1
8-8-48
42.0
lì
D avenport, Iow a, Moline
and Rock Island, 111.:
C ontract shops................
350.0 27.00
2
2
9-9-54
43.0
R ailroad shops................
68.0 32.64
8-8-48
43.5
lì
li
Des Moines, Iowa:
M anufacturing shops. . .
555.0 29.70
2
2
9-9-54
45.0
81
R ailroad shops................
li
68.0 32.64
43.5
8-8-48
D e tro it, Mich.:
Ma nufacturing shops__
62.5 33.75 7 l i
2
9-9-54
40.0
O utside.............................
75.0 36.00
2
2
8 8 - 8 -48
62.5
R ailroad shops, road A .
68.0 32.64 «1
li
8-8-48
37.5
R ailroad shops, road B .
68.0 32.64
8 - 8 -48
34.0
lì
li
R ailroad shops, road C..
68.0 32.64 « 1
li
8-8-48
36.5
Railroad shops, road E .
68.0 32.64
91
8-8-48
lì
(10)
R ailroad shops, road F .
68.0 32.64 n 1
8-8-48
lì
(10)
G rand Rapids, Mich.:
68.0 40.12 12 1
1
R ailroad shops, road A .
8-8-48
38.0
R ailroad shops, road B .
68.0 40. 80 9 1
8 - 8 -48
39.5
li
Indianapolis, Ind.:
8-8-48
M anufacturing sh o p s__
50.0 24.00
li
2
42.0
8-8-48
O utside.............................
75.0 36.00
2
li
65.0
R ailroad shops, road A . . . 68.0 32.64
81
8-8-48
40.5
li
Railroad shops, road A,
«1
li
68.0 32.64
8-8-48
1 ayers-out and dangers
42.5
8-8-48
R ailroad shops, road B . . . 68.0 32.64 « 1
40.0
lì
R ailroad shops, road B,
63.0 32.64 8 1
li
8-8-48
layers-out and dangers
42.0
68.0 34.64
81
8-8-48
Railroad shops, road C..
42.0
lì
R ailroad shops, road D .
68.0 32.64
»1
8-8-48
(10)
li
K ansas City, Mo.:
2
9-9-54
M anufacturing shops. . .
i345.0 24.30
45.0
lì
2
8-8-48
2
O utside.............................
1462.5 30.00
62.5
61
Railroad shops, road A .
68.0 32.64
8-8-48
43.5
li
8-8-48
68.0 32.64 8 1
43.5
R ailroad shops, road B .
lì
8-8-48
li
68.0 32.64
43.5
R ailroad shops, road C..
li
61
8-8-48
68.0 32.64
43.5
Railroad shops, road D .
li
1 Tim e and one-half after 1 hour; on Saturday for all overtime.
2 54 hours per week, October to A pril, inclusive.
2 Scale became 55 cents on Ju ly 1, 1918.
4 W ork 53 hours, p aid for 54.
6 Scale became 60 cents on Ju ly 6,1918.
6 Time and one-half after 1 hour.
7 On new work; on repair w ork, double time.
8 44 hours per week June to Septem ber, inclusive.
9 Time and one-half after 2 hours.
10 No scale in effect on May 15, 1917.
11 Tim e and one-half after 3 hours.
12 Tim e and one-half after 2 hours; on Saturday after 1 hour.
13 Scale became 65.6 cents on June 1, 1918.
14 Scale became 75 cents on June 1, 1918.
•
BOILER MAKERS—c o n tin u e d .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[997]
Hours—
Full days;
SaturdaysFull week.
Dolls.
24.75
27.50
20.75
20.00
20.75
9 - 4J-49J
8-4-44
2 9 - 5 -50
2 9 - 5 -50
2 9 - 5 -50
21.00
9-5-50
23.22
23.44
9-9-54
<9-8-53
24.30
23.49
9-9-54
9-9-54
22.00
30.00
22.50
20.40
21.90
(“ )
(10)
1 0 - 5 -55
8-8-48
10 -10 -60
10 -10 -60
10 -10 -60
(10)
(10)
20.90
23.70
1 0 - 5 -55
10 -10 -60
21.00
31.20
21.87
9 - 5 -50
8 —8 —
48
9-9-54
22.95
21.60
9-9-54
9-9-54
22.68
22.68
(10)
9 - 9 -54
9-9-54
(10)
24.30
30.00
23.49
20.88
20.88
23.49
9-9-54
8 —8 —
48
9 - 9 -54
8-8-48
8-8-48
9-9-54
162
U N IO N
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
SCALE O F W A GES AND H O U R S OF LA B O R IN EA CH T R A D E , IN
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A T E S ON M AY, 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
THE
METAL T R A D E S—Continued.
May 15, 1918.
R ate of wages—
O ccupation and city.
For
-P er
Sun
For days
Per week, over
hour. full time. and
time.
holi
days.
May 15, 1917.
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
Hours—
Sat
Full days; urday
Per
Saturdays; half
Full week. holi Per week,
full
hour.
day.
time.
H ours—
Full days;
Saturdays;
Full week.
Regal ar rate
boiler m akers —continued.
multiplied
Cents. Dolls.
by—
K ansas City, Mo.—Concld. Cents. Dolls.
« 9 - 8 -53
8-8-48
44.0 23.71
R ailroad shops, road E ___ 68.0 32.64 1 1
li
«9-8-53
8-8-48
43.5 23.44
Railroad shops, road F ---- 68.0 32.64
li
Ü
' 8-8-48
9 - 9 -54
43.5 23.49
Railroad shops, road H ___ 68.0 32.64
li
li
9-9-54
81
43.5 23.49
R ailroad shops, road J ........ 68.0 32.64
li * 8 - 8 - 4 8
‘9-8-53
43.5 23.49
8-8-48
R ailroad shops, road K ___ 68.0 32.64 ‘ l i
lì
Milwaukee, Wis.:
1 0 - 5 -55
M anufacturing shops.......... 48.0 25.92 6 l i
2
9-9-54
37.0 20.35
8-4-44
2
72
8-4-44
12 62.5 27.50
O utside.................. .*.............. 62.5 27.50
»9-5-50
8-8-48
44.0 22.44
Railroad shops..................... 68.0 32.64 ‘ l i
‘ li
R ailroad s h o p s , round«8-8-56
9 8 - 8 -56
44.0 25.08
house................................... 68.0 38.76
‘ li
‘ li
Railroad s h o p s , round8-8-56
43.5 24.36
house................................... 68.0 38.08
8-8-56
lì
li
Minneapolis, Minn.:
«9-5-50
8-8-48
45.5 23.31
Railroad shops, road A ___ 68.0 32.64
li
‘ li
8 9 - 5 -50
8-8-48
47.0 23.97
R ailroad shops, road B ---- 68.0 32.64
‘ li
lì
«9-8-53
8-8-48
44.0 23.71
Omaha, Nebr: R ailroad shops 68.0 36.64 1 1
li
Peoria, 111.:
9 - 9 -54
Jobbing sh o p s....................... 65.0 32.50
2
2
9-5-50
12 40.0 21.60
9-9-54
8-8-48
43.5 23.49
R ailroad shops, road A ___ 68.0 32.64 1 14
li
9-9-54
8-8-48
42.0 22.68
R ailroad shops, road B ___ 68.0 32.64 1 l i
li
9-9-54
8-8-48
39.0 21.06
R ailroad shops, road C....... 68.0 32.64
3 li
li
9-5-50
R ailroad shops' road D ___ 68.0 32.64 1 Ü
8-8-48
12 39.0 19.50
li
St. Louis, Mo.:
M anufacturing shops.......... 105O.O 24.00 6 l i
8-8-48
1 1 9 - 4i-49i
40.0 19.80
6li
12 8 - 4 -44
8-4-44
O utside................................ 50.0 22.00
12 45.0 22.28
" li
6li
9-9-54
R ailroad shops, road A ___ 68.0 32.64
li
8-8-48
44.0 23.76
31
«9 - 8 -53
R ailroad shops' road B ___ 68.0 32.64 1 1
8-8-48
44.0 23.71
li
Railroad shops, road B,
flue welders........................ 68.0 32.64 1 1
8-8-48
« 9 - 8 -53
36.5 19.67
li
Railroad shops, road B,
inspectors........................... 68.0 32.64 1 1
li
8-8-48
46.5 25.06
«9-8-53
8-8-48
9-9-54
R ailroad shops, road C___ 68.0 32.64
45.0 24.30
11
8-8-48
9-9-54
R ailroad shops, road C....... 68.0 32.64
45.0 24.30
li
lì
9-9-54
R ailroad shops', road F ___ 68.0 32.64 3 1
8-8-48
42.0 22.68
lì
« 9 - 8 -53
R ailroad shops, road G ___ 68.0 32.64 11
8-8-48
43.5 23.44
li
8-8-48
9-9-54
Railroad shops, road I ........ 68.0 32.64
43.5 23.49
li
li
St. Paul, M in n .:'
«9-5-50
Railroad shops, road A ___ 68.0 32.64
8-8-48
47.0 23.97
‘ li
li
R ailroad shops, road C....... 68.0 32.64
47.0 23.97
»9-5-50
li
8-8-48
lì
10 -10 -60
R ailroad shops' road D ___ 68.0 32.64 1* 1 "
8 - 8 - 4 8 ...... 45.5 27.30
lì
1T im e and one-half after 1 hour; on Saturday for all overtime.
« W ork 53 hours paid for 53 hours and 53 minutes.
3 Time a n d one-half after 1 hour.
4 Double tim e after m idnight.
» W ork 53 hours, p aid for 54.
8 On new work; on repair work, double tim e.
7 For Labor Day, triple time.
8 W ork 50 hours, paid for 51; 53 hours, paid for 54, October to April, inclusive.
9 Work 56 hours, paid for 57.
'
19 Scale became 55 cents on Ju n e 14, 1918.
n 54 hours per week, September to A pril, inclusive.
72 W ork 44 hours, paid for 49J hours, May to August, inclusive; 48 hours, paid for 54, SeptemDer to April,
inclusive.
« Tim e and one-half after 1 hour; double tim e after m idnight.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
4
[998]
U N IO N
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
163
SCALE O F W A GES A N D H O U R S O F LA B O R IN EA C H T R A D E , IN
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A TES, ON M AY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
THE
METAL T R A D E S—Continued.
M ay 15,1918.
May 15, 1917.
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
H ours—
H ours—
Sat
For
Full days; urday
Full days;
Per
Saturdays;
Sun
Per
Saturdays;
For
half
Per week,
days
Full
week.
Per
week,
Full
week.
holi hour. full
hour. full over and
time.
day.
time.
holi
time.
days.
R ate of wages-
O ccupation and city.
boiler makers —continued.
Cents.
W ichita, K ans.:
Outside, calkers................... 68.8
Outside, riv e te rs.................. 65.6
Railroad shops, road B — 68.0
Railroad shops, road B,
n ig h t................................... 68.0
R ailroad shops, road B,
layers-out a n d Hangers. . 68.0
R ailroad shops, road B,
roundhouse........................ 68.0
Railroad shops, road C....... 68 0
Railroad shops, road C,
n ig h t................................... 68.0
Railroad shops, road C,
running repair m a n ......... 68.0
Chicago, 111.:
M anufacturing and jobbing shops.......................... 42.0
O u ts id e .. r ............................ 70.0
Railroad shops, road B ___ 45.0
Railroad shops, road C....... 45.0
R ailroad shops, road E . . . : 45.0
Railroad shops, road H __ 45.0
R ailroad shops, road I ........ 45.0
Cincinnati, Ohio:
M anufacturing shops.......... 1027.5
O utside.................................. 1027.5
R ailroad shops, road B ___ 45.0
Railroad shops, road D __ 45.0
R ailroad shops, road F ___ 45.0
Cleveland, Ohio:
M anufacturing shops.......... 46.0
Outside field w ork............... 65.0
R ailroad shops, road A ___ 45.0
R ailroad shops, road B ___ 45.0
R ailroad shops, road C....... 45.0
D avenport, Iowa, and Mo
line and Rock Island,
111.:
Contract shops..................... H35.0
Railroad shops..................... 45.0
Des Moines, Iowa:
M anufacturing shops.......... 1537.5
Railroad shops. . . ~............. 45.0
Dolls.
33.00
31.50
32.64
32.64
Degul ar rate
mult ■plied
Cents. Dolls.
62.5 30.00
6 2 :5
30.00
4 4 .0
21.02
by
2
2
Ü
*1
2
2
1 14
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
*8-7-47
1 14
8-8-48
4 4 .0
26.39
<9§- 8§-57
32.64
li
1 14
8-8-48
46.5
22.22
2 8 —7 —
47
32.64
32.64
61
61
114
1 14
8-8-48
8-8-48
44.0
44.0
23.71
23.71
«9-8-53
«9-8-53
32.64
31
»14
8-8-48
44.0
26.39
4 9J- 82-57
32.64
61
1 14
8-8-48
44.0
23.71
«9-8-53
22.68
30.80
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
2
2
11
61
14
2
2
14
14
14
8l
14
9-9-54
8-4-44
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
35.0
60.0
29.0
28.0
23.5
31.5
31.0
18 90
26.40
15.66
15.09
11.28
17.01
16.74
9-9-54
8-4-44
9-9-54
«9 8 53
8-8-48
9-9-54
9 9 - 8 -53
n u
1114
25.0
12.38
13.20
10.57
13. 61
13.61
21.60
21.60
21.60
7l
2
71
71
1
l|
2
14
14
1
22.77
28.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
H
14
61
1
61
2
2
18.90
21.60
2
14
2
14
1
14
14
9 - 4M 94
9 - 4^-494
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
12
.
12
12 27.5
21.0
(Ì2)
(12)
(12)
(12)
9 - 44-494
12
8-4-44
12
8-8-48
8-8-48
8 - 8 - 48 ..........
35.0
56.3
25.0
27.5
30.0
17.33
24.75
12.50
13.75
15.00
9-8-54
8-8-48
30.0
16.20
15.36
12 28.5
9 - 4J-49J
8-8-48
9 - 5^-50$
(!2)
(12)
9 - 4J-49J
8-4-44
- 5 -50
73 9 - 5 -50
1» 9 - 5 -50
13 9
9-9-54
«9-8-53
(16)
(i.) . (M)
2
9-9-54
8-8-48
...... 26.0 14.04
9-9-54
14
1 W ith a m inim um of 5 hours’ pay for 3J hours, or less work.
2 W ork 47 hours, paid for 47 hours a n d 47 m inutes.
2 Tim e and one-half after 1 hour and 40 m inutes; on Saturday after 40 m inutes.
< W ork 57 hours, paid for 59 hours and 59 minutes.
6 Time and one-half after 1 hour; on Satu rd ay for all overtim e.
6 W ork 53 hours, paid for 53 hours and 53 m inutes.
7 Tim e a n d one-half after 1 hour.
8 Tim e and one-half after 2 hours.
9 W ork 53 hours, paid for 54.
10 Scale became 35 cents on June 1, 1918.
11 On new work; on repair work, double time.
72 No scale in effect on May 15, 1917.
13 54 hours per week, October to April, inclusive.
14 Scale became 37.5 cents on Ju ly 1,1918.
16 Scale became 40 cents on July 6,1918.
is Not organized on May 15,1917.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
20.25
21.60
2
71
[999]
164
U N IO N
M O N T H L Y LA BO R R E V IE W ,
SCALE O F W A GES AND H O U R S OF L A B O R IN EA C H T R A D E , IN
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A TES, ON MAY 15, 1918, A N D MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
TH E
M ETA L W O R K E R S —Continued.
May 15,1918.
May 15, 1917.
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
Sat
For H ours—
urday
Per
Sun
Full days;
Per
Per week, For days
Saturdays; half Per week,
hour. full over and
Full week. holi hour. full
day.
time. time. ho’itime.
days.
R ate of wages—
O ccupation and city.
BOILER MAKERS— c o n c l d .
D etroit, Mich.:
M anufacturing shops..........
O utside..................................
R ailroad shops.....................
Grand R apidsfM ich.:
R ailroad shops, road A ___
R ailroad shops, road B ___
Indianapolis, Ind.:
R ailroad shops, union A ...
R ailroad shops, union B ...
K ansas City, Mo.:
M anufacturing shops..........
Outside w ork........................
R ailroad shops, road C .......
R ailroad shops, road D ___
R ailroad shops, road E ___
R ailroad shops, road F . . . .
R ailroad shops, road H _____
R ailroad shops, road J ............
R ailroad shops, road K _____
H ours—
Full days;
Saturdays;
Full week.
R e q u l a r r a te
m u lt ip lie d
by—
C e n ts . D n i i s .
C e n ts . D o l l s .
40.0
62.5
45.0
21.60
30.00
21.60
2
2
2
l i
li
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
21
81
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
41
4 1
530.0
«56.3
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
16.20
27.00
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
b o i l e r m a k e r s ’ h e l p e r s .n
Milwaukee, Wis.:
M anufacturing shops ................
O utside..................................
R ailroad shops, road A .'...
R ailroad shops, road A,
roundhouse....................
R ailroad shops, road B,
roundhouse........................
Minneapolis, Minn.:
Railroad shops, road A ___
R ailroad shops, road B ___
O maha, Nebr.: R ailroad
shops...................................
Peoria, 111.:
Jobbing shops.......................
R ailroad shops.....................
9-9-54
8 8 48
8 - 8 -48
30.0
Ä0 0
31.0
16.50
1 0 - 5 -55
18! 60
10 -10 -60
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
24.0
25.0
13.20
15.00
1 0 - 5 -55
10 -10 -60
lì
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
22.5
24.5
12.15
13.23
9-9-54
9-9-54
2
Ü
2
2
li
ü
9-9-54
8 8 48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
n
1
4 1*
1
7
li
li
4 li
9 1Ï
12
li
li
li
li
lì
30.0
16.20
.5fi 3
27 .6
9-9-54
13 90
3
28.5
28.0
27.5
27.0
26.5
25.0
15.39
15.09
14.82
14.58
14. 31
13.50
25.0
50.0
23.5
22.00
11.99
8-4-44
14 9 - 5 -50
16 8 - 8 -56
3
9
10
43
9-9-54
9 - 8 -53
9 - 8 -53
9-9-54
9
9
-
54
8 -53
•
40.0
50.0
45.0
21.60
22.00
21.60
12 112
9 li
2
13 2
li
9-9-54
8-4-44
8 - 8 -48
12
13 75
ID
5
55
45.0
25.65
9 lì
li
8-8-56
23.5
13.40
45.0
25.20
Lì
li
8-8-56
23.0
12.88
8-8-56
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
9li
9li
li
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
25.5
25.5
13.01
12.75
14 9 - 5 -50
14 9 - 5 -50
45.0
21.60
71
lì
8-8-48
12
28.0
15.09
8 9 - 8 -53
50.0
45.0
25.00
23.85
2
2
9-5-50
8-8-48
12
25.0
29.0
13.50
15. 66
9 - 9 -54
9 - 9 -54
71
li
1 44 hours per week, June to A ugust, inclusive.
2 Tim e and one-half after 2 hours; on S aturday after 1 h o u r.
8 Tim e and one-half after 2 hours.
4 Time and one-half after 1 hour.
6 Scale became 50 cents on June 1,1918.
6 Scale became 68.8 cents on June 1, 1918.
7 Tim e and one-half after 1 hour; on S atu rd ay for all overtim e.
8 W ork 53 hours, paid for 53 hours and 53 m inutes.
9 Double tim e after m idnight.
10 W ork 53 hours, p aid for ¡54.
11 For explanation of changes in rates in railroad shops see page 139.
12 On new work; on old work, double time.
18 For Labor Day, trip le tim e.
14 W ork 50 hours', paid for 51; 53 hours, paid for 54, October to A pril, inclusive.
16 W ork 56 hours, paid for 57
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
8
8
[ 1000 ]
165
M O N T H L Y LA B O E R E V IE W ,
U N IO N SCALE OF W A G ES AND H O U R S OE LA B O R IN EA C H T R A D E , IN T H E
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A TES, ON MAY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
M E T A L T R A D E S —Continued.
M ay 15, 1918.
May 15, 1917.
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
ours—
Sat
For HFull
days; urday
Per
Sun
Per
For days
Saturdays; half
Per week, over
Full week. ho’i- Per week,
hour. full time. and
hour.
full
day.
time.
ho’.itime.
days.
R ate of wages-
O ccupation and city.
BOILERMAKERS’ H ELPERS—
concluded.
St. Louis, Mo.:
M anufacturing shops..........
O utside..............................
R ailroad shops, road A ..
Railroad shops, road B ..
R ailroad shops, road C ...
R ailroad shops, road F ..
St. P aul, Minn.:
Railroad shops, road A ____
Railroad shops, road C ___
W ichita, K ans :
O utside..................................
R ailroad shops, road B ___
R ailroad shops, road B
roundhouse........................
R ailroad shops, road B
night w ork.........................
R ailroad shops, road C.......
R ailroad shops, road C
running repair m en..........
R ailroad shops, road C
night w o rk .........................
C e n ts .
D o lls .
i 35.0
338.0
45.0
45.0
45,0
45.0
16.80
16.72
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
45.0
45.0
59.4
45.0
R e g n i a r r a te
m u lt ip lie d
by —
2U
2 lì
31
«1
3lì
2lì
E
8-8-48
8-4-44
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8H
51
lì
li
lì
21.60
21.60
8 11
8 1Ì
1%
1
2
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
28.50
2
2
8-8-48
21.60
45.0
21.60
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
45.0, 21.60
45.0
21. 60
70.0
70.0
79.0
80.0
70.0
62.5
34. 65
34.65
34. 65
33. 40
33.60
27.50
li
io il
61 « lì12! 1011
61 10li
61 io l ì
121 10lg
12
8-8-48
Hours —
Full days;
Saturdays;
Full week.
C e n ts .
D o lls .
25.0
28.1
24.5
28.0
26.5
24.0
12.38
13.92
13.23
15.09
14.31
12.96
9 - 4i-49i
<8-4-44
9-9-54
’ 9-8-53
9-9-54
9-9-54
24.5
24.0
12.50
12.24
»9-5-50
»9-5-50
56.3
27.00
13.38
8-8-48
n 8- 7 -47
28.0
8-8-48
29.0
15.63
’ 9-8-53
8-8-48
8- S -48
28.0
27.0
16.80
14. 55
1391- 81-57
8-8-48
27.0
14.55
’9-8-53
8-8-48
27.5
16.50
’391-
52.5
55.0
55.0
62.5
50.0
12 45.0
25.99
24.20
27.23
30.00
24.00
19.80
h
’ 9-8-53
8|-57
COPPERSMITHS.
Chicago, 111.:
Shops A .................................................
Shops B .-...............................
In sid e .....................................
O utside...............................
C incinnati, O h io ....................
St. Louis, Mo............................
H
li
2li
2
li
2
2
2
2
2
2
9 - 4|-49-i
9 - 4J-49J
9 - 4i-49|
8- 8-4S
8§- 4|-48
8-4-44
12
12
12
12
9- 4i_49|
8-4-44
9 - 4J-49|
8-8-48
81- 41-48
8-4-44
CORE MAKERS.
lì
2
8-8-48
56.3 27.00
8-8-48
Chicago, 111............... ................ 68.8 33.00
2
9-9-54
44.4 23.98
9-9-54
Cincinnati, Ohio...................... «55.6 30. 02
li
U 9 - 9 -54
l ì 16 2
4 44.4 24. 00
i’ 9 - 9 -54
Cleveland, O hio........ ............. 61.1 33.00
lì
2
9-9-54
D etroit, M ich............................ 01.1 33.00
50.0 27.00
9-9-54
2
9-9-54
44.4 24.00
9-9-54
G rand R apids, M ich............... 44-, 4 24.00
li
2
9 - 9 -54
44.4 24.00
9-9-54
Indianapolis, l n d .................... 55.5 30.00
li
2
9
9
5
4
9
-9-54
50.0
27.00
Kansas C ity, Mo...................... 60.0 32.40
lì
2
9-9-54
9-9-54
36.1 19. 50
Minneapolis, M inn.................. 55.5 30. 00
li
2
9-9-54
45.0 24.30 is 9 - 9 -54
O maha, N eb r............................ 55.5 30.00
lì
2
9-9-54
44.4 24.00
9-9-54
Peoria, 111.................................. 50.0 27.00
li
2
9 - 9 -54
9-9-54
50.0 27.00
St. Louis, Mo............................ 61.1 33.00
li
2
9-9-54
44.4 24.00
9-9-54
lì
St. Paul, M inn......................... «55.5 30.00
1 Scale became 38.5 cents on June 14, 1918.
2 For new w ork, bn old w ork double time.
¡>Scale became 41.8 cents on June 14, 1918.
4Work 44 hours, paid for 49| hours, May to A ugust, inclusive; 48 hours, paid for 54, Septem ber to April,
Inclusive.
5 Tim e and one-half after 1 hour.
6 Tim e and one-half after 1 hour; on Saturday for all overtime.
’ W ork 53 hours, paid for 53 hours and 53 m inutes.
8 D ouble tim e after m idnight.
6 W ork 50 hours, paid for 51; 53 hours, paid for 54; October to A pril, inclusive.
W ith a m inim um of 5 hours’ pay for 3 | hours’ or less work,
u W ork 47 hours, paid for 47 hours and 47 m inutes.
n Tim e and one-half after 1 hour and 40 m inutes; on Saturday after 40 m inutes.
13 W ork 57 hours, paid for 59 hours and 59 m inutes.
>< 54 hours per week, October to April, inclusive.
1» Scale became 58.3 cents on May 16,1918.
i®Time and one-half on Saturday afternoon. May to August, inclusive.
17 50 hours per week, May to August, inclusive,
is 49J hours per week, May 16 to Sept. 15, inclusive,
is Scale became 58.3 cents on Aug. 1,1918.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1001]
166
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W ,
U N IO N SCALE OF W AGES AND H O U R S O F L A B O R IN E A C H , T R A D E IN T H E
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A TES, ON MAY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
METAL TRADES —Continued.
May 15, 1918.
May 15, 1917.
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
H ours—
Sat
For
Full days; urday
Per
Saturdays; half
Per
Sun
Per week,
Per week, For days
Full week. holi
hour. full over and
hour.
full
day.
time. time. holi
time.
days.
R ate of wages-
O ccupation and city.1
MACHINISTS!
Chicago, 111.:
A 11-round m e n ......................
B rew eries...............................
O utside...................................
Specialists..............................
Tool and die m akers...........
R ailroad shops, road B ___
R ailroad shops, road C ___
R ailroad shops, road E ___
R ailroad shops, road F ___
R ailroad shops, road H ___
R ailroad shops, road I ........
R ailroad shops, road J ........
Railroad shops' road K . . . .
R ailroad shops, road L ___
C incinnati, Ohio:
A ll-round m en, manufactu rin g shops......................
A utomobile ."..........................
B rew eries...............................
Jobbing (repair shops)........
O u ts id e .. ........... t . l ........
Sewing-machine adjusters.
Tool and die makers, manufacturing shops...............
R ailroad shops, road A ___
R ailroad shops, road B ___
R ailroad shops, road C ___
R ailroad shops, road D ___
Railroad shops, road E ___
Cleveland, Ohio:
M anufacturing shops___ 1.
O utsid e..................................
Specialists..............................
Tool and die m akers...........
R ailroad shops.....................
Columbus, Ohio:
M anufacturing shops..........
R ailroad shops, road A ___
R ailroad shops, road B ___
R ailroad shops, road C ___
R ailroad shops, road D ___
R ailroad shops, road E ___
D avenport,Iow a, and Moline
and Rock Island, 111.:
Railroad shops.....................
Des Moines, Iowa:
M anufacturing shops..........
R ailroad shops . . . . ' .............
Regniar rate
multiplied
Cents.
65.0
67.5
85.0
43.0
71.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
Bolls.
31.20
32.40
37.40
20.64
34.08
32.64
32.64
32. 64
32.64
32.64
32. 64
32. 64
32. 64
32.64
842. 0
37.5
42.5
842.0
1250.0
49.0
20.16
lì
1
18. 75
20.40 4 l ì .
20.16 11 l i
24.00 u l ì
25.00
1"
2
li
2
2
2
1*
n
• ii
1
81
51
H
?1
li
2
1|
2
2
2
li
li
li
1
li
li
li
li
li
2
1
10 2
2
2
1
8J- 5i-48
(9) *
8-8-48
8-8-48
8J- 5J-48
' (9)‘
48.0
42.6
40.0
42.5
42.0
38.5
23.04
22.98
21.60
22.95
22.68
20.79
8 i- 5i-48
9"- 9"-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
12
12
12
12
45.0
65.0
36.1
58.3
42.0
22.50
28.60
18.06
29.17
21. 00
9-5-50
8-4-44
9-5-50
9-5-50
9-5-50
12
40.0
19. 80
9 - 4J-49J
(Ì3 )
(13)
(13)
(13)
(1 3 )
(1 3 )
(1 3 )
(1 3 )
(IS )
43.5
23.44
43.5
23.49
23.49
li
li
li
li
li
8-8-48
§ - 8 -48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
60.0
85.0
40.0
70.0
68.0
30. 00
37. 40
20.00
35.00
32. 64
4li
4li
4li
4li
61
2
2
2
2
li
9-5-50
8-4-44
9 - 5 -50
9-5-50
8-8-48
40.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
19.80
32. 64
32.64
32.64
32.64
32.64
4li
li
H
11
11
11
2
li
li
li
lì
li
9 - 4J-49J
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
68. 0
32.64
li
lì
8-8-48
2
55. 0 29. 70 4 l i
9-9-54
68.0 32, 64 1 1
8-8-48
li
1 For explanation of changes in rates in railroad shops see p. 139.
2 44 hours per week, June to Septem ber, inclusive,
s W ork 53 hours, paid for 53 hours and 53 m inutes.
•
CD
......
6 Tim e and one-half after 1 hour; on Saturday for all overtime.
6 W ork 53 hours, paid for 54.
I Tim e and one-half after 1 hour.
8 Scale became 50 cents on June 1, 1918.
9 N ot organized on May 15, 1917.
1» For Sundays, Ju ly 4, Labor D ay, and Christmas; other holidays, single tim e.
II D ouble tim e after 10 p. m.
12 Scale became 60 cents on June 1,1918.
13 No scale in effect on May 15,1917.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-4-44
8 - 8 -48
8-8-48
9-9-54
«9-8-53
8-8-48
9-9-54
9 -8A-53A
«9-8-53
8-8-48
9-9-54
8-8-48
20.16
(9)
20.40
20.16
24.00
(9)
lì
li
11
li
11
11
[ 1002 ]
Bolls.
26. 40
28.80
33.00
20.64
29. 28
23.49
23.44
24.96
22.68
24.43
25.65
20.16
24.30
20.40
42.0
(9)
42.5
42.0
50.0
(9)
28.80
32.64
32. 64
32.64
32.64
32. 64
4Double time after midnight.
4
8-8-48
8 i- 8J-50
8”- 8”-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8 i- 8i-51
60.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
2
Cents.
55.0
60.0
12 75.0
4 43.0
4 61.0
43.5
43.5
52.0
42.0
46.0
47.5
42.0
45.0
42.5
2 8 - 8 -48
8-8-48
8-4-44
2 8 - 8 -48
2 8 - 8 -48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
H ours—
Full days;
Saturdays;
Full week.
(1 3 )
(1 3 )
(!3 )
(1 3 )
•
(!3 )
39
_
8 -53
9-9-54
9-9-54
167
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
U N IO N SCALE O F W A G ES AND H O U R S OF LA B O R IN EA C H T R A D E , IN T H E
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A T E S , ON H A Y 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
METAL TRADES—Continued.
May 15,1918.
May 15, 1917.
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
Sat
u r
day
Per
half Per week,
holi hour. full
day.
time.
R ate of wagesO ccupation a n d city.
For
Per
For Sun
Per week, over
days
hour. full
and
tim e. time. holi
days.
Hours—
F u ll days;
Saturdays;
F u ll week.
H ours—
F ull days;
Saturdays;
F ull week.
machinists —continued.
D etroit, Mich.:
All-round m en, manufaeturing shops, A .................
All-round m en, manufaeturing shops, B .................
O utside...................................
Jobbing shops.......................
Tool and die m akers, manufacturing shops, A .........
Tool and die m akers, manufacturing shops, B .........
Tool and die m akers (die
m akers’ trim m ers)...........
Tool a nd die m akers (die
sinkers)...............................
R ailroad shops, road A . . . .
R ailroad shops, road D . . .
G rand Rapids, Mich.:
M anufacturing shops, A . . .
M anufacturing shops, B . . .
M anufacturing shops, C___
Tool and die makers,
shops A .............................
Tool and die makers,
shops B ...............................
Tool and die makers,
shops C............................
R ailroad shops, road A ___
R ailroad shops, road B . . . .
Indianapolis, Ind.:
Breweries...............................
M anufacturing shops..........
R ailroad shops, road A . . . .
R ailroad shops, road B ___
Railroad shops, road C ___
K ansas City, Mo.:
B rew eries...............................
M anufacturing shops..........
O utside.................................
Tool and die m akers, manufaeturing shops...............
R ailroad shops, road A ___
R ailroad shops, road B ___
Railroad shops, road C . . . .
Railroad shops, road D ___
R ailroad shops, road E ___
Railroad shops, road F ___
R ailroad shops, road H ___
R ailroad shops, road I ........
R ailroad shops, road J ........
Railroad shops, road K ___
Cents. Dolls.
75.0 37.50
Regular rate
multivlied
by—
2
ü
9 - 5 -50
12
12
Cents. Dolls.
47.0 23.50
72.5
80.0
72.5
39. 88
38. 40
39.15
n
u
i|
2
2
2
1 0 - 5 -55
8 -8
48
9-9-54
80.0
38.40
Ü
2
8-8-48
.......... 52.0
42.0 23.10
fi9 5 an on
45.0 24.30
26.00
9 -5
50
1 0 - 5 -55
9 -9
54
9-5-50
77.5
37.20
li
2
8-8-48
48.0
26.40
1 0 - 5 -55
70.0
33.60
li
2
8-8-48
50.0
27.50
10
100 . 0
6 8 .0
6 8 .0
48.00
32.64
32.64
li
2
li
li
-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
35.0
35.0
35.0
18.90
20.65
16.80
li
u
li
li
li
2
9-9-54
8 10 - 9 -59
8-8-48
11
11
8
8
3
31.0
35.5
18.60
19.17
2 10
9
27.5
27.5
27.5
14.85
16.23
13.20
9
10
- 5 55
~
0 <)5
10 fid
Q 54
8 -8
9 54
9 59
-48
-
9 -5 4
60.0
32.40
li
li
9-9-54
60.0
35.40
li
li
3 10 - 9 -59
60.0
68.0
68.0
28.80
40.12
40.80
li
1
11
2
1
li
8 8 48
8-8-48
8-8-48
38.0
39.5
20.90
23.70
10 5 55
10 -10 -60
52.5
S62.5
68.0
68.0
68.0
25.20
30.00
34.00
36. 72
36.72
<l i
1li
81
1
71
2
2
li
li
li
8 8 48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
47 5
38.5
38.5
40.5
93 75
19.25
20. 79
21.87
9 5 50
9 5 50
9 9 —Sd
9-9-54
75.0
75.0
62.5
36.00
36.00
27.50
i 1J
*li
4l i
2
2
2
8 8 48
8-8-48
8-4-44
5f) o
62.5
94 no
2?! 50
8
8
78.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
37.44
32.64
32.64
32.64
32.64
32.64
32.64
32.64
32.64
32.64
32.64
li
71
li
li
1
81
4
2
li
li
1-ì
li
li
li
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
52.5
4.3.5
42.5
43.5
43.5
44.0
43.5
44.0
42.5
43.5
.......... ' 43.5
25. 20
23.49
20. 40
23.49
23.49
23. 71
23. 44
23. 76
22.95
23.49
23.49
8
8 48
8
8 48
7
7
li
3
12
27.5
14.85
27.5
16.23
li
71
li
71
li
2
4li
1 Tim e an d one-half after 2 hours.
2 W ork 70 hours every other week.
8 55 hours per week, June to A ugust, inclusive.
* Double tim e after m idnight.
6 Scale became 65 cents on June 10, 1918.
8 Tim e a n d one-half after 1 hour; on Satu rd ay for all overtime.
7 Tim e and one-half after 1 hour.
* Work 53 hours, paid for 53 hours and 53 m inutes.
* W ork 53 hours, paid for 54.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
tr\
lu
[1008]
9
10-9
0
8 48
4 44
9 9
9 8
s9 8
9 -9
8
9
59
0 —48
0
9
54
53
53
-54
54
* 9 - 8 -53
168
M O N T H L Y LA B O R R E V IE W ,
U N IO N SCALE OF W A GES AND H O U R S O F LA B O R IN EA CH T R A D E , IN T H E
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A TES, ON MAY 15, 1918, AN D MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
METAL TRADES —Continued.
May 15, 1918.
R ate of w agesO ccupation and city.
For
Per
Sun
For days
Per week, over
hour. full time. and
time.
holi
days.
machinists —continued.
Milwaukee, Wis.:
B rew eries...............................
M anufacturing shops..........
R ailroad shops.....................
Minneapolis, Minn.:
M anufacturing sh o p s..........
R ailroad shops, road A ___
R ailroad shops, road B ___
Om aha, Nebr.:
M anufacturing sh o p s..........
M anufacturing and jobbing sh o p s........................
R ailroad shops, road A . . . .
R ailroad shops, road B ___
Peoria, 111.:
Jobbing sh o p s.......................
R ailroad shops, roads A
and B ..................................
Railroad shops, road C . . . .
R ailroad shops, road D . . . .
St. Louis, Mo.:
B rew eries...............................
M anufacturing shops..........
O utsid e..................................
P rintin g machinery, repair sh o p s..........................
Specialists*.............................
Tool and die m ak ers,..........
R ailroad shops, road A ___
R ailroad shops, road B,
d a y ......................................
Railroad shops, road B,
night w o rk .........................
R ailroad shops, road C___
D o ................................
R ailroad shops, road C,
nig h t w o rk .........................
D o ................................
R ailroad shops, road F . . . .
R ailroad shops, road G ___
R ailroad shops, road H ___
Cents. Bolls.
155.0 24.20
42.0 22.05
32.64
6 8 .0
Reaul ir rate
multiplied
by—
* 1 * 32
2
W
‘ là
‘Ü
« 40.0 21.60
32.64
6 8 .0
32.64
6 8 .0
1?
‘H
‘ li
60.0
28.80
60.0
28.80
32.64
32.64
8 55.0
6 8 .0
6 8 .0
6 8 .0
11 57.5
60.0
75.0
27.60
28.80
33.00
‘ lì
‘ li
60.0
45.0
65.0
6 8 .0
26. 40
21.60
31.20
32. 64
‘ li
‘ li
‘ lì
91
68.0
36. 64
io 1
68.0
68.0
68.0
32.64
32.64
32.64
13
6S. 0
68.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
32.64
32.64
32.64
32.64
32.64
6 8 .0
6 8 .0
H ours—
F u ll days;
Saturdays;
F u ll week.
8-4-44
9J- 5 -52i
8-8-48
May 15, 1917.
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
Sat
u r
day
Per
half Per week,
holi hour. full
time.
day.
12
12
Cents.
55.0
42.0
43.5
Dolls.
24.20
22. 05
22.19
40.0
53.0
45.5
21.60
25.44
23.21
8-4-44
9-i- 5 —
52J
9-5-50
li
li
9-9-54
8-8-48
8-8-48
4 li
li
8-8-48
45.0
24.30
9-9-54
li
li
li
li
li
li
8-8-48
8 - 8 -48
8-8-48
50.0
45.5
44.0
27.00
24.57
23. 71
9-9-54
9-9-54
7 9 - 8 -53
26. 40
2
2
8-8-48
45.0
24.30
9-9-54
32.64
32. 64
32.64
li
lì
lì
lì
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
43.5
42.5
42.5
23.49
21.25
21.25
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-5-50
2
2
2
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-4-44
55.0
44.0
62.5
26.40
23.76
27.50
2
2
2
8 -8
8 -8
50.0
82 0
55. 0
46.5
24.00
17 9.8
29 70
25.11
91
10 1
2
2
li
8 - 4 -44
48
48
8-8-48
12
12
9-9-54
8-7-47
«9-5-50
8-8-48
_ 9 -5 4
8-4-44
12 9
8-8-48
9 54
9 .54
9 - 9 -5 4
12 9
12 9
lì
8-8-48
44.0
23.71
1
li
Ü
là
li
44 0
là
8 8 48
8-8-48
8-8-48
4 5 .0
4 5 .0
20 29
21. 60
24.30
14 10 9 59
8-8-48
9-9-54
1J
lì
91
li
li
li
li
li
8 - 8 48
8 - 8 48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
45 0
45 n
42.0
43.5
43.5
91 00
22.68
23.44
23.49
8 8 48
9 9 54
9-9-54
7 9 - 8 -53
9-9-54
10 1
.............
li
1 Scale became 65 cents on June 4, 1918.
2 Double tim e after 2 hours.
5 Time and one-half on Saturday afternoon for 2 hours; double tim e thereafter.
‘ Double tim e after m id n ig h t.
* Scale became 72.5 cents and 48 hours on June 6, 1918.
6 W ork 50 hours, paid for 51; 53 hours, paid for 54, October to A pril, inclusive.
7 Work 53 hours, paid for 53 hours and 53 m inutes.
8 Scale became 75 cents on Ju ly 3. 1918.
9 Time and one-half after 1 hour.
19 Time and one-half after 1 hour; on S atu rd ay for all overtim e.
11 Scale became 61.5 cents on June 16, 1918.
12 H ours vary, b u t total 54 per week.
13 Tim e and one-half after 2 hours; on Saturday after 1 hour.
14 Work 59 hours, paid for 59 hours and 59 m inutes.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
H ours—
F ull days;
Saturdays;
F ull week.
[1004]
79
- 8 -53
169
M O N T H L Y LA BO R R E V IE W .
U N IO N SCALE OF W A GES AND H O U R S OF LA B O R IN EA C H T R A D E , IN T H E
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A TES, ON MAY 15, 1918, AN D MAY 15, 1917—Continued.
METAL TRADES—Continued.
May 15, 1918
May 15, 1917.
R ate of wagesO ccupation and city.
For
Per
Sun
Per week, For days
hour. full over and
time. time. holi
days.
H ours—
F u ll days;
Saturdays;
F u ll week.
machinists —concluded.
Regular rate
St. Paul, Minn.:
multiplied
All-round men, manufac- Cents. Dolls.
by—
turine* shops........k............ 1 40.0 21.60 2 1 J
2
R ailroad shops, road A ___ 6 8 .0 32.64 2 l i
Ü
R ailroad shops, roads B
32. 64 2 l i
6 8 .0
and C ..............................
li
R ailroad shops, road E ___ 6 8 .0 32.64
2 li
li
W ichita, Kans:
Railroad shops, road A ___ 6 8 .0 32.64
li
li
Railroad shops, road B ---- 6 8 .0 32.64
li
4 li
R ailroad shops, road B,
running repair m en......... 6 8 .0 32.64 « 1
‘ li
R ailroad" shops, road C,
dayw o rk ............................. 6 8 .0 32.64 8 1
‘ li
Railroad shops, road C,
night w o rk ......................... 6 S. 0 32.64 8 1
‘ li
Railroad shops, road D ___ 6 8 .0 32.64
li
li
R ate of
wages—
Mos.
w ith
Sat
u r
day
Per
half Per week,
holi hour. full
day.
time.
H ours—
F ull days;
Saturdays;
F u ll week.
9 9 54
8-8-48
Cents. Dolls.
40.0 21.60
45.5 23.21
8-8-48
8-8-48
53.0
45.5
27.03
23.21
8-8-48
8-8-48
44.0
44.0
23.76
2 0 .6 8
38
q
39
Q 54
- 5 -50
3 9 5 50
3 9 - 5 -50
9-9-54
- 7 -47
8-8-48
44.0
26.39
7 91-
81-57
8-8-48
44.0
23. 76
9g
8
8-8-48
8-8-48
44.0
44.0
2 0 .6 8
7 9§- 8 §
23.76
53
57
“9 - 8 - 5 3
MACHINISTS’ HELPERS.10
Chicago, 111.:
M anufacturing shops..........
O utside..................................
Railroad shops, road B ___
R ailroad shops, road C__
Cincinnati, Ohio:
Railroad'Shops, road A ___
R ailroad shops, road B ___
Railroad shops, road C.......
Cleveland, Ohio:
O utside..................................
D avenport, Iowa, and Moline and Rock Island, 111.:
Railroad shops.....................
Indianapolis, Ind.:
Railroad shops, road B ---Kansas City, Mo.:
Breweries...............................
O utside..................................
Railroad shops, road A ___
R ailroad shops, road B ---Railroad shops, road C.......
R ailroad shops', road D ___
R ailroad shops, road E ___
R ailroad shops, road F ___
Railroad shops, road H ___
Railroad shops, road I ........
Railroad shops, road J ........
Railroad shops^ road K ___
18.24
38.0
50.0
45.0
45.0
2 2 .0 0
2
2
2
2
21.60
21.60
li
li
li
li
8 - 8 -48
8-4-44
8-8-48
8-8-48
45.0
45.0
45.0
21.60
24.30
21.60
li
12 1
li
li
li
li
8-8-48
9-9-48
8-8-48
45.0
19.80
2
8-4-44
45.0
21.60
45.0
21.60
50.0
50.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
24.00
2 2 .0 0
24.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
2
li
n
4
12
38.0
50.0
23.5
26.5
11.34
11.61
1 1 .8 8
9-9-54
9 9 54
9-9-54
45.0
19.80
8-4-44
“9 - 8 - 5 3
li
12 1
li
8 -8
48
26.5
14.28
li
8 -8
-4-8
21.5
11.61
li
2 li
2
2
48
8-4-44
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
36.0
43.8
25.0
23.5
22.5
22.5
22.5
26.5
22.5
25.0
24.0
22.0
17.28
19.25
13.50
11.28
12.15
12.15
12.12
14.28
12.15
13.50
12.96
12 1
Ü
li
1
8 1
Ü
Ü
12 1
12 1
li
li
li
lì
Ü
li
li
li
li
li
6, 1918.
8
8
[1005]
8-8-48
8-4-44
9-9-54
“9 - 8 - 5 3
2 2 .0
2 li
1 Scale became 72.5 cents and 48 hours on June
2 Double tim e after m idnight.
s W ork 50 hours, paid for 51; 53 hours, paid for 54, A pril to October, inclusive.
* W ith a m inim um of 5 hours’ pay for 3J hours’ or less work.
5 W ork 47 hours, paid for 47 hours and 47 m inutes.
* Tim e and one-half after 1 hour and 40 m inutes; on Saturday after 40 m inutes.
7 W ork 57 hours, paid for 59 hours and 59 m inutes.
»Tim e and one-half after 1 hour; on Satu rd ay for all overtim e,
s W ork 53 hours, p aid for 53 hours and 53 m inutes.
10 For explanation of changes in rates in railroad shops see p . 139.
17 44 hours per week, June to September, inclusive.
12 Tim e and one-half after 1 hour.
13 W ork 53 hours, p aid for 54.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
12.69
14.28
21.5
2 1 .0
12
18.24
2 2 .0 0
1 1 .8 8
9-9-54
8 48
4 44
9-9-54
8-8-48
9 _ 9 ~_54
9-9-54
“9 - 8 - 5 3
“9 - 8 - 5 3
9-9-54
9-9-54
9 - 9 -54
13 9 _ 8 -53
8
8
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W ,
170
U N IO N
OF
SCA LE
N O R T H
W A O E S
C E N T R A L
A N D
S T A T E S,
OF
H O U R S
O N
M A Y
L A B O R
15, 1918, A N D
IN
EA C H
M A Y
T R A D E ,
IN
T H E
15, 1917— C o n t i n u e d .
METAL TRADES—C o n t i n u e d .
May 15,1918.
May 15,1917.
R ate of
wages—
R ate of wagesO ccupation and city.
For H ours—
Per
Sun F u ll days;
Saturdays;
Per week, For days
over and
F u ll week.
hour. full time.
tim e.
holi
days.
MACHINISTS' H ELPERS—
concluded.
Minneapolis, Minn.: Railroad
shops......................................
Peoria, 111.:
Railroad shops, road C.......
Railroad shops' road D ___
St. Louis, Mo.:
Railroad shops, road A ___
R ailroad shops, road B ___
R ailroad shops, road B,
night w o rk .........................
R ailroad shops, road C.......
Railroad shops, road C,
night w o rk ....................................
Railroad shops, road C...........
R ailroad shops', road F ____
R ailroad shops, road G ____
St. Paul, Minn.:
Railroad shops, road A ___
Railroad shops, road C . . . .
W ichita, Kans.:
Railroad shops, road B,
running repair m en ..............
R ailroad“ shops, road B,
back sh o p .......................................
Railroad shops, road C ..........
R ailroad shops, road C,
night w ork ....................................
Cents. Dolls.
45.0 21.60
Mos.
w ith
Sat
u r
Per
day Per
half hour. week,
full
holi
tim e.
day.
H ours—
F ull days;
Saturdays;
F ull week.
Regular rate
multiplied
by
1Ü
H
8-8-48
Cents. Dolls.
26.5 12.72
*8-7-47
li
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
12
23.0
23.0
12.42
11.50
9-9-54
9-5-50
27.0
22.5
14.58
___... .
9-9-54
*9-8-53
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
3 1
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
31
<1
li
là
8-8-48
8-8-48
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
8 1
U è
li
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
22.5
24.0
13.50
12.96
45.0
45.0
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
li
lj
il
<1
li
li
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
8-8-48
24.0
24.0
25.0
27.5
12.96
11.52
13.50
14.82
9 9 54
8-8-48
9-9-54
*9-8-53
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
1 U
U è
li
8-8-48
8-8-48
21.5
27.0
11.61
14.58
»9-8-53
»9-8-53
45.0
21.60
9 1
10
li
8-8-48
22.5
13.50
n 9f- 8J-57
45.0
45.0
21.60
21.60
10
li
22.5
10 i ì
2 3 .5
10.75
11.23
li
4 1
8-8-48
8-8-48
45.0
21.60
18 1
li
8-8-48
23.5
1 2 .6 6
»
Chicago, 111.............................................. 56.0
Cincinnati, Ohio ..............................: 45.0
Jobbing shops ................................. 50.0
Cleveland, Oliio ................................. 1655.0
Columbus'. O hio ................................. 37.5
D avenport, Iowa, and Moline and Rock Island, 111... 66.7
D etroit, Mich.:
Shops A ................................. 63.0
Shops B .................................. 66.6
Shops C ................... ..
63.0
Shops D ................................. 63.0
Stove w orks.......................... 66.6
G rand R apids, Mich............... 50.0
Indianapolis, in d .................... 45.0
K ansas City, M o..................... 60.0
Milwaukee j W is....................... 50.0
26.88
23.63
24.00
26.40
20.63
22.08
1 U
1 li
u
li
16 2
8 f - 41-48
9 i- 5 -52i
5ÌU8
14 g~ 8*-48
36.00
li
2
41
1
31
la
11
18
1 2 .1 2
t 10
- 9 59
9-9-54
g _ 7 -4 7
*9-8-53
9 |- 81-57
METAL POLISHERS AND
BUFFERS.
11
2
2
2
2
8f -
41-48
9 i- 5 -521
8
8 -4 8
14 8 - 8 48
1 0 - 5 -55
12
46.0
40.0
43.8
50.0
35.0
3
56.5
12
12
y
17
9 - 9 -54
2 1 .0 0
2 1 .0 0
24.00
19.25
30.51
2
37.80
40 0 24 00
10 -10 60
li
2
36.00
55.0 29. 70
9 - 9 54
li
34.02
2
50.0 27 00
18 9
9 54
li
3Ì.50
2
9-5-50
12 40.0 2 0 .0 0
li
2
55 0 2« 88
36.00
18 9
7§—52i
li
H
2
27.00
9 - 9~ 54
47.2 25.50
22.50
li
2
12 40.0 2 0 .0 0
9-5-50
28.80 1 l i
2
8 - 8 48
50.0 24.00
24.75
2
12
9 - 41-491
40.0 22.00
11
1 Double tim e after m idnight.
2 W ork 47 hours, p aid for 48.
3 Time and one-half after 1 hour.
4 Tim e and one-half after 1 hour; on S aturday for all overtime.
6 W ork 53 hours, paid for 53 hours and 53 m inutes.
8 Tim e and one-half after 2 hours; on Saturday after 1 hour.
TW ork 59 hours, paid for 59 hours and 59 m inutes.
* W ork 53 hours, p aid for 54.
9 Tim e an d one-half after 1 hour and 40 m inutes; on Saturday for all overtime.
18 W ith a m inim um of 5 hours’ pay for 3 | hours’ or less work.
11 W ork 57 hours, paid for 59 hours and 59 m inutes.
12 W ork 47 hours, paid for 47 hours and 47 m inutes.
13 Tim e and one-half after 1 hour and 40 m inutes; on Saturday after 40 m inutes.
14 H ours vary, b u t total 48 per week.
15 Scale became 63 cents on Ju ly 1,1918.
•
16 Time and one-half on Saturday afternoon.
17 50 hours per week, June to A ugust, inclusive.
18 50 hours per week, November to February, inclusive.
19 W o r k 52i h o u r s , p a i d fo r 54.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1006]
8 i_
1 0 -5
-5 5
9-9-54
10 10 00
9 9 54
9 9 54
9-5-50
18 9 71 521
9 9" 54"
9 - 5 -5 9
8 - 8 -4S
10-5-55
171
M O N T H L Y LA B O R R E V IE W ,
U N IO N SCALE O F W A GES AND H O U R S O F LA B O R IN EA CH T R A D E , IN T H E
N O R T H C E N T R A L ST A TES, ON M AY 15, 1918, AND MAY 15, 1917—Concluded.
METAL TRADES—Concluded.
May 15,1918
May 15, 1917.
R ate of wagesO ccupation a n d city .
For HFours—
u ll days;
Sun Saturdays;
Per
For
Per week,
days
F u ll week.
hour. full over and
tim e. time. ho li
days.
MOLDERS, IRON.
Chicago, 111................................
Cincinnati, Ohio......................
C levelan d ,O h io.......................
Columbus, O hio......................
D etroit, Mich............................
Des Moines, Iow a....................
G rand R apids, M ic h .............
Indianapolis, In d .....................
K ansas City, Mo......................
M inneapolis’ M inn..................
Omaha,* N ebr............................
Peoria, 111..................................
St. Louis, Mo............................
St. P au l, M inn.........................
Cents. Dolls.
6 8 .8
33.00
155.5 30.00
61.1 33.00
58.3 31.50
61.1 33.00
50.0 27.00
44.4 24.00
55.5 30.00
60.0 32.40
55.5 30.00
55.5 30.00
55.5 30.00
61.1 33.00
0 55.5 30.00
Begul ir rate
mult 'plied
by
là
H
là
là
là
là
là
là
là
là
là
là
' là
là
2
2
22
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
8-8-48
9-9-54
«9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
Mos.
R ate of
w ith
wages—
Saturday
Per
half Per week,
holi hour. full
day.
tim e.
Cents.
56.3
44.4
4 44.4
44.4
50.0
40.0
44.4
44.4
50.0
44.4
45.0
44.4
50.0
47.2
H ours—
F u ll days;
Saturdays:
full week.
Dolls.
27.00
24.00
24.00
24.00
27.00
21.60
24.00
24.00
27.00
24.00
24.30
24.00
27.00
25.50
8-8-48
9-9-54
9-9-54
9 - 9 -54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
4 9 - 9 -54
9-9-54
9-9-54
9-9-54
PATTERN M AKERS, WOOD.
Chicago, 111.:
M a n u f a c t u r i n g shops,
wood and m e ta l............... 75.0
Jobbing shops, wood........... 90.0
C incinnati, Ohio:
M a n u f a c t u r i n g shops,
w ood................................... 65.0
Jobbing shops, wood........... 70.0
Cleveland, Ohio:
M anufacturing shops........... 75.0
Jobbing sh o p s....................... 0 80.0
Colum bus, O h io ...................... 7 60.0
D avenport, Iowa, and Mo
line a n d R ock Island, 111.:
M anufacturing shops.......... 055.0
Jobbing sh o p s....................... 70.0
D etroit, Mich.:
M anufacturing shops A,
wood a n d m e ta l.............. 75.0
M anufacturing shops B,
wood a n d m e ta l............... 75.0
Jobbing sh o p s............. ......... 85.0
G rand Rapids* Mich.:
M anufacturing shops A ___ 65.0
M anufacturing shops B ___ 65.0
Jobbing shops A ................... 75.0
Jobbing shops B ................... 75.0
Indianapolis, Ind.:
M anufacturing shops........... H70.0
Jobbing sh o p s....................... i280.0
K ansas City, Mo...................... 1855.0
Milwaukee, Wis.:
Jobbing sh o p s....................... 1070.0
Minneapolis, M inn.................. 55.0
St. Louis, Mo.:
M anufacturing shops........... 70.0
Jobbing shops....................... 1075.0
St. P a u l, M inn......................... 55.0
40.50
39.60
2
2
2
2
9-9-54
8-4-44
12
55.0
75.0
29.70
33.00
9-9-54
8-4-44
34.13
35.00
2
2
2
2
9 i- 5 -524
9-5-50
12
12
48.0
60.0
25.20
30.00
9à- 5 -52J
9 - 5 -5Ó
40.50
35.20
33.00
2
2
là
2
2
2
12
12
57.5
62.5
52.5
31.05
27.81
28.88
9-9-54
8 - 4Ì-441
1 0 - 5 -55
30.25
35.00
là
là
U
2
23.60
32.45
1 0 - 9 -59
.10 - 9 -59
n o - 5 -55
9-5-50
12
40.0
55.0
4
37. 50
2
2
9-5-50
12
55.0
27.50
9-5-50
40.50
37.40
2
2
2
2
9-9-54
8-4-44
12
55.0
65.0
29.70
28.60
io 9 _ 9 _54
8-4-44
39.00
35.10
33.38
37.50
là
là
2
2
2
2
2
2
- 10-60
9-9-54
8 - 41-441
9-5-50
12
12
50.0
50.0
55. 0
55.0
27.00
24.75
27. 23
27. 50
9 - 9 -54
9 - 4J-491
9 - 41-491
9-5-50
35.00
35.20
27.50
2
2
2
2
2
2
9-5-50
8-4-44
9-5-50
12
12
12
45.0
55.0
(“ )
22.50
24.20
(“ )
9-5-50
8-4-44
(14)
30.80
29.70
là
là
2
8-4-44
9-9-54
12
2
55.0
48.0
25.71
26.40
81- 4-1-461
10 - 5 -55
35.00
33.00
29.70
2
2
2
2
2
9-5-50
8-4-44
9-9-54
12
12
là
53.0
60.0
46.0
26.50
26. 40
25.30
9-5-50
8-4-44
1 0 - 5 -55
1 Scale became 58.3 cents on May 16,1918.
2 Time an d one-half on S atu rd ay afternoon, May
to A ugust, inclusive.
350 hours per week, May to A ugust, inclusive.
* 491 hours per week, May 19, to Sept. 15, inclu
sive.
5 Scale became 58.3 cents on Aug. 1,1918.
6 Scale became $1 on Ju ly 1,1918.
7 Scale became 75 cents on Ju n e 1,1918.
8 Scale became 60 cents on June 1,1918.
* 59 hours per week, Septem ber to A pril, inclusive.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
9-9-54
8-4-44
1 0 - 5 -55
10
i° 50 ho u rs per week, Septem ber to March, inclu
sive.
n Scale became 80 cents on Ju ly 1,1918.
12 Scale became 85 cents on June 1, a nd 90 cents
on Ju ly 1,1918.
73 Scale became 65 cents on Ju ly 1, a nd 70 cents
on Aug. 1,1918.
17 No scale in effect on May 15,1917.
16 Seale became 75 cents on Ju ly 1,1918.
w Scale became 90 cents on June 17,1918.
[ 1007 ]
172
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
WAR BONUSES FOR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES IN GREAT BRITAIN.
An account was given in the Monthly Labor R eview for August,
1918, pages 84-89, of the functions of the Conciliation and Arbitration
Board for Government Employees in Great Britain and of the awards
made to employees in the civil service to the end of 1917.
Two awards have recently been made which affect a large propor
tion of the employees in the civil service. These awards were made
in response to claims presented by six associations in the post office
department and general civil service for further temporary increases
in remuneration owing to war conditions.
The three classes whose claims were presented were those whose
ordinary remuneration does not exceed 60s. (.$14.60) a week and who
are in receipt of a war bonus under award No. 17; those whose
ordinary remuneration exceeds 60s. ($14.60) weekly but does not
exceed £500 ($2,433.25) a year and who are in receipt of a war
bonus under award No. 18, and employees whose ordinary remunera
tion exceeds £500 ($2,433.25) a year. No claim had previously been
made in behalf of the last class. The first two classes of employees
are dealt with in awards Nos. 51 and 52; the last is reserved by the
board for further consideration.
A claim which was made by some of the applicants that the
treasury ruling by which the war bonus is considered in calculating
the civil pay of married employees serving with the military forces
should be extended to single men having dependents was not allowed
as this was considered by the committee to be outside the scope of
their authority to determine.
Under award No. 51, granted by the board, employees receiving
less than 60s. ($14.60) a week are granted such further increases,
owing to the continuance of abnormal conditions, as will bring the
total amount of the war bonus for men of 21 years and upwards to 19s.
($4.62), for men under 21 but not under 18 years of age to 15s. ($3.65),
and for men under 18 years of age to 9s. 6d. ($2.31) weekly; women 18
years old and over will receive 12s. 6d. ($3.04), and those under 18 years
of age 9s. 6d. ($2.31) weekly-—these awards to take effect as from
July 1, 1918. If in any cases employees had been granted temporary
increases in excess of the amounts payable under award No. 17, this
increase does not apply to them.
Award No. 52 deals with permanent employees whose ordinary
remuneration exceeds £156 10s. ($761.61) a year but does not
exceed £500 ($2,433.25). The award for men gives an annual war
bonus over and above any such increases they are now receiving
of £15 ($73) and provides that in no case shall the total of the war
bonus be less than £50 ($243.33). In the case of women the addi-
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1008]
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
173
tional award is £10 ($48.67) yearly and in no case shall the total
war bonus be less than £33 ($160.59). This award also was effective
July 1, 1918.
WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR IN GERMANY DURING THE WAR.1
W AGES.
In order to arrive at some general conclusion as to the trend of
wages of adult workers in Germany during the war period in various
industry groups, the imperial statistical office at fixed periods has
sent out schedules to all the industrial establishments from which it
receives monthly reports on the state of employment. Among
other things the statistical office inquired concerning the number of
full days worked by adult male and female workers, the sum of wages
paid to them, and their regular weekly net hours of labor in the
last two full weeks of March and September, 1914, 1915, 1916, and
1917. Although the compilation of the data obtained has not been
completed, the statistical office from time to time has published in the
Reichs-Arbeitsblatt preliminary statements of the principal results.
The most recent of these statements has been published in the
Reichs-Arbeitsblatt of April 27, 1918, and brings the investigation to
September, 1917.
In its various statements on the subject of wages the imperial
statistical office repeatedly admits that the data on this point were
very scant—only 374 questionnaires relating to 12 industry groups
were filled out properly during the investigation for September,
1917—and that, therefore, the results could not be considered typical.
The most recent investigation shows that the upward tendency
of the wage curve of adult workers has continued during the period
March to September, 1917, and that at the end of that period the
average daily wages of both male and female adult workers were
more than twice as high as in March, 1914, the wages of male workers
having increased 109.1 per cent and those of female workers 112.7
per cent. For each of the eight periods of investigation the average
daily wage of male and female workers has been the following:
A V ER A G E D A IL Y W A GE O F A D U L T W O R K E R S IN G ER M A N Y , A T S P E C IF IE D P E R IO D S .
Average daily wage of—
Period.
Male workers.
L ast two full weeks of March, 1914......................................................................
Last tw o full weeks of September, 1914.............................................................
L ast tw o full weeks of March, 1915......................................................................
L ast tw o full weeks of September, 1915..............................................................
L ast two full weeks of March, 1916.....................................................................
L ast tw o full weeks of Septem ber, 1916..............................................................
L ast tw o full weeks of March, 1917.....................................................................
L ast tw o full weeks of Septem ber, 1917..............................................................
Marks.
5.16 ($1.23)
5.12 ( 1. 22)
5.88 ( 1.40)
6.55 ( 1.56)
7. 00 ( 1.67)
7.55 ( 1. 80)
9.08 ( 2.16)
10. 79 ( 2.57)
Fem ale
workers.
Marks.
2.29 ($0.55)
1.94 ( . 46)
2. 25 ( .54)
2. 55 ( . 61)
3. 02 ( . 72)
3. 52 ( . 84)
4.06 ( . 97)
4. 87 ( 1.16)
1 See also “ Wages in G erm any,” in M o n th ly R e v ie w for December, 1917, pp. 40-00.
82617°— 18------ 12
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1009]
174
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
According to the preceding data the wages of male workers expe
rienced the largest increase during the six months’ period from
September, 1916, to March, 1917, namely, of 20.3 per cent. This
phenomenon may be due to the coming in force of the auxiliary
service law and the greatly increased production of war materials
during the period in cpiestion consequent to the so-called Hindenburg program. During the subsequent period of March to Septem
ber, 1917, the increase was less marked, amounting only to 18.8 per
cent. The average wages of female workers did not increase in the
same measure during the period September, 1916, to March, 1917,
as in the preceding six months’ period; the increase was 15.3 per
cent as against 16.6 per cent. In the period March to September,
1917, however, the increase amounted to 20 per cent, the largest
increase for any of the eight periods of investigation.
As to the development of wages in the individual industry groups
the results of the most recent investigation were as follows:
W A GES IN MARCH, 1914, A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1917, AND P E R C EN T O F IN C R E A SE IN
S E P T E M B E R , 1917, O V ER M ARCH, 1914, IN S P E C IF IE D IN D U S T R Y G R O U PS.i
Average daily wages of—
In d u stry group.
Male workers.
March,
1914.
M achinery.........................
E lectrical...........................
Iron and m e ta l. . . . . ___
Chemical............................
P a p e r..................................
W oodworking...................
Food........................ ...........
Leather and ru b b e r........
E a rth s and stones...........
September,
1917.
Marks.
Marks.
5.32 ($1.27)
10.79 ($2.57)
4. 52 ( 1.08) ' 10.93 ( 2.60)
5.55 ( 1.32)
11. 81 ( 2. 81)
5.14 ( 1.22)
9. 89 ( 2. 35)
3.93 ( .94)
7.37 ( 1.75)
4.22 ( 1.00)
7.80 ( 1.86)
5.70 ( 1.36)
7.51 ( 1.79)
5.04 ( 1.20)
7.79 ( 1.85)
4.45 ( 1.06)
7.07 ( 1.68)
Female workers.
Per
cent
of in
crease.
March,
1914.
September,
1917.
102.8
141.8
112.8
92.4
87.5
84.8
31.8
54.6
58.9
Marks.
2.28 ($0.54)
2.75 ( 65)
2.06 ( 49)
2.36 ( 56)
2.15 ( 511
1.99 ( 47)
2.10 ( 50)
2.80 ( 67)
1.67 ( 40)
Marks.
4.88 ($1.16)
6.18 ( 1.47)
5.67 ( 1.35)
5.18 ( 1.23)
4.09 ( .97)
3.81 ( .91)
3.72 ( .86)
4.15 ( .99)
2.87 ( .68)
Per
cent
of in
crease.
114.0
124.7
175.2
119.5
90.2
91.5
71.1
48.2
71.9
1 In th e absence of a current basis for conversion th e German m arks have been converted into dollars at
th e rate of $0,238, th e prew ar rate.
The report states that wages have also increased in the printing
trades and the textile and the clothing industries, but that in the case
of these three industry groups the upward tendency of wages was less
marked than in the industry groups included in the preceding table.
The wage statistics of the German statistical office reproduced
here show that beginning with September, 1914, wages have con
tinuously increased up to September, 1917, in all German industries,
in some more and in others less, and that since March, 1914, the
average wages of male W'orkers have increased 109.1 per cent and
those of female workers 112.7 per cent. Consideration of these
statistics alone would, therefore, lead to the conclusion that econom-
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1010]
M O N T H L Y LAHOR R E V IE W .
175
ically the German workers have fared fairly well during the war.
When, however, the present high cost of living in Germany is taken
into account the aspect of these official wage statistics becomes
entirely different.
Cost of living statistics of German workmen’s and salaried em
ployees’ families for the month of April, 1916, published by the
imperial statistical office 1 show that nearly all these families lived
far beyond their incomes derived from earnings and that the deficit
of their budget had to be covered from other sources of income or
from savings, while families having neither other sources of income
nor savings were forced to contract debts in order to obtain the
necessities of life. The said statistics indicated that on an average
52.14 per cent of the income of these families went for food. Sub
sequent statistics for the month of July, 1916, showed that within
a 3-month period the average family expenditures for food showed
a further increase of 10.63 per cent. Since then the prices of food
and all other necessaries have continued their upward trend. Two
tables of food prices published in the Leipziger Volkszeitung of
September 20, 1917,2 and making a comparison of prices charged in
a cooperative store and in the municipal markets of Leipzig in the
first week of August, 1914 and 1917, show that all food prices with
the exception of bread and cereals have risen 50 to 1,700 per cent.
New clothing and leather shoes are now only within the reach of the
very rich, and the poor and middle classes are being charged fabu
lous prices for second-hand clothing collected by the Government
clothing depots.
In an article on the relation of wages to the cost of living in
Germany during the war the Neue Zeit,3 the weekly journal of the
German Social-Democratic Party says: “ Certain goods have in
creased in price by 500, 800, and even 1,000 per cent, and without
exaggeration the average increase of the cost of living may be esti
mated at between 200 and 300 per cent. * * * These data
demonstrate plainly that the so-called ‘high’ wages of workers are
a myth.”
When the cost of living statistics of the imperial statistical office
and such statements as the one quoted from the Neue Zeit are con
sidered in conjunction with the above official data on wage increases
it seems, indeed, that the economic condition of the German workers
has become much worse during the war.
1 See
“ Cost of living in G ermany, A pril, 1916,” in M o n t h l y R e v i e w for March, 1918, p p . 13-28 . *
situation in Central Europe, 1917,” in Bui. No. 242 of th e B ureau of L abor Statistics, pp. 61, 62.
s Die Neue Zeit. W aarenpreise u n d A rbeiterlohne, b y A. Ellinger, vol. 36, p t. 1, No. 10. S tuttgart,
Dec. 7,1917.
2 “ Food
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1011]
176
M O N T H L Y LA BO R R E V IE W .
H O U R S OF LA BO R.
In connection with the investigation of the wages of industrial
workers the imperial statistical office has also inquired as to their
daily net hours of labor, i. e., the daily hours of labor after deduction
of rest periods and overtime. During the last two periods of investiga
tion, namely the last two weeks of March and September, 1917, the
net hours of labor in nearly all industry groups were between 9 and
10 hours. They were less than 9 hours in the chocolate and confec
tionery industry (7-1 hours), the clothing and lingerie industry (7f
hours to 8 hours), in the industries working up fine metals (8£ hours),
in the manufacture of shoes (8f hours), and in the manufacture of
trimmings (8£ to 9 hours). Hours of labor in excess of 10 hours were
in force in only two industry groups—in the paper industry (10b hours)
and in the milling industry (slightly over 11 hours). Essential changes
in the hours of labor have not taken place in the period from March
to September, 1917. Increases in the hours of labor took place in
stone quarries (from 9 hours 49 minutes to 10 hours), in hemp mills
and twine factories (from 8 hours 13 minutes to 9 hours 3 minutes),
in knitting and weaving mills (from 8 hours 43 minutes to 9 hours
21 minutes), in trimming factories (from 8 hours 39 minutes to
9 hours 12 minutes), and in clothing, shirt, and lingerie factories
(from 7 hours 49 minutes to 8 hours 2 minutes). A decrease in
hours of labor in excess of 10 minutes was only established in woolen
spinning and weaving mills (11 minutes).
Compared with March, 1914, the hours of labor in force in Septem
ber, 1917, as a rule, have not undergone any considerable change.
The largest increases in the net hours of labor were reported by
cigar factories (48 minutes), the iron and metal industry (28 minutes),
the milling industry (26 minutes), the woodworking industry (19
minutes), and stone quarries (15 minutes); the largest decreases
were reported by the chocolate and confectionery industries (2
hours), the clothing and lingerie industries (1 hour 17 minutes),
hemp mills, twine factories, and linen mills, (40 minutes each), the
shoe industry (41 minutes), trimming factories (38 minutes), woolen
spinning and weaving mills (30 minutes), and the paper industry
(18 minutes).
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1012]
MINIMUM WAGE.
MINIMUM WAGE LAW FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
On September 13, 1918, the United States Senate approved, by a
vote of 36 to 12, the minimum wage measure for the District of
Columbia that had already passed the House, August 26, without a
roll call. Hearings on this bill are noted in the Monthly Keview for
June (pp. 150-155), and a brief account of the discussion in the House
appears in the August number at page 213. The favorable action of
the Senate in passing the bill without amendment placed it in the
hands of the President, who approved it on September 19, thus
making the act immediately effective. The act, the text of which is
reproduced below, resembles the Oregon statute in general and pro
vides for the appointment of a board of three members1 by the Com
missioners of the District of Columbia, such members to serve without
compensation and to have power to appoint agents and assistants and
to employ a secretary at a salary not in excess of $2,500 per annum.
Hearings are to be had and determinations made at the instance of
the board itself, but provision is made for a conference and for the
presence of any person interested who may wish to appear and testify.
The act applies only to women, i. e., females 18 years of age and over,
and to minors, i. e., persons of either sex under the age of 18 years.
Piece rates are to be determined where necessary as well as time rates.
This action by Congress brings the number of jurisdictions in
which such laws exist up to 13, and is the first new legislation in
this field since the Oregon statute was held constitutional by the
action of the Supreme Court of the United States, which, on April
9, 1917, by an equally divided court, one member not voting, left
undisturbed the decision of the supreme court of the State upholding
its law. The act follows:
S e c t io n 1. Wliere used in this act—
The term “ board” means the Minimum Wage Board created by section 2.
The term “ commissioners” means the Commissioners of the District of Columbia.
The term “ woman” includes only a woman of 18 years of age or over.
The term “ minor” means a person of either sex under the age of 18 years.
The term “ occupation” includes a business, industry, trade, or branch thereof, but
shall not include domestic service.
S e c . 2. There is hereby created a board to be known as the “ Minimum Wage
Board,” to be composed of three members to be appointed by the Commissioners of
the District of Columbia. As far as practicable the members shall be so chosen that
one will be representative of employees, one representative of employers, and one
representing the public.
i The m em bers appointed are Miss E th el M, Sm ith, executive secretary, W om an’s Trade-U nion League,
representing th e employees; Jessie A dkins, attorney, representing the public; and Jos. A. Berberich, shoe
m erchant, representing the employees. Their term s expire, respectively, Dec. 31, 1918, 1919, and 1920.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1013]
177
178
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
The commissioners shall make their first appointments hereunder within 30 days
after this act takes effect, and shall designate one of the three members first appointed
to hold office until January 1, 1919; one to hold office until January 1, 1920; and one
to hold office until January 1, 1921. On or before the 1st day of January of each year,
beginning with the year 1919, the commissioners shall appoint a member to succeed
the member whose term expires on such 1st day of January, and such new appointee
shall hold office for the term of three years from such 1st day of January. Each mem
ber shall hold office until his successor is appointed and has qualified; and any
vacancy that may occur in the membership of the board shall be filled by appoint
ment by the commissioners for the unexpired portion of the term.
A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum to transact business, and the
act or decision of such a majority shall be deemed the act or decision of the board;
and no vacancy shall impair the right of the remaining members to exercise all the
powers of the board.
S e c . 3. The first members appointed shall, within 20 days after their appointment,
meet and organize the board by electing one of their number as chairman and by
choosing a secretary, who shall not be a member of the board; and on or before the
10th day of January of each year thereafter the board shall elect a chairman and choose
a secretary for the ensuing year. The chairman and the secretary shall each hold
office until his successor is elected or chosen; but the board may at any time remove
the secretary. The secretary shall perform such duties as may be prescribed and
receive such salary, not in excess of $2,500 per annum, as may be fixed by the board.
None of the members shall receive any salary as such. The board shall have power
to employ agents and such other assistants as may be necessary for the proper per
formance of its duties: P r o v id e d , That until further authorization by Congress the
sum which it may expend, including the salary of the secretary, shall not exceed
the sum of $5,000.
S e c . 4. At any public hearing held by the board any person interested in the
matter being investigated may appear and testify. Any member of the board shall
have power to administer oaths and the board may require by subpoena the attendance
and testimony of witnesses, the production of all books, registers and other evidence
relative to any matters under investigation, at any such public hearing or at any session
of any conference held as hereinafter provided. In case of disobedience to a subpoena
the board may invoke the aid of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia in
requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of docu
mentary evidence. In case of contumacy or refusal to obey a subpoena the court
may issue an order requiring appearance before the board, the production of docu
mentary evidence, and the giving of evidence touching the matter in question, and
any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by such court as a contempt
thereof.
S e c . 5. The board is hereby authorized and empowered to make rules and regula
tions for the carrying into effect of this act, including rules and regulations for the
selection of members of the conferences hereinafter provided for and the mode of
procedure thereof.
S e c . 6. The board shall, on or before the 1st day of January of the year 1919, and of
each year thereafter, make a report to the commissioners of its work and the proceed
ings under this act.
S e c . 7. There is hereby authorized to be appropriated, out of the revenues of the
District of Columbia, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1919, the sum of $5,000, or
so much thereof as may be necessary, to carry into effect the provisions of this act.
S e c . 8. The board shall have full power and authority: (1), To investigate and ascer
tain the wages of women and minors in the different occupations in which they are em-
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1014]
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W ,
179
ployed in the District of Columbia; (2), to examine, through any member or author
ized representative, any book, pay roll or other record of any employer of women or
minors that in any way appertains to or has a bearing upon the question of wages of
any such women or minors; and (3), to require from such employer full and true
statements of the wages paid to all women and minors in his employment.
Every employer shall keep a register of the names of the women and minors em
ployed by him in any occupation in the District of Columbia, of the hours worked by
each, and of all payments made to each, whether paid by the time or by the piece;
and shall, on request, permit any member or authorized representative of the board
to examine such register.
To assist the board in carrying out this act the commissioners shall at all times give
it any information or statistics in their possession under the act of Congress approved
February 24, 1914, entitled “ An act to regulate the hours of employment and safe
guard the health of females employed in the District of Columbia.” (Pub., No. 60,
63d Cong.)
S ec . 9. The board is hereby authorized and empowered to ascertain and declare
in the manner hereinafter provided, the following things: (a), Standards of minimum
wages for women in any occupation within the District of Columbia, and what wages
are inadequate to supply the necessary cost of living to any such women workers to
maintain them in good health and to protect their morals; and (6), standards of mini
mum wages for minors in any occupation within the District of Columbia, and what
wages are unreasonably low for any such minor workers.
S ec . 10. If, after investigation, the board is of opinion that any substantial number
of women workers in any occupation are receiving wages inadequate to supply them
with the necessary cost of living and maintain them in health and protect their morals,
it may call and convene a conference for the purpose and with the powers of considering
and inquiring into and reporting on the subject investigated by the board and sub
mitted by it to such conference. The conference shall be composed of not more
than three representatives of the employers in such occupation, of an equal number
of representatives of the employees in such occupation, of not more than three
disinterested persons representing the public, and of one or more members of the board.
The board shall name and appoint all the members of the conference and designate
the chairman thereof. Two-thirds of the members of the conference shall constitute
a quorum, and the decision or recommendation or report of the conference on any
subject submitted shall require a vote of not less than a majority of all its members.
The board shall present to the conference all the information and evidence-in its
possession or control relating to the subject of the inquiry by the conference, and shall
cause to be brought before the conference any witnesses whose testimony the board
deems material.
S ec . 11. After com pleting its consideration of and inquiry into the subject subm itted
to i t b y the board, th e conference shall make and transmit to the board a report con
taining its findings and recommendations on such subject, inclu ding recommendations
as to standards of m inim um wages for women workers in the occupation under inquiry
and as to what wages are inadequate to su pp ly the necessary cost of liv in g to women
workers in such occupation and to m aintain them in health and to protect their morals.
In its recommendations on a question of wages the conference (1) shall, where it
appears that any substantial number of women workers in the occupation under
inquiry are being paid by piece rates as distinguished from time rate, recommend
minimum piece rates as well as minimum time rate and recommend such minimum
piece rates as will, in its judgment, be adequate to supply the necessary cost of living
to women workers in such occupation of average ordinary ability and to maintain
them in health and protect their morals; and (2) shall, when it appears proper or
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1015]
180
M O N T H L Y LA BO R R E V IE W .
necessary, recommend suitable minimum wages for learners and apprentices in such
occupation and the maximum length of time any woman worker may be kept at such
wages as a learner or apprentice, which wages shall be less than the regular minimum
wages recommended for the regular women workers in such occupation.
S e c . 12. Upon receipt of any report from any conference, the board shall consider
and review the recommendations, and may approve or disapprove any or all of such
recommendations, and may resubmit to the same conference, or a new conference,
any subject covered by any recommendations so disapproved.
If the board approves any recommendations contained in any report from any
conference, it shall publish a'notice once a week, for four successive weeks in a news
paper of general circulation printed in the District of Columbia, that it will, on a
date and at a place named in the notice, hold a public hearing at which all persons
in favor of or opposed to such recommendations will be heard.
After such hearing the board may, in its discretion, make and render such an order
as may be proper or necessary to adopt such recommendations and carry them into
effect, requiring all employers in the occupation affected thereby to observe and
comply with such order. Such order shall become effective 60 days after it is made.
After such order becomes effective, and while it is effective, it shall be unlawful for
any employer to violate or disregard any of its terms or provisions, or to employ any
woman worker in any occupation covered by such order at lower wages than are
authorized or permitted therein.
The board shall, as far as is practicable, mail a copy of such order to every employer
affected thereby; and every employer affected by any such order shall keep a copy
thereof posted in a conspicuous place in each room in his establishment in which
women workers are employed.
S e c . 13. For any occupation in which only a minimum time-rate wage has been
established, the board may issue to a woman whose earning capacity has been impaired
by age or otherwise, a special license authorizing her employment at such wage less
than such minimum time-rate wage as shall be fixed by the board and stated in the
license.
S e c . 14. The board may at any time inquire into wages of minors employed in any
occupation in the District of Columbia, and determine suitable wages for them. When
the board has made such determination it may make such an order as may be proper
or necessary to carry such determination into effect. Such order shall become effec
tive sixty days after it is made; and after such order becomes effective and while it
is effective it shall be unlawful for any employer in such occupation to employ a
minor at less wages than are specified or required in or by such order.
S ec . 15. A ny conference may make a separate inquiry into and report on any branch
of any occupation, and the board may make a separate order affecting any branch of
an y occupation.
S e c . 16. The board shall from time to time investigate and ascertain whether or not
employers in the District of Columbia are observing and complying with its orders,
and shall report to the corporation counsel of the District of Columbia all violations of
this act.
S e c . 17. All questions of fact arising under the foregoing provisions of this act shall,
except as otherwise herein provided, be determined by the board, and there shall be
no appeal from the decision of the board on any such question of fact; but there shall
be a right of appeal from the board to the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia
from any ruling or holding on a question of law included or embodied in any decision
or order of the board; and, on the same question of law, from such court to the Court
of Appeals of the District of Columbia. In all such appeals the corporation counsel
shall appear for and represent the board.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1016]
M O N T H L Y LA BO R R E V IE W .
181
S e c . 18. Whoever violates this act, whether an em ployer or his agent, or the director,
officer, or agent of any corporation, shall be deem ed guilty of a misdemeanor; and,
upon conviction thereof, shall be punished b y a fine of not less than $25 nor more than
$100, or b y im prisonment not less than ten days nor more than three months, or by
both such fine and imprisonment.
S ec . 19. A ny em ployer and his agent, or the director, officer, or agent of any cor
poration, who discharges or in any other manner discriminates against any em ployee
because such em ployee has served or is about to serve on any conference, or has testified
or is about to testify, or because such employer believes that said em ployee m ay serve
on any conference or m ay testify in any investigation or proceedings under or relative
to this act, shall be deem ed guilty of a misdemeanor; and, upon conviction thereof,
shall be punished b y a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100.
S ec . 20. A ny act which, if done or om itted to be done by any agent or officer or
director acting for such employer, would constitute a violation of this act, shall also
be held to be a violation b y the employer and subject such employer to the liab ility
provided for b y this act.
S e c . 21. Prosecutions for violations of this act shall be on information filed in the
police court of the District of Columbia by the corporation counsel.
S e c . 2 2. If any woman worker is paid b y her em ployer less than the m inim um wage
to w hich she is entitled under or b y virtue of an order of the board, she may recover
in a civ il action the full amount of such m inim um wage, less any amount actually
paid to her b y the employer, together w ith such reasonable attorney’s fees as may be
allowed b y the court; and any agreement for her to work for less than such m inimum
wage shall be no defense to such action.
S e c . 23. This act shall be known as the “ District of Columbia minimum wage
law.” The purposes of the act are to protect the women and minors of the District
from conditions detrimental to their health and morals, resulting from wages which
are inadequate to maintain decent standards of living; and the act in each of its pro
visions and in its entirety shall be interpreted to effectuate these purposes.
MINIMUM-WAGE DECREES IN KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, AND
MINNESOTA.
So far as possible it is the purpose of this bureau to publish in the
e v i e w either the text or a summary of various
minimum-wage decrees issued by commissions in States which have
passed such legislation affecting female. workers. The extent to
which this purpose is achieved depends upon the cooperation of
State officials administering minimum-wage laws, and as a result of
their interest in the matter considerable data of this kind have been
printed in these pages. Recently the bureau received a number of
decrees from the minimum-wage commissions of Kansas,' Massa
chusetts, and Minnesota, and these are noted at this time.
M onthly L abor R
KANSAS.
In the July (1918) issue of the M o n t h l y L a b o r R e v ie w ’- (pp.
111-114) several orders of the Kansas Industrial Welfare Commis
sion regarding employment of women and minors were noted.1
1Cf. also M o n th ly R e v ie w
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
for October, 1917, p . 80, F ebruary, 1918, p . 143, a n d A pril, 1918, p . 203.
[1017]
182
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
Mention was there made of a proposed order relating to and governing
hours of work and minimum wages to be paid to women and minors
employed as telephone operators. This order has since been issued
under date of July 8, effective from and after September 5, 1918,
and makes the following provisions as to hours and wages:
Eight hours shall constitute a basic day and six days shall constitute a basic week
for all women and minor telephone operators.
For all time served in excess of the basic day the operator shall be paid at the rate
of one and one-half times the hourly rate of a basic day.
Sunday and holiday work shall be paid for at the rate of a basic day, and if any
operator is called for work on such days and reports on duty by reason of such a call,
and is then excused at the convenience of the employer for all or part of such day,
such operator shall be paid for one basic day.
Operators other than night operators shall perform the basic day’s work in two
shifts or “ tours,” one of which shall not exceed five hours’ duration. Operators
regularly employed after 10.30 o’clock p. m. shall be considered night operators.
Rest and sleep time for night operators shall not be considered work time. The
total work time plus rest and sleep time of night operators shall be performed within
12 consecutive hours. All such operators shall be paid for work time equal to the
pay of one basic day.
The minimum weekly wage to be paid women and minor telephone operators shall
be as follows:
First. At any exchange serving a city, town, village, or community of less than
1,000 population, the weekly rate of pay shall be not less than $6 during the first six
months of service, not less than $6.50 during the second six months of service, and
not less than $7 after one year of service.
Second. At any exchange serving a city or town of 1,000 and less than 5,000 popula
tion, the weekly rate of pay shall be not less than $6 during the first six months of
service, not less than $7 during the second six months of service, and not less than
$7.50 after one year of service.
Third. At any exchange serving any city or town of 5,000 and less than 20,000
population, the weekly rate of pay shall be not less than $6 during the first six months
of service, not less than $7 during the second six months of service, and not less than
$8 after one year of service.
Fourth. At any exchange serving any city of 20,000 and over population the
weekly rate of pay shall be not less than $6.50 during the first month of service, not
less than $7 during the succeeding five months of service, not less than $8 during the
second six months of service, and $9 after one year of service.
This order shall take effect and be in force from and after the 5th day of September,
1918.
From and after the date of effect of this order, it shall be unlawful for any employer
affected thereby to fail to observe and comply therewith, and any such person
violating 'the terms of said order shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on
conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100
for every such offense.
MASSACHUSETTS.
The two most recent minimum-wage decrees issued by the Massa
chusetts Minimum Wage Commission received by this bureau relate
to the wages of females in muslin underwear, petticoat, apron,
kimono, women’s neckwear, and children’s clothing factories, and
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1018]
M O N T H L Y LA BO R R E V IE W .
183
to retail millinery occupations. These were noted in the M o n t h l y
e v i e w for September, 1918 (pp. 201 and 202).
Decrees pre
viously issued by the commission are as follows: (1) brush making,
effective August 15, 1914; (2) laundries, effective September 1, 1915;
(3) retail stores, effective January 1, 1916; (4) women’s clothing
factories, effective February 1, 1917; (5) men’s clothing and raincoats,
effective January 1, 1918; (6) men’s and boys’ furnishings, etc.,
effective February 1, 1918.
The retail stores decree was printed in full in the M o n t h l y
R eview for November, 1915 (p. 43), and reference to the report
of the women’s clothing wage board to the commission, recom
mending minimum wages which were afterward approved, was made
in the M o n t h l y Review for September, 1916 (p. 66).
The decree in the brush-making -industry provides a minimum
hourly wage of 154 cents, with a rate for learners and apprentices
of 65 per cent of the minimum, and also provides for the payment
of the minimum to pieceworkers whose work does nor permit them
to earn the minimum.
The laundry decree provides a minimum wage of $8 per week for
experienced workers, 87.50 per week for those employed 9 months,
87 for those employed 6 months, 86.50 for those employed 3 months,
and 86 for all others.
The minimum wage commission made an investigation of wages of
women employees in restaurants and found that “ the wages paid to a
substantial number of such employees were inadequate to supply the
necessary cost of living and to maintain them in health.” Sub
sequently, after a public hearing, the commission concluded that the
wages and other forms of compensation, such as meals and lodging,
paid to women in this occupation had considerably increased and
action looking to the formation of a wage board was postponed.
Two supplementary inquiries were made, and in reporting on the
results of these inquiries the commission makes the following state
ment and recommendation, under date of August 22:
L abor R
Two supplementary inquiries, one in February and the other in July and August,
1918, indicate that there has been since the original investigation a general increase
ranging from 15 to 50 per cent in the money wage paid in restaurants. Since the
greatest increase in the cost of living is for the item of food, and since the majority of
restaurant workers receive from one to three meals a day in addition to a money wage,
the restaurants of Massachusetts are at the present day paying to most of their female
employees a wage sufficient to cover the minimum cost of living. There are, never
theless, still a number who are receiving less than a living wage. Where such unsatis
factory wage conditions still prevail, the employers are not only handicapping their
workers, but also are thereby operating in unfair competition with the large number of
proprietors who have met war conditions by bringing their wage scale up to a living
wage.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1019]
184
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
In the endeavor to obviate these inequalities without the necessity of establishing
a wage board for this occupation, and in the hope that the employers will cooperate
with it, the commission hereby calls upon all proprietors of restaurants, lunch and tea
rooms, cafeterias, and similar establishments in the Commonwealth to grant to all
female employees of ordinary ability now receiving an insufficient wage such increases
as are necessary to cover the cost of living of a self-supporting woman at the present
time.
Pending a satisfactory response to this appeal, the commission will further postpone
the formation of a wage board in this occupation.
In the manufacture of men’s and boys’ shirts, overalls, and other
workingmen’s garments, men’s neckwear and other furnishings, and
men’s, women’s, and children’s garters and suspenders, the experi
enced women workers receive, under the decree effective February 1,
1918, not less than $9 per week, while apprentices and learners
employed for more than 26 weeks of not less than 36 hours each must
be paid at a rate of not less than $S per week, and those employed for
more than 6 weeks of not less than 36 hours each must be paid at a
rate of not less than $7 per week.
The decree affecting workers in the women’s clothing factories
establishes a minimum wage for experienced female employees of
$8.75 per week, a minimum wage of $7 for apprentices and
learners who have reached the age of 18 years, and of $6 per week for
all other females.
The men’s clothing and raincoat decree fixes a minimum wage of $9
per week for experienced female workers and of $7 per week payable
to learners and apprentices, irrespective of age, who have had at
least three months’ experience.
In all of these awards, except that affecting brush makers, provision
is made for the payment of less than the prescribed minimum wage,
under certain conditions, to female employees of “ less than ordinary
ability.”
M IN N ESO TA .
The minimum wage lav/ of Minnesota was approved on April 26,
1913, but the minimum wage rates for women and minors determined
by the commission pursuant to law, to become effective on November
24, 1914, were set aside by a decision of a lower court which held the
law to be unconstitutional. An appeal was taken to the supreme
court of the State, which, on December 21, 1917, by a unanimous
decision, held the minimum wage law to be constitutional.1 The
validity of the six orders which had been issued by the first commission
on October 23, 1914, was thereby established. Three of these orders
prescribe a minimum wage of $9 per week for women and minors
employed in any mercantile office, waitress, or hairdressing oceupa-
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1See M o n th ly R e v ie w for M arch, 1918, p p . 144, 145.
[1020]
M O N T H L Y LA BO R R E V IE W .
185
tion in any city of the first class, a minimum wage of $8.50 per week
for such workers in cities of the second, third, and fourth classes, and
a minimum wage of $8 per week for such workers in the State outside
of the cities so classified. The other three orders established a mini
mum wage of $8.75 per week for women and minors employed in any
manufacturing, mercantile, telephone, telegraph, laundry, dyeing,
dry cleaning, lunch room, restaurant, or hotel occupation in any city
of the first class, and a minimum wage of $8.25 and $8, respectively,
for such workers employed in cities of the second, third, and fourth
classes and in the State outside of these cities.
When the new commission was appointed by the governor, on
April 1, 1918, one of the first matters to be decided was the deter
mination of a minimum wage and period of apprenticeship for
learners and apprentices, who had not been included in the terms of
the first six orders. The result of this decision found expression in
orders, Nos. 7 and 8. The important provisions of order No. 7, which
is dated June 26, 1918, are quoted in full:
No employer, whether an individual, a partnership or a corporation, shall employ
any woman apprentice or learner or any minor apprentice or learner, under 18 years
of age, in any occupation, in any city of the first, second, third, and fourth class in
the State of Minnesota, at a weekly wage rate of less than $6 during the first four
months following his or her entrance into employment; $7 during the second four
months following his or her entrance into employment; $8 during the third four months
following his or her entrance into employment; and thereafter the woman or minor
shall be deemed a worker of ordinary ability.
No employer, whether an individual, a partnership or a corporation, shall employ
any woman apprentice or learner or any minor apprentice or learner, 18 years of age or
over, in any occupation, in any city of the first, second, third, and fourth class in the
State of Minnesota, at a weekly wage rate of less than $6 during the first three months
following his or her entrance into employment; $7.50 during the second three months
following his or her entrance into employment; and thereafter the woman or minor
shall be deemed a worker of ordinary ability.
An apprentice or learner shall mean either a woman or a minor entering employment
for the first time.
Any woman or minor seeking employment as an apprentice or learner shall apply
to the secretary of the minimum wage commission for a certificate of employment as
an apprentice or learner.
No employer shall employ any woman apprentice or learner or any minor apprentice
or learner unless said apprentice or learner has a valid certificate of employment as
an apprentice or learner.
This order shall become effective 30 days from and after the date hereof.
Order No. 8 differs from No. 7 in that it applies to places outside
the cities of the first, second, third, and fourth classes, and in the
first paragraph prescribes no rate for a period beyond the second
four months following entrance into employment, and in the second
paragraph prescribes a rate of $7, instead of $7.50 during the second
three months following entrance into employment.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1021]
186
M O N T H L Y LABOR B E V IE W .
REPORT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS MINIMUM WAGE COMMISSION, 1917.
Among the more important features of the report of the Massachu
setts Miniumum Wage Commission for the year 1917 1 are an account
of the work of the wage boards organized for the clothing and fur
nishing trades, summaries of investigations into the wages of women
employed in restaurants and hotels, in the manufacture and trimming
of millinery, and as cleaners in office and other buildings, and state
ments of the effect which minimum wage determinations have had
upon the brush industry, laundries, retail stores, and the women’s
clothing industry. Certain recommendations are submitted by the
commission, and there is a tabulation of the minimum wage decrees
established in Massachusetts down to the 1st of January, 1918.2
The report announces that during the year 1917 the commission
established three wage boards to recommend minimum wage rates
for women employed in the men’s clothing and furnishing trades and
certain branches of the women’s clothing industry, and held public
hearings for proprietors of hotels and restaurants, millinery estab
lishments, and office buildings for the purpose of considering the
advisability of establishing wage boards for the determination of
minimum wages for women employed in these occupations.
The investigations conducted by the commission and summarized
in this annual report show a large proportion of female workers
employed in restaurants, millinery occupations, and as building
cleaners, earning under $8 per week, which is the lowest minimum
wage established by the commission for experienced workers. Thus
of 2,816 workers in restaurants, 82.6 per cent were earning less than
$8 per week; of 1,864 millinery workers, 40 per cent were earning
less than $8; and of 1,249 building cleaners, etc., 89.1 per cent were
earning less than $8. In all 5,929 workers are tabulated, of whom
4,184, or 70.6 per cent, are given as earning less than 88.
The result of the investigations mentioned are presented briefly in
the following excerpts from the report:
During the summer and early winter of 1916 agents of the commission visited 124
restaurants and 140 hotels located in 58 cities and towns throughout the State, including
4 restaurants and 37 hotels which were open only during the summer months. Wage
records available for tabulation were secured for a total of 6,496 women. * * •* The
results of the investigation into the wages of restaurant workers showed that of those
for whom the commission secured a full year’s pay-roll record 54 per cent earned an
average weekly wage of less than $6 and 42 per cent earned an annual wage of less than
$100 during the period of employment in the establishments investigated. Additional
compensation in the form of one, two or three meals per working day, varying usually
1
2
F ifth an n u al rep o rt of th e M inim um Wage Commission of M assachusetts for th e year ending Dec. 31,
1917. Boston, 1918. 51 pp.
See pp. 182 to 184 of this isssue of th e M onthly L abob R e v ie w , for a statem ent of m inim um
wage decrees.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10221
M O N T H L Y LA BO R R E V IE W .
187
according to the number of hours of employment, were furnished free of charge to at
least 88.8 per cent, and the privilege of purchasing meals at reduced rates was given
to almost all of the remaining number for whom information was obtained. The
largest single group (44.4 per cent) of the restaurant employees were furnished three
meals per working day in addition to a money wage. Of the 1,251 women who formed
this group, practically all of whom were full-time workers, 49.2 per cent received an
average money wage of less than $6 a week. Three-fourths (76.3 per cent) of the num
ber for whom information was obtained worked 42 hours or more a week, or long
enough to prevent the possibility of augmenting their earnings by any other paid
employment. An unusually large proportion of restaurant workers as compared with
women employed in other occupations (31.3 per cent) roomed and boarded away from
their families or other relatives, and nearly nine-tenths (88.1 per cent) reported that
they were dependent upon their own earnings for the necessaries of life.
The level of wages paid to hotel employees was found to be considerably lower than
that paid to restaurant workers, 64.4 per cent of the women employed in hotels open
throughout the year, and 82.2 per cent of those employed in seasonal hotels, as com
pared with only 15.9 per cent of the restaurant employees, being paid at the rate of
less than $5 a week. This difference in wages is, however, practically equalized by
the fact that almost all of the hotel workers received three meals a day, or 21 meals
a week, in addition to a money wage. Moreover, 60.8 per cent of those in all-year
hotels and 96.9 of those in summer hotels were furnished with lodging in addition t o
their board.
A tabulation of average weekly earnings of women employed in
the making and trimming of millinery indicates a wide divergence
in the wages which prevail in the different trades. The report
continues:
Practically all of the experienced workers in the hat factories were found to have
an earning capacity well above the subsistence level. Of the total number of women
employed, 63.3 per cent earned an average weekly wage of $9 or over, and 13.3 per
cent an average weekly wage of $15 or over. On the other hand, the seasons in t his
trade are unusually short; only one-third (33.2 per cent) of the workers had employ
ment for as much as six months of the year, and three-fourths (76.1 per cent) earned
under $350 for their entire year’s work in the industry. Women employed in the
manufacture of artificial flowers and feathers and ornaments were found to be the
most poorly paid group, almost one-half (47.3 per cent) of them receiving an average
weekly wage of under $5 and an equal proportion (49.5 per cent) receiving less than
$100 as their total annual earnings. As had been anticipated because of the simi
larity of the occupation in the wholesale and retail shops, the level of wages in these
two branches of the trade were almost identical, except that a larger proportion of
both high and low paid workers were found in the retail shops. This was primarily
due to the employment of a larger proportion of skilled trimmers and of apprentices
in the latter group of establishmeiits. The most serious evil in the wage situation
in the retail millinery trade was found to be the low payment or nonpayment of
apprentices. Forty-three per cent of these who were reported as receiving payment
for their services earned an average weekly wage of less than $3, and in a number
of establishments apprentices were paid no wages at all, at best receiving only their
car fares, and in some cases a small additional sum to cover the cost of lunches.
Information as to wages was obtained by the commission for a
total of 201 office and bank buildings, colleges, apartment houses,
and other buildings in which cleaners were employed, pay-roll
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1023]
188
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
records being collected from 64 establishments employing 1,249
women.1
The results of the investigation showed that 89.1 per cent of the women earned
an average wage of less than $8 a week, and 30.3 per cent earned an average wage
of less than $6 a week. Although over half (54.8 per cent) earned less than $200
during their year’s employment in the buildings investigated, only 11.3 per cent
of the total number for whom such information was obtained and approximately
the same number (11 per cent) of those whose annual earnings as office cleaners
totaled less than $200 added to this income by the proceeds of other gainful employ
ment.
The following table, compiled from the report, gives the average
weekly earnings (except in the case of hotels, where the amounts
represent weekly wage rates of pay) of women employed in the
industries mentioned:
N U M B E R A N D P E R C E N T O F W O M E N E A R N IN G E A C H S P E C I F IE D A M O U N T P E R
W E E K IN C E R T A IN I N D U S T R IE S I N V E S T IG A T E D B Y T H E M A S S A C H U S E T T S
M IN IM U M W A G E C O M M IS S IO N .
U n d e r $6.
U n d e r $8.
U n d e r $9.
$9 a n d over.
T o tal.
In d u s try .
N um
b er.
Per
cent.
N um
ber.
Per
cen t.
N um
ber.
Per
cent.
N um
ber.
Per
cent.
N um
ber.
R e s ta u r a n ts ..........................
H o te ls 1..................................
M illin ery ................................
B u ild in g cleaners, e t c -----
1,520
2)642
403
379
54.0
82.2
21.6
30.3
2,326
2,924
745
1,113
82.6
91.0
40.0
89.1
2,414
3,005
'942
1,203
85.7
93.5
50.5
96.3
402
209
922
46
14.3
6.5
49.5
3.7
2,816
3)214
1,864
1)249
100
100
100
100
T o t a l...........................
4,944
54.1
7,108
77.7
7,564
82.7
1,579
17.3
9,143
100
Per
cent.
1 T h e a m o u n ts for h o te ls re p re s e n t th e w eek ly w age ra te s a n d n o t earnings.
As already noted, the commission made inspections to ascertain
the extent of enforcement of minimum wage determinations. Con
cerning the brush industry the report states that not only has there
been a marked increase in the number of women employed in the
industry since 1915, but also that the rates of payment and actual
earnings are now above the minimum standards set by the com
mission in the decree of August 15, 1914. The number of women
receiving an average of $9 or more increased from 19.4 per cent
in 1915 to 45.8 per cent in 1917. The average per capita wage,
however, increased only 13.2 per cent.
The situation in retail stores is said to indicate no general increase
above the established minimum ($8.50 for experienced workers),
such as was found in the brush industry, even in cities where there
is known to have been a marked increase in wages in other indus
tries. In the women’s clothing industry a transcript of pay rolls
of 27 factories for which comparative data were available seems
i B u lle tin N o. 16, issu ed b y th e M in im u m W age C om m ission of M assach u setts, e n title d “ W ages of
w o m en em p lo y ed as office a n d o th e r b u ild in g cleaners in M assa ch u setts,” is rev iew ed a t g reater le n g th
o n p p . 196 to 199 of th is issue.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1024]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
189
to indicate that since the time of the commission’s first investigation
in 1915 the proportion of women receiving $9 or over has increased
from 42.5 per cent to 73.2 per cent in Boston and from 10.9 per
cent to 57 per cent in concerns outside of Boston. It appears that
a great majority of the establishments were paying their workers
in accordance with the recommendations of the commission.
The commission recommends the enactment of legislation (1)
requiring employers to keep records of hours worked by women
and minors, (2) enabling the commission to fill vacancies on wage
boards, and (3) to insure proper publicity for the orders and recom
mendations of the commission.
MINIMUM WAGES FOR FEMALE WORKERS IN FOODSTUFF FACTORIES
IN MANITOBA.
The second award by the Manitoba Minimum Wage Commission,
affecting workers in foodstuff factories, was announced in the latter
part of June, 1918. The award provides that experienced female
workers 18 years of age or over shall receive not less than $10 per
week, with the exception of those in pickle, macaroni, and vermicelli
factories, where the minimum wage is fixed at $9. The minimum wage
for inexperienced workers is fixed at $8 per week for the first three
months, $9 for the second three months, and $10 thereafter, and
for employees under 18 years of age the minimum is fixed at $7 per
week for the first six months, $7.50 for the second six months, and
$8 for the third six months. The award also contains regulations as
to working conditions and hours of labor, specifying 9 hours a day
and 48 hours a week as the maximum such workers may be employed.
No official copy of the award has been received by this bureau, but
the following summary, taken from the Winnipeg Tribune for June
26, has been furnished by the American consul general at Winnipeg,
through the State Department.
C le a n lin e s s .—Every room and the floors, walls, ceilings, windows, and every other
part thereof, and all fixtures therein, shall at all times be kept in a clean and sanitary
condition.
D r in k in g w a te r .—A sufficient quantity of safe, fresh drinking water within rea
sonable access of all workers, and on the same floor as any regular working room, shall
he provided, with sanitary appliances for drinking. A common drinking cup shall
not be used. When the water is iced, the ice shall not be in the same container as the
water.
L ig h tin g .—Artificial illumination in every workroom shall be installed, arranged,
and used, so that the light furnished will at all times be sufficient for the work carried on
therein, and prevent unnecessary strain to the vision or glare to the eyes of the worker.
Each workroom shall be lighted from outdoors, with windows at least equal in size to
one-eighth of the floor space, and opening on a street, lane or court at least ten feet
wide, except where the work requires a low temperature or a subdued light.
82617°— 18----- 13
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1025 ]
190 r
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
V e n tila tio n . —There shall be 400 cubic feet of air space for each employee in each
workroom. All windows and sashes shall open freely. Air shafts shall be open to the
outside air at top and bottom. Storm sashes shall either be on hinges or have a portion
at least 80 square inches in size which can be readily opened. In any workroom which
can not be ventilated by these means mechanical appliances shall be installed.
T o ile t ro o m s . —There shall be provided suitable and convenient toilets, separate
from those used by the opposite sex, and the number of such toilets shall not be less
than one to every 25 female persons employed at one time, or fraction thereof. Such
toilets must be thoroughly ventilated and open to the outside air, and must be kept
in a clean and sanitary condition.
W a sh b a sin s, etc. —Washbasins shall be provided in at least the proportion of one
to 25 female persons employed at one time, or fraction thereof, and shall be separate
from those used by the opposite sex. Individual towels, either cloth or paper, shall
be furnished to the workers. Except: In pickle factories individual towels shall be
used, but need not be furnished.
T e m p e ra tu re . —There shall be a thermometer in each workroom, and the maximum
temperature during working hours shall be between 60° and 75° F., except when the
temperature outdoors exceeds 75° F., and where the work requires a temperature
lower than normal. Except: In macaroni and vermicelli factories the temperature
may range between 60° and 80° F.
H e a lth a n d in ju r ie s . —Each factory shall keep a first-aid kit and at least one reliable
member of the working force of the factory shall be trained in its use. A couch or
stretcher and suitable screen shall be provided for emergencies, and, where no dressing
room or similar apartment exists, a screen shall be provided.
H o u r s . —The hours of labor shall not be more than nine horns in any day, nor more
than 48 in any week. Saturday afternoon shall be a half-holiday. No female employee
shall work between 9 p. m. and 7 a. m. nor between 12 o’clock Saturday night and 12
o'clock Sunday night. Excepting the following: In pickle and groceries products
factories the hours shall not exceed 50 in any week; in macaroni and vermicelli factories
the hours shall not exceed 52 in any week; in abattoirs, creameries and milk product
factories there need not be a Saturday afternoon half-holiday; and in the case of Sun
day work becoming necessary in creameries and milk product factories the workers
shall be released upon one other day in the week.
O vertim e.- —Overtime shall be governed by the regulations of “ The Factories Act,”
viz., not oftener for any worker than 36 days in a year, and only on permit from the
bureau of labor. There shall be extra payment at the regular rate if the work exceeds
the number of hours allowed in these regulations to any industry.
L u n c h h o u r. —One hour shall be allowed for lunch.
D e la y s . —An employee waiting on the premises as required by the employer shall
be paid for the time thus spent.
W ages. —Wages shall be paid weekly. Where the employees are engaged by the
week one week’s notice shall be required on the part of the employer in dismissing an
employee, and on the part of the employee on leaving employment, except in the
case of flagrant insubordination on the part of the employee or flagrantly unjust
treatment on the part of the employer.
T he m in im u m w a g e . —No experienced female employee of 18 years of age or over
shall be paid wages at a less rate than $10 per week, excepting the following: In pickle,
macaroni, and vermicelli factories the minimum wage shall be $9.50 per week.
A d u l t lea rn e rs. —No inexperienced female employee of 18 years of age or over shall
be paid wages at a less rate than $8 for the first three months after entering the factory
and $9 for the second three months; after wlrich period of six months she shall be
considered an experienced employee. Not more than 25 per cent of the total adult
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10261
MONTHLY LABOE M VlEW ,
191
female workers in any factory shall be learners, with the following exceptions and
variations: In grocers’ products and yeast factories the rate for the second three months
period shall be $8.50. In creameries and milk product factories the rate for the first
three months shall be $8.50. In pickle factories the proportion of 25 per cent to
adult workers shall not apply.
M in o r s .—Female employees under 18 years of age shall he paid not less than a
weekly wage rate of $7 for the first six months; of $7.50 for the second six months, and
of $8 for the third*six months. After 18 months’ employment she shall receive not less
than the experienced adult rate of $9.50 per week. Any female employee who has
been working six months or more in a factory before reaching the age of 18 years shall
he considered, on reaching the age of 18 years, to be an experienced adult worker.
The number of minors in any factory shall not exceed 25 per cent of the adult female
employees, excepting the following: In grocers’ product factories the rate shall be $8
for the first six months, $8.50 for the second six months, and $9 for the third six months.
In abattoirs, creameries, pickle, and yeast factories the minors shall be treated as
belonging to the class of adult learners. The proportion of 25 per cent to the adult
employees shall apply in all cases.
No minor shall be employed upon any delivery wagon or truck.
P e r m its o f e x e m p tio n .—Where exceptional conditions arise, as in the case of extend
ing or remodeling existing buildings, any deviation from these regulations shall
be only by special permission of the board.
P e n a lt y .—Any violation of these regulations is punishable by fine or imprisonment,
or both.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10271
epf
J H SO S i
WOMEN IN INDUSTRY AND CHILD WELFARE.
WAR-TIME EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN IN THE METAL TRADES.
The extent to which women are being employed in new work
owing to war conditions, how effective they are in such work, how
much they are paid, and how they are secured and trained are points
on which information is very generally desired but difficult to obtain.
There is a real need for such a report as that just issued by the Na
tional Industrial Conference Board 1 giving the results of an inquiry
carried on during April and May, 1918, on the employment of women
in metal-working establishments in this country. Schedules of inquiry
were sent out to about 600 establishments, and replies were received
from approximately 330; of these only 131 employed women in manu
facturing processes. Of their total labor force of 384,709, women
formed 12.9 per cent, numbering 49,831. In general these women
had been employed in addition to men, rather than substituted for
men.
The following table shows how the output of the women compares
with that of the men in the establishments reporting:
SUM MARY CO M PARISON O F O U T P U T O F W O M EN W IT H T H A T OF M EN ON SIM IL A R
W O R K , B Y IN D U S T R IE S .
N u m b er of establishm ents in w hich o u tp u t of women,
com pared w ith men, was—
In d u stry .
N um
ber of
estab G reater
lish
in all
m ents. opera
tions.
Automobiles, and autom obile acces-
G reater Equal
G reater
Not
in some E qual in some in some Less
com
opera in all opera opera in all parable
tions, opera tions, tions, opera or not
equal in tions. less in less in tions. stated.
some. some.
some.
.. 3
2
i
2
1
1
2
i
6
2
2
2
4
i
2
2
1
3
5
2
1
3
4
5
8
11
15
28
10
6
1
2
18
2
Miscellaneous m etal p ro d u cts.............
37
13
7
16
20
12
4
1
5
3
i
2
2
i
i
4
2
T o tal...............................................
127
30
6
30
Typew riters and other light m achines.
E lectrical m achinery, apparatus, and
Foundry and machine-shop pro
d u c ts.......................................................
1 N ational In d u strial Conference Board.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1
7
R esearch R eport No. 8, July, 1918. W ar-tim e Em ploym ent
of w omen in th e Metal Trades. Boston, Mass. 79 pp.
192
i
h
[102S]
193
M O N T H L Y LABOK R E V IE W .
In some of these establishments women had been employed for so
short a time that a valid opinion as to their efficiency could hardly
be formed. In 30 of the 99 cases in which an opinion is given
women are said to have a greater output in all operations in which
both sexes are engaged, in 6 their output is greater in some and
equal in other operations, and in 30 it is equal to that of the men.
In 15 it was said that women produced less than men in all opera
tions. This comparative output does not seem to bear any relation
either to the character of the work nor to the fact that women have
been employed at it but a short time.
Analysis discloses that among those operations which some employers reported
women to be performing less efficiently than men, there are very few which are not
being carried on with much success by women in other establishments. For instance,
in one automobile factory women are found inferior to men in light bench and machine
work; yet in a similar factory, and in many others doing similar work, their output
on the same processes is equal to or greater than that of the men. * * * The
success reported in these cases suggests that extended experience, improvements in
management, or other changes might insure to those plants where the output*of women
falls below that of men the same good results that are now secured by others in their
lines.
WAGES.
The following table shows how generally in these establishments
women are receiving the same wages as men for the same work:
S U M M A R Y C O M P A R IS O N O F W A G E R A T E S O F W O M E N W I T H T H O S E O F M E N , B Y
I N D U S T R IE S .
W age rates of women.
N um
ber of
estab
Piece rate
lish E qual to equal to Less th a n N ot com- g
parable or
m ents. m en ’s. m en’s, tim e m en’s. not
stated.
rate less.
In d u stry .
Automobiles and autom obile accessories...................
T ypew riters and other licfht m achines.......................
Electrical m achinery, apparatus, and supplies........
F oundry and m achine-shop p ro d u cts........................
1 In
2 In
8In
<In
14
3
6
"Railway equipm ent,.......................................................
Tools, cutlery, and hardw are.......................................
Miscellaneous m etal pro d u cts.......................................
T o tal........................................................................
10
18
37
13
7
16
2
« 18
5
6
9
2
1
2
2
8
6
23
i
3
3
4
24
21
20
6
3
7
127
53
29
2
38
7
5
4
2
1
2 cases tim e ra te s n o t sta te d .
1 case p iece ra te s n o t sta te d .
som e cases p iece ra te s eq u a l a n d in 1 case piece ra te s n o t s ta te d .
1 e s ta b lis h m e n t som e p iece a n d tim e ra te s a re less a n d in 2 cases tim e ra te s n o t s ta te d .
This shows that the principle of equal wages for equal work is
more extensively adopted among employers in industries where the
use of women is a comparatively new thing than where their employ
ment is of long standing. For instance, among the munition estab
lishments reporting, not one paid women lower piece rates than men,
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1029]
194
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
and of the railway equipment shops not one paid women lower rates,
whether piece or time, while in electrical manufacturing only three
of 13 establishments paid equal time and piece rates to women.
This is said to be “ probably due to the fact that women have been
employed in this industry for a much longer period, and that certain
occupations came to be regarded as women’s work at a time when
the principle of equal wages was seldom accepted.”
Several of those paying women lower wages stated that they are
gradually increasing these'wages as the women become more pro
ficient, with the intention of making them finally equal to those of
men. One employer expected to pay them equal wages as soon as
he had made up the cost of changes incidental to their employment.
One justified the lower wages on the ground that it was necessary to
employ helpers to bring up the stock to the women. As to this, the
report states that “ many industrial managers regard the employ
ment of a lower paid helper to deliver and take away stock from
more highly paid skilled or semiskilled workers a desirable economy,
even when men only are employed.”
In general some changes in organization and equipment seemed
necessary when women were introduced. The most frequent change
mentioned was the employment of additional supervisors, owing to
the unfamiliarity of the women with their new work and the con
sequent need for close oversight. The introduction of large numbers
of inexperienced men would necessitate the same change. In gen
eral the employers reporting did not have the women workers sepa
rated from the men, and did not find any particular difficulty arising
from the mingling of the sexes. It was not uncommon to have dif
ferent times for the coming and departure of the men and women,
this having the added advantage that it diminished the amount of
crowding at the exits. No extensive reorganization of the work was
necessary in order to bring it within the capacity of women:
In respect to organization of processes, factories in the United States are already
better adapted to women workers than was the case in England beiore the war. In
Great Britain the conservatism of employers and the opposition of trade-unions had
combined to keep highly skilled men performing numerous complete processes in
stead of having the work subdivided and having highly standardized parts manu
factured by automatic machines tended by unskilled or semiskilled workers.
m eth o d s
o f t r a in in g
w om en
.
Three methods were found in use—cooperation of the factory with
local trade schools, special training departments in the factory itself,
and instruction by foremen in departments to which women are
assigned. The first is apparently not widely used. The second was
adopted by 11 of the reporting establishments, employing together
14,380 women. It is significant that six of these establishments
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1030]
M ONTHLY LABOR ¿REVIEW.
195
reported the output of women as better than that of men in some or
all of the processes in which they are employed» and only one found
their output less in all processes. “ There can be little doubt that
the better output of women workers resulted to a considerable ex
tent from such training, and that corresponding advantages could
be secured from similar training of male workers as well.” The
third method is the most common. It has the advantage of not
requiring any alterations of plant or personnel, but its success de
pends almost entirely upon the ability of the foremen.
SELECTION AND A T T IT U D E OF WOMEN.
Stress is laid on the importance of selecting women who are
adapted to the work they are to do. It is recommended that en
trants be examined by a physician to discover whether or not they
are physically fit for the tasks they are expected to undertake. In
England of late there has been a tendency to select younger women
for munition work, 22 to 23 being regarded as the most satisfactory
age. One manufacturer reported in this study argues against this,
saying that the older women are more steady and less given to
change, and that their continuous application brings their average
production up to that of the younger and more vigorous employees.
Of 111 manufacturers reporting on the attitude of women toward
their work, 103 reported that it was as good or better than that of
the men, while 8 considered it worse. The following table shows
the situation in regard to attendance:
A T T E N D A N C E
O F
W O M EN
W O R K E R S
C O M PA R E D
W IT H
T H A T
O F
M E N
IN
115
E S T A B L IS H M E N T S .
E s ta b lis h m e n ts .
W o m e n e m p lo y e e s .
Ite m .
N u m b er.
P er cent
of to ta l.
W o m e n 's a t t e n r i a n e e w o r s e f.hmn m e n 's .........................................................
44
40
31
3 8 .3
3 4 .8
2 6 .9
1 0 ,4 8 1
9 ,9 7 4
1 8 ,0 4 5
2 7 .2
2 5 .9
4 6 .9
T o t a l ............................................................................................................................................
115
1 0 0 .0
3 8 ,5 0 0
1 0 0 .0
W o m e n ’s a t t e n d a n c e b e t t e r t h a n m e n ’s ................................................................
W o m e n ' s a t t e n d a n c e e q u a l t o m e n ' s ........................................................................
N u m b er.
P er cent
of to ta l.
From this it appears that something over one-half of the women
reported upon equalled or surpassed men in their regularity of at
tendance. Nevertheless, judging by the experience of other coun
tries and other industries, the conclusion is reached “ that a higher
average time loss because of absence must be counted among the
unavoidable disadvantages connected with the employment of
women.”
Offsetting this is the fact that the labor turnover is smaller among
women than among men. Only 8 out of 94 employers reporting as
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1031 ]
M O X T liU l7 .LABOR REVIEW.
196
to this considered the women’s record wrorse in this respect, while
60 found that it was better, “ often by 20 to 30 per cent.” How
ever, this relative steadiness may diminish with the increasing op
portunities for women to secure employment. Several employers
comment on the fact that women are showing a tendency, hitherto
unobserved, to try out “ every job possible until they find some
thing that suits,” and they connect this with the abundant oppor
tunities for women to get work at good wrages.
• Nevertheless, even if radical industrial changes rendered women
workers as much valued and as much sought after as men are at
present, it is probable that both social conditions and psychological
characteristics would restrain them from shifting from place to
place as freely as men.
As to the future of women in the metal trades the report is con
servative. Experience has not as yet shown whether they are
adapted to anything more than semiskilled, repetitive operations.
Men have shown little or no objection to their presence so far, but
this attitude might easily change should the women become serious
competitors. Many employers are doubtful as to the social desira
bility of employing women permanently in such work. Generally
speaking, however, the attitude seems to be that while there are
some processes so heavy, so dangerous, or involving such exposure
to heat or poisonous fumes that women should not be employed
upon them, there are many others in which there is no objection
whatever to their employment; that women constitute an available
source of labor supply for the metal trades to which employers will
be obliged to resort more and more with the increasing withdrawal
of men from industry; that with proper precautions as to selection
of women fitted for the particular task to which they are to be set,
due observance of health conditions, and provision of safety appli
ances, etc., there is no danger of injury to the women, and if the prin
ciple of equal wages for equal work is adopted there is no danger of
their undercutting the men; that their future in the trade will depend
altogether upon the conditions prevailing at and after the close of
the war, and that its consideration may well be postponed until it
becomes a more pressing question.
OFFICE CLEANING AS AN OCCUPATION FOR WOMEN.
At a time like the present when social workers and legislators are
anxiously considering the demands which may be made upon women
in the new occupations to which the war is calling them, it is impor
tant to bear in mind the conditions prevailing in some occupations
which have long been looked upon as distinctively theirs. Hence
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1032]
197
M ONTHLY LABOE iffi^IE W .
there is a special timeliness in a study just issued by tlie Massachu
setts Minimum Wage Commission of the wages, hours, and conditions
of work of women engaged as cleaners in office and other buildings.1
The study was made during April, May, and December, 1917, and Jan
uary, 1918. Pay-roll data covering a year were secured for 1,249
women employed in 64 buildings, and in addition, by means of sched
ules and personal visits, fuller data were secured concerning 859 women
employed in 79 office or other buildings, mostly in Boston.
This second group comprised 729 office and other building cleaners,
123 dormitory cleaners, and 7 matrons. The work of the cleaners
differed somewhat according to the building in which they were
employed.
In addition to sweeping and dusting, they empty wastebaskets and clean the cus
pidors and washbasins. In some buildings these same women also wash the floors;
in others this work is done by a special group of women who make the rounds of the
offices once or twice a week. In most buildings at the present time a mop is used for
washing the floors, but in a few buildings they are still scrubbed on the hands and
knees with a scrubbing brush. Very little furniture moving is required of women;
in most buildings it is done by men porters. The sweeping of heavy rugs seems to be
the work which demands the most strength and is most tiring. * * *
“Marblework, ” or the washing of marble floors and wainscoting of corridors and
stairways is almost without exception done by a separate group of employees, who
are usually women. These “marble women,” as they are called, are in general
responsible also for the care of the stairs and toilets. This work is extremely hard,
especially during the season when the streets are dirty. By many this is considered
the most disagreeable part of the cleaning, especially in the case of bank buildings,
where the marble is usually extensive, and the work is in many cases rendered doubly
hard by the necessity of carrying water from the basement.
H O U R S
A N D
W A G ES.
In general the hours were not long, the great majority of the
women studied—83 per cent—being employed between 26 and 42
hours a week, and only 42 women working 54 hours or over. Off
setting this advantage is the fact that the work is done mainly at
night. “ Approximately nine-tenths of the women employed in
office buildings are required to do their work between the hours of
9.30 at night and 9.30 in the morning.” Work after 5 or 6 in the
morning, however, can hardly be classed as night work, so perhaps a
better presentment of the situation is found in an appendix table
which shows that of 692 women engaged in cleaning buildings other
than college dormitories, 566, or 82 per cent, were regularly at work at
3 a. m., some having begun at 8 or 9 on the preceding evening, but
more having come on duty at from 2 to 3 a. m. Thirty others began
work at 4 a. m.
i M a s s a c h u s e tts
M in im u m
W a g e C o m m is s io n .
B u lle tin
N o.
p l o y e d a s o f f ic e a n d o t h e r b u i l d i n g c l e a n e r s i n M a s s a c h u s e t t s .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
t 10331
16,
M ay,
B o s to n .
1918.
36 p p .
W ages
of w o m e n
em
198
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
Wages were low, and earnings, naturally, lower still. Of the 859
workers for whom data as to weekly rates were secured, 78.1 per cent
had a rate lower than $8 a week, and only 5.6 per cent were paid at
the rate of $9 or over. When the weekly rate was divided by the
number of hours worked, the hourly rate thus obtained was con
siderably lower than the customary rates for similar work done for
private persons :
The rate paid to cleaners in office buildings varied from 12 to 47 cents an hour, the
majority (63.5 per cent) receiving between 15 and 20 cents. In private employment,
on the other hand, thè prevailing rates of payment for similar work range from 20 to
30 cents per hour, according to the locality, 25 cents being the most usual figure in
Boston. In addition, women who work out by the day in private families almost
invariably receive car fare and at least one meal.
Annual earnings were considerably less than the rates of pay
would indicate. Of the 1,249 women for whom pay-roll data were
secured, three-fifths (61.3 'per cent) earned less than $250 at this
work during the year covered, and only 28, or 2.3 per cent of the total
number, earned as much as $450. Only about one-fourth of the
office cleaners and less than one-tenth of the dormitory cleaners were
reported as working a full year. In the case of the latter the fluctu
ation of employment is explained by the closing of many of the
buildings during the college vacations, but no explanation is given
of the irregular employment of the office cleaners, among whom only
54.6 per cent were employed for as much as six months of the year.
AGE AN D LIVING CONDITIONS.
Young workers were the exception among those studied. Only 4
of 676 women whose age was ascertained were under 25; 203, or 30
per cent, were between 30 and 40; and 66.6 per cent were 40 or over.
Of 562 for whom the length of experience was learned, 52.7 per cent
had been in such work for five years or longer. No connection could
be discovered between length of experience and earning capacity.
Nearly all the workers studied were either married, widowed, or
divorced, and many were wholly or partially responsible for the sup
port of children or other dependents. Naturally, therefore, the great
majority—96.4 per cent—lived at home. Fifty-four out of 478 for
whom this fact was ascertained had taken other employment in addi
tion to their cleaning. As their earnings at cleaning were manifestly
inadequate for their own support, let alone that of their dependents,
more might have been expected to do this but for the difficulties in
the way. To begm with, many of them were handicapped by having
to do their housekeeping and look after their children during the day,
getting their sleep as' best they might. Those who had fewer or no
home cares found it difficult to secure any work they were able to do.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1034]
199
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
About two-thirds of those who did supplementary work had obtained
cleaning, washing, or housework in private homes or in hotels.
Employment of this kind, however, is generally available only for those who can
give a full day’s time. In order to bring her earnings up to a living minimum by
this kind of supplementary employment, a woman would have to work at least 2 full
days of 8 or 9 hours each, which, added to the 5 or 6 hours of the night spent in office
cleaning, would make a total working day of not less than 13 or 14 hours.
The only kind of regular short-time employment which these
women seemed able to find was dish washing in restaurants during
the noon hour. Demand for workers of this kind was very limited,
and only about one-tenth of the women who had supplementary
employment were found doing this work.
WASTAGE OF LABOR IN ENGLISH MUNITION FACTORIES EMPLOYING
WOMEN.
The Medical Research Committee has recently published the results
of an investigation 1 made by Maj. Greenwood, of the Welfare and
Health Section, Ministry of Munitions, on the causes of the labor
turnover in munition factories employing women. The investigation
dealt with 18 factories or sections of factories, employing altogether
some 40,000 women. Of these, 11,005 left their work during the
period of observation. These were classified into three groups: (1)
Those leaving on account of ill health; (2) those leaving for some
sufficient reason other than ill health; (3) those giving insufficient or
no reasons for leaving. Ill health was comparatively an unimportant
cause, accounting for only 15 per cent of the departures. Other suffi
cient reasons accounted for 24.1 per cent, while 60.9 per cent of those
leaving gave either some insufficient reason or none at all.
The data are admittedly unsatisfactory, since they include women
discharged for lack of work as well as those leaving of their own
accord and because there is little possibility of comparing working
conditions, although apparently these conditions have much to do
with the permanency of employees. As illustrating this, figures are
given for two factories engaged in the same kind of work, in one of
which a good system of welfare supervision was in operation, while
in the other conditions were only fair; the rate of loss of the second
was nearly three times that of the first. It is not certain that the
welfare work was the explanation of this difference; the employees
in the first factory were mainly country girls, and it is suggested that
these may be “ less prone to change than urban girls.” But the coin
cidence of good provisions for the health and comfort of the workers
i G re a t B rita in .
of w
a s ta g e o f
N a tio n a l H e a lth
labor in
In su ran ce .
M e d ic a l R e s e a rc h
m u n itio n fa c to rie s e m p lo y in g w o m e n .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1035]
C o m m itte e .
L ondon,
1918.
A
76 pp.
report on the causes
r 200
MO^WJLLY LABOR REVIEW.
and a relatively steady force suggests that no comparison is satisfac
tory which omits the factor of working conditions. This is, however,
the only case in which working conditions are taken into consideration
in connection with the wastage. The experience of these two facto
ries convinces the author that “ existing rates of loss in many facto
ries are unnecessarily high, and that so long as they continue the
effective mobilization of labor for national service has not even been
approximately realized.”
Taking the factories as a whole, the age of the worker in connection
with the character of the work seemed an important factor in bringing
about changes in the working force. This appears clearly in a com
parison between two factories “ both of which are situated in the
same part of the country and conform to the highest standards of
general management. L 3 is a national filling factory handling TNT;
H 6 is a national projectile factory.” For these two factories the
three months’ survival rates at different ages were as follows:
A g e s 18 t o 22. A g e s 23 t o 27.
f f fi
L 3
7 8 .8 0
8 1 .5 0
8 7 .9 1
8 5 .7 5
...............................................................................................- .....................
......................................................... .............................................................................
A g e s 28 a n d
o v er.
7 8 .5 0
8 6 .0 7
The survival rates of the first two age groups show no significant
difference, but in the third group the filling factory has a decided
advantage. “ In this comparison all factors are constant save the
type of work, and the inference seems legitimate that labor in pro
jectile factories is really less suitable for older women.”
A similar conclusion seems deducible from two tables showing the
survival rates for all the factories, classified according to whether
their work was light or heavy. This comparison is not so conclusive,
since working conditions and other factors may vary widely between
the two groups, yet it is significant.
N IN E
M O N T H S ’ S U R V IV A L
L i g h t fa c
to rie s .
A g e g ro u p .
18
23
28
t o 22 y e a r s
t o 27 y e a r s
y e a rs a n o v e r
R A T E S.
67.55
65.15
66.59
.................. . .............................................................................................
........... . _ . . . ....................................................... ..
........................................ ...........................................................
N IN E
M O N T H S ’ IL L N E S S
S U R V IV A L
18 t o 22 y pa^S
. ____ t t T . . . ...............................................................
23 t o 27 y e a r s
___T___ - ............................... .............................................................
2 8 y e a r s a n i l o v e r ......................................................................................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1036]
59.64
51.46
52.45
D iffe re n c e .
.
+ 7.91
+ 13.69
+ 14 .1 4
R A T E S.
L ig h t fa c
to rie s .
A g e g ro u p .
H e a v y fa c
to rie s .
9 3 .0 4
9 3 .2 1
9 2 .9 2
H e a v y fa c
to rie s .
9 4 .4 0
9 0 .7 2
9 0 .6 0
D iffe re n c e .
-1 .3 5
+ 2 .4 9
+ 2 .3 2
0*201
MONTHLY LABOS 'MVIEW.
This shows a considerable advantage on the side of the “light fac
tories,“ and it shows also that this advantage increases with the age
of the workers, and that only a small part of it is due to health con
ditions. Indeed, in the youngest age group the advantage in health
is actually with the ‘‘heavy factories.“ The increasing tendency of the
older women to leave the “heavy factories” is explained as due to the
much larger proportion of married women in the older groups. The
factory work by itself would not discourage them, but taken in con
nection with the care of a home and family the heavy work becomes
too much of a strain, and the workers tend to drop out more numer
ously than they do from the “light factories.“
The author draws three general conclusions from his investigation:
In the first place, it has been proved that the magnitude of the problem of wastage
is considerable, and that there is much discontinuity of employment, even in the
best-managed factories, which must prejudicially affect output.
In the second place, it has been shown that much of this wastage is inexplicable, or
at least unexplained. The greatest proportion of the losses is unaccounted for. Of
a total number of 11,005 women who left, 6,'097 gave no reason for so doing, or a frivo
lous reason. * * * There is no panacea for the disease, but there is one promising
remedy. This is organized welfare work.
In the third place, it appears that the general strain of factory life in itself is not
worse borne by elder than by younger women, even in factories engaged upon chemi
cal work, which has often been associated with specific danger to the health of certain
individuals. On the other hand, when the general strain of factory conditions ia
combined with more than a very moderate degree of actual physical work, women
over 23 come less well through the ordeal. The difference is not indeed catastrophic,
but it is distinct enough to make an attempt at systematic recruiting of the older
women for the physically lighter labor and of the younger women for the more strenu
ous tasks worthy of practical attention.
INFANT WELFARE IN GERMANY DURING THE WAR.1
The following report on this subject has been compiled chiefly
from journals published in Germany devoted to infant welfare, social
reform and allied topics. The most striking fact brought out is the
serious decrease in the German birth rate, the number of live births
having fallen from 1,839,000 in 1913 to 1,103,000 in 1916, a decrease
of 40 per cent. During this same period the decrease in the number
of live births in England and Wales was 10.9 per cent.
In the two months immediately following the outbreak of the War
there was a marked rise in the infant mortality of Germany, attributed
in the main to the economic distress which followed on mobilization.
Except for this brief period, however, the mortality rate appears to
have decreased steadily. Figures for the Empire as a whole are not
i G reat
B rita in .
L o c a l G o v e rn m e n t
G e rm a n y d u rin g th e W a r.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
B o a rd .
L o n d o n , 1918.
In te llig e n c e
37 p p .
[ 1037 ]
D e p a rtm e n t.
B e p o rt.
I n f a n t W e lfa re
in
202
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
'
available, but for 26 large cities having a total population in 1914 of
11,700,000, the rates are as follows: 1914, 153; 1915, 140; 1916, 130.
For London and the county boroughs of England atid Wales ,during
the same years the rates were respectively 116,120 and 101, so that
in spite of its decrease the German rate still remains much higher
than that of similar districts in England. Figures for the rural dis
tricts of Germany are not available, but in these the infant mortality
rates have customarily been higher than in the cities, and it is pre‘sumed that this relation still prevails.
Three lines of effort have been undertaken in order to reduce the
infant mortality—maternity grants, increased work in welfare centers
for mothers and children, and special provision of suitable food for
expectant or nursing mothers and for young children. The separation
allowances made to the wives of German soldiers were so small that
it was almost impossible for a woman to meet the expenses of con
finement, and there was a general demand for some provision for
those expecting motherhood. To meet this, the government decided
to provide for the payment of maternity grants, partly out of imperial
funds and partly out of the sickness insurance funds, to the wives of
men in active service.
The Federal order authorizing the imperial grants appeared on the
3d of December, 1914. It provided for the payment of the following
allowances:
(a) A single payment of 25s. ($6.08 cents) toward the expenses of
confinement.
(b) An allowance of Is. (24.3 cents) daily, including Sundays and
holidays, for eight weeks, at least six of which must be after the
confinement.
(c) A grant up to 10s. ($2.43 cents) for medical attendance during
pregnancy, if needed.
(d) An allowance for breast feeding at the rate of 6d. (12.2 cents)
a day, including Sundays and holidays, for 12 weeks after confinement.
In June, 1917, the daily allowance was raised to Is. 6d. (36.5 cents)
■for eight weeks, and in July, 1917, the maternity grants were extended
to women whose husbands were in patriotic auxiliary service. The
grants were to be administered through the sickness insurance
societies.
THE W ORK OF IN F A N T W ELFA R E C ENTERS.
Up to 1900 most of the work done for infants in Germany was insti
tutional, but by 1907 the “ Imperial Association for the Care of
Infants” had been formed to encourage, organize, and direct the
development of infant welfare work in all parts of the Empire. This
association devoted itself to forming local societies, which in turn
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1038]
MONTHLY LABOR "»MflEW.
203
established infant welfare centers. In 1915 there were nearly 800
such centers, distributed among the areas of 550 local authorities
In a number of cases such centers were formed by private initiative
and afterwards taken over and managed by the municipal authorities.
There are 9 municipal centers in Berlin, 13 in Cologne, and 6 in
Leipzig. For a brief time after the war began public attention was
directed almost wholly toward military activities and the work of
the centers languished or was altogether given up, but the alarm
occasioned by the rapid rise in the infant mortality rate during the
first months of the war led to a revival and extension of their work.
These centers have attempted some antenatal work, but have not
as yet done much along this line. They have devoted themselves to
encouraging breast feeding, to providing attendance during confine
ment, to instructing mothers in the care of their babies, to maintain
ing crèches where the babies may be left while the mothers are at
work, to supporting health nurses specially trained in the care of
babies and young children, and the like. The leaders in the work
at first welcomed the establishment of the imperial maternity grants
as “ the greatest social event of the war,” but experience showed
that the effects of the grants were not always beneficial.
The welfare centers, many of which had hitherto given allowances in money or
kind to mothers who breast fed their infants, had been able to impose a condition that
the mother should bring the child regularly to the center and observe its rules. Under
the new order the sickness insurance societies were required to distribute the imperial
grants to all who had a legal claim, and it was left to the societies to decide what
evidence, if any, they would require that a mother was really breast feeding her infant.
When mothers became entitled to receive the allowances direct from the sickness
insurance societies the effectiveness of the welfare centers was seriously undermined.
Attendances fell off rapidly, and mothers and infants were thus deprived of beneficent
influence.
To meet this situation social workers urged that the allowances
for breast feeding should be made through the Welfare centers and
should be conditional on regular attendance, but the Government
refused to impose such a condition. An effort was then made to
establish cooperation between the welfare centers and the sickness
insurance societies.
In the majority of cases where infant welfare work was well organized those who
directed it approached the societies with the proposal that the breast-feeding allow
ances should be paid by the societies only to those mothers who produced a certificate
from the welfare center that they were fulfilling the condition. It would seem that
in course of time the sickness societies in most towns where infant welfare associations
existed came to some agreement of this kind.
Where cooperation was established there is much testimony to
show that the imperial grants have greatly increased the practice of
breast feeding. In Mannheim of 2,463 mothers claiming the imperial
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1039 ]
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
204
maternity grants 92 per cent breast fed their babies, at least for a
time. “ In Cologne 80 per cent of the infants brought to the centers
during 1915 were breast fed.” There is complaint, however, that as
soon as the imperial allowance ceases mothers discontinue breast
feeding, regardless of the well-being of their infants.
The general opinion is that some way should be found for continuing the allowance
beyond the first three months, this period not being long enough to protect the infant
from later suffering. A number of centers report that infants who were breast fed up
to three months and then suddenly weaned were peculiarly susceptible to digestive
troubles, especially where the change took place during the hot weather. The tend
ency everywhere is for mothers to cease to attend the centers when the allowance can
no longer be claimed. The infants are thus deprived of care and supervision at the
very time when they are exposed to fresh danger from artificial feeding. It seems to
have happened in many cases that so long as the imperial allowance was forthcoming
the mothers remained at home, but as soon as these payments came to an end they
sought some paid employment outside the home and the infants were weaned and left
to the care of other persons.
Institutional care of children has, of course, been extended, owing
to war conditions. Measures have been taken for the protection of
illegitimate babies, including separation allowance if the father is a
soldier, and maternity grants, besides special provisions for guardian
ship. As a result of these measures the death rate among such
infants, although still much higher than that among legitimate babies,
has been much reduced.
SPECIAL FOOD SU P PL IE S FOB. MOTHERS AND BA BIES.
Milk became scarce and dear early in the war days, and this con
dition seriously affected the babies and nursing mothers. For a time
the matter was left to private benevolence or to the efforts of local
authorities, but by the autumn of 1915 the Government took the
matter in hand. At first local authorities were given power to se
cure, by preferential measures, a proper supply of milk to nursing
mothers, to infants and young children, and to the sick, and the
quantities to be allowed members of each of these classes were pre
scribed. Later it was provided that these classes alone might receive
whole milk, all other persons receiving skim milk only. Later, the
difficulty of securing milk became so great that municipalities in
some cases themselves kept cows, and municipal milk depots were
established. A considerable amount of milk is distributed through
the infant-welfare centers, the milk being given out on medical au
thority. A charge is made to those who can pay, but the municipal
ity generally pays for milk given to those who cannot meet the
charge.
In many places expectant mothers were provided with preference
cards, enabling them to secure attention at food shops -out of turn.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1040 ]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
205
This was done to save them from standing for hours in the queues.
The police have instructions to see that the holders, on production
of such cards, are given the special treatment to which they are en
titled. In a number of places measures have been taken to provide
extra rations for expectant and nursing mothers, but these measures
differed too widely from place to place to be covered by any general
statement. In the spring of 1917 the Imperial Government drew up
and issued a set of rules as to the allowances which should be made to
expectant mothers, infants, and children, and requested the State gov
ernments to see that those were carried out by the local authorities.
In summing up the conclusions of this study, attention should be
drawn to the fact that the maternity grants have been effective in
reducing the infant death rate when, and only when, they have been
administered as part of an organized scheme of infant welfare work.
Where the money has simply been handed out without any attempt
to see that the mothers and infants are properly cared for, the grants
appear to have had little or no effect on the infant death rate. It is
felt that one of the most serious questions concerning infant welfare
in Germany now is that of the employment of mothers.
While there has been development of infant welfare work on the modern lines of
caring for the child in the home, the older method of caring for children in institu
tions has at the same time been extended. The demand for women’s labor is so great
that an ever-increasing number of women are being drawn into industrial work.
While the mother toils by day or night her child must be cared for by others. Those
who are concerned for the welfare of infants and young children believe that they
will be better cared for by trained and supervised workers in crèches or infants’ homes
than in the homes of foster mothers, especially in view of the difficult food conditions.
Endeavors are therefore being made to provide suitable institutions wherever they
are needed and to link them up with the general movement for infant welfare. But
whether the measures taken will be adequate to counteract the effect of the industrial
employment of women under the present conditions of night shifts, long hours, and
unusual strain is a question which causes grave anxiety.
The above review deals only with conditions in 1917, but a report
of a meeting at Frankfort of the German infant welfare committee
in Juno, 1918, shows an increasing appreciation of the seriousness of
the situation. Dr. Lippe, burgomaster of Frankfort, proposed that
the State should intervene not merely to stop the fall in the birth
rate, but also to improve the quality of the succeeding generation.
For this purpose the State must not withhold assistance until the
family has reached a certain size, but must begin with the first child
and extend its work according to the number of children.
The only new thing about Lippe’s proposal is that it won the approbation of such
a meeting. Not only did the time-honored objection about State aid making mothers
disdain employment meet with no support, but speakers even expressed their
opinions that mere child insurance was not sufficient, and that economic assistance
S26170— 18----- 14
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1041]
206
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
should be given for their upbringing in the form of considerable rebates on taxes,
and, above a certain number of children, in the form of actual grants from the State.
Above a certain number of children also child insurance does not suffice. The State
must be more liberal.
It was pointed out that of 200,000,000 marks ($47,600,000) paid
for maternity benefits, 50,000,000 ($11,900,000) were lost, because
25 per cent of the children died under six years of age. Social hy
giene during infancy needed far more attention. The deficiencies
of upbringing were not the fault of the individual, but originated in
the prevailing economic conditions. The trouble is not due to the
war, which only aggravated a situation already existing. Economic
conditions must be faced and improved if the quality of the race is to
bo preserved. Special stress was laid on the advantage of securing
the sympathy and cooperation of the trade-unions in measures con
cerning infant welfare, since these associations had the confidence of
the people among whom these measures were most needed.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1042]
INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS,
ACCIDENT FREQUENCY AND SEVERITY RATES IN WISCONSIN, 1015-1917.
Wisconsin is one of the first States to put into effect the system of
weighting industrial accidents formulated by the committee on sta
tistics and compensation insurance cost of the International Asso
ciation of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions.1 The State
industrial commission has recently issued a table containing an
analysis of all industrial accidents of over one week’s disability,
which occurred during the three years 1915, 1916, and 1917. This
table gives both the number of accidents and the total number of
days lost, classified both by cause and nature of disability. Only
compensable injuries, however, i. e., those of over one week’s dis
ability and occurring in employments under the compensation act,
are included in the table. The permanent injuries listed include
those resulting in the impairment of function or loss of use, as well
as amputation cases.
In computing the time lost for fatal or permanent disability acci
dents the schedule of severity ratings formulated by the abovementioned committee was used. Death and permanent total dis
ability were each rated at 6,000 days. The severity of the partial
disabilities was computed in percentages of permanent total dis
ability and ranged from 4,500 days for the loss of an arm to 300 days
for the loss of a finger.
The following table shows the total number of injuries and the
average number of days lost per accident, classified by cause of
accident and nature of injury. Only the total number of the per
manent disabilities are here given. For a more refined classifica
tion of these permanent injuries reference must be had tb the original
table issued by the Wisconsin Industrial Commission.
i T h e r e p o rt of th is co m m ittee, in c lu d in g th e a c cid en t s e v e rity sch ed u le, w as p u b lish e d in th e M on th ly
R ev iew for O ctober, 1917, p p . 123-143.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10431
207
208
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
N U M B E R O F A C CID EN TS AN D A V E R A G E N U M B E R O F DAYS LO ST P E R A CCID EN T IN
W ISCONSIN, 1915-1917, C L A SS IFIE D B Y CAUSES AND N A T U R E O F D IS A B IL IT Y .
Average num ber of days lost
per accident.
N um ber of accidents.
Cause.
D eath.
A ll causes........................................
All m achinery................................
Engines and m otors......................
Transm ission ap p aratu s..............
G eneral m achinery.......................
W oodworking m achinery...........
Metal-working m achinery...........
Paper-m aking m achinery...........
Paper-products m achinery.........
P rintin g m achinery........."...........
Leather-w orking m achinery.......
Baking and confectionery machinery.........................................
Brewing' and bottling machine ry .............................................
Caniiing m achinery...................
D airy-products m achinery..........
M eat-products m achinery...........
Milling m achinery........................
Textile m achinery........................
L aund ry m achinery...................
R ubber and composition machinery..........................
Building, excavating, and engineering m achinery...........
Clay, glass, and stone working
m achinery............................
F arm m achinery....................
Chemical m achinery..........
E levators..............................
Cranes, derricks, and hoists........
Cars and engines....................
W agons, carriages, and other
horse vehicles......................
Automobiles and m otorcycles...
Dragging and skidding................
R afting and river driving...........
Falling" objects.................“
Falling objects in mines and
quarries........................................
Falling trees........................
Falling objects in con stru ctio n ..
Flying" particles.............................
Falls of persons..............................
Falls in construction w ork..........
Stepping on sharp objects...........
Striking against objects...............
H an d tools......................................
H an d tru ck s...................................
H andling of objects......................
E lectricity.......................................
Explosives......................................
H ot and corrosive su b sta n c es...
Miscellaneous causes.....................
Causes no t otherwise classified..
Tempo
P erm a rary dis
n en t dis ab ility
ability.
(over 1
w eek).
517
53
5
13
2,390
1,311
28
2
42
430
496
54
31
17
70
9
9
4
2
1
1
22
38,073
6,425
334
166
182
1,926
2,155
491
115
81
269
Total.
40,9S0
7,789
367
201
226
2,365
2,660
549
146
98
341
Tempo
Perm a rary dis
n ent dis ability
(over 1
ability.
w eek).
794.0
717.4
864.6
208.6
726.5
708.9
649.1
820.8
658.1
591. 2
532.8
24.8
22.3
27.0
36.8
34.9
21.7
19.9
Total
(includ
ing
deaths).
25.5
20.9
145.2
181.5
172.3
646.8
216.2
169.1
159.7
143. 8
157. 7
123. 6
161.0
2 1 .6
2 2 .8
18
5-1
72
691. 7
27.4
193.5
5
5
4
16
53
58
28
23.7
6
11
44
18
194
26
300. 0
720.0
750.0
412.5
147.5
616. 7
900.0
33.9
22.5
26.4
19. 5
24.0
151 0
146. 6
294.3
300.2
841.1
473.3
158.7
9
4
23
7
27
185
22
11
2 2 .0
1
12
37
50
1,500.0
25.9
499.1
3
12
121
136
931.3
25.3
237.0
i
15
100
2
12
62
4
209
1,186
887
116
76
7
251
1,339
963
1,055.0
750.0
800. 0
1,151.6
821. 2
1,227.8
23.0
24.9
14. 3
41.4
30.1
31.7
208.0
296.6
351.0
555. 6
243.2
309.4
1,246
'260
264
3
2,922
1,332
277
274
5
3,007
1,141.6
719.3
501.4
32.8
29.8
41.1
38.0
25.3
283.1
224.7
118.1
2,422.8
80.6
312
425
343
635
4,072
1,206
'513
1,418
2,989
925
8,412
128
286
2,104
806
97
339
482
374
751
4,160
1,300
521
1,461
3,093
956
8,692
165
338
2,144
858
109
948.8
1,285.5
1,483.0
1,352.4
1,211.3
1,084.8
810.0
999.2
427.8
493.0
518.1
1,385.7
1,355.3
1,157. 0
977.8
1,575.0
33.7
43.7
37.9
18.1
29.1
44.5
16.8
359.9
562.3
351.0
230.4
95.6
293.6
48.9
86.5
46.1
58.8
52.1
1,166.8
450. 5
66.3
272.8
432.3
17
32
37
49
8
3
3
25
121
39
37
9
7
2
19
66
17
38
16
10
1
36
46
2
11
7
4
24
30
16
11
32
6
19
15
115
52
48
6
32
97
27
256
7
36
29
20
6
862.2
2 0 .0
19.7
20.4
2 1 .0
22.9
26.3
2 0 .2
28.0
17.3
The total number of accidents for the three-year period was 40,980,
of which 517 resulted in death, 2,390 were permanent injuries, and
3S,073 temporary disabilities. The relative severity of the injuries,
by causes, is indicated in the right-hand half of the table, which shows
the average number of days lost per accident, by causes. The
average severity of permanent disabilities was 794 days, of temporary
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1044]
M O NTHLY LABOE EEVIEW.
209
disabilities 24.8 days, and of fatal accidents, of course, 6,000 days;
the average of all accidents being 145.2 days. It will be noted that
among those causes, such as transmission machinery, elevators, and
electricity, in which there are relatively many fatal or permanent
injuries, the severity rate is high.
The real purpose of this article, however, is to show accident
rates—both frequency and severity. Such rates indicate the number
of accidents or the number of days lost per employee or per 1,000
employees and consequently their accuracy or value, especially for
comparative purposes, depends upon knowing the actual number of
exposed employees. In order to make the computation of rates
possible the State industrial commission has computed not only the
time lost but the number of employees in manufacturing industries
and in the State coming within the scope of the compensation.
Great credit is therefore due the commission for compiling data from
which accident rates can be computed. As already noted, accurate
comparisons of accident rates between different industries or States
or by causes is dependent upon the number of employees employed
in the industry or exposed to the particular hazard. This informa
tion the commission has not yet been able to obtain. For the
determination of rates, therefore, it has been necessary to use as the
base the total number of employees under the compensation act.
A more accurate rate for accidents from machinery in manufacturing
industries was possible, because these accidents could be segregated
and the number of employees engaged in manufacturing was readily
obtainable. Two separate tables of accident rates have therefore
been computed. One shows the rate for all the accidents, by causes,
based upon the total number of employees under the compensation
act; the other shows the rate for manufacturing machinery accidents,
by causes, based upon the number of employees engaged in manu
facturing industries under the compensation act. An analysis of the
method adopted by the commission for computing the number of
employees is given on pages 211 to 214.
The bureau recognizes that the methods of rate computation
herein followed are not conclusive, but despite their limitations the
tables have a certain value for comparative purposes and may point
the way toward better accident statistics.
The following table shows the accident frequency and severity
rates, by causes and nature of disability, for all employees under the
workmen’s compensation act. The number of employees for the
three-year period was estimated by the commission at 1,007,826.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1045 ]
210
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,
ACCIDEN T FR E Q U E N C Y AND S E V E R IT Y R A T E S
W ISCO N SIN C O M PEN SA TIO N ACT, C L A SS IFIE D
D ISA B IL IT Y ,
Cause.
All causes...........................................
All m achinery..................................
M achinery in manufacturing industries...........................................
Building, excavating, and engineering m achinery....................
F arm m achinery.............................
E levators...........................................
Cranes, derricks, and ho ists..........
Cars and engines..............................
W agons, carriages, and other
horse vehicles................................
Automobiles and m otorcycles___
Dragging and skidding...................
'Rafting and river d riv in g ..............
Falling objects..................................
Falling objects in mines and
quarries.........................................
Baiiing tre e s......................................
Falling objects in co n stru ctio n .. .
Flying particles...............................
Falls of persons................................
Falls in construction w o rk ...........
Stepping on sharp objects.............
Striking against objects.................
H and tools........................................
H and tru c k s .....................................
H andling of objects.........................
E lectricity .........................................
E xnlosives.........................................
H o t and corrosive substances___
Miscellaneous causes.......................
Causes not otherwise classified. . .
FO R ALL EM PLO YEES UN D ER
BY CAUSE AND N A T U R E OF
N um ber of accidents per 1,000
employees u nder compensation
act.
N um ber of days lost per employee
under compensation act.
Tem
Per porary
Death. m anent disa
injury.
bility.
Tem
P er
Death. m anent porary
disa
injury. bility.
Total.
0.513
.053
2.371
1.301
37.778
6 .375
40. 662
7.729
.048
1.277
6.194
7.518
.298
.003
.0 1 2
.0 1 2
.1 2 0
.062
.207
1.177
.880
.135
.075
.249
1.329
.956
.018
.2 2 0
.009
.029
.099
.048
1.236
.258
.262
. 003
2.902
1.322
.275
.273
. 005
2.986
.292
.048
.018
.310
.422
.340
.630
4.040
1.197
.509
1.407
2.966
.918
8.343
.127
.284
2.088
.800
.096
.336
.478
.371
.745
4.128
1.290
.517
1.450
3.069
.949
8.620
.164
.335
2.127
.851
.108
.0 0 2
.025
.017
.032
.037
.039
.049
.008
.003
.037
.009
.007
.1 2 0
.0 0 2
.019
.017
.038
.016
.0 0 1
.036
.046
.0 0 2
.0 1 1
.007
.004
.024
.030
.016
.0 1 1
.032
.006
. 065
.0 1 0
.019
.015
.114
.052
.048
.006
.032
.098
.027
.253
.007
.036
.029
.0 2 0
.006
Total.
0.937
.142
5. 906
1.403
.913
.138
1.350
.0 1 1
.003
.032
.0 0 2
.0 2 2
.009
.035
.028
.138
.323
.296
.042
.006
.003
.041
.008
.374
.062
.032
.113
.056
.074
.243
.1 0 1
.009
.024
.0 1 0
.1 2 1
.018
.013
.269
.130
.172
.395
.379
.025
.125
.141
.056
.448
.191
.151
.141
.232
.047
3.086
.327
.0 1 2
.1 0 1
.191
1.883
.933
.0 1 2
.226
.095
.006
.214
.274
.0 1 2
.065
.042
.024
.141
.179
.095
. 065
.191
.036
.0 2 2
.154
.062
.052
.005
.032
.041
.013
.132
.0 1 0
.048
.033
.019
.009
.0 1 1
.0 0 0 1
.0 1 1
.118
.053
.009
.028
.059
.019
.175
.003
.007
.042
.0 2 2
.0 0 2
.0 1 2
I t will be noted that the number of accidents per 1,000 employees
per year from all causes was 40.7, the rate for death being 0.5, for
permanent disability, 2.4, and for temporary disability, 37.8. The
number of days lost per employee per year from all causes was 5.9,
the rate for death being 3.1, for permanent disability, 1.9, and for
temporary disability, 0.9.
The following table shows the accident frequency and severity
rates, by causes and nature of disability, for employees in manufac
turing industries. This table shows a more refined classification than
the previous one and the rates are more accurate since the base
approximates more closely the actual exposure. The number of
employees engaged in manufacturing industries as estimated by the
commission was 745,915.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1046]
211
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
A C CIDEN T F R E Q U E N C Y AND S E V E R IT Y R A T E S IN M A N U FACTURIN G IN D U S T R IE S
IN W ISCONSIN, C L A SS IFIE D B Y CAUSE. A N D N A T U R E O F D ISA B IL IT Y .
N um ber of accidents per 1,000
employees in m anufacturing
industries.
N um ber of days lost per employee
in m anufacturing industries.
Cause.
Death.
All m achinery in m anufacturing
in d u strie s.......................................
Engines and m otors........................
Transm ission ap p aratu s.................
General m achinery..........................
W oodworking m ach in ery..............
Metal-working m achinery.............
Paper-m aking m ach in ery..............
Paper-products m achinery............
P rintin g m achinery........................
Leather-w orking m achinery..........
Baking and confectionery mach in ery ....................................
B rew ing'and bottling m achinery.
Canning m ach in ery .........................
D airy-products m achinery............
M eat-products m achinery.............
Milling m achinery...........................
T extile m achinery...........................
L aundry m achinery........................
R ubber and composition mach in ery .........................................
Clay, glass, and stone working
m achinery.....................................
Chemical m achinery.......................
0.064
.007
.017
.003
Perm a
n ent
injury.
Tem
porary
disa
bility.
Total.
D eath.
1.725
.038
.029
.056
.576
.665
.072
.042
.023
.094
8.370
.448
.223
.244
2.582
2.889
.658
.154
.109
.361
10.158
.492
.269
.303
3.171
3.566
.736
.196
.131
.457
.024
.007
.007
.005
.005
.072
.071
.031
.009
.036
.015
.248
.029
.097
.078
.038
.015
.059
.024
.260
.035
.0 0 1
.016
.050
.067
.008
.024
.0 0 1
.0 2 0
.134
.005
.156
.009
.008
.0 1 2
.0 1 2
.005
. ÓÒ3
.0 0 1
.0 0 1
.0 2 1
.008
.0 1 2
.004
0.402
.040
.105
.016
.072
.080
.032
Tem
Perm a porary
n ent
injury. disa
bility.
.016
.008
.008
.008
1.234
.032
.062
.041
.408
.432
.059
.027
.013
.050
0.186
.017
.0 0 2
.0 0 2
.0 0 1
.0 0 2
.005
.004
.009
.0 1 2
.007
.005
Total.
.0 1 2
.008
.009
.056
.058
.014
.004
.003
.007
.0003
.0 0 1
.0004
.005
1.823
.085
.174
.066
.536
.570
.106
.031
.016
.074
.019
.0 1 1
.006
.004
.018
.0 2 0
.0 1 2
.0 0 1
.006
.0 0 1
.033
.0 2 1
.003
.003
.0 0 0 1
.032
.003
METHOD OF COMPUTING NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES.
The method of computing the number of employees in manufactur
ing industries and under the compensation act is described by the
commission as follows:
RATIO BETWEEN EMPLOYEES IN MANUFACTURING AND ALL
EMPLOICEES SUBJECT TO THE COMPENSATION ACT.
This has been arrived at through a comparison of the pay roll of employers in non
manufacturing industries who operate under the compensation act, with the total pay
roll of all employers under the compensation act. The pay-roll figures referred to are
those given in the three annual reports of the commission on workmen’s compensation
insurance. These figures are estimated to be only 90 per cent complete, but the ratio
between manufacturing and nonmanufacturing pay rolls is not affected by this fact.
The principal element of error is the difficulty of separating manufacturing and non
manufacturing operations, especially in such groups as clerical office employees.
The third annual report on workmen’s compensation insurance gives tables showing
by industry classification the total pay rolls of employers subject to the compensation
act during the three years 1914 to 1916, inclusive. These tables are based upon the
reports of insurance companies and self-insurers. Analysis of the figures given shows
that between 25 per cent and 30 per cent of the total of these pay rolls were in non
manufacturing industries.
It is probable th at the average annual earnings are somewhat higher in manufactur
ing establishments than in nonmanufacturing industries. This warrants the assump-
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1047]
212
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
tion that the percentage of the employees in nonmanufacturing industries is slightly
higher than the percentage of the pay rolls applicable to these industries.
It is clear also that the expansion of manufacturing industries since 1914 has been
much greater than that of nonmanufacturing industries. This was true especially of
1917, during which year it is likely that the number of employees in nonmanufac
turing industries actually decreased, while manufacturing expanded considerably.
This was in part, at least, offset by the fact that on September 1, 1917, two of the largest
railway systems in the State became subject to the compensation act.
In view of the foregoing, it is estimated that the number of employees in non
manufacturing industries subject to the compensation act represented 37-| per cent of
the number engaged in manufacturing in 1914 and in 1915, 35 per cent in 1916, and 34
per cent in 1917.
N um ber
of
E m plo y ees E nga g ed
in
M a n u f a c t u r in g ,
1915-1917.
The number of employees engaged in manufacturing during each of the three years
1915, 1916, and 1917 are computed from the United States Census of Manufactures of
1914, which represents the average number of employees engaged in manufacturing
during the year. They thus may be taken to represent the number of full-time
employees.
In the summer and fall of 1914, and in the winter, spring, and summer of 1915, there
was a pronounced depression. Conditions gradually improved from month to month
in 1915, and at the end of the year were better than at any time in 1914. Hornell
Hart, in his recent study on “ Fluctuations in unemployment in cities of the United
States, 1902 to 1917,” gives figures which indicate that the average number of nonagricultural workers in the United States was 1 per cent greater in 1915 than in 1914.
From all data which is available, it is estimated that the number of persons in manu
facturing industries as well as the number of persons in nonmanufacturing industries
to which the compensation act applies increased in 1915 by 1 per cent over 1914.
The index of employment in factories of New York State, June, 1914, to December,
1916, published in the bulletin of the New York Industrial Commission, “ Course of
employment in New York State from 1906 to 1916,” shows an increase of 18 per cent
in 1916 over. 1915. It is believed that this figure should be slightly increased for
Wisconsin. The census of manufactures shows that the metal manufacturing group
embraces a somewhat larger percentage of the total employees in manufacturing in
Wisconsin than in New York. This group unquestionably had a much greater increase
in number of employees than manufacturing as a whole.
A study of the quarterly reports made by some of the larger firms carrying their
own risk under the workmen’s compensation act of Wisconsin, points toward an
increase of about 20 per cent in the number of their employees in 1916 over 1915.
The statistics published month by month by the United States Bureau of Labor
Statistics upon the number of employees of identical establishments throughout the
country do not show an increase of as much as 20 per cent in any group except in the
iron arid steel industry, in which the increase of 1916 over 1915 was above 25 per cent.
A conservative estimate of the increase in the number of employees in manufacturing
establishments in Wisconsin in 1916 over 1915 is 19 per cent, or 1 per cent more than
the increase in New York State.
In New York State the number of wage earners in manufacturing industries month
by month in 1917 averaged 5 per cent more than in 1916. The same increase has been
assumed for Wisconsin.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1048]
M ONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW.
N umber
of
W age E a rners
in M a n u f a c t u r in g W h o
C o m p e n s a t io n A ct .
213
are
S u b je c t
to
the
The compensation act of Wisconsin is an elective law. Election since 1913 has
been presumed for all employers who in the usual course of their business employed
four (three since Sept. 1. 1917) or more persons in common employment, unless they
fijed with the industrial commission a notice in writing of their wish to remain outside
of the law. While there are several hundred employers who have filed elections to
remain outside of the compensation act, or have withdrawn their elections, there is at
present only one large manufacturing plant, employing about 800 men, outside of the
compensation law.
The Abstract of the Census of Manufactures of 1914 shows that in that year the
total number of wage earners in all manufacturing establishments in Wisconsin which
employed five or less wage earners was 9,732. Some of these wage earners were under
compensation, namely, those in establishments employing four or five workmen. On
the other hand, as mentioned above, there were some wage earners in larger manufac
turing establishments which have elected to reject the compensation act who do not
enjoy the benefits of the law. The total number of wage earners engaged in manu
facturing who are outside of the compensation act, however, is certainly not more than
9,000. This number it is believed has varied little from year to year, decreasing if
anything. In computing the number of wage earners in manufacturing who are
undei the compensation act, 9,000 has been deducted each year from the estimated
total number of wage earners in Wisconsin, arrived at as explained above.
S a l a r ie d
E m plo y ees U n d er
C o m p e n s a t io n .
Salaried employees under the Wisconsin law are on the same footing as wage earners.
The same percentage of salaried employees is assumed to be under compensation as
of wage earners.
In 1914 the number of salaried employees in manufacturing establishments in
Wisconsin was 28,543. This figure is not given in the Abstract of the Census of Manu
factures of 1914, but it is there stated that in Wisconsin the salaried employees con
stituted 12.4 per cent of the total number of persons engaged in manufacturing, pro
prietors and firm members, 3.2 per cent, and the wage earners, 84.4 per cent. Since
the average number of wage earners was 194,310, the total number of persons engaged
in manufacturing hence was 230,225.
Census returns indicate that the number of salaried employees increased much
more rapidly from 1909 to 1914 than the number of wage earners. In this estimate,
however,^ the same rate of increase of salaried employees is assumed as of wage earners.
Assuming that approximately the fame percentage of salaried employees engaged
in manufacturing are outside of the compensation act as of wage earners in manufacturing, the deduction which must be made from the total number of salaried employees
to get at the number under the compensation act is about 1,250.
It has been assumed that the number of such salaried employees engaged in manu
facturing who are outside of the compensation act has not varied appreciably from
year to year since 1914.
P r o p r ie t o r s
and
F ir m
M em bers
U nder
C o m p e n s a t io n .
The workmen’s compensation act of Wisconsin does not classify individual entre
preneurs or copartners as employees. Officers of corporations, however, are “ employ
ees ’ within the meaning of the Wisconsin compensation law, if exposed to the opera
tive hazard.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10491
214
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,
In 1914 there were 8,556 proprietors and firm members engaged in manufacturing
in Wisconsin. A small percentage of such proprietors and firm members were “ em
ployees” within the meaning of the compensation act. This number is estimated at
500.
The following table summarizes the number of employees computed according to
the foregoing methods.
AN E S T IM A T E O F T H E A V ER A G E N U M B ER O F FU L L -T IM E E M P L O Y E E S SU B JE C T TO
T H E W O R K M E N ’S CO M PEN SA TIO N ACT O F W ISC O N SIN , 1914-1917.
E m ploy
ees in
nonm anu
Salaried employees. Proprie facturing
tors and
indus
firm
tries
m embers
U
nder
under
under
Total.
act.
act.
act.
M anufacturing.
Y ear.
Total
under
act.
Wage earners.
Total
under
act.
Total.
U nder
act.
293,017
296,080
348,429
363,317
213,103
215,331
258,096
272,488
194,310
196,253
233,541
245,218
185,310
187,253
224,541
237,218
28,543
28,828
34,305
36,020
27,293
27,578
33,055
34,770
500
500
500
500
79,914
80,749
90,333
90,829
Total 1915-1917. 1,007,826
745,915
675,012
649,012
99,153
95,403
1,500
261,911
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1050]
WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION AND SOCIAL
INSURANCE.
MEDICAL AND SURGICAL PROVISIONS IN COMPENSATION LAW AND
ADMINISTRATION.
B Y L IN D L E Y D . C L A R K .
REQUIREMENTS AS TO MEDICAL AND SURGICAL AID.
The growing recognition of the importance of the place of the
physician under the workmen’s compensation laws is evidenced by
the fact that of the six States enacting laws in this field in 1917—18
all provided for medical and surgical aid at the expense of the
employer, while of the five older laws which had omitted such provi
sion two were amended in 1917 so as to grant assistance of this
nature. Of the 38 States having compensation laws, therefore, med
ical aid is now provided in all but three.1 In the law applying to
employees of the United States, also, and in the laws of Hawaii
and Porto Rico, it is directed that medical aid be furnished.2 In
Alaska, as in two of the States not providing medical aid generally,3
the cost of medical attendance of an injured workman d}dng and
leaving no dependents is to be defrayed by the employer; so that it
is only in a single jurisdiction of the 42 in which compensation laws
exist within our national boundaries that the work of the physician
is without statutory recognition, and even in this State (Wyoming)
there is a negative sort of notice taken, inasmuch as the employee is to
be denied compensation if he refuses to submit to suitable medical
treatment, even though the employer is not required to supply the
same.
Though the provision for medical aid is thus general, the true
economy of a liberal expenditure of effort in the matter of the restora
tion of earning capacity is admitted as yet in only a few instances.
Limitations of amounts to be expended and of periods of treatment
bespeak an effort to reduce immediate outlay rather than to accom
plish an ultimate return to -work with the least possible loss of
earning power. The present widespread interest in the subject of
the rehabilitation of the wounded soldier is bound to react bene1 Arizona,
New H am pshire, and W yoming; the law of the T erritory of A laska is likewise deficient.
The Philippine Islands are no t included in this enum eration, although they have a law, of the na
tu re of a com pensation law, allowing a lim ited salary or wage extension to injured employees of th e insu
lar government or their dependents. M edical benefits are also allowed.
3 Arizona and New H am pshire.
2
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1051]
215
216
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
ficially in this field, and the work of the physician will necessarily
assume new importance on this account.
In three States the provision for medical aid is limited only by the
necessities of the case or the discretion of the administrative board.
Thus in California the treatment is to be such “as may reasonably be
required to cure and relieve from the effects of the injury,” with
commission supervision as regards competency of treatment, etc.;
while controversies in regard to any phase of the subject are to be
determined by the commission, on the request of either party. In
Connecticut such medical and surgical aid is to be furnished as the
“competent physician or surgeon” which the employer must supply
“shall deem reasonable or necessary.” Charges are to be limited to
those prevailing locally for persons of like standards of living, and
may be included in the award made by the commissioner. The law
of Idaho is of practically the same effect as that of Connecticut.
In Porto Rico also the law as amended in 1917 allowed such medical
attendance and medicines as the administrative commission might
prescribe; in the new law of 1918 it is provided that no allowance
shall be made for medicine after compensation has been granted.
In the three States named the employer or his insurer is responsible
for the costs, while in Porto Rico the payment is to be made from
the insurance fund, to which all employers under the act are required
to contribute.
The law of Washington as amended in 1917 adopts a standard of
its own, medical and surgical aid being payable during the term of
temporary disability, and until compensation is awarded in per
manent cases. Payments are to be made from a special fund to
which employers and employees contribute equal amounts, which is
to be administered by local boards representing both parties. In the
other jurisdictions in which medical aid is required there is either a
time limit, ranging from two weeks in nine States to 90 days in four
(though in five States a longer time is allowed in prescribed circum
stances), or there is a limitation on the amount that is required to
be expended, ranging from $150 to $250, or, again, both restrictions
may be employed, two of the States which have a two weeks’ limi
tation also restricting the employer’s liability for expense to $25.1
ADEQUACY OF PROVISIONS.
Of such limits as those last noted it is not too much to say that
while they provide a large measure of relief, especially in minor
injury cases and those in which first aid is the practical extent of
the necessities involved, they entirely disregard the importance of
adequate care and treatment for the more serious injuries. No very
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1
Delaware and Pennsylvania.
[1052]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
217
considerable amount of American statistics lias yet been collated on
the subject of the duration of disability from accidents, but the
results of foreign experience, checked and compared with some
American data, are summarized by Dr. Rubinow,1 from which it
appears that injuries causing disability for one da}7 or more would
show periods of duration as follows: 65 per cent, less than 2 weeks;
20 per cent, 2 to 4 weeks; 11 per cent, 4 to 8 weeks; 3 per cent, 8
to 13 weeks; 1 per cent, over 13 weeks. The experience of the Massa
chusetts Accident Board for the year 1916, omitting from considera
tion accidents causing no disability beyond the day of occurrence,
gives for periods of less than 2 weeks, 59 per cent; 2 to 4 weeks, 17
per cent; 4 to 8 weeks, 14 per cent; 8 to 13 weeks, 5 per cent; and
over 13 weeks, 5 per cent. The United States Employees Compensa
tion Commission in its first report (Sept. 1, 1916, to June 30, 1917)
shows that of 7,588 injuries similarly defined, 58 per cent caused
disability not in excess of 14 days, 23 per cent over 14 but not over
28 days, and 19 per cent for more than 28 days. These computa
tions indicate, therefore, that approximately 35 to 40 per cent of
industrial accidents cause disability in excess of the two weeks’
period for which medical aid is provided in a number of States.
Likewise, statistics as to medical costs are not as fully developed
as is desirable, but some commission reports afford information on
this point. Thus in California, in the year 1916, when there was no
money limit but a 90-day time limit on medical and surgical relief,
$17.87 is given as the average cost of such relief in the cases in which
actual amounts were reported. The workmen’s compensation aid
bureau of New Jersey, where the limit is $50 to be expended within
two weeks, reports the average cost per case to be $15.20 in 1915,
and $16.46 in 1916. In 3,503 cases of injuries to persons covered by
the State fund of New York in 1916, the cost of medical and hospital
treatment averaged $15.92; in this State there is a 60-day time limit
but no limit as to the amount. The commission of Wisconsin, where
there is a 90-day time limit but no limit as to amount, gives $25 as
the average cost per case during a period of six years; while the Mary
land commission reports the medical cost of 32,329 accidents in 1917
which did not give rise to claims for compensation to be $98,603, or
just in excess of $3 per case.
Other figures might be given, but these are doubtless sufficient
evidence of the facts as they exist generally. They certainly discredit,
if they do not refute absolutely, the claim of the employer that to
allow liberal or unrestricted benefits would impose an excessive
burden on him or the industry; and of the insurer that such provi1A
Stan d ard Accident Table: B y I. M. R ubinow , P h . D.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1053]
The Spectator Co.
218
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
sions would prevent the making of rates with sufficient accuracy, by
reason of the uncertainty involved. While they indicate adequate
provision for the great bulk of cases numerically, they are not equally
satisfying as regards the graver injuries, whose severity must be
taken into account in any consideration of the economic effects of
industrial accidents; and it is the economic effects of accidents and
not their mere enumeration with which compensation is primarily
concerned. In other words, the .sufficiency of a compensation system
will be determined by the adequacy of its provisions in behalf of the
smaller number of more severe injuries, whose effects are truly bur
densome, rather than by its affording a minimum of relief to the 60
per cent, more or less, of the victims of industrial accident who are
able to return to work before the expiration of the two weeks’ waiting
period, which is still the most common provision in this regard. As
pointed out by an official of a State whose law contained such a
provision, the standard of adequate relief has not been reached when
a disabled man is discharged from a hospital after two weeks and
thrown upon the resources of a home from which the pay envelope
has been absent for that time, and no compensation payment is due
for seven days more.
In this connection may be noted a criticism from a most unexpected
source. An Argentine commentator on the compensation law of that
Republic 1 begins his discussion of this feature of the act by saying
that “ our law is most liberal in the sense of fixing no limitations on
the employer’s obligation. The laws of North America, as a rule,
limit this duty extraordinarily.” Citations are then made of the
provisions of a number of States, showing the limits of responsibility
for medical treatment; while the Argentine law requires that “ the
employer furnish medical and pharmaceutical aid until the occurrence
of one of three events: (a) the death of the injured man; (b) the
restoration of conditions enabling him to return to work; or (c) a
determination of permanent incapacity.” Whatever may be the
justification for regarding the South American Republics as in
general less advanced in matters of social legislation than the States
of our Union, there is no room to question the validity of the writer’s
claim for general superiority in this particular.
RETURN TO WORK.
But the healing of the wound is, in many cases, not equivalent to
the restoration of the injured man to his place in industry, and this
f&ct is recognized in a few of the compensation laws to the extent of
requiring artificial members to be included in the supplies to be fur1A ccidentes del Trabajo: Exposición y Com entarios a la L ey No. 9688 y a sus Decretos Reglamentarios^
por Alejandro M. U nsain.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Buenos Aires, 1917.
,
[1054]
M ONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW.
219
nished “ to cure and relievefrom the effectsof the injury,” as phrased in
the Jaw of California. In Nevada such artificial members are to be
furnished “ as may reasonably be required at the time of the injury
and within 90 days thereafter” ; in Wisconsin, “ as may be reasonably
necessary at the end of the healing period” ; while under the United
States (war risk) law they are to be supplied “ as the director may
determine to be useful and reasonably necessary.” The Oregon
statute also authorizes the State commission, on the application of a
claimant, to advance the cost of artificial limbs and deduct the same
from the last installments of the compensation awarded.
More general phraseology, as “ medical, hospital, and surgical
supplies, crutches and apparatus as may be reasonably needed”
(Colorado), is doubtless capable of construction so as to include
artificial members, and such is the practice in some jurisdictions.
The law applicable to civil employees of the United States directs
the furnishing of “ reasonable medical, surgical, and hospital services
and supplies,” without further detail; and artificial limbs are held by
the administrative commission to be included within the terms of the
act. Such members, especially legs, are often furnished by employers
or insurers on their own motion, as a method of restoring the workman
to earning capacity and thus reducing the amount of compensation
payable. It may be noted in passing that where the amount pavable
on account of the loss of a member is fixed by schedule and is not
dependent on the loss of earning power, or where there has been a
lump-sum settlement, no such incentive to furnish an artificial limb
exists, nor is such action taken; on the other hand, the employee is
enabled to make such purchase for himself and resume employment
without'diminution of his compensation benefits. Better results will
usually be obtained, no doubt, where there is a supervisory interest
shown, with some external aid and incentive to a proper equipment
and retraining, where necessary.
A single State (Massachusetts, ch. 231, Acts of 1918) has taken
action in this field. The act named creates in the industrial accident
board of the State “ a division for the training and instruction of
persons whose capacity to earn a living has in any way been destroyed
or impaired through industrial accident.” Cooperation with the
Government of the United States, as well as with the State board
of education, is authorized, to procure “ such education, training, and
employment as will tend to restore capacity to earn a livelihood.”
This is the latest step in advance, but is so logically connected with
the idea of compensation that its adoption in other States must be
regarded as practically inevitable.
Granting the power of the commissions to construe such general
provisions as appear in the Colorado and Federal laws quoted above
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
11055»
220
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
(which are similar to those of a number of other laws), the fact re
mains that these bodies are giving varied construction to these pro
visions. Furthermore, the supplying of artificial members is, in many
instances, but one step in the process of rehabilitation; and probably
no commission, except- that of Massachusetts, would feel authorized,
under existing law, to go so far as to enter upon a process of retraining
the injured man for a new occupation, should his injury debar from
a resumption of his former one. But purely as an economic propo
sition, relieving the employer, the insurer, or the State fund from the
burden of long-continuing payments, and perhaps ultimately the
community of a public charge, and without regard to the urgent and
even compelling humanitarian argument, it can hardly be denied
that the work of the compensation board is incomplete until every
reasonable effort has been made to place the injured workman in a
position of self-respecting productiveness and independence.
Some amendments of laws would be necessary for the accomplish
ment of this end in addition to the authorization of full medical and
surgical aid, the supply of suitable devices, and the retraining of the
injured workman, since in some States compensation is payable
where the injured person is unable to resume his regular employment
or that in which his injury was suffered, without regard to his ability
to perform other work. Thus the laws of Michigan and Wisconsin
provide that the compensation awarded an employee shall be such
an amount “ as shall fairly represent the proportionate extent of the
impairment of his earning capacity in the employment in which he
was working at the time of the accident.” The supreme courts of
these States agreed in holding that the award in case of an injury is
not to be affected by the possibility of profitable employment in
some other occupation, that of Wisconsin (Mellen Lumber Co. v.
Industrial Commission (1913), 142 N. W. 187), sustaining an award
as for total disability in the case of a shingle sawyer who lost the
thumb and index finger of Iris left hand, on the ground that “ he was
totally incapacitated from performing his former work,” though
granting that he might find another occupation “ where he can earn a
good wage, and we have little doubt that he will find his place as a
useful, self-supporting member of society ” ; while in the Michigan
case (Foley v. Detroit United Ry. (1916), 157 N. W. 45), the court
affirmed an award to a motorman whose leg was permanently in
jured, though he subsequently secured employment at the same rate
as before the injury. The court in this instance recognized that the
law might work inequitably as thus literally applied, but said that
the matter was for the legislature and not for the courts.
The Legislature of California disposed of this question by providing
for a consideration of the diminished ability of the injured employee
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[105G]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
221
to compete in an open labor market; while in Washington compensa
tion payments for temporary disability are to cease as soon as there is a
restoration of the earning power of the workman"at any kind of work."
In justice to the workman, he is entitled to all due allowance for the
loss of opportunity and earning capacity caused by the injury; but
the employer or insurer is no less entitled to reap the benefits of a
liberal policy in the way of restoring the capacity for work. A strik
ing illustration in this field comes from the Province of Nova Scotia,
whose law makes no general provision for medical or surgical aid,
but allows the administrative board to furnish special treatment if it
promises to conserve the provincial fund, from which all payments
are to be made. In the case of a coal miner left blind by a second eye
injury, a specialist advised an operation costing some $200, and by
following out such recommendation the man was enabled to return
to work at full wages. The total costs of awards and treatment fell
under $500 in this case, while if the workman had been allowed to
go without special treatment they would have amounted to $4,800,
besides leaving him a helpless and burdensome member of the
community.
R E FU S IN G T R E A T M E N T.
The question of the acceptance of the proposed remedial devices,
treatment, and instruction remains for consideration. It is in large
part psychological, and must be met from the mental standpoint of
the workman. That every consideration should be shown him,
regard being had for his physical condition, mental capacity, age and
environment, goes without saying. On the other hand, due weight
must be given to the expert opinion of those competent to advise
and to the fact that no one has a right voluntarily, even if ignorantly,
to persist in making himself a dependent on others, to the loss of his
own self-respect and the burdening of the community. The matter
of the acceptance of medical and surgical relief lies very close to this
subject, though probably it would not be~considered that the same
compulsory steps could be taken in regard to retraining that would
be regarded as proper in the matter of medical and surgical aid. In
a considerable number of States, compensation benefits may be with
held if the workman refuses to accept the treatment required to be
furnished; and even under the law of Wyoming, which makes no
provision for the supply of medical aid, right to compensation is
forfeited where the injured man persists "in unsanitary or inju
rious practices which tend to imperil or retard his recovery, or
if he shall refuse to submit to such medical or surgical treatment
as is reasonably essential to promote his recovery.” This language
is stronger than that usually employed, the California law denying
82017°—18----- 15
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1057]
222
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
compensation “ if and so far as” disability is caused, continued or
aggravated by refusal to accept treatment. The laws of Colorado,
Illinois, and New Mexico authorize the reduction or suspension of
benefits in the discretion of the commission; while in Connecticut,
benefits are to be withheld during the refusal or failure of the injured
man to accept the treatment provided for by law. The law of
Indiana further provides that “ no compensation shall at any time be
payable for the period of suspension unless in the opinion of the in
dustrial board the circumstances justify the refusal.” In Pennsyl
vania the employee’s refusal to accept reasonable services and sup
plies forfeits ‘‘all rights to compensation for any injury or any increase
in his incapacity shown to have resulted from such refusal.”
The construction placed on these provisions of law by the courts
and commissions is of primary importance, both because of the dis
cretion formally conferred, and because the question is from its very
nature largely one of opinion and judgment. The Supreme Court
of Michigan confirmed an award where an operation was delayed by
reason of the injured man’s unwillingness to undergo a serious sur
gical operation, urged as the only possibility of saving his life.
The operation was finally assented to and performed, but though
temporarily there were favorable results, death ensued. The court
took into consideration the fact that the injured man was a foreigner,
little able to understand what was said to him, was suffering great
pain, and in strange surroundings, so that under the circumstances
he could not properly bo charged with unreasonableness or intentional
and willful misconduct. (Jendrus v. Detroit Steel Products Co. (1913),
144 N. W. 563.) When, however, the operation was a simple one
attended by comparatively little danger or suffering, and reasonably
likely to afford relief from disability, a suspension of payments was
held by the same court to be warranted. (Kricinovich v. American
Car & Foundry Co. (1916), 159 N. W. 302.)
A leading case is that of Lesh v. Illinois Steel Co. (1916), 157 N. W.
539), in which the Supreme Court of Wisconsin sustained the State
commission in rejecting the claim of a man whose disability subse
quent to a fixed date was held by three physicians and surgeons to
have “ resulted directly from the injured man’s willful refusal to
submit himself to safe and simple medical treatment.” The con
tinuing disability was held to be “ not proximately caused by the
accident, but is the direct result of such unreasonable refusal.” It
was said not to be the duty of society to carry the burden caused by
such wrongful act; and while there was no question of compelling
the man to submit to an operation, he could not while refusing one
offer himself as a claimant of the benefits provided by the compen
sation law.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1058]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
223
A clear cut illustration of this principle is found in a case decided
by the California commission where a simple fracture was neglecied,
infection and amputation of a limb following. It was held that with
proper treatment the injury would have caused temporary disability
of but five weeks’ duration, and awards were limited accordingly,
nothing being allowed for the permanent partial disability. Analo
gous to the foregoing, and extending the application of the principle
to a contiguous field, is the action of the Industrial Accident Board
of Massachusetts in suspending compensation payments until a
woman should agree to wear an artificial hand and accustom herself
to its use, the testimony of physicians being that the stump was
suitable for such use, and that she would thereby be restored to an
earning capacity.
Admitting these punitive provisions to be proper and even neces
sary parts of a compensation law, and recognizing that their applica
tion, in the instances coming under observation, has been with a
fair and equitable recognition of the circumstances, the fact remains
that society can not thus dispose entirely of the victim of industrial
accident; since if by his negligence or folly he is debarred from the
benefits of compensation, he is a possible if not a probable candidate
for dependence upon public charity or other form of relief, so that
the burden is merely shifted and the mode of its administration
varied by withholding a compensation benefit but not otherwise
providing for his care. Probably the most difficult problems that
arise in this connection are those developing where there has been a
failure to render proper first aid, as where sepsis has been allowed to
set in, or a fracture has been defectively adjusted. Such cases call
for repeated operations, which are in themselves confessions of fail
ure, whether culpable or not, and afford at least an opportunity for
refusal by the depressed and suffering patient. In so far as this is
true, it emphasizes afresh the importance of competent initial treat
ment, and hardly less that of thorough after care. In its ultimate
aspects, the matter passes beyond the scope of compensation sim
ply, and offers problems to the psychological and vocational expert,
as well as to the social worker.
CH O ICE OF PH Y S IC IA N S .
The importance of the confidence of the employee in the practi
tioner attending him, and of a sympathetic understanding by the
physician of the situation involved can hardly be overestimated,
since a nervous or mental state may be as actually disabling as a
physical injury, as witness the instances of neurasthenia and hysteria
that every accident board is from time to time compelled to pass
upon. This fact gives weight to the question of the choice of the
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1059]
224
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
physician, which is variously disposed of in the different laws. On
the very natural assumption that what a man is obliged to do he
may reasonably be allowed to do in his own way, the requirement
that the employer must furnish a physician seems usually to carry
with it the right of choice. On the other hand is the unbroken cus
tom of the individual selecting for himself the man who shall come
into his home and enter into the intimate and responsible relations
involved. After some years of experience, the legislatures of Massa
chusetts and Rhode Island so amended their laws in 1917 as to give
the employee the power of selection; while the law of Washington,
in first providing for medical aid in the same year, granted the same
right to the employee. These three laws of such recent date may
fairly be regarded as the first fruits of an effort to secure this privilege
to the workman generally, though no doubt the movement will yet
encounter considerable opposition.
A few States1formally permit the employee to waive the benefits of
medical aid at the hands of the employer, and allow him to select
and pay for his own physician, but this is a privilege of doubtful
value from the compensation standpoint; and it is not clear what
obstacle to such action could be interposed in other States, in the
absence of a showing that the physician selected by the workman
was incompetent. Even in the States named refusal to accept suit
able medical treatment, or persistence in insanitary practices, may
lead to the withholding of benefits.
In California the law requires the employer to tender the employee
one change of physicians, if so requested, the selection to be made
from a list of three named by the employer, if so many competent
physicians are locally available; while in Indiana the industrial
board may order the employer to change physicians where the em
ployee refuses to accept the services originally provided, if the cir
cumstances appear to justify such refusal. A common provision
of the laws is one that authorizes the employee to call in a physician
at the employer’s expense where the latter has failed to take timely
action. But an employer can not be held responsible where not
informed of the need, nor will he be liable for fees incurred by the
employee after the services of a competent physician have been
tendered. (City of Milwaukee v. Miller (Wis. Sup. Ct., 1913), 144
N. W. 188.)
Where there is an administrative commission with a physician
or physicians on its staff, much can be done in an advisory way
tending to the establishment of higher standards, as well as the main
tenance of comity, whether the right of choice is exercised by the
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1Connecticut, Idaho, and Illinois.
[10G0]
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
225
employer or by the employee. Thus the Industrial Accident Com
mission of California, in its report for 1016-17, tells of the work of
its medical department in examining and passing upon the cases
of injured workmen for the commission and for insurance companies
as well. While the aim is primarily administrative, the examination
results in procuring for the injured man an unbiased and disinterested
report which is much appreciated. Examinations are also made
of men under treatment by contract physicians, for the satisfaction
of the men themselves, often resulting in a change of practitioners
or the exaction of satisfactory treatment at the hands of the one
already employed. The opportunities for abuse and dissatisfaction
are so numerous and almost inescapable where there is an unrestricted
choice by either party, that some such supervision as is indicated by
the practice of the California commission, or some such selection
from a nominated roster as is provided for by the law of that State,
seems highly desirable if not necessary. The method provided for
'by the British compensation act, of designating practitioners of
recognized standing and ability to represent the administrative
authorities in the various localities, permits easy access by either
party in interest to a competent and unbiased arbiter; while the
system of local boards representing both employer and employees,
provided for by the law of Washington, will necessarily afford an
opportunity for the closest observation of th 3 medical and surgical
aid furnished, safeguarding the rights and interests of both parties.
T H E P H Y S IC IA N AS A FA C T O R IN A D M IN IST R A T IO N .
It is evident, therefore, that the physician is not only the sole agent
as regards proper treatment of the injured workman, but he is also
a factor of prime importance as an adviser of both employer and
employee in the matter of settlements, and of the administrative
boards and courts in the adjustment of disputes and the determina
tion of awards. This aspect of the case is suggestively developed
in a paper recently read by Mr. Charles S. Andrus, chairman of the
Illinois Industrial Commission, at a session of the American Medical
Association held in Chicago in June of the current year.1
Attention was first directed to the importance of the question of
adequate provision for the injured workman and his family, in view
of the fact of their dependence upon the continued receipt of a
daily wage, and of the estimated number of industrial accidents
occurring annually in the United States. This is given at 1,000,000,
causing either fatal or nonfatal injuries. What place the physician
can fill is necessarily dependent on the method of administration in
1 “ The responsibility of in d u strial boards to em ployer and employee as influenced by the opinion of
the medical exam iner.” Journal, American Medical Association, Aug. 17,1918. P p . 508-511.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1061]
226
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
effect under the law ; for although his technical knowledge and opinion
must be availed of under any form, his status as an adviser for his
client or as an expert witness before a court will be widely different
from that of an officer of the administration, with every reason for
msintaining an unprejudiced attitude and none for making a case
for either party.
Considering then the mode of administration provided for in the
various States of the Union, and limiting our survey to the 38 within
continental boundaries which have compensation laws, it appears
that there are special agencies provided for the administration of
these laws in 30 States—boards or commissions being found in 25,
while in 5 a single official administers the act. In S States the act
is administered by the courts.1
Questions of degree of disability, prospect of recovery, proper time
allowance, causal connection between an injury and subsequent
physical condition or death—these and many others lie peculiarly in
the province of the physician. In the latter group of States noted
above, the courts determine these as other questions by testimony,
expert and otherwise. The physician, as an expert witness, is not
allowed to volunteer an opinion, but is carefully examined by the
attorney for the party in whoso behalf he appears, who is on guard
against calling out any fact or opinion not advantageous to his
client. Cross-examination usually begets antagonism, and the
witness inclines to a defense of his direct statements. A conflict of
medical opinion, even if only apparent, confuses the court and
discredits the profession in the mind of the layman, who may not
be able to discriminate between objective and subjective symptoms.
In view of these conditions the writer concludes that “ the method of
determining the extent of physical ability by expert testimony has
not proved a success.”
On the other hand, when a board has medical questions before it,
the physician may be much more freely called upon and may much
more freely express himself. The matter is further simplified in those
States in which there is a monopolistic State fund, no question of
conflict of interest appearing, since not only the sums awarded but
the physicians'’ fees as well are paid from the fund. “ There is thus
every inducement for the physician to assist the commission in its
work, and to disclose fully the medical facts in each case.” Such
an absence of adverse interests exists at present in but five States,
by far the greater number of commissions being called upon to
adjust disputes between the injured workman and his employer or
the latter’s insurer. It is such a situation that exists in Illinois,
1These figures do not exactly agree with those presented by Mr. Andrus, but are corrected in accordance
with the most recent legislative action.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1062 ]
M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
227
with which Mr. Andrus is therefore experimentally familiar. In
this State, the commission has established a medical department,
and where a dispute involves a medical question, the employee is
examined by a physician of this department, whose opinion naturally
is considered of great weight. Other advantages flowing from this
arrangement are the availability of medical officers as advisers in
securing the services of specialists when necessary, and the status of
such officers in the minds of claimants, who have come to recognize
them as impartial and disinterested, thereby circumventing the
efforts of the ambulance chaser on the one hand and the claim agent
on the other. Not the least important is the influence of such officers
in encouraging employers to procure competent physicians and the
rendering of adequate medical service. An instance is given where
a firm was led to expend some $600 per month instead of $75 for
physicians’ services, in the first year reducing the number of suit3
from 31 to 1, and saving $30,000 to the claim department.
The conclusions and implications of this address are borne out and
emphasized by the recommendations of the Workmen’s Compensa
tion Aid Board of New Jersey in its report for the year 1916. This
report stresses the importance of the services of the physician where
employer and employee differ as to the nature and severity of an
injury, while the administration is under the necessity of procuring
the advice of a disinterested physician as a guide to its referees.
Three modes of providing for such aid are suggested: (a) By the
retention of one or two physicians on the staff of the bureau, to go
from place to place as their services are required; (b) by the authori
zation of any physician in the State to furnish an opinion in any par
ticular case; and (c) by designating a physician in each important
city or district to render such assistance as may be desired, paying
him on either a fee or salary basis.
The first method is regarded as unduly expensive; the second would
not provide for the presence of the physician at such hearings as
might be held, such presence often being a necessity; while the third
has in its favor the development of experience and familiarity with
the work in hand, and a consequent facility and acceptableness in the
matter of determinations. It will be noted that this last method is
practically an adaptation of the system of certified referee or advisory
physicians provided for by the law of Great Britain.
SUM MARY.
The necessity of prompt attention of a medical and surgical nature,
to be furnished by the employer as a part of the compensation due,
is all but universally recognized, though it is as yet the exception
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1063]
228
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
rather than the rule that the treatment of serious injuries is suffi
ciently provided for.
No State, with the single exception of Massachusetts, looks beyond
the healing of the wound, with perhaps some supply of artificial
limbs, and compensation, more or less adequate, for the resultant
disability, the matter of rehabilitation being as yet generally unpro
vided for.
The rejection of medical treatment is usually penalized, possibly as
a necessary mode of dealing with a difficult subject; but such penali
zation is nevertheless unsatisfactory as to both immediate and final
results.
A partial solution of this difficulty is to be found in the procuring
of medical aid that is both adequate and acceptable, to which end
there must be a genuine cooperation of both parties, with full recog
nition of mutual rights and of the circumstances in each case.
The usefulness of the physician, both as practitioner and as adviser,
is greatly increased under an administrative system in which the
profession can be given official recognition, and where the opportunity
for suspecting bias and partisanship is reduced to a minimum, thus
emphasizing the importance of administration by special bodies
designated for the purpose instead of by the courts.
WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION EXPERIENCE IN KENTUCKY.
The Workmen’s Compensation Board of the State of Kentucky
presents its first annual report covering the eleven months from
August 1, 1916, to June 30, 1917.1 The report opens with a brief
account of the enactment of the law, referring to provisions incor
porated therein for the purpose of complying with suggestions em
bodied in the decision of the court of appeals of the State declaring
an earlier act unconstitutional. The act of 1914 was nominally
elective in form, but contained provisions as to implied election, etc.,
which led the court of appeals to construe the act as compulsory and
in conflict with the provisions of the State constitution. To over
come this objection, the act of 1916 requires from each employee, as
well as from employers, an affirmative act of acceptance in writing,
as to which provision the board says: “ In this connection it may not
be improper to state that the requirement of the Kentucky act as to
individual written acceptance by the employees has been the subject
of more complaints to the board during the administration of the act
than has any other provision of the law.” It is further stated that,
1W orkm en’s Compensation Board, Commonwealth of K en tu ck y : A nnual R eport of D epartm ent, August'
1,1916, to Ju n e 30,1917.
F rankfort, 1918. 52 p p .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1064]
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
229
“ subsequent experience developed under the actual administration
of the law indicates that if any constitutionally valid form of implied
acceptance can be devised it would be advantageous to incorporate it
in the act.”
The law is limited in its application to establishments having five or
more employees, and excludes all steam railways and agriculture. At
the end of the year covered by the report, June 30, 1917, there were
4,007 employers who had accepted the provisions of the law, while
25 who had at some time come under the act had withdrawn. By the
end of the calendar year 416 additional employers had come under
the act, and 12 others had withdrawn. The number of employees’
acceptances is not recorded by the board, so that there is no method
of determining the extent of acceptance of the act on their part.
However, accident reports filed by employers total 12,665 for the
eleven months of operation, resulting in 3,331 compensable cases for
which settlements or claims were on record.
The act permits insurance in stock and other companies, and also
authorizes the form of State mutual insurance in use in the States of
Massachusetts and Texas. The benefits allowed under the law are
computed on a basis of 65 per cent of the injured workman’s wages,
and when the board announced premium rates under its authority to
fix such rates, it was found that they were below the charges made for
■insurance in other States paying corresponding compensation benefits,
with the single exception of the State of Massachusetts. As a con
sequence, employers were not interested in forming a mutual com
pany under the grant of law contained in the act; while on the other
hand the National Service Bureau of the casualty companies was
unwilling to submit competitive rates, nor did it officially enter the
State as an organization. Individual companies were authorized,
however, to write insurance if they chose to do so, which a number of
them decided to do. Companies not connected with the bureau also
entered the field, while 123 of the more important employers carried
their own risk. It appears, therefore, that the matter of insurance is
disposed of without the operation of a State organization, by reason of
the power of the compensation board to regulate the premium rate.
However, in order to secure adequate and impartial inspection for
credit rating, a branch service bureau was organized for this State as
an adjunct of the national bureau but a separate organization. The
services of this bureau are available and may be used by all insurers
doing business in the State whether members of the bureau or not,
nonmembers paying a proportionate fee for services rendered.
The compensation board is maintained by a 4 per cent premium tax
paid by insurance companies, and a pro rata amount paid by selfinsurers. This has been found adequate for the support of the depart-
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1065]
230
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
ment with no other aid than the initial appropriation of $7,500 given
as a preliminary grant, contained in the law at the time of its enact
ment. The total income of the period was $36,236, while the dis
bursements amounted to $26,589, leaving a balance of $9,647, show
ing that a 4 per cent levy is adequate for the support of the board at
its present rate of expenditures. To offset whatever expense the law
may create, it is estimated that the State is saved an amount approxi
mating $75,000 per annum as court costs, without including the ex
penses of litigation which would fall upon employers and employees
under a liability system.
Emphasis is laid on the importance of adequate medical aid to pro
cure the quickest and most complete recovery and industrial rehabili
tation. The cooperation of physicians has generally been cordial,
but a few instances of excessive charges were found. Some stress is
laid on the matter of the certainty of the collection of the physicians’
fees as against the uncertainty where the injured workman was
alone liable. This definiteness of payment is referred to in the law
itself as proper to be considered by the board in determining what
medical fees are reasonable. No general schedule has been adopted
as yet, but rates have been fixed as the occasion arose.
No general presentation of statistics is attempted on account of the
incompleteness of data available at the time.
WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION IN BRITISH COLUMBIA, 1917.1
The first annual report of the Workmen’s Compensation Board of
the Province of British Columbia gives an account of the workings of
the act of May 31, 1916, during the first year of its operation. Prior
to January 1, 1917, industrial injuries had been compensated under
an act of 1902, drawn up very much along the lines of the British
compensation law. The present law much more closely resembles the
type in force in the United States. Indeed, the bill was drawn by a
commission which made a study of a number of the State laws, and the
act incorporates what the commission considered the best features of
a number of them.2
The act is administered by a commission of three persons appointed
for terms of 10 years each, a provision in which the Canadian practice
was followed rather than that of the States of the Union, where no
such terms of office have been provided for. The old law was of such
limited scope that the commission found itself confronted with the
necessity of introducing the system as practically a new one, and to
i F irst A nnual R eport of th e W orkm en’s Compensation B oard of the Province of B ritish Columbia
for th e year ending Dec. 31, 1917. Victoria, B. C., 1918. 30 pp.
2See M o n th ly R e v ie w , N ovem ber, 1916, p p. 554-559.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
11066]
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
231
this end organized early in the year a Province-wide educational
campaign.
“ The background against which the law is operative includes an
annual pay roll of approximately $100,000,000, approximately 75,000
workmen, about 6,000 employing firms, 400 doctors, 2,000 nurses,
200 dentists, 150 druggists,” besides all means of transportation neces
sary to bring injured workmen to the nearest medical practitioner.
Emphasis is placed upon the medical feature of the law on the ground
that “ the system was unique, inasmuch as it was the only law of its
kind in force at the time that carried with it unlimited medical aid.”
However, the report gives no account of the medical work of the
board, either of extent, results, or costs.
Another provision of the act which is particularly emphasized is its
monopolistic insurance system. This point was dwelt upon in the re
port of the investigating commission, and a year’s experience by the
administrative commission has apparently only served to strengthen
the opinions set forth in the report. “ The opinion is rapidly growing
in effect that private interests should not be permitted to come be
tween the employer and the injured employee and conduct a business
for profit, which profit must come from the misery and distress of
human beings. It is not'a legitimate business, never has been, and
can never be made such.” Declaring that the administration of a law
with this purpose is a function of good government, it is pointed out
that “ the Province has not made a business proposition of it. The
board is simply acting as the administering agent of a fund made up
from contributions from all the employers of the Province,” every
cent of such funds going to the injured workmen or their dependents,
less the cost of administration.
Nothing is given to indicate the premium rates charged, nor the
amounts collected or disbursed as a whole under the act, and ther e is
no financial statement except as to the amounts of compensation paid
for temporary total disability claims completed during the year other
than a partial account of the reserves set aside for fatal cases.
The classes of industries are 12 in number, each class embracing
from 2 to 48 industries or occupations. The largest number of
fatalities in any one group occurred in class 1, which includes the
logging industry, which alone was responsible for 43 fatal injuries,
the greatest number due to any one cause being 12 as the result of
falling trees; in saw and shingle mills 18 other fatalities occurred.
Coal mining comes next with 44 fatalities, of which 34 were due to a
single explosion. The total number of fatal cases was 217, in 84 of
which, up to December 31, reserves had been set aside to the amount
of $306,162, or an average of $3,645 per case.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10G7]
232
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
The total number of nonfatal accidents is not given, the tables
presented showing only the number of accidents for each class and
subclass in which claims were submitted and final settlements made
during 1917, together with the amounts of compensation paid therefor.
There were 5,483 such accidents, of which the largest number was
found in class 1; 530 of these occurred in subclass 3, “ Logging, in
cluding cutting, river driving, rafting, booming” ; while subclass 5,
sawmills, stood next with 511 accidents. The largest number of
accidents in a single subclass was 677, found in coal mining, subclass
1, class 3. Metal mining was the next most hazardous subclass, with
393 accidents, while a single establishment, the Consolidated Mining
& Smelting Co. of Canada (Ltd.), forming a subclass in itself, was
responsible for 372 accidents.
More than half (3,035) of all the 5,483 cases of temporary total
disability involved disability not in excess of 18 days, 527 showing
recovery from disability within 6 days, 1,495 in more than 6 but not
more than 12 days, and 1,013 in more than 12 but not more than 18
days. Other tables are given showing the number of injuries due to
mechanical causes and to nonmechanical causes, the nationality, and
the average wage, by nationality groups, of the persons injured.
It is admitted that there is no sufficient basis for deductions from
the limited amount of material available from a single year’s experi
ence. However, one table of the report, showing the number and
duration of injuries, classified by their nature, is of sufficient interest
to warrant its reproduction; the average for all the cases reported
is given as 24.45 workdays:
T E M P O R A R Y
TO TA L
C O L U M B IA
D ISA B IL IT Y
C L A IM S
SE T T L E D
W O R K M E N ’S C O M P E N S A T I O N
ACT,
D U R IN G
B Y
N um ber of
injuries.
N ature of injury.
1917
N A T U R E
U N D E R
O F
D uration of
disability
(workdays).
C uts.......................... ..................................................................
Bruises.........................................................................................
Sprains.........................................................................................
Punctures...................................................................................
Fractures.....................................................................................
Dislocations............................................. ..................................
A m putations..............................................................................
Scalds and b u rn s .......................................................................
Infections....................................................... : ...........................
A l l others.................................................................. .................
1,117
1,658
579
232
674
60
137
141
701
184
5,536
3,092
20,318
4,070
T o tal..................................................................................
5,483
134,069
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10681
B R IT ISH
IN JU R IE S.
20,626
33,040
10,653
3,466
31,380
1,888
Average
duration
of disability for
each accident
(workdays).
18.46
19.93
18.39
14.94
46.57
31.47
40.41
21.93
28.99
22.12
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
233
NEW LAW REGARDING RETIREMENT ANNUITIES IN FRANCE.1
By a law which will become effective January 1,1919, the national
retirement fund of France is authorized to contract for annuities
which are immediately payable, whatever may be the age of the
depositors to the fund. The law in force at present fixes 50 years
as the lowest age when annuities become payable.
A provision of this new law allows the depositor to contract not
only for an immediate annuity for his own benefit but also for a rever
sion, either in its entirety or for a definite portion, in favor of his
consort. The provision of the law now in force relative to the
maximum amount of annual premiums which may be paid.by a
single depositor is repealed. The fund may receive annual premiums
in any amount, provided they do not constitute a pension in excess
of 2,400 francs ($463.20), which is the highest annuity for which the
fund is authorized to contract.
These modifications allow persons having small savings, who
before the war were in receipt of an income sufficient to assure their
comfort, but who under present conditions find it necessary to resort
to some method of sensibly increasing their incomes, to secure an
immediate annuity by depositing a small payment in the retirement
fund. By reason of the advantages of reversion, which may be
stipulated, these small deposits, besides adding to the resources of
the depositors, definitely assure the future comfort of the consort.
An old person, having lost his children through the war and not
under the necessity of further saving for their benefit, may enhance
his own comfort by depositing a fully prepaid premium in the national
old-age retirement fund.
Parents may provide annuities for minor children by the payment
of a single premium sufficient to assure the maximum annuity.
The fund is directed to establish a new tariff of premiums and to
adopt regulations necessary to comply with this act.
UNEMPLOYMENT FUNDS IN FRANCE.
The decree signed by the President, the Minister of Labor, and
the Minister of Finance, April 19, 1918, in pursuance of the decree
of November 24, 1914, modified by the decree of January 9, 1915,
fixing the requirements which the municipal and departmental unem
ployment funds must meet in order to obtain subsidies from the
national unemployment fund, and in pursuance of article 21 of the
law of March 29, 1918, concerning the opening and closing of budget-
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1La République Française, Paris, Aug. 9,1918.
[1069]
234
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
ary credit accounts for the fiscal year 1917, makes the following
provisions:
A rticle 1 . Unemployment funds created by Departments and communes may
obtain subsidies from the national unemployment fund if they comply with the con
ditions of the present decree.
These subsidies are only granted when the population of the commune or group
of communes for which the local unemployment fund has been created numbers
at least 5,000.
The by-laws of the unemployment funds are subject to the approval of the Minister
of Labor and Social Welfare.
A rt. 2. Only unemployed workers who have, during a sufficiently long period
immediately before their unemployment, worked in a calling from which they drew
regular wages are entitled to assistance from these funds.
The following may not receive aid from these funds:
1. Persons who, without any valid reason, refuse employment offered them.
2. Persons not living by their work. Included in this class are the beneficiaries
of pensions under the law of April 5, 1910, relating to workmen’s and agricultural
laborers’ pensions, and the beneficiaries of aid granted under the law of July 14, 1905,
to the aged, infirm, and incurable.
3. Persons receiving allowances provided by the law of August 5, 1914, relating to
grants to families of mobilized men.
A rt. 3. The award of unemployment benefits shall be effected by a commission
appointed by the prefect or the mayor, according as to whether the unemployment
fund is departmental or communal. The commission shall be composed of an equal
number of employers and workmen. The equipartisan administrative board of the
employment office may act as such a commission. The commission shall in any
case keep in constant touch with the employment office, with the view of securing
employment for the unemployed.
A rt. 4. The rates of the unemployment benefits are to be fixed by the by-laws
of the unemployment funds.
In the computation of the State subsidy only that part of the benefits paid to
unemployed workers is taken into account which does not exceed the following
maximum rates:
For the unemployed head of a family, 1.5 francs (28.9 cents) a day.
For the unemployed consort, for a child less than 16 years old not working or earning
less than 1 franc (19.3 cents) a day, 1 franc a day.
For an ascendant relative dependent upon the head of the house, 75 centimes
(14.5 cents) a day. The total amount of the benefits allowed to the same household
must, however, not exceed 4 francs (77.2 cents) a day.
A rt. 5. The State subsidy is fixed at 33 per cent of the amount of financial assistance
allowed according to the conditions determined by article 4.
The Minister of Labor may, in exceptional cases, grant State subsidies for assistance
to be given in the form of orders for commodities or in the form of meal tickets.
A rt. 6. Accounts of the unemployment funds must be kept in such a way that
unemployment statistics can be compiled from them and that it can be ascertained
whether the provisions of the present decree are being complied with.
These accounts should be accessible at all times to persons designated by the Minister
of Labor or by the prefect of the Department.
A rt. 7. A report of the operations of each month, conforming to instructions issued
by the Minister of Labor, shall be transmitted to the latter during the following month
through the prefect, who shall verify the report and correct it if necessary.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1070]
M O N T H L Y LABOE R E V IE W .
235
A r t . 8. There may be created departmental funds to aid in cases of partial unem
ployment due to shortage of the supply of raw materials or of coal in industrial estab
lishments. These funds shall pay to the idle workers of the establishments suspend
ing work indemnities of 3 francs (57.9 cents) for an entire day of unemployment for
adults, and 2 francs (38.6 cents) for workers of less than 16 years, without, however,
the indemnities in any case being more than 50 per cent of the regular normal current
wages.
The funds for partial unemployment may receive subsidies from the State, accord
ing to article 5; these subsidies shall be computed on the basis of the cash benefits
regulated in the preceding paragraph, and their grant is conditioned upon the fact
that the employers shall contribute at least one-third of the amounts paid to their
personnel in employment benefits, and that, moreover, the by-laws of the said funds
shall conform to a model set of by-laws jointly agreed upon by the Ministers of Labor
and Social Welfare and of Finance.
A r t . 9. The decrees of November 24, 1914, and of January 9, 1915, are abrogated.
A r t . 10. The Minister of Labor and Social Welfare and the Minister of Finance are
charged, each as it concerns him, with the application of the present decree, which
will be published in the Journal Officiel de la Republique Française and inserted in
the Bulletin of Laws.
THE COST OF PENSIONS IN GERMANY’S WAR BILL.
George Bernhard, editor of Plutus, an economic and financial
magazine, devotes the sixth of a series of articles on reforms in Ger
many’s financial system to a discussion of the cost to the German
Treasury of pensions to the war-disabled and dependents of the fallen,1
an item which he disregarded in his previous articles when dealing
with the costs of the War which, apart from the expenses of demobili
zation, he estimated at 120,000,000,000 marks ($28,560,000,000).
In the present article he points out that it is no easy task to compute
the sum necessary to meet the cost of providing for disabled soldiers
and the dependents of the fallen. The difficulty is caused, for one
thing, by the fact that the principles upon which procedure should be
based have not yet been determined, though it is clear that the old
principles must be discarded. After the Franco-Prussian War the
provisions made for the disabled soldiers were neither adequate nor
sufficiently well administered to meet the maximum claims that those
who had taken part in the war could make, and a poor organ grinder
decorated with the Iron Cross and limping along on one leg was a
common enough sight. When the enthusiasm of the early days of the
present war was at its height the view was very generally expressed
that after the conclusion of the war there must be no delayTin paying
to the full the debt of gratitude owed to its soldiers by the nation.
Meanwhile, however, this early enthusiasm has abated considerablv,
and the slowly dawning consciousness of the vast financial burdens
that will be imposed upon the country has already in some quarters
1P lu tu s, Berlin, June 5, 1918.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1071]
236
M O N T H L Y LABOE E E V IE W .
engendered a disposition to be niggardly in the matter of payments
to the war-disabled and dependents of fallen soldiers. It would be
the greatest mistake to lend an ear to the advocates of such a policy,
quite apart from sentimental and ethical reasons. It will be impos
sible to do all that might be desirable, for, on however generous a scale
the war pensions are assessed, the poor fellows who have no other'
resources will not find existence any too easy. The correct standpoint
for the solution of the problem of providing for the war-disabled and
dependents of the fallen can be arrived at only by making its dis
cussion a matter of practical politics. Germany’s body politic has
sustained blows in this War compared with which the experiences
of former wars appear insignificant. The economic welfare of the
returning soldiers will guide their political inclinations. It is possible
that at first the majority of the returning soldiers will be delighted
to be able to live once more quietly in the bosom of their families, and
that after the long months of discomfort and privation they will not
press their former demands for comfortable and healthful conditions,
and even that those very groups of citizens whose verdict is always
invited when political reforms are contemplated will remain at first
indifferent to politics. But that will be a temporary phase. The
claims of existence will soon be revived, and many political parties
will aid in causing the revival. If once the millions of disabled sol
diers can complain with justice that the country has neglected to pay
the debt of gratitude it owes, the result will be deep resentment in the
hearts of these men and a rising flood of hatred against the ruling
classes of society. All who desire the peaceful development of the
German nation dare not approach the solution of the pensions problem
in a narrow-minded spirit.
In any political discussions that may take place on the pensions
question the following sequence of ideas must not be undervalued.
The War which has been going on for so long had perhaps as one of its
underlying causes the complete indifference of wide strata of the popu
lation to problems of world politics ( W elt'politik ) . If the importance
of a strong foreign policy had been brought home to the masses of the
German nation sooner, much would certainly have been avoided which
in the end must be held partly responsible for the War. After the War
the German people must abandon this attitude, long persisted in, of
indifference to world politics, and the foreign policy must play a more
important part in German political thought. A strong foreign policy
can be carried on only when it finds support among the broad masses
of the nation, and its conduct must not be obstructed by domestic
political difficulties. In consequence, all possible efforts must be
made to encourage tendencies toward modernization, and all material
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1072]
M O N T H L Y LABOE K E V IE W .
237
wants which create or increase domestic political difficulties must be
removed. This alone makes it necessary to deal with the pensions
problem in a sensible and generous fashion.
SOCIAL POSITION AND INCOME AS RULING FACTORS.
The principle obtaining hitherto that pensions and war bonuses
must be paid according to military rank can not he retained. The
Reichstag has already wisely resolved in principle that in the assess
ment of pensions or composition grants regard ought to be paid not
only to military rank but also to the social position and the income
in civil life of the fallen and wounded.
This principle will play an important part in the matter of provision
for soldiers’ dependents. This is not the first war in which men of the
older classes in the Landwehr have been sent to the front. But a
novelty in the present War has been the enlistment of numbers of
elderly men liable to serve in the Landstrum. Many soldiers have
been killed in battle who, as upper officials, artists, men of letters,
factory managers, etc., enjoyed a considerable income in civil life.
Many of these people might well have provided for their families by
investments of the most varied nature, but a far larger number of
families relied entirely on the income of the breadwinner. His death
in battle has accordingly deprived these families of their social posi
tion, and the increase of the proletariat caused by the war will become
far greater if these families have to be content with the meager pen
sion belonging to the rank of the dead man. That in cases like this
the State, with the best will in the world, can not intervene to the full
is obvious, and therefore the countless millions of voluntary donations
which have poured into the National Fund for the relief of the de
pendents of soldiers fallen in battle and the Ludendorff Fund for the
war-disabled are a great boon, for if these funds are wisely adminis
tered they will be able to supplement State relief, which is bound to
bo managed to a certain extent on hard and fast lines. So far, how
ever, as sensible principles can prevail in any rigid scheme it must
be the task of the State to manage relief of soldiers’ dependents
better than it has done hitherto.
The financial burdens of the war, however, will be considerably
increased thereby. On the other hand it will be possible, especially
in the domain of relief of the war-disabled, to adjust matters to a
certain extent. For while in settling all these questions political
sagacity and generosity must proceed hand in hand, yet every form
of sentimentality must be avoided. In granting relief to the wardisabled the guiding principle must be that ample compensation
should be given to a man whose earning capacity has been reduced
in the service of his country, but under no circumstances must the
82617°—IS—
1G
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1073]
238
M O N T H L Y LA BO E R E V IE W .
fact of wounds and disablement form per se the basis of a demand
for a permanent pension from the State. At the present time the
relief of the war-disabled is not only a moral and ethical demand
but a national economic question of considerable magnitude. The
large number of men fallen in battle.in itself betokens a very con
siderable weakening of Germany’s economic productive strength.
If to the numbers of the fallen are added the very large numbers of
the war-disabled, a shortage of labor ensues which is bound to weaken
most disastrously the efficiency of Germany’s trade, industry, and
agriculture, and at the same time injure very seriously her capacity
to compete with foreign countries. Rightly enough for that reason
ample resources have during the war been placed at the disposal of
voluntary movements aiming at restoring the war-disabled as soon
as possible to the country’s service. The advance of medical science
renders possible methods of relief hitherto unknown, and technical
perfection in the production of artificial limbs allows of men, who
formerly would have had to remain permanently crippled in an
economic sense, being restored to a vigorous and lasting vocational
activity. No one who in this way can be made fully capable of
earning his living should any longer be allowed to claim support apart,
perhaps, from temporary grants which may be given until his earning
capacity is fully restored. On the other hand, it will in the same
way be possible to raise many men to a higher state of efficiency than
would have been possible, considering the nature of their wounds, in
earlier wars. These men will be granted a pension which corresponds
only to the actual lessening of earning capacity which may remain
after the employment of all medical and technical resources.
ESTIMATED E X PEN D ITU R ES.
By adopting this standpoint in the assessment of pensions the
following result will perhaps be arrived at: The number of the killed
may be estimated at .1,500,000—-this estimate is not drawn from
official returns, but represents Bernhard’s personal views. Among
the dead are a considerable number of young men whose death
does not make the State liable to give any kind of relief. The
number of deaths which make the State liable to grant relief may be
taken at one million. To this a further million may be added of
men disabled in such a way that they may claim permanent support,
and the sum of 1,000 marks ($238) may be taken as the average sum
to be given to each individual, though this is under rather than over
the estimated sum required. It follows, then, that at first at least
2,000,000,000 marks ($476,000,000) annually will be required. This
sum will presumably reduce itself comparatively quickly, for the
inclusion in the army of the elder classes of the Landstrum will mean
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1074]
M O N T H L Y LABOK R E V IE W .
239
that many men will begin drawing their pensions when already at an
advanced age, so that reduction of the sum owing to ordinary
mortality must be expected. On the other hand, in the case of
soldiers’ dependents it must be remembered that the number of war
marriages of young people has been extraordinarily large in this war,
and that accordingly provision will have to be made for many young
orphans and very many widows. This, however, may be compensated
for to a certain extent by the fact that owing to the large number
of war marriages of young people many of the widows will remarry,
and so forfeit their pensions. This may safely be counted upon, for
in spite of the reduced chances of marriage experience showrs that,
given equal chances, widows marry sooner than single girls. Accord
ingly- the original sum, as estimated above, of 2,000,000,000 marks
($476,000,000) will at least every" five years be sensibly reduced.
Whether the Government will adopt this plan and create a capi
talized fund is a matter for special discussion. It seems practical to
capitalize the pensions fund, since it is necessary to reckon the
whole burden in one sum. In order to arrive at this sum it would
be better to capitalize the annual pensions at 5 per cent. The sum
required is at first 2,000,000,000 marks ($476,000,000), which is to
be reduced every five yTears, and in about 50 years will have shrunk
to a very small amount. It will not perhaps be an error to take
1,250,000,000 marks ($297,500,000) as the average sum requiring
capitalization at 5 per cent.
That would mean that the State would have to find 25,000,000,000
marks ($5,950,000,000) for the relief of the war-disabled and soldiers’
dependents. Summarizing wdrat has been already described, the
following list gives an idea of the total financial burdens arising from
the war:
M ark s.
Cost of mobilization...........................
1, 000, 000, 000
($238, 000, 000)
Purely military war expenses........... 116,000,000,000 (27,608,000,000)
Cost of feeding the nation and similar
charges.............................................. 10, 000, 000,000 ( 2,380,000,000)
Compensation to owners in devas
tated districts..................................
5, 000, 000, 000 ( 1,190, 000, 000)
Reconstruction of the army and
fleet...................................................
6, 000, 000,000 ( 1,428,000,000)
Pensions............................................... 25,000,000,000 ( 5,950,000,000)
Total........................................... 163,000,000,000 (38,794,000,000)
This sum represents the whole financial burden of the war provided
that the war is over this year. And this is the sum which must form
the basis for computing the extent of future financial reforms.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10751
LABOR LAWS AND REGULATIONS.
LEGISLATION IN THE UNITED STATES LIMITING HOURS OF LABOR FOR
MEN.
The first restrictions of hours of labor of adult male employees
related to hazardous occupations, such as mining and related employ
ments. These laws were upheld as constitutional partly on the
ground of individual health and safety rather than public welfare;
that is, were regarded as health rather than labor laws. Railroad
laws, the next important class to be enacted, find their justification
largely in the safety of the traveling public, though, of course, that
of the employees themselves is also a factor.
The general laws defining a day’s labor “ unless otherwise stipu
lated by contract” have a value more sentimental than practical.
However, the later enactment of eight-hour laws of this class in
place of those specifying 10 hours shows the tendency toward a
shorter workday. The same is true of the enactment of eight-hour
laws with regard to public roads and public works generally, though
these stand on a different footing from private employment, since
the State has a right to fix the conditions under which work for it
and its subdivisions shall be done.
Another tendency to extend the restriction on hours, which had
been confined to the labor of children and women and to the dan
gerous occupations and others depending on special reasons as noted,
to the employment of men in general occupations has recently
become manifest. Mississippi and Oregon have 10-hour laws applying
to all manufacturing establishments, that of the former containing an
absolute restriction to 10 hours, while that of Oregon permits not
more than 3 hours’ overtime work, to be paid for at the rate of time
and one-half. The Mississippi act has been held valid by the
supreme court of the State, while that of Oregon, after being upheld
by the State supreme court, was also sustained by the Supreme
Court of the United States in the case of Bunting v. Oregon, 37 Sup.
Ct. 435. 1
On account of the provision for overtime the contention was raised
that the act was more a regulation of wages than of hours of labor.
The Federal Supreme Court said that it was not possible or neces
sary for that court to “ know all the conditions that impelled the
1 See
240
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Monthly R e v ie w for June, 1916, pp. 23-28.
[1076]
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
241
law or its particular form,” but quoted with apparent approval the
statement of the State supreme court that “ it is clear that the intent
of the law is to make 10 hours a regular day’s labor in the occupations
to which reference is made.”
.
A still further step was taken by the Legislature of Alaska in 1917,
acting in response to an initiative vote of the people of the Territory.
This act limits absolutely (except on proclamation of the governor
on request of the Council of National Defense or the Secretary of
the Interior in time of war) the hours of labor in all employments
to eight per day. However, the act has been declared unconstitu
tional by the local Federal court, and no appeal was taken.
PROVISIONS OF LAW.
I. I n C e r t a in P r iv a t e B u s in e s s e s .
a
. M IN E S .
1. Eight-hour laws.
Alaska: Acts of 1913, ch. 29, sec. 2, amended 1915, ch. 6, sec. 2, and 1917, ch. 4,
sec. 2.
Arizona: Rev. Stats. 1913; Civil Code, sec. 3109; Penal Code, sec. 713. Includes
hoisting engineers.
California: Acts of 1913, ch. 186, sec. 1.
Colorado: Constitution, art. 5; Acts of 1913, ch. 95, sec. 2.
Idaho: Rev. Code 1909, sec. 1463.
Kansas: Acts of 1917, ch. 242, sec. 1.
Missouri: Rev. Stats. 1909, secs. 7813 and 7814a, added by Acts of 1913, p. 399.
Montana: Constitution, art. 18, sec. 4; Rev. Code 1907, sec. 1734, and sec. 1736,
amended by ch. 21, Acts of 1911.
Nevada: Rev. Laws 1912, secs. 1941, 6554, 6555, 6557. Includes mechanics,
engineers, blacksmiths, carpenters, topmen, and all surface employees.
Oklahoma: Rev. Laws 1910, sec. 4005.
Oregon: Lord’s Oregon Laws, 1910, sec. 5058.
Pennsylvania: Acts of 1911, p. 102, sec. 1. Hoisting engineers only.
Utahn Comp. Laws 1907, sec. 1337.
Washington: Codes and Stats. 1910, sec. 6583.
Wyoming: Constitution, Art. X IX , sec. 1; Comp. Stats. 1910, sec. 3499.
2. Ten-hour laws.
Maryland: Pub. Local Laws, 1888, art. 1, sec. 194. (Allegany and Garrett
counties only.)
B.
S M E L T E R S , R E D U C T IO N W O R K S , E T C .
1. Eight-hour laws.
Alaska: Acts of 1913, ch. 29, sec. 2, amended by Acts of 1915, ch. 6, sec. 2.
Arizona: Rev. Stats. 1913; Civil Code, sec. 3108; Penal Code, sec. 713.
California: Acts of 1913, ch. 186, sec. 1.
Colorado: Acts of 1913, ch. 95, sec. 2.
Idaho: Rev. Code 1909, sec. 1464, amended by Acts of 1909, p. 4.
Missouri: Rev. Stats. 1909, sec. 7813.
Montana: Constitution, art. 18, sec. 4; Rev. Code 1907, sec. 1739.
Utah: Comp. Laws, 1907, sec. 1337.
Wyoming: Comp. Stats. 1910, sec. 3500.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1077]
242
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W ,
C.
M IS C E L L A N E O U S P R IV A T E B U S I N E S S E S .
1. Eight-hour laws.
(a) E le c tr ic lig h t a n d p o w e r p la n ts :
Arizona: Rev. Stats. 1913, Penal Code, sec. 713.
(b ) Coke oven s:
Alaska: Acts of 1913, ch. 29, sec. 2, amended by Acts of 1915, ch. 6, sec. 2.
Arizona: Rev. Stats. 1913, Penal Code, sec. 713.
Colorado: Acts of 1913, ch. 95, sec. 2.
(c)
B la s t fu r n a c e s :
Arizona: Rev. Stats. 1913, Penal Code, sec. 713.
Colorado: Acts of 1913, ch. 95, sec. 2.
(id )
P la s te r a n d cem en t m ills :
Arizona: Rev. Stats. 1913, Penal Code, sec. 713.
Nevada: Rev. Laws 1912, sec. G559.
(e)
P la te -g la s s w o rk s:
(/)
R o llin g m i l l s , r o d m ills , s ta m p m ills :
(Cement mills only.)
Missouri: Rev. Stats. 1909, sec. 7814a, added by Acts of 1913, p. 399.
Alaska: Acts of 1913, ch. 29, sec. 2, amended by Acts of 1915, ch. 6. sec. 2.
Arizona: Rev. Stats. 1913, Penal Code, sec. 713.
Colorado: Acts of 1913, ch. 95, sec. 2. (Stamp mills.)
Idaho: Rev. Code, 1909, sec. 1464, amended by Acts of 1909, p. 4. (Stamp
mills.)
Wyoming: Comp. Stats., 1910, sec. 3500. (Stamp mills.)
(9 ) T u n n e ls:
Arizona: Rev. Stats., 1913, Penal Code, sec. 713,
California: Acts of 1913, ch. 186, sec. 1.
Montana: Rev. Code, 1907, sec. 1736.
(h )
I n h ig h -a ir p re ssu re:
New Jersey: Acts of 1914, ch. 121.
New York: Consol. Laws, 1909, sec. 134b, added by ch. 291, Acts of
1909, amended by ch. 528, Acts of 1913.
Pennsylvania: Acts of 1917, No. 364.
(In each of these States the limit is 8 hours when air pressure
does not exceed 21 pounds to square inch; shorter hours in higher
pressures.)
(i )
I r r ig a tio n w o rk s:
Montana: Rev. Code, 1907, sec. 2250.
2. Nine-hour laws.
(a)
T elep h o n e o p era to rs:
Montana; Acts of 1909, ch, 75, sec. 1. (In cities of 3,000 or over.)
3. Ten-hour laws.
(а) S a w a n d p la n in g m ills :
Arkansas: Acts of 1905, No. 49, secs. 1, 2.
(б) B a k e ries:
New Jersey: Acts of 1912, ch. 127, sec. 7. (Not more than 60 hours
in one week.)
(c) B ric k y a rd s:
New York: Consol. Laws, 1909, ch. 31, sec. 5. (Owned by corpora
tions.)
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
£1078]
M O N T H L Y LABOE E E V IE W .
243
3. Ten-liour laws—Concluded.
(d ) D r u g stores:
California: Codes, 1906, Gen. Laws, Act No. 2665 as amended by ch.
224, sec. 2, Acts of 1907.
New York: Consol. Laws, 1909, ch. 45, sec. 236, as amended by ch.
514, secs. 1 and 2, 1914. (Not more than 70 hours in one week.)
(e )
C o tto n a n d w o o le n m ills :
Georgia: Code, 1910, sec. 3137, as amended by act, p. 65, Acts of 1911.
(Not more than 60 hours in one'week.)
Maryland: Pub. Gen. La\js, 1911, Art. C, sec. 1. (Except in con
tracts for work by hour.)
South Carolina: Criminal Code, 1912, sec. 421, amended by Acts of
1916, ch. 547.
4. Eleven-hour laws.
(a ) F a c to ries:
North Carolina: Acts of 1915, ch. 148.
one week.)
(b)
(Not more than 60 hours in
G rocery sto res:
New York: Consol. Laws, 1909, ch. 45, art. 11, amended by Acts of
1915, ch. 343. (Not more than 70 hours in one week.)
D.
A d a y ’s WORK DEFINED, UNLESS OTHERWISE STIPULATED.
1.
Eight-hour laws.
California: Political Code. 1906, sec. 3244.
Connecticut: General Stats., 1902, sec. 4692.
Illinois: H urd’s Rev. Stats., 1917, ch. 48, sec. 1.
Indiana: Ann. Stats., 1917, sec. 7977.
Missouri: Rev. Stats., 1909, sec. 7812.
New York: Consol. Laws, 1909, ch. 31, sec. 3, amended by ch. 494, Acts
of 1913, and by ch. 152, sec. 1, Acts of 1916.
Ohio: Gen. Code, 1910, sec. 6241.
Pennsylvania: Digest, 1894, p. 1158. sec. 1.
Wisconsin: Stats. 1911, sec. 1729.
". Ten-hour laws.
Florida: State.. 1906. sec. 2641.
Maine: Rev. Stats., 1916, ch. 87, sec. 61.
Michigan: Comp. Laws. 1897, sec. 5454.
Minnesota: Gen. Stats., 1913, sec. 3831, amended 1917, ch. 243.
Nebraska: Rev. Stats., 1913, sec. 3561.
New Hampshire: Pub. Stats. 1891, ch. 180, sec. 20.
Rhode Island: Gen. Laws, 1909, ch. 249, sec. 24.
E.
A d a y ’s WORK LIMITED, REGARDLESS OF CONTRACT.
1 Eight-hour law.
Alaska: Acts of 1917, ch. 55, sec. 1. Applies to all employments. (May
be suspended in war time by governor on request of Council of National
Defense or Secretary of the Interior.)
2 Ten-hour laws (manufacturing establishments).
Mississippi: Acts of 1912, ch. 157, amended by Acts of 1914, ch. 169, sec. 1
and by Acts of 1916, ch. 547.
Oregon: Acts of 1913, ch. 102. (Employee may work not more than three
hours overtime per day, with pay for time and a half.)
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1079]
244
M O N T H L Y LABOE R E V IE W .
II.
A.
TELEGRAPH
R a il r o a d s .
AND TELEPHONE OPERATORS, DISPATCHERS, SIGNAL MEN, ETC.
1. Eight-hour laws.
Arkansas: Acts of 1907, Act No. 282, sec. 1.
Connecticut: Acts of 1909, ch. 242, sec. 1. (Twelve hours in stations open only
by day with one operator.)
Maryland: Pub. Gen. Laws, 1911, Art. X X III, sec. 323. (In 12 hours.)
Nevada: Acts of 1913, ch. 283, sec. 2.
New York: Consol. Laws, 1909, ch. 31, sec. 8, amended 1913, ch. 466.
Texas: Rev. Civ. Stats., 1911, art. 6586; Rev. Crim. Stats., 1911, art. 1555.
West Virginia: Ann. Code, 1913, sec. 3023.
Wisconsin: Stats., 1911, sec. 1816m.
2. Nine-hour laws.
Missouri: Acts of 1913, p. 187, sec. 1. (Railroad towermen only.)
Nebraska: Rev. Stats., 1913, sec. 6088. (Not more than 13 hours in stations
operated by day only.)
North Carolina: Acts of 1911, ch. 112, sec. 2. (Not more than 13 hours in
stations operated by day only.)
Oregon: Acts of 1911, ch. 137, sec. 2.
United States: Acts of 1906-7, ch. 2939, sec. 2, amended by Acts of 1915-16
(64th Cong., 1st sess.), Act No. 68. (Not more than 13 hours in stations
operated by day only.)
B.
TRAINMEN, ETC.
1.
Eight-hour laws.
United States: Acts of 1915-16 (64th Cong., 1st ses&.), Act No. 252.
2 . Ten-hour laws.
Michigan: Con. Laws, 1897, sec. 5459. (Within 12 consecutive hours.)
New York: Con. Laws, 1909, ch. 31, sec. 7, amended 1913, ch. 462. (Within
12 consecutive hours.)
3. Hours of rest required after specified hours of labor.
(а) E ig h t h o u rs o f re st re q u ire d a fter 16 h o u rs o f labor:
Arizona: Acts of 1903, Act 34, sec. 1. (Nine hours’ rest requited.)
Arkansas: Digest, 1904, sec. 6652.
Florida: Gen. Stats., 1906, sec. 2643. (After 13 hours of labor.)
Indiana: Ann. Stats., 1914, sec. 5304.
Kansas: Gen. Stats., 1909, sec. 7129. (Hours of labor must be consecu
tive.)
Michigan: Comp. Laws 1897, sec. 5458. (After 24 hours of labor, train
men only.)
Minnesota: Rev. Stats., 1913, sec. 3835. (Hours of labor must be con
secutive.)
Missouri: Rev. Stats., 1909, sec. 7818.
Montana: Rev. Code, 1907, sec. 1741. (Hours of labor must be con
secutive.)
North Dakota: Acts 1907, ch. 207, sec. 1.
Ohio: Gen. Code, 1910, sec. 9007, amended by Acts 1913, p. 557.
(б) E ig h t h o u rs o f rest a fte r 16 c o n se cu tiv e h o u rs o f la b or; 10 h o u rs o f rest a fte r 16
a g g re g a te h o u rs o f labor:
California: Acts of 1911, ch. 484, sec. 1.
Nebraska: Rev. Stats., 1913, sec. 6088.
Nevada: Acts of 1913, ch. 283, sec. 2.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1080]
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
3.
245
Hours of rest required after specified hours of labor—Concluded.
(b ) E ig h t h o u rs o f re st a fte r 16 c o n se c u tiv e h o u rs o f la b o r; 10 h o u rs o f re st after
16 a g g re g a te h o u rs o f la b o r —Concluded.
New Mexico: Stats., 1915, sec. 4755.
New York: Cons. Laws 1909, ch. 31, sec. 7.
North Carolina: Acts of 1913, ch. 112, sec. 2.
Oregon: Acts of 1911, ch. 137, sec. 2. (After 14 hours of labor.)
South Dakota: Acts of 1907, ch. 220, sec. 1.
Texas: Rev. Civil Stats., 1911, sec. 6584.
Wisconsin: Stats., 1911, sec. I809e. (All employees.)
United States: Acts of 1906-7, ch. 2939, amended by Acts of 1915-16, Act
No. 68.
(c)
T en h o u rs o f rest a fte r certa in sp e c ifie d h o u rs o f labor:
Colorado: Rev. Stats., 1908, sec. 5515. (After 16 consecutive hours of
labor.)
Georgia: Code 1910, sec. 2693. (After 13 hours of labor.)
Iowa: Code 1897, Suppl. 1913, sec. 2110-a.
III. S t r e e t R a i l w a y s .
1. Nine-hour laws.
Massachusetts: Acts of 1912, ch. 533, sec. 2. (Within 11 hours.)
2. Ten-hour laws.
Louisiana: Acts of 1886, act 95, amended by Acts of 1902, act No. 122. (Within
12 consecutive hours.)
Michigan: Comp. Laws 1897, sec. 5459. (Within 12 consecutive hours.)
New York: Consol. Laws 1909, ch. 31, sec. 6. (In cities of first and second
class hours must be consecutive.)
Rhode Island: Laws of 1909, ch. 218, sec'. 1. (Within 12 hours.)
South Carolina: Acts of 1916, No. 544. (Interurban railways.)
Washington: Codes and Stats., 1910, sec. 6578.
3. Twelve-hour laws.
California: Political Code 1906, sec. 3246.
Maryland: Acts of 1898, ch. 123, sec. 793.
New Jersey: Comp. Stats., 1910, p. 4990, sec. 57.
Pennsylvania: Digest 1894, p. 1829, sec. 268.
South Carolina: Code 1912, sec. 431. (Interurban railways, 10 hours; see
above.)
IV .
W o r k D o n e i n P r i v a t e B u s i n e s s f o r N a t io n a l , S t a t e , o r M u n i c i p a l G o v
ern m en ts.
1. Eight-hour laws.
United States: Act of Congress, August 1, 1892, amended by ch. 106, Acts of
1912-13, sec. 3738; Acts of 1911-12, ch. 174.
Alaska: Acts of 1913, ch. 7, secs. 1 and 2.
Arizona: Constitution, Art. X V III.
California: Penal Code 1906, sec. 653c; Acts of 1917, ch. 52.
Colorado: R. S. 1908, sec. 3921.
Hawaii: Rev. Laws 1915, sec. 161.
Idaho: Acts of 1911, ch. 131, sec. 1, amended 1913, ch. 165.
Indiana: Ann. Stats. 1914, secs. 7977, 7978.
Iowa: Acts of 1917, ch. 183. (State printing and binding; number of hours
fixed' by typographical union.)
Kansas: Gen. Stats. 1909, sec. 4643, amended by ch. 220, Acts of 1913.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10S1]
246
M O N T H L Y LABOE E E Y IE W ,
1. Eight-hour laws—Concluded.
Kentucky: Stats. 1915, sec. 2290b.
Maryland: Pub. Local Laws 1888, art. 4, sec. 31a, amended by Acts of 1910,
ch. 94, p. 642. (Applies only to Baltimore.)
Massachusetts: Acts of 1909, ch. 614, sec. 37; Acts of 1911, ch. 494, amended by
Acts of 1916, ch. 240.
Minnesota: Rev. Stats., 1913, sec. 3832.
Missouri: Acts of 1913, p. 420, sec. 237. Applies only to cities of second class.
Montana: Constitution, art. 18, sec. 4; Rev. Codes 1907, sec. 1739, amended 1917,
ch. 30; Acts of 1917, ch. 172.
Nevada: Rev. Laws 1912, sec. 6778; Acts of 1917, ch. 205.
New Jersey: Acts of 1911, ch: 243, sec. 1; Acts of 1913, ch. 253, sec.' 1.
New Mexico: Constitution, Art. XX, sec. 19.
New York: Consol. Laws 1909, ch. 31, sec. 3, amended 1913, ch. 494, and 1916,
ch. 152.
Ohio: Const. Amendment, 1912, Art. II, sec. 37; Gen. Code 1910, sec. 17-1,
added by Acts of 1913, p. 854.
Oklahoma: Constitution, Art. X X III, sec. 1; Rev. Laws 1910, secs. 3757, 3758.
Oregon: Acts of 1913, ch. 1, secs. 1 and 4; ch. 61, amended 1917, ch. 98.
Pennsylvania: Brightly’s Digest, 1893-1903, Act No. 379.
Porto Rico: Rev. Stats., 1911, sec. 1658; Acts of 1913, Act No. 140.
Texas: Acts of 1913, ch. 68, sec. 2.
Utah: Constitution, art, 16, sec. 6; Comp. Laws 1907, sec. 1336.
Washington: Codes and Statutes 1910, sec. 6573.
West Virginia: Ann. Code, 1913, secs. 713, 714.
Wisconsin: Stats. 1911, sec. 1729m.
Wyoming: Acts 1913, ch. 90, sec. 1.
V. P u b l i c E m p l o y m e n t .
1. Eight-hour laws.
United States: Act of Congress, August 1,1892, amended ch. 106, Acts 1912-13,
sec. 3738.
Alaska: Acts 1913, ch. 7, sec. 1.
Arizona: Constitution, Art. X V III.
California: Constitution, art. 20; Penal Code 1906, sec. 653c; Acts of 1917,
ch. 35.
Colorado: Rev. Stats., 1908, sec. 3921.
Connecticut: Acts of 1911, ch. 282, sec. 1. (Mechanics in State institutions.)
Hawaii: Rev. Laws 1915, sec. 161.
Idaho: Constitution, art. 13, sec. 2; Acts of 1911, ch. 131, sec. 1; amended
ch. 165, Acts of 1913.
Indiana: Ann. Stats. 1914, secs. 7977, 7978.
Kansas: Gen. Stats., 1909, sec. 4643, amended by ch. 220, Acts of 1913.
Kentucky: Stats., 1915, sec. 2290b.
Maryland: Pub. Local Laws 1888, art. 4, sec. 31a; amended by ch. 94, p. 642,
Acts of 1910. (Applies only to Baltimore.)
Massachusetts: Acts of 1909, sec. 37; Acts of 1911, ch. 494, amended by Acts of
1916, ch. 240; Acts of 1914, ch. 623.
Minnesota: Rev. Stats. 1913, sec. 3832.
Missouri: Acts of 1913, sec. 237. (Applies only to cities of second class.)
Montana: Constitution, art, 18, sec. 4; Rev. Codes 1907, sec. 1739, amended by
Acts of 1917, ch. 30; Acts of 1917, No. 172.
Nevada: Rev. Laws 1912, sec. 6778; Acts of 1917, ch. 205.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1082]
M O N T H L Y LABOE R E V IE W .
247
1. Eight-hour laws—Concluded.
New Jersey: Acts of 1911, cli. 243, sec. 1.
New Mexico: Constitution, Art. XX, sec. 19.
New York: Consol. Laws 1909, ch. 31, sec. 3; amended by Acts of 1913, ch. 494,
and by Acts of 1916, ch. 152.
Ohio: Constitutional amendment, 1912, Art. II, sec. 37; Gen. Code 1910, sec.
17-1; Acts of 1913, p. 854.
Oklahoma: Constitution, Art. X X III, sec. 1; Rev. Laws 1910, secs 3757, 3758.
Oregon: Lord’s Ore. Laws, 1910, sec. 5060; Acts of 1913, ch. 1, sec. 4; Acts of
1913, ch. 61, amended by 1917', ch. 98.
Pennsylvania: Brightly’s Digest, 1893-1903, Act No. 379.
Porto Rico: Rev. Stats., 1911, sec. 1657; Acts of 1913, Act No. 140.
Texas: Acts of 1913, ch. 68, sec. 1.
Utah: Constitution, art. 16, sec. 6; Comp. Laws 1907, sec. 1336.
Washington: Codes and Statutes, 1910, sec. 6572.
West Virginia: Ann. Code 1913, secs. 713, 714.
Wisconsin: Stats., 1911, sec. 1729m.
Wyoming: Constitution, Art. X IX , sec. 1; Acts of 1913, ch. 90, sec. 1.
PROVINCIAL LAW OF BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA, RELATING TO
WOMAN AND CHILD LABOR.
The Statistical Bulletin of the Province of Buenos Aires for the
first quarter of 1917/ just received, publishes the text of the pro
vincial law of August 27, 1915, and regulations thereunder, relative
to the employment of women and children. The principal provisions
of the law are as follows;
The prohibition by the national law of night-work by women shall
not include females who are engaged in domestic labor or nursing or
those engaged in public exhibitions. No child who has not com
pleted the obligatory course of instruction shall be employed except
on proof that such employment is necessary to provide a living for
himself or his parents or guardian. Persons under 16 years of age
can be employed only when in possession of a work book containing
an age certificate, a permit signed by the “ Guardian of Minors,” a
schooling certificate, and a certificate of physical ability.
Employers are required to keep a registry of all persons under 16
years of age employed by them either within or outside of factories,
workshops, or offices. The presence of a minor in any such estab
lishment is presumptive of employment.
In order to compel the observance of the national law relative to
hours of labor for women and children, every employer operating a
factory or workshop, and who employs women or minors under 16
years of age outside of the establishment, is required to keep a register
of the women or children so employed. This register shall show the
i B oletín de la Dirección General de Estadística de! D epartam ento Provincial del T ra b ajo . A ño X V I I I
No. 198. La P lata.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1083]
248
M O N T H L Y LABOE E E V IE W .
names, residence, wages, quality and nature of work done, time of
giving out and the completion of the work, etc.
This law, as well as the national laws relating to this subject, are
required to be posted in a conspicuous place in the establishments
where women and minors are »employed.
A perfect state of cleanliness must be maintained. Emanations of
sewer or other noxious gases must be prevented; ventilation must be
provided for the removal of gases, steam, or dust or other impurities
arising from industrial processes. At least 10 cubic meters (353.7
cu. ft.) of air space must be provided for each employee, reasona
ble temperature maintained and separate conveniences installed for
each sex, and a supply of drinking water furnished.
In rooms where machinery is driven bv motive force, notices are
required to be placed at dangerous points; all doors shall open out
wards; doorways and passageways must be kept free from obstruc
tions; rooms must be suitably lighted; elevators, gearing, and fly
wheels properly protected; conduits covered and dangerous machines
and transmission apparatus inclosed.
The Department of Labor must be furnished with the number and
description of boilers used and boilers are subject to inspection.
Devices for the immediate disconnection of machinery in case of
accident must be installed. Emery wheels must be provided with
dust-removing devices and with hoods when necessary.
Passenger and freight elevators and cranes shall be of sufficient
strength, and unless they are protected and in charge of a competent
operator, women and children are prohibited from using them.
Automatic doors are required. There shall be direct communication
by means of speaking tubes or electric bells between the rooms where
force is generated and the points of its delivery. In woodworking
shops or where inflammable materials are used covered lamps only
may be used. The use of alcohol and mineral oil for lighting purnoses
is forbidden.
In establishments where inflammable gases may be generated, or
where materials susceptible to spontaneous combustion are stored,
special measures must be taken to control the generation of gases
and to secure adequate ventilation with the outside air.
Electric installations, cables, conductors, etc., must be insulated,
motors protected, and storage batteries and transformers isolated.
Where generators supply both light and power in establishments
operated at night, there must be a special installation for supplying
light in the establishment in case of the stoppage of the regular
generator.
The employment of women and children is prohibited: In wet
spinning rooms, unless precautions are taken to protect the employees
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1084]
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
249
from dampness; where mirrors are coated with quicksilver or a
preparation of white lead; at glass furnaces; in the preparation of
chemical matches, or in the manufacture of white lead; in loading
or unloading ships or as stevedores; in cleaning or oiling machinery
in motion, or in cleaning under machinery while it is in motion; in
the management of steam-cocks; on scaffolding in the construction,
repair, or painting of buildings, and in any underground work.
Minors under 16 years of age may not be employed: To dispense
alcoholic drinks, consumed where sold; in public shoe-shining estab
lishments; in public slaughterhouses or in work auxiliary to them;
in places where dangerous chemicals or their compounds are pre
pared, or in other designated dangerous industries.
The maximum weight which may be carried either in or outside of
the establishment by male persons under 16 years of age and by
women between the ages of 16 and 20 years is fixed at 10 kilos (22
pounds), and by girls under 16 years of age 5 kilos (11 pounds).
The maximum weight which may be moved by vehicle,•including
the weight of the truck, either in or outsidé of the establishment, is
fixed as follows: In cars moving on rails, by boys under 16 years and
by women under 20 years, at 300 kilos (661.4 pounds); girls under
16 years at 150 kilos (330.7 pounds); by hand barrows of three or
four wheels—boys under 16 and girls under 18 years of age, 35 kilos
(77.2 pounds), and by women 18 to 20 years, 50 kilos (110 pounds).
During working hours no alcoholic drinks shall be carried into
workrooms. When the work necessitates a change of clothing, sepa
rate rooms for each sex must be provided. The employment of
persons under 16 years in certain classes of establishments where
their morals may be corrupted is prohibited. Rooms must be pro
vided for mothers nursing their infants, and also rooms where mothers
may leave their infants during working hours. (The national law
provides that mothers shall be allowed 15 minutes each 2 hours,
without loss of pay, in which to nurse their infants.1)
1Cli. 3, a rt. 9, sec. 8, of Law Ko. 5291 of th e R epublic of A rgentina.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 0 8 5 ]
HOUSING AND WELFARE WORK,
ORDER OF THE INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION OF WISCONSIN REGARDING
THE LENGTH OF LUNCH PERIOD FOR FEMALE EMPLOYEES.1
On July 15, 1918, the Industrial Commission of Wisconsin issued
an order regulating the length of the lunch period for women em
ployees in the State. Extended hearings have been conducted by
the commission to determine the “ hours of labor of women which
are conducive to the protection of life, health, safety, or welfare.“
As a result of these hearings, orders Nos. 1, 2, and 3, issued June 29,
1917, by the commission, relate to night work of women, and order
No. 4, issued May 7, 1918, relates to the hours of labor of women
employed as conductors, motormen, or flagmen on street car lines.
In continuation of this subject the commission made a study of
the proper length of the meal period for women. The law provided
that until a determination had been made by the industrial com
mission one hour should be the length of the lunch period, but special
orders had been issued by the commission permitting certain em
ployers in Milwaukee who had complied with minimum requirements
for a lunch room for women employees to reduce the period to 45 or
30 minutes. Other employers had reduced the lunch period to 30
minutes without being authorized by the commission to do so.
Physicians who testified before the commission agreed that the
standard meal period should be at least one hour, and a 30-minute
lunch period was unanimously condemned by them. Employers who
testified stated, without exception, that it was a matter of indifference
to them whether the period was 45 minutes or one hour, but some
stated that the exposure to moral hazards on streets and sometimes
in factories was greater during a long lunch period, and that women
preferred the shorter period, since it shortened the day’s work. A
few urged that it is confusing to have a lunch period for wo’men of
different length from that for men. Other employers who had pro
vided adequate lunch rooms found that their employees preferred a
lunch period of an hour and did better work because of the oppor
tunity for rest.
From the testimony presented the commission decided that the
danger of moral hazards to which women may be exposed because of
a long lunch period may be obviated by the provision of adequate
* D ata furnished b y In d u strial Commission
250
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1086]
of
Wisconsin, Madison.
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
251
lunch and rest rooms by employers, and that it is physically injurious
to resume work at once after eating a hasty meal. It was held that
since men and women usually work in different departments, and
the hours per da}^ for men are frequently longer, little inconvenience
would be caused by a longer lunch period for women, and that since
the commission had no jurisdiction over the conditions of employ
ment of men that fact should not prevent the fixing of a proper lunch
period for women.
In small cities, towns, and villages the length of the lunch period
was fixed at one hour to enable employees to go to their homes.
Since workers in restaurants have usually had no regular lunch
period, but have had to get their lunches between waiting on cus
tomers, it was decided that while a longer lunch, period was desirable
a minimum of 30 minutes should be rigidly enforced. For these
reasons it was therefore ordered that—
1. At least one hour during each day or night for dinner or other
meals must be allowed all female employees, as required by section
1728-2 of the Statutes, except as otherwise provided in the order.
2. In cities of the first class, in manufactories in which a room
conveniently located has been adequately equipped as a lunch room,
the lunch period may be 45 minutes.
3. In restaurants the meal periods may be 30 minutes, provided
that the stretch of labor between meals does not exceed five hours,
and provided that the employees eat their meals upon the premises.
ROE GREEN VILLAGE SCHEME, KINGSBURY, ENGLAND.1
.
B Y S I R F R A N K B A I N E S .2
This scheme was put forward with the support of the Air Ministry
by a firm called the Aircraft Manufacturing Co., for housing picked
workers employed by them on production of aircraft for the Gov
ernment.
The housing situation is very serious at Hendon, so much so that
accommodation is practically entirely absent for a large proportion of
the workmen employed in the area, and the industrial unrest caused
by this absence of accommodation has been serious in the extreme.
Questions were asked in Parliament, and strikes were threatened
unless the problem was dealt with.
As a result, the Treasury agreed to advance to the firm concerned
a loan on certain terms, in respect of the housing accommodations,
and providing that the necessity for the accommodation for the work
ers was supported by the department taking the output from the
firms in the district.
J A description w ith extensive plans and pictures of th is developm ent m ay he found in The B uilder;
a Record of A rchitecture and Construction. London. Jan u ary 4, 1918, pp. 5-8.
Principal architect of the B ritish Office of Works.
2
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1087]
252
M O N T H L Y LABOE E E V IE W .
In this case, the firm first of all approached some larger contractors
who prepared a scheme for them. This scheme, unfortunately, was
anything but good, and was very costly. Finally it was suggested
that this department should safeguard Government funds by being
responsible for the design and carrying out of the scheme, which has
been done, and the Aircraft Manufacturing Co. have greeted with
enthusiasm the idea that the scheme should be a model one, of a
very high standard of design and construction, particularly in view of
the fact that even with the high standard being followed the scheme
will cost many thousands of pounds less than the one originally
prepared for them by a contractor.
In carrying out the scheme, this department has taken into consid
eration the view of the Government that the standard should be set
by the Government departments so as to lead the opinion of local
councils and private firms with regard to what can he done in the way
of provision of housing for the working classes.
This scheme has also had to he designed to overcome the many
stringencies in connection with the supply of both labor and material
which exist in the fourth year of this great war.
S IT E .
The site is suburban, but rural in its general characteristics, and was
chosen to be outside the main line of traffic following the Edgeware
Road, Hendon, London.
It is situated about 600 yards west of this road. Two existing
by-roads form the boundaries at the east and west sides, which are
known as Stag Lane and Bacon Lane, respectively. Stag Lane may,
at some future date, become an important road, and on the block
plan allowance has been made by setting back the houses for any
future widening. Bacon Lane has, to a less extent, been treated in a
similar manner.
At Edgeware Road, traveling facilities to all parts already exist.
The site is fairly level, but has distinctive features in the way of
trees, high hedges, etc.
LAYOUT.
The dominant features for guidance in the layout were two main
hedges running lengthways, and almost parallel, about 120 yards
apart. Both these hedges contain a number of very fine trees, and
these trees are accurately shown on the layout plan. The roads were
designed therefore more or less to follow the lines of these hedges,
which dictated the plan and offered an opportunity to give full value
to the fine rows of trees. A clump of trees with old hedges cutting
in at right angles was made a nucleus around which a green has been
formed, and facing one side of this green is the inn.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1088]
M O N T H L Y LABOE B E V IE W .
253
ROADS.
The site lias been opened up by one main road connecting Stag
Lane and Bacon Lane. A short distance off Stag Lane a second
longitudinal road branches off. At this junction a block of two shops
has been placed and these shops form the vista from the entrance to
the estate from Stag Lane.
Another block of four shops is planned in the center of the Stag Lane
frontage. This second road soon turns in a large sweep, leaving the
green on one side, and then runs parallel with the main road. A
minor cross road connects these two roads at the west end.
Opposite the green an access road opens up the depth of land
between the green and Stag Lane,continuing as a footpath and forming
a short cut from this part of the site.
Provision has been made, should it be found desirable at some
future date, to connect a cross road to the adjoining land on both
the north and south sides of the present scheme.
The road planning has secured a repeated change of vista. Central
features are emphasized. Prominent features still fill the ends of the
road, and the contour of the roads prevents a monotonous length of
view.
The setting back and bringing forward of the building line breaks
still more the chance of unpleasant uniformity and what is still more
important, there are practically no open views of back gardens.
It is claimed that the whole of the ground has been effectively
opened up with a minimum of road making.
The roads themselves are narrow but the distances between houses
are considerable. This reduces the heavy cost of road making and
yet does not affect the open and “ garden-city” effect of the scheme.
The costly item of curbing to roads has been avoided, except at
the corners, the footpaths generally being edged with turf.
The Houses are all set back from the carriage road in varying degrees
and where breaks have been considered necessary or desirable they
have been made in an economical manner in a rectangular form, and
large gaps are avoided.
GARDENS.
The gardens in front of the houses will be fenced only on the
frontage of Stag Lane, and all gardens will be turfed in with the turf
which has been taken up from the sites of the houses.
The back gardens have been planned of a uniform area, but at
the same time it has been realized that some tenants will want more
ground than others.
It will be noted that the main road and its parallel road on the
southern side leave a greater depth of ground at the back than would
S2G170— IS------17
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1089]
254
M O N T H L Y LABOE E E V IE W .
be required for single houses and this fact gave the opportunity for
planning a number of flats fronting on these roads.
The gardens of the flats are divided in such a manner that the
occupants of the flats on the upper floors can have separate access
to their gardens—a very desirable feature.
The fences for the back gardens will be formed of quick-growing
hedges, and this avoids the common post and wire fences or rough
picket fences which generally quickly become unsightly.
NUMBER OF HOUSES, AREA OF LAND, ROADS, ETC.
It will be seen that a spacious appearance has been maintained
throughout the whole scheme.
The following are the number of houses, area of land, roads etc.:
Acres.
Acres.
Site area........................................................................... 23.72
Road area................................................................ 2.33
Area of open spaces................................................. 69
Total open area....................................................
3.02
Net area available for houses.........................................20. 70
The total number of houses on the estate is 250, and in addition
there are 6 shops, 1 doctor’s house, and an inn, making a total of
accommodation for 258 families. This works out about 12 houses
to the acre, which contrasts very favorably with the private suburban
housing scheme, where it is common to find 26 houses to the acre.
It will be observed that with judicious planning a very much more
spacious appearance has been obtained.
As far as possible, the houses have been grouped in blocks not
exceeding four. It should be noticed that by planning houses in
blocks of four it avoids the necessity of separate access to the middle
houses of the block either by tunnel or extra garden paths. By
crossing the garden of each external house the ashes and refuse
of the two central houses is collected at the same time. This is a
practical arrangement and works well and also prevents the possi
bility of any annoyance by making the paths at the backs of the
houses too public.
STANDARDIZATION.
The layout exhibits an application of standardization of plan and
type; sufficient repetition for economy but not sufficient for monotony.
The same plan and type is disguised by variation of external building
material.
The type of accommodation provided for this village was based on
an exhaustive inquiry held among the workers who are to live in the
houses.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1090]
255
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
Eventually four different types of accommodation were decided
upon, as follows:
T yp e A . —Fifty-seven houses, which contain living room, parlor,
and scullery on the ground floor and three bedrooms, bathroom, and
water-closet on the second floor.
T yp e />.—Fifty-three houses containing living room, parlor, and
scullery on the ground floor, two bedrooms, bathroom, and watercloset on the second floor.
T yp e C .—Forty houses each containing living room, scullery,
and water-closet on the ground floor and three bedrooms on the
second floor.
T yp es I) and E . —Flats, each containing living room, scullery,
water-closet, and two bedrooms. Types D and E form 100 flats.
Both types contain the same accommodation, with this one differ
ence, that the planning was rearranged on those blocks which faced
north in order that the living room should have a southern aspect in
addition to the northern.
The following schedule shows areas of the houses and the rooms of
each type in superficial feet:
Item s.
T ype A.
Type B.
Type C.
Type D.
Type E.
Area covered.............................................................
Living room ..........................................................................
P a rlo r.....................................................................................
Bedroom 1...........................................................................
Bedroom 2.............................................................................
Bedroom 3.............................................................................
Ft. in.
496 0
168 0
6
176 9
0
6
Ft. in.
441 9
162 6
104 0
168 0
118 0
Ft. in.
417 0
186 0
Ft. in.
759 3
183 9
Ft. in.
702 9
170 6
139 0
99 9
65 3
Ì36 è
123 6
132 3
120 9
112
88
66
SPECIAL FEATURES.
The plans aim at being straightforward and compact, and the
above schedule is self-explanatory. There are, howTever, some
salient features which might be emphasized.
Cross ven tila tio n .—Wherever possible the principal rooms have been
provided with cross ventilation.
O rientation .—In practically no case does any room entirely face
north. Where, however, this has been unavoidable in the bedrooms,
oriel windows have been introduced in order to insure a measure of
sunlight. There is at least some sunlight in every room. Types D
and E have already been referred to in this respect.
Gas coolers .—AH of the houses and tenements have been provided
with gas cookers in the scullery. In addition, some of the houses
have been provided with a cooking range in the living room and the
remainder with slow combustion sitting-room grate.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1091]
256
M O N T H L Y LABOE E E V IE W .
Gla2ed dressers.—Glazed dressers are placed in the living room.
Food cupboards with ventilating gratings are accessible from the
scullery and living room.
Cupboards.—In types A and B additional cupboard space is avail
able under the stairs and a cupboard in the living room in type C is
additional to the floor areas given above.
Two tiers of shelving are provided to each scullery. The scullery
with tradesmen’s door has been arranged to simplify work. Fitments
are in a convenient position and space is provided for a mangle. A
coal cupboard for 1 ton of coal adjoins the scullery. Where the
bath is placed in the scullery it is fitted with a table top which is
hinged.
Both typo C and the tenements where the water-closets are on the
ground floor are entered from the covered lobby leading from the
scullery, and in the latter case the same lobby forms the entrance to
thecoalbins. This lobbyin the second floor flats also takes the dustbin.
At least one bedroom is fitted with one good-sized cupboard. •
Entrances.—A point worthy of notice in regard to the planning of
the flats is that the ground-floor flats have each a separate entrance,
and the second-floor flats have a common entrance on the ground floor
leading to the staircase terminating in a landing at which the entrance
to the second-floor flats opens.
Ilot-water arrangements.—Each house and flat is provided with hot
water to the bath and scullery sink, by means of gas-heated circulators
placed in the scullery. Each of these circulators is provided with a
thermostat, thus affording an opportunity to regulate the amount of
the hot-water supply.
CONSTRUCTION.
Walls.—The external walls are built of 9-inch brickwork where
they are plastered, slate or tile hung. Those blocks with facing
bricks are built of two 41-inch walls with a cavity. The internal
structural walls of 41-inch brickwork, the remaining internal parti
tions are of coke breeze slabs.
First floors.—The ground floors are of 4-inch cement concrete laid
on 4-inch hard core, finished with jointless impermeable flooring,
except the sculleries which are finished in cement containing hematite,
and the lobbies which are finished in tiles.
Second floors.— The second floors are constructed of hollow terra
cotta blocks, finished in a similar manner to the ground floors with
jointless flooring. The adoption of a standardized plan has enabled
the secondfloors tobe laid in standardized types. The thickness of this
second floor reduces the whole by at least one course, of brickwork or
increases the height of the rooms. These floors have the additional
advantage of being firejwoof and thus reduce the insurance rate.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1092]
M O N T H L Y LABOE B E V IE W .
257
Roofs.—The roofs are of simple construction and of good propor
tion, cutting being avoided. Some of the blocks of houses have the
roofs sprung at a height of 5 feet 3 inches above the second-floor level,
thus effecting an economy in brickwork. Roof boarding is eliminated,
except where the roof forms a portion of the ceiling. A large majority
of the roofs are covered with slate, the remainder with tile. Asphalt
takes the place of lead wherever possible.
J o in e r y .—The standardization of the joinery has effected a saving.
All sashes are of one pattern, and the windows differ only as regards
the number of sashes in the width. Doors are likewise standardized,
and thus the window and door openings can quite easily be set out
on a universal plan saving much labor.
Inside fin ish in g s .—Inside finishings are of plaster, except the
sculleries, offices, staircases to flats, which are left in fair-faced brick
work limewhited. Walls generally will be distempered. The joinery
with few exceptions will be treated with brown or green solignum
requiring little upkeep.
DRAINAGE AND WATER SERVICES.
The planning and grouping of the houses have been carried out with
a strict view to economy as regards drainage and water services.
Combined drainage has been adopted, thus reducing to a minimum
the runs of the soil and rain-water drains, and also the number of
manholes and connections to main sewers.
In the water services iron pipes have been used, except the f-inch
main lead supply, which has had to be executed in lead owing to the
local circumstances.
The houses will be fitted up with appropriately arranged gas
fittings.
CONCLUSION.
In carrying out this scheme, every advantage has been taken of the
knowledge possessed by the department of the housing problem, while
the utilization of material has been such as to cause no serious scarcity
of any key materials required for the prosecution of the war.
The standard of accommodation was set after consultation with the
employees of the firm themselves, and the principles of planning and
design have followed the latest ideas at the disposal of the Govern
ment with regard to the method of dealing with this great question.
HOUSING NOTES FROM GREAT BRITAIN.
FAILURE OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE.
According to Sir Frank Baines, principal architect of the Office of
Works, Great Britain, the failure of private enterprise in supplying
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1093]
258
MONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW.
sufficient and adequate housing accommodations for the working
people has been due to the following causes:
(1) The increased cost of construction during late years without a
corresponding increase in rents.
%
(2) The stringent by-laws of the local authority particularly in
respect to widths of roads.
(3) The cost of sites. (It is stated that at Hull the action of land
speculators had increased the price of land from £50 [$243.33] to
£1,000 [$4,866.50] an acre).
(4) Increase in the rate of interest and of rates, and latterly—
(5) The increment duty. Speculating builders have found that it
pays them better to put up villa residences, more profitable ground
rents being thus obtained.
The cost of construction and the rate of interest will no doubt
continue high for some time after the conclusion of the war, and this
will necessarily check private enterprise.
CENTRALIZED HOUSING POLICY.
Concerning the drift in housing policy on the part of the British
Government Sir Frank Baines, of the Office of Works, writes as
follows:
Generally the position throughout the country has been that the various Govern,
ment departments concerned with war services have dealt with their own housing
problems individually without reference to a central authority. This has occasioned
considerable criticism in this country, and has resulted in a variation of standard
which has detrimentally affected the whole question of housing.
So far as it is possible to summarize the opinion which is solidifying slowly in this
country, it is tending toward the centralization of the whole question of housing into
the hands of one single authority, in the hope that that authority will deal with the
problem in accordance with the whole of the information at the disposal of the coun
try, and will unify its methods so as to set the general standard applicable over the
whole area of the country where housing accommodations must of necessity be pro
vided.
Further, the general opinion at the present time is that the variation in the accom
modation which has been provided for meeting the exigencies of the war, in the
form of semipermanent and temporary accommodation, is wasteful. As a result of
the war the shortage of houses for the industrial classes is very grave, and had the
housing requirements for war workers been provided throughout in permanent con
struction this would have gone some way toward dealing with the whole question
of housing for the working classes which has to be faced by the British Government
after the war. The temporary accommodation has been found to give little, if any,
satisfaction to the workers who have to occupy it. Its cost has been high, and the
accommodation will certainly have to be scrapped upon the termination of the war
or very soon after.
A DM INISTRATION OF THE WOOLWICH (W ELL HALL, K EN T) GOVERNMENT HOUS
ING SCHEME.
Accounts of the Woolwich housing scheme undertaken by the Brit
ish Government for the accommodation of munition workers em
ployed in the arsenal at that place may be found in the Monthly
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1094]
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW.
259
R eview for December, 1917 (pp. 225-228), and in tlie June issue,
1918 (pp. 205, 206). Certain points of interest in the administration
of the estate are presented in this connection.
The estate, as previously noted, supplies 1,298 dwellings on an area
of 96 acres. The houses for the most part are of permanent brick
construction. The completion of the estate from the time of the
selection of the site occupied nine and one-half months, notwithstand
ing numerous difficulties involved as regards labor and material due
to the war and to the high pressure of work in the neighborhood,
resulting in a large percentage of overtime and other expenses.
The estate is administered on behalf of the Office of Works by
the housing department of the London County Council for a com
mission of 4% per cent on gross rental without allowance for unoc
cupied houses. The managing staff on the site consists of a housing
superintendent with a clerical staff of 2 and a maintenance staff
of 12 employees. The maintenance staff nominally consists of 20
but owing to the shortage of labor the full number of men can not
be obtained for the work. The housing superintendent is in sole
charge of the estate and is responsible for the accounts, collection
of rents, repairs, maintenance of parks and open spaces, lawns and
grass plots in front of the houses. The salary is £3 ($14.60) per week
plus 16 shillings ($3.89) per week war bonus and a house is provided
for him on the estate but no allowance is made for lighting and heat
ing. The superintendent is chosen for his ability and questions of
politics do not enter into the selection.
In the administration of the estate certain regulations have been
prepared by the London County Council. A copy of these is as
follows:
CONDITIONS OF TENANCY.
1. Each tenant on taking possession will be supplied with one key of each lock in
the tenement, and two of the entrance door.
2. The rent shall be paid in advance to the collector who will call for it.
3. No tenant shall underlet or take in lodgers without the express authority in
writing of the housing manager being first obtained, or use a tenement as a shop or
a workshop, or expose any goods or materials for sale or hire therein, or assign this
agreement.
4. The back gardens of the tenements shall be the only drying ground, and tenants
shall not hang from their windows, or in any way expose to public view, any washing
or any unsightly objects whatever.
5. Tenants shall not erect any structure whatever in the gardens without having
first obtained the housing manager’s consent.
6. Refuse must not be thrown from the windows or doors, but must be deposited
in a dust bin which will be supplied for the purpose. The bins will be emptied period
ically by the borough council.
7. Tenants must pay the cost of replacing any windows broken in their tenements
during their tenancy, and of repairing any damage to the rooms other than that arising
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1095]
260
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW.
from ordinary wear and tear; they must also pay the cost of replacing keys lost. If
on vacation the tenement shall be found to be in a dirty condition requiring special
cleansing the tenant shall pay the cost of such cleansing.
8. Tenants must maintain their houses in a cleanly state and their front gardens
in a good condition to the satisfaction of the housing manager.
9. Tenants shall immediately report to the housing manager, through the superin
tendent, any case of infectious disease in their tenements. Tenants shall cause
any case of infectious disease to be removed to the proper hospital without delay.
10. The council shall be at liberty, by its agents or workmen, to enter any tenement
to inspect the state of repair, or for any other purpose, at all reasonable hours of the
day.
11. Nails are not to he driven into the walls. In rooms where no picture rails are
provided hooks of an approved pattern are to be used. These can be obtained from
the superintendent upon payment.
12. The council may determine any tenancy by giving to the tenant a week’s
notice signed by the housing manager. In case of breach by the tenant of any of
these regulations, the housing manager may determine the tenancy summarily at
any time.
13. Any tenant wishing to vacate his tenement shall give seven days’ clear notice
in writing to the housing manager, through the superintendent; such notice to expire
and the tenant to give possession on a Monday.
14. The sum of 5 shillings is to be paid by the tenant on entering on the tenancy,
and shall be applied by the council in or toward the cost of replacing any keys not
forthcoming on the termination of the tenancy, or toward rent in arrear, or toward
the cost of repairing any damage, or toward any other expense payable by the tenant
under the above conditions, and subject thereto is to be repaid to the tenant on the
determination of the tenancy.
N o t e . —The weekly rent is inclusive of rates, taxes, and water rate.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1096]
EMPLOYMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT,
READJUSTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS OF UNITED STATES
EMPLOYMENT SERVICE.
In order to bring about closer contact between the office of the
Director General of the United States Employment Service and the
Federal directors of employment in the several States, and to estab
lish that uniformity of operation of the branch offices which is so
essential to efficiency and speed, and at the same time to reduce to a
minimum opportunities for error, irresponsible or improper manage
ment, and jurisdictional conflict, a realignment or readjustment of
the existing administrative machinery of the United States Employ
ment Service has been effected. This has involved the abolition of
the system of 13 employment districts and the gradual elimination
of the district superintendencies, the centering of responsibility for the
field organization upon the Federal directors of employment for the
States, the institution of uniform methods of office operation, and the
organization of the administrative work at Washington into five
divisions each in charge of a director. In short, the new plan has
been adopted to make more effective the original aim of the Service
for centralization of administration at Washington and decentrali
zation of operation with the State as the unit. The functions of the
five divisions which have been created are as follows:
C o n tr o l d iv is io n .—Preparation of all general and special orders; supervision of the
field organization attached directly to the administrative offices; mails and files;
general correspondence; reports from the Federal directors for the States and research
and statistical work; property and supplies for the administrative offices and the field
organization; auditing and supervision of expenditures and accounts.
F ie ld o r g a n iz a tio n d iv is io n .—Creation and perfection of an efficient system of em
ployment offices in each State; organization of the State advisory boards and com
munity labor boards; supervision of the work of the Public Service Reserve and
Boys’ Working Reserve (wherever possible merging these with the Employment
Service organization in each State) ; obtaining proper facilities for women’s and farmlabor departments in local offices (these to be under the direction of the local super
intendents and the organization work to be carried out through the Federal directors);
creation of special faculties or departments for such other classes of workers as may
need specialized handling.
C learance d iv is io n .—Distribution of requests for labor among the States according
to their proper share of workers to be furnished; reports concerning the supply of the
demand for workers (this information to be redistributed to the Federal directors);
reference of orders for help from employers to the Federal directors for the States
in which they originate and reference of orders from Federal directors to other localities
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1097]
261
262
M O NTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
as necessary (together with full information regarding all important matters relating
to the transfer of workers); arrangement of transportation details prior to giving infor
mation to the Federal directors.
P e rs o n n e l d iv is io n .—Appointments and personnel records (involving handling of
employment for the administrative offices, investigating requests for help from
divisions of the administrative offices, investigating applicants for employment with
the United States Employment Service, maintaining individual records of all em
ployees of the Employment Service, and assisting the Federal directors for States
in getting help); developing plans for and supervising the training of employees of
the United States Employment Service; developing a classification of occupations
and promoting the use of uniform terminology in the Employment Service offices;
developing standard tests and supervising their use in the placement work of the
Employment Service.
I n fo r m a tio n d iv is io n .—Publication of the United States Employment Service Bul
letin and other organs oi the Employment Service, and supervision and control of all
news matter originating within the administrative offices of the Employment Service.
WORK OF THE COMMUNITY LABOR BOARDS.
The community labor boards 1 of the Employment Service, which
are being organized in each State, numbered 915, according to reports
received down to the end of August from 39 States, the greatest
number (166) being reported from Texas. These boards, organized
in industrial centers, are composed of one representative each of
employers and of workers and the local employment director, and
are commissioned to decide all questions concerning recruiting and
distribution of labor within certain prescribed boundaries. The
question of jurisdiction of the District of Columbia community labor
board having been challenged, the Employment Service issued the
following statement which applies equally to similar boards through
out the country:
The community labor boards have supervision over the recruiting and distribution
of labor in their communities and the transfer of men for war work from industries
which are not directly connected with the prosecution of the war. The actual opera
tion of recruiting, distribution, and transfer is conducted by the local offices and agents
of the Employment Service.
The United States Employment Service counts upon the voluntary cooperation of
employers and employees to carry out its plans and to secure men needed for war
work from nonwar*work. It will not call upon the War Industries Board to use com
pulsion through control of fuel, materials, and transportation unless obliged to do so.
The power to determine priority among industries and to close up nonessential
industries by shutting off supplies rests with the War Industries Board.
The United States Employment Service will follow the priorities determined by the
Priorities Board of the War Industries Board. The Employment Service, through
all its agencies, will keep in systematic and constant cooperation with the other divi
sions of the Government concerned with the manpower and material program of the
Government.
It is within the province of each community labor board to list those nonwar indus
tries in its community which will first be called upon to contribute men to war work.
1 N oted in th e M onthly L abor R e v ie w for A ugust, 1918, p p . 64 and 65.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10981
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
263
This does not mean that such industries will be compelled to close up or to discharge
their male employees at once, but that, with as much fairness as is possible and with
as much speed as may be necessary to meet the national emergency, they will release
male workers.
In the District of Columbia as elsewhere we may as well face the facts. The work
on the great Army and Navy buildings at Potomac Park, the construction of housing
facilities opposite Union Station, the extension of Camp Humphries to meet new
Army requirements, and much other work essential to our war program are being
seriously retarded by lack of unskilled labor. In this situation it is obviously wrong
to have able-bodied men continuing to sell candy, cigars, and like articles, to be doing
work in shops and stores which might, with reasonable effort on the part of the employ
ers, be intrusted to women, and to be dancing attendance in cluis, barber shops,
soft-drink establishments, bowling alleys, dancing academies, and elsewhere.
Our war industries are suffering severely for lack of skilled mechanics. I t therefore
becomes a burden upon the conscience of every person who employs a chauffer to
determine whether such employment is necessary or merely for the gratification of
personal pleasure.
Moreover, every owner of an automobile should realize th at every time he spends
$5 for automobile accessories, supplies, or repairs he is in effect determining whether
working energies of the country equivalent to about a day’s labor of one man shall bo
devoted to winning the war or to his own personal uses.
The time has come when, from the standpoint of coriservation of labor, we must all
of us limit our expenses to those things which are essential.
PLACEMENT OF FARM LABOR BY THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE.
Complete statistics of placements of the Nation’s farms by the
Employment Service indicate a total of 106,860 permanent farm
workers sent to positions during the six months ending July 30, 1918.
This total does not include the army of harvesters handled by the
Employment Service in the drive through the western wheat belt, or
several hundred thousand boys placed through the Boys’ Working
Reserve of the Department of Labor, or thousands of part-time com
munity workers brought out by the Employment Service in coopera
tion with other Federal and local organizations. The number of
applications turned in by farmers was 175,733, exceeding the number
of placement by 68,873. The 13 States in which the largest numbers
of placements were made, with the ]per cent of totals, are presented in
the following table:
N U M B E R AND P E R C EN T O F PL A C E M E N TS O F P E R M A N E N T FA R M W O R K E R S D U R IN G
S IX M ON TH S E N D IN G JU L Y 30, 1918, B Y ST A TES.
State.
C a l i f o r n i a _______ _________ . . . . .
T] ] ji]cvi s
Tn w a
____________ ________
_____________________
lv AT}
M o n ta n a
____________ . . . . . . .
N ebraska .................................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
State.
N um ber. Per cent.
N um ber.
P er cent.
15,741
2’ 224
20'593
7' 238
9 661
4 066
2 , 183
3^ 043
18.0
2.5
23.6
8.3
11.1
4 7
N orth D akota............................
O klahom a..................................
South D akota............................
Texas...........................................
W ashington................................
1,896
3,731
2 , 256
8,775
5, 859
2. 2
4. 3
2.6
10.1
6. 7
2 .5
3 .5
T o ta l.................................
87,266
100.0
[1099]
264
M O NTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
In this connection should be noted the marked success with which
the Employment Service handled the labor situation in harvesting
operations in the Western wheat States. All the workers needed for
this purpose were provided from within the States themselves, the
Employment Service furnishing more than 18,000 men, or over half
of the total number of emergency farm workers needed. That the
harvest should have been accomplished entirely by local effort at a
time when the farm labor supply throughout the States concerned
was seriously depleted is proof of what organization and local enter
prise can accomplish. Team work by the county agricultural agents
and farm help specialists of the Department of Agriculture and the
harvest emergency force of the Employment Service is largely respon
sible for the results achieved. Generally the agents of the Depart
ment of Agriculture busied themselves with ascertaining the needs
of individual farmers, while the Employment Service confined itself
to finding and supplying the men to fill these needs. The movement
received the support of farmers7 organizations, chambers of com
merce, banks, employers’ and labor organizations, and local com
mittees of the State councils of defense. By agreement between the
Department of Labor and the Canadian Government portions of the
harvest workers went across the border into the western Canada
wheat fields.
TRANSFER OF W ORKERS BY THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE.
As indicating one phase of the operation of the Employment
Service, announcement is made that during the month of August,
the first month of control of unskilled labor recruiting for war work
by the United States Employment Service, as prescribed in a state
ment by the President on June 17, 1918,1 between 50,000 and 60,000
such workers were recruited and moved from States having a surplus
of common laborers in war work to other States in which there were
Government projects short of labor. These movements were handled
through the Federal directors of employment for the States on
authorization from the Director General at Washington, and in the
process labor was not taken from farms or other war work. Several
hundred common laborers were brought from the Bahama Islands
to be used on Government work, and as soon as ships are available
several thousand Porto Rico laborers will be imported.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICE PLACES WOMEN IN NEW OCCUPATIONS.
Records of the Employment Service show that women are enter
ing a number of occupations heretofore considered suitable only for
men, such as railroad tank painting, hardware industry processes,
/S ee Monthly L abor R e v ie w for July, 1918, pp. 136, 137.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1100 ]
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
265
garage management, and ranch work. Processes in the hardware
industries include the work of screw-machine hands, spot welders,
gas welders, dip braziers, and drill-press and bench work. Requests
have been received for baggage porters, ushers, aircraft part assem
blers, telegraph operators, photographers, and a stock and bond
saleswoman for a large corporation. Most of the-calls, howrever, are
for domestics, of which there appears to be a nation-wide shortage,
and for women who are highly skilled industrial workers.
EMPLOYMENT OFFICES COORDINATION ACT IN CANADA.
An act of the Canadian Parliament, assented to May 24, 1918,
provides for a system of coordination of the provincial employment
offices, quite similar to that being established at the present time in
the United States. The minister of labor is authorized and em
powered (a) to aid and encourage the organization and coordination
of employment offices and to promote uniformity of methods among
them; (b) to establish one or more clearing houses for the interchange
of information between employment offices concerning the transfer
of labor and other matters; and (c) to compile and distribute infor
mation received from employment offices and from other sources,
regarding prevailing conditions of employment. The measure closely
resembles our Federal system of providing for vocational education,
in that a central fund is appropriated from which allotments are to
be made to the different Provinces for the purpose of maintaining
provincial employment offices, the amount in no case to exceed onehalf that expended for the same purpose by the Province receiving
the allotment. An initial sum of $50,000 is set aside for the fiscal
year beginning April 1, 1918, and of $100,000 for the succeeding year;
the regular continuing appropriation is fixed at $150,000. Payment
of allotments is conditioned upon agreement between the Minister of
Labor and the provincial authorities. Conditions of operation, to be
incorporated in any such agreement, are (a) that the offices shall
endeavor to fill situations in all trades and for both male and female
employees; and (b) that the offices shall make such reports and sub
mit to such inspection as the minister may require. The minister
of labor is required to submit to Parliament annual reports of ex
penses and work done by the various Provinces.
WORK OF PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT OFFICES IN THE UNITED STATES AND
OF PROVINCIAL EMPLOYMENT OFFICES IN CANADA.
Data are presented in the following table showing the operations
of the public employment offices for the month of August, 1918, and
in cases where figures are available, for the corresponding month in
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1101]
266
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.
1917. Figures are given from 140 public employment offices in 32
States and the District of Columbia—Federal employment offices in
16 States and the District of Columbia, Federal-State employment
offices in 12 States, Federal-State-county-municipal employment
office in 2 States, Federal-State-municipal employment offices in 5
States, a Federal-county employment office in 1 State, Federalmunicipal employment offices in 3 States, State employment offices
in 6 States, and a municipal employment office in 1 State. Figures
from 2 Canadian employment offices are also given.
Numerous changes have been made in the administration of the
employment offices. Therefore if any bureau is wrongly classified,
it is due to the fact that the local office failed to report the change.
In some cities the Federal and State offices have been consolidated,
and in such cases, if the 1917 figures for each office are available,
they have been combined.
O PE R A T IO N S OF PU B LIC -EM PLO Y M EN T O FFIC E S, A U GUST, 1917 AND 1913.
UNITED STA T E S.
State, city, and kind
of office.
Persons
Applica
asked for
tions from
by
em ployers. employers.
Persons applying for
work.
New regis
trations.
Renewals.
Persons
referred to
positions.
Aug. Aug., Aug., Aug., Aug., Aug., Aug., Aug., Aug.,
1917.
1918.
1917.
1918.
1917.
1918.
1917.
1918.
1917.
Positions
filled.
Aug., Aug.,
1918.
1917.
Aut?.,
1918.
A labama.
A nniston (F e d .)............
B irm ingham (F ed .)___
Mobile (F e d .).................
Tuscaloosa (F ed .)..........
O
274
2 ,5 6 6
4 ,5 7 4
392
233
......
2 178
2 2.795
2 10'
2 n id
2 49
«
(i)
(i)
(')
(>)
164
149
2 200
'« 3 9
34
2 ,4 9 9
883
34
T o tal......................
3 580
3 ,2 2 2
Arizona.
Prescott (F e d .)..............
Y um a (F ed.-Sta.-C o.M un.)............................
2 17
99
..........
181
0)
165
23
......
T o ta l.....................
...........
148
95
148
95
Arkansas.
Pine Bluff (F e d .)..........
197
1 1 ,1 8 7
2 1,542
(2)
1 ,1 1 7
1 073
0)
(i)
(i)
(l)
(i)
(i)
(1)
(1)
0)
0)
(l)
(l)
(l)
24
704
237
1 ,3 2 1
California.
A lturas (F e d .)................
Chico (Fed. S ta.)...........
E ureka (F ed .-S ta.)___
Fresno (S ta.)....... .'.........
Los Angeles (F ed.Sta.-M un.3) ..................
M arysville (F ed .-S ta.).
Modesto (F ed.-C o.). . 1.
New Castle (F ed .-S ta.). j
Oakland (S ta.)............... |
Redding (F ed .-S ta.)...]
(i)
(i)
(i)
379
564
1 ,2 4 5
1 ,3 3 0
669
1 ,0 4 7
0)
4 ,7 0 4
6 ,1 0 7
8 ,4 1 7
9 ,5 9 6
3 ,6 7 0
4 ,2 5 6
0)
(i)
202
(i)
(i)
0)
371
250
(U
(1)
175
765
1 ,3 6 6
646
7 ,5 8 8
8 ,6 7 8
(1)
371
6 ,6 3 9
4 ,3 9 5
1 ,3 9 0
(i)
(!)
C1)
2 ,6 2 0 5 ,6 2 9
967 3 ,0 7 0
1 ,9 3 0
0)
0)
0)
0)
C)
(9
1 N ot reported.
s N um ber applying for work.
* Combined 1917 figures for Federal and State offices.
1 ,4 7 2
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
2 ,3 7 9
[1102]
(i)
0)
7,6 6 1
607
371
73
3 ,9 6 5
56
267
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
O P E R A T IO N S
O F
P U B L IC -E M P L O Y M E N T
O F F IC E S ,
U N IT E D S T A T E S —C
S ta te , c ity , a n d k in d
of office.
A p p lic a
tio n s from
em p lo y ers.
P erso n s
ask ed for
by
em p lo y ers.
A U G U ST ,
1917
A N D
1 9 1 8 -C o n tin u o d .
o n tin u e d .
P erso n s a p p ly in g for
w o rk .
N ew regis
tra tio n s .
P erso n s
referre d to
p o sitio n s.
P o sitio n s
filled.
R en e w als.
A ug. A ug. A ug. A ug. A ug. A ug., A ug. A ug., A u g .,
1917. 1918. 1917. 1918. 1917. 1918. 1917. 1918 1917.
A u g .,
1918.
A ug.,
1917.
Ans:.,
1918.
C a li f o r n i a —C oncluded.
G)‘ G)
G)
G)
G)
629
745 2,006 2,30C 1,199 1,334
S acram en to (F e d .-S ta .)
S an F rancisco ( S ta .) __ 3,140 4,015 6,259 8,855 3 ,63(
1,980
S an Joe ( F e d .- S ta .) ___
.
996
1,589
696
W illow s ( F e d .-S ta .) ___
0)
C)
G)
G)
T o ta l.......................
1,848
7,316
1 473
1,430
4,610
(l)
1,599
1
'137
5)977
r 5Q
17,679 25,447 14, 715 23,891
C o n n e c t ic u t .
B rid g e p o rt (S ta .)............
H a rtfo rd (S ta .)................
N ew H a v e n ( S ta .) .........
N o rw ich (S ta .)................
W a te rb u ry ( S ta .) ...........
1,606
5,790
.
0)
0)
(l)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
789
797 2 938 2 920
1,096 1,195 21,46^ 21,18E
905
752 21,018
745
256
337 2 292 2 368
147
259 2 262 2 281
G)
2
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
T o ta l.......................
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
717
838
759
241
127
2,682
672
828
601
331
215
2,647
D i s t r i c t o f C o lu m b ia .
W a sh in g to n ( F e d .)........
147 1,018 2,354j 8,413
G)
2 737 27,684
G)
611
7,535
518
6,951
F lo r id a .
T a m p a (F e d .)..................
0
G)
0 .......... 21 193
799
799
2 075
'215
1 529
198
2 ,2
1,727
648
427
G e o r g ia .
A tla n ta ( F e d .- S ta .) ___
M acon ( F e d .) ..................
271
30
'468
G)22
22,364
'214
T o ta l.......................
I
’
I llin o is .
A u ro ra ( F e d .-S ta .)........
266
788
B lo o m in g to n
( F e d .S ta .) .....................
207
304
2 264
Cairo ( F e d .-S ta .) ............
62
721
821
C hicago ( F e d .- S ta .) 3. . . 5,238 13,274 2i,538 72,506 15,903 34,783
D an v ille ( F e d .- S ta .) . . .
314
457
2 311
D e c a tu r ( F e d .-S ta .) ___
109
424
296
E a s t S t. L ouis ( F e d S ta .) ................................
832
946 1,194 1,737
586
564
E lg in ( F e d .) ....................
144
453
2 236
F re e p o rt ( F e d .) ..............
48
190
G alesburg (F e d .)............
99
471
241
Jo lie t (F e d .- S ta .) ..........
303
728
592
K a n k ak ee (F e d .)............
38
208
2 103
L a Salle (F e d .)................
118
3,426
709
P eo ria (F e d .- S ta .) .........
888 1,056 1,805 3)186
355
406
Q u in cy ( F e d .) .................
189
2, 112
3 487
R ock fo rd ( F e d .- S t a .) ..
80? 1,368 l) 869
737
724 1,092
R o c k I s la n d - M o li n e
( F e d .- S ta .) ...................
672 1,276 1,521 5,711
690 1,102
Springfield (F e d .-S ta .).
502
516
784 1,123
395
378
W a u k eg an ( F e d .) ..........
19
509
2 442
144
(i)
1
817
677
16,228 43,296 13,402 25,132
163
230
99
320
204
G) 5,447
(i)
649
2111
2
2
T o ta l.......................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
. 1
801
212
366
392
639
(1)
G)
( 1)
( 1)
G)
G)
910
G)
1,207
1,143
173
816
843
419
952
666
G)
21,012
1 N o t re p o rte d .
! N u m b e r a p p ly in g for w ork.
8 C om bined 1917 figures for F e d e ra l a n d S ta te offices.
[1103]
1,181
159
44
156
609
90
709
1,302
481
1,188
1,921
759
406
1,088
1,136
748
857
558
1,146
123
20
80
493
32
483
1,253
333
1,145
1,826
557
183
17,789 34,439
268
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W ,
O P E R A T IO N S
O F
P U B L IC -E M P L O Y M E N T
O F F IC E S ,
A U G U S T , 1917 A N D
1918— C o n tin u e d .
U N IT E D S T A T E S —C o n t i n u e d .
S ta te , c ity , a n d k in d
of office.
A p p lic a
tio n s from
em p lo y ers.
P erso n s a p p ly in g for
w ork.
P ersons
ask ed for
by
em p lo y ers.
N ew regis
tra tio n s .
P erso n s
referre d to
p o sitio n s.
P o sitio n s
filled.
R en e w als.
A ug., A ug., A ug., A ug., A ug., A ug., A ug., A ug., A u g .,
1917. 191S. 1917. 1918. 1917. 191S. 1917. 1918. 1917.
A u g .,
1918.
A ug.,
1917.
A ug.,
1918.
Io w a .
C edar R a p id s (F e d .S ta .) ................................
C ouncil B luffs ( F e d S ta .) ................................
D a v e n p o rt (F e d .-S ta .).
D es M oines (F e d .-S ta .C o .- M u n .)....................
M ason C ity (F e d .-S ta .).
O ttu m w a '(F e d .-S ta .) !.
S io u x C ity N o. 1 (F e d .S ta .) ................................
S io u x C ity N o. 2 (F e d .S t a . ) ................................
W aterlo o (F e d .- S ta .) ...
305
783
192
359
626
1 788
924 . . . . . .
1,885
1,054
208
80!
615
(2)
252
765
1,285
694
1 009
65 1,254
154
200
39C 3,117
705
747
206 2,484
469
1510
748
9,844
2,300
26
1 294
1 230
89
456
378
952
493
276
27
80
547
618
488
493
25
211
526
39
(2)
T o ta l.......................
3,032
487
510
169
2,630
443
479
211
9,342
169
8 081
K ansas.
T o p e k a ( F e d .- S ta .) . . . .
180
234
200 1,176
160
196
125
106
104
1210
04
53
54
(2)
(2)
(2)
48
333
43
268
1 135
(2)
(2)
166
104
166
104
360 '11,445
363
(2)
(2)
35
421
2,714
365
208
2,322
340
421
3 079
208
2,662
4,806 4 3,705
1,911 4 2,100
4 1,327 4 1,682
2,263
1,179
717
1,637
1,342
948
K e n tu c k y .
L o u isv ille ( S ta .) .............
L o u is ia n a .
N ew O rleans (F e d .S ta .-M u n .)....................
S h re v e p o rt(F e d .-M u n .)
T o ta l.......................
295 7,251
1,356
_____ _____
M a s s a c h u s e tts .
B o sto n (F e d .- S ta .) 8 . . . 2,199 2,044 4,304 2,798 13,215 il,7 1 3
999
Springfield (F e d .-S ta .). 1,046 1,235 1,605 2,172
796
994 1,070 1,191 1,634
W o rcester ( F e d .- S ta .) ..
532
746
1
1
1
1
T o ta l.......................
(2)
(2)
(2)
4
4
(2)
(2)
(2)
_
8,044
7,487
4 159
3,927
402
100
6,073
923
.986
571
728
411
275
479
368
72
6,351
199
631
425
376
117
113
402
97
0,050
884
941
576
503
411
270
479
368
72
5,278
178
594
409
340
109
82
8,864 10,613
7,642
1,528
1,438
M ic h ig a n .
B a ttle C reek (S ta .)........
B a y C itv ( S ta .) ...............
D e tro it (F e d .-S ta .)8___
F lin t ( S ta .) .......................
G ran d R a p id s (S ta. ) . . .
Jack so n (S ta .)..................
K alam azoo ( S ta .) ...........
L a n sin g (S ta .) .................
M uskegon ( S ta .) .............
S ag in aw ( S ta .) ................
1
1 126
1
224
85
402
634
402
237
48
179
28
165
68
804 1,114 6,187 6,351 6,310 5,182
615
122 1.769
192
929
168
786
954
575
350 1,026 1,040
663
306
590
568
486
296
452
318
699
352
398
746
108
106
365
188
426
116
51
39
122
272
333
226
127
96
734
445 1479
165
1
1
1
G)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
131
15
119
43
119
156
53
20
21
47
T o ta l.......................
10,948
212
212
M in n e s o ta .
M inneapolis ( S ta .) .........
(2)
1
1
1,325 5,016 1,721 4,421 1 , 530
(2)
4,193
(2)
3,137
M is s o u r i.
H a n n ib a l ( F e d .-S ta .)...
21
1 N u m b e r a p p ly in g fo r w o r k .
2 N o t re p o rte d .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
286
125
4
^ ------
88
______
8 C o m b i n e d 1917 f i g u r e s f q r F e d e r a l a n d S t a t e o ff ic e s .
4 N u m b e r o f o ile rs o f p o s itio n s .
[1104]
27
269
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W ,
O P E R A T IO N S
O F
P U B L IC -E M P L O Y M E N T
O F F IC E S ,
A U G U ST ,
1917
A N D
1918— C o n tin u e d .
U N IT E D S T A T E S —C o n t i n u e d .
S ta te , city , a n d k in d
of offiee.
P ersons a p p ly in g for
w ork)
P ersons
ask ed for
by
em p lo y ers.
A p p lic a
tio n s from
em p lo y ers.
N ew regis
tra tio n s .
P erso n s
referred to
p o sitio n s.
P o sitio n s
filled.
R en ew als.
A ug., A ug., A ug., A ug., A ug., A ug., A ug., A ug., A u g .,
1917. 1918. 1917. 1918. 1917. 1918. 1917. 1918. 1917.
A u g .,
1918.
A ug.,
1917.
A ug.,
1918.
N e b ra sk a .
1,077
11,021
900 6,484 7,807
875 4,428
452
O m ah a ( F e d . - S t a . M u n .)..............................
968
946
(2)
422
614
T o tal
745
1,163
4,623
923
4,118
1,163
5,569
923
4,863
477
30
392
453
30
315
477
422
453
345
Nevada.
R en o ( F e d .)......................
T o tal
107
38
197
670
47
422
1599
1
39
1447
(2)
(2)
(2)
..............
N e w J e r s e y ..
Jersey C ity (F e d .-S ta .Mvm ^
O ra n g e ( F e d .- S ta .T o tal
N ew
22,953
11,372
1,593
299
1,224
(2)
1,164
759
707
1,983
1,871
261
309
955 1,105
181 2,229 2,003
764 2 ,7 28 40,345
817 2,159 3,118
342 1,564 1,693
598
628
1,591 1,751
1,736 21,755
1,390 1.519
1,208 1,039
9,635 49,269
6,523 29,692
341
..............
M e x ic o .
A lhiiqnorqnp, fFV,rl ^
N ew
328
515
177
1,438
11,203
(2)
Y o rk .
A lb a n v (F e d .-S ta .). . . .
B uffalo ( F e d .-S ta .)........
N ew Y o rk (F e d .-S ta .)..
R o ch e ster ( F e d .-S ta .). .
S y racu se ( F e d .-S ta .). . .
(2)
(D
(2)
(2)
(2)
(21
121
(21
(2)
(2)
948 2,272
839
273
565
119
1,861 5,994 1,305 1,972
759
2,733 75,567 1,275 40.604
566
2,305 4,730 1,224 2,030
1,812 2,256
880 1,229 - 194
290
T o ta l...................
N o rth D a k o ta .
4
G ra n d F o rk s (F e d .) ___
1,439
(2)
3, 403 3,665 1,435
102
119
5
680
847
687
615 12,558
12,311
2,516 6,045 4,782
8,516 15,242 3,292
3, 598 6,488 1,185
1.S76 6, 761 1, o25
242
239
165
647
509 1,277
235
139 1,275
319
228
243
42?
592
350
399 1,992
913
56
775
255
768
270
507
922
489
678
300
248
462
4,298 15,441 2,156
1,347
4
76.3
374
1,066
8,185
3,165
2 622
134
428
293
171
516
904
276
4SI
510
398
5,891
751
(2)
(2)
O h io .
A k ro n (S ta .-M u n .)........
(2)
A th e n s (S ta .-M u n .). . . .
(2)
C an to n ( S ta .-M u n .).. . .
(2)
O hillieothe (S ta .-M u n .). (2)
C in c in n ati (S ta .-M u n .). (2)
C leveland (S ta .-M u n .).. (21
C o lu m b u s (S ta .-M u n .).. (2)
D a v to n (S ta .-M u n .)___ (2)
H a m ilto n (S ta .-M u n .).. (2)
la m a (F ed .-S ta.-M u n .). (2)
M ansfield (S ta .-M u n .).. (2)
M a rie tta ( S ta .-M u n .). . . (2)
M arion ( S ta .-M u n .)___
(2)
P o rts m o u th (S ta .-M u n .) (2)
S a n d u s k y (S ta .-M u n .).. (5)
S p rin g field (S ta.-M u n .). ' f2)
S teu b e n v ille (S ta.-M un.) (21
Tiffin (S ta .-M u n .).......... (2)
T o led o (S ta.-M u n .)........ (2)
W a sh in g to n
C. H .
(S ta .-M u n .)................... (2)
Y oungsto w n(S ta.-M un.) (2)
Z anesville (S ta .-M u n .).. (2)
(2)
( =)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(21
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(D
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
459
336
2,030
191
571
2,094
181
308
1,750
120
533
1,943
161
38,344 46,727 34,403 39,099
1 N u m b e r a p p l y in g fo r w o r k .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1,775 2,439 2,881 2,065 2,414
6
6
68
4
86
308
514
756
204
509
504
570 11,970
343 11,993
2,420 2,289 4,403 1,639 3,567
6,571 7,238 12,580 6,217 10,825
3,745 3,214 5,509 2 519 4,854
2,007 1,541 4,021 1,285 3,794
74
129
163
32
92
574
374
652
323
245
124
401
379
174
131
241
174
153
222
101
486
561
206
322
165
759
217
322 1,414
575
32
260
315
56
86
556
148
380
298
275
752
530
476
286
648
390
158
218
83
2,578 3,775 7,641 3,168 5,998
62
131
554
629
277
360
2,081 2, 449 1,374 1,394 1,379 1.106
128
136
236
174
181
354
T o t a l.......................
S2617°—18----OS
1,853
40
196
5
3,167
8,031
2,874
1, 605
42
108
85
101
152
60
12
281
377
149
3,160
[1105]
s N o t r e p o r te d .
270
M O N T H L Y LABOE R E V IE W .
O P E R A T IO N S OF PU B L IC -E M P L O Y M E N T O FFIC E S, A U G U ST, 1917 A N D 1918—Continued.
U N IT E D S T A T E S —Concluded.
State, city, and kind
of office.
Persons applying for
work.
Persons
Applica
asked for
tions from
by
employers. employers.
New regis
trations.
Persons
referred to
positions.
Positions
filled.
Renewals.
Aug., Ang., Aug., Aug., Aug., Aug., Aug., Aug., Aug.,
1917. 1918. 1917. 1918. 1917. 1918. 1917. 1918. 1917.
Aug., Aug.,
1918. 1917.
Aug.,
1918.
Oklahoma.
É n id (F ed .-S ta.)...........
154
Muskogee (Fed.-Sta.) ..
355
T ulsa (F ed .-S ta.). . . . . .
788
(i)
2 488
3
206
82
324
313
385
20
156
240
485 2 225 2 427
2 545
64
280
584
331 2 386 2 538
143
(i)
18
15
400 1,826 1,740 2 1.364 2 2,055
488
102
331
361
520
382
311
1,234
1,085
1,179
3,390
108
318
253
60
173
40
885
1,813
3,319
1,682
2,227
315
32
8,403
189
8
8,018
315
8,435
189
____
8,026
318
382
318
(!)
3
O
0)
(>)
0)
0)
(i)
0)
(1)
0)
Total
209
370
192
Pennsylvania.
P ittsb u rg h (F e d .)..........
Tnt,ni
958
15
45 1,470 1,655 37,397
2 48
213 8,209
0)
(1)
0)
.............
_„
Rhode Island.
Providence (Star)...........
226
184
382
324
318
303
139
48
0)
South Carolina.
South Dakota.
AViPirri p,p,n (Fftd )
Total
70
915
2 .396
140
51
257
119
2 171
2 66
.........
0)
281
197
(!)
0)
109
59
105
45
168
150
.............
Tennessee.
N ashvi U p , (Fod )
302
12,518
2 8,567
Texas.
"Roanm ont (Fftd -Mon )
Orangft (Fed )
Waco (Fed -Sta. )
83
212
18
1 183
l' 938
1,079
572
1,626
i 607
(1)
8,186
83
120
C1)
389
1,527
572
312
1,281
2,488
2,139
Total
Washington.
Bellingham (Fed.-M un.)
366
153
112
207 '
15
375
E v e re tt (F e d .)...............
6
281
36f O
E v e re tt (M u n .).............. (M
P)
Spokane ( M u n .) ........ 1,96C 1,642 2 ,46C 2,096
Tacoma (F ed .-M u n .)...
951
55i 2,850 7,476
W alla W alla ( F e d .) ....
776
515 . 382, 575
T o tal............
Wyoming.
fîaspftr (Fed )
CTheyerme, (Fed )
R.ftp.V S p rin g (Fed )
Plierida.n (Fed )
Total
2 329 2 224
525 2 77
C)
O)
O
0)
m 2 4,41C
2 480 2 601
2
0)
(1)
(1)
<M
0)
0)
(>)
0)
O
P)
(>)
0)
.........
....
29
202
32
29
2 388
494
312
2 29
709
2 17
2 117
..........1..........
I
(i)
51
(l)
(’)
284
357
0)
2,375
1,654
365
142
45
284
2,041
4,410
519
5,035
7,441
•
.. ...
7,909
254
347
366
2,279
911
320
127
30
188
1,924
4,125
456
4,477
6,850
_______ _______
29
733
17
117
26
548
10
84
.896
668
120,165 262,813 103,231 200,656
1 N ot reported.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
2 N um ber applying for work.
[ 1106]
* A ugust record not complete.
271
M O N T H L Y LABOE R E V IE W .
O P E R A T IO N S O F P U B L IC -E M PL O Y M E N T O F F IC E S , A U G U ST, 1917 AND 1918—Concluded.
CA N A DA .
Province, city, and
kind of office.
Persons applying for
work.
Persons
Applica
asked for
tions from
by
employers. employers.
New regis
trations.
Persons
referred to
positions.
Renewals.
Positions
filled.
Aug., Aug., Aug., Aug., Aug., Aug., Aug., Aug., Aug., Aug., Aug., Aug.,
1917. 1918. 1917. 1918. 1917. 1918. 1917. 1918. 1917. 1918. 1917. 1918.
Quebec.
M ontreal (provincial). .
Quebec (provincial) —
Total
308
G6
250
312
770
303
1297
i 133
391
620
133 1293
(2)
(2)
(2)
(9
..........
1 N um ber applying for work.
561
203
287
124
470
154
233
107
7G4
411
624
340
2 N ot reported.
REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
(GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND) FOR FIVE WEEKS ENDING JULY 12,
1918.
As reported by the British Labor Gazette for August, 1918, the
total number of work people remaining on the registers of the 389
British employment offices on July 12, 1918, was 99,505 compared
with 107,978 on June 7, 1918. These figures comprise workers in pro
fessional, commercial, and clerical, as well as industrial occupations.
The operations of the employment exchanges for the five weeks
are summarized as follows:
Men.
On registers June 7, 1918....................................................
N um ber of individuals registered during period.........
W omen.
Boys.
Girls.
Total.
30,966
115,796
60,925
149,364
7,941
26,093
8,146
22,644
107,978
313,897
...............................................................
146,762
210,2S9
34,034
30,790
421,875
R eregistrations during period..........................................
On registers Ju ly 12, 1918..................................................
3,947
30,661
5,804
53,949
708
7,571
522
7,321
10,931
99,505
Vacancies notified during period..........%........................
Vacancies filled during period..........................................
A pplicants placed in other d istricts...............................
101,437
71,561
22,528
89,883
75,266
18,725
16,150
12,876
1,755
13,457
10,057
1,593
223,927
169,750
44,601
Total .
The average daily number of registrations and of vacancies notified
and vacancies filled during the month were 10,829, 7,464, and 5,658,
respectively.
A verage daily vacancies
notified.
Average daily registra
tions.
5 weeks
ending
July 12,
1918.
»
Increase (+ )
or decrease (—)
on a—
Month
ago.
Y ear
ago
5 weeks
ending
Ju ly 12,
1918.
Increase (+ )
or decrease (—)
on a—
Month
ago.
Y ear
ago.
A verage daily vacancies
filled.
5 weeks
ending
July 12,
1913.
Increase (+ )
or decrease (—)
on a—
Month
ago.
M en..................................
W om en...........................
B oys................................
G irls.................................
3,992
5,172
893
772
- 70
-1 0 3
— 2
- 27
+ 632
-4 0 3
+ 69
-1 0 8
3,481
2,996
538
449
+ 4
+ 102
+ 32
+ 1
+812
+416
+ 62
+ 23
2,385
2,509
429
335
- 90
+ 141
+ 17
- 3
T oral..................
10,829
-2 0 2
+240
7,461
+ 139 + 1,313
5,658
+ 65
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[HOT]
Year
ago.
+
+
+
-
510
316
44
16
+ 854
272
M O N T H L Y LABOE E E V IE W ,
Compared with a month ago, the daily average of registrations,
vacancies notified and vacancies filled, showed a percentage decrease
of 1.8 and increases of 1.9, and 1.2, respectively. Compared with a
year ago, registrations, vacancies notified and vacancies filled showed
percentage increases of 2.3, 21.3, and 17.8, respectively.
The table following shows, by occupational groups, the number of
individuals registered, the vacancies notified, and the vacancies
filled, indicating the extent of unemployment in Great Britain during
the five weeks ending July 12, 1918:
IN D IV ID U A L S R E G IS T E R E D , V A CA N C IES N O T IF IE D , AN D VACANCIES F IL L E D IN
T H E F IV E W E E K S E N D IN G JU L Y 12, 1918 (G E N E R A L R E G IS T E R ).
-
O ccupation groups.
Individuals
registered
during
period.
om
Men. Wen.
A dults.
Vacancies
Vacancies
notified dur fi bed dur
ing period. ing period.
Juveniles.
Vacancies
notified
during
period.
Vacancies
filled du r
ing period.
om
Men. Wen.
Men. Wom
en. Boys. Girls. Boys. Girls.
A .— INSURED TRADES.
B uildin g ........................ .......................... 20,511 ■1,138 18,203 1, 489 12,255 1,287
465
77
360
70
W orks of construction............................ 11,734
24 14 348
67 12 042
52
69
57
Saw m iiling............................................... 1.184 1,430 1.326
533 ’ 681
491
116
393
353
93
Shipbuilding............................................ 5,970
494 5,510
329 4,351
294
9
2
465
400
E ngineerin g............................................. 30,763 29, 734 30,116 20,798 20,914 19,418 4,961 1,195 4,244 1,019
Construction of vehicles........................
909
785
596
U
801
748
3
103
85
556
C abinet m aking, e tc ...............................
391
206
295
51
104
66
31
103
95
80
Miscellaneous m etal tra d e s ................... 2,291 2,573 4,361 2,148 2,009 1,882
492,
633
599
488
Precious m etals, e tc ...............................
344
215
221
359
132
326
163
175
120
53
Bricks an d c em en t................................
94
183
388
203
195
22
12
6
114
14
Chemicals, e tc .........................................
1,098 1,198 1,158 1.069
249
915
746
183
151
279
R ubber an d w aterproof goods.............
227 1,007
921
286 1,294
60
51
200
50
43
A m m unition and explosives................ 5,023 38,740 2,737 15,535 2,279:15,926
802
859
G69
806
L eather—excluding boots an d shoes..
198
62S
382
139
167
383
58
79
176
66
Total, insured tra d e s ................... 80,608 78,295 79,917 45,095 57,345¡42,924 8,481 3,720 7,278 3,155
B .— UNINSURED TRADES.
Wood, furniture, fittings, e tc ...............
27
78
D om estic..................................................
1,744 23,526
Commercial and clerical........................ 4,043 10,214
Conveyance of m en, goods, e tc ............ 10,193 3,369
A griculture............................................... 2,009 3,951
Mining and q u a rry in g ...........................
47
618
Brushes, brooms, e tc .............................
12
, 28
P o ttery and glass....................................
334
97
Paper, p rints, books, and sta tio n e ry .
197
638
T e x tile .......................................................
714 2,372
D ress..........................................................
350 2,669
Boots an d shoes.......................................
217
276
Food, tobacco, drink, and lodging__
368 3,080
General laborers...................................... 12,986 14,264
Shop assistan ts........................................
388 2, 491
Government,defense, and professional. 1,046 3,551
All o th e rs..................................................
179
175
27
32
26
8
10
20
38
17
1,900 21.764
827 14,111
591 2,048
381 1,076
2,160 6,069 1,357 4,633 1,169 1,732
842 1,425
913
7,876 1,925 4,917 1.479 3,133 1,344 2,177
83
2,035 2,765
795 2,528
192
145
113
1
580
38
290
30
2
33
31
39
7
24
14
8
19
55
18
27
62
156
86
141
107
127
60
347
314
486
93
364
215
447
163
387
923 1,717
352 1,217 341
575
253
296 1,849
111 1,305
611
90
813
57
221
80
296
135
124
136
98
61
682 3,683
596
241 3,022
286
757
220
385
5,249 1,360 3,948 1,273
930
446
796
473
377
152
104
913
81
466
707
972 1,586
436
5561 1,448
213
473
187
13
24
670
235
196
29
401
28
Total, uninsured tra d e s .............. 35,188 71,089 24,520 44,788 14,216 3«, 332 7,669 9,737 5,598 6,902
G rand total, all trad es................. 115,796 149,364 104,437 89,883 71,561 75,256 6,150 13,457
12 ,
s r e jio , 057
1 O ccupations are grouped according to th e in d u stry w ith w hich th ey are m ainly connected and appli
cants are registered according to th e “ work desired” by them .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[110S]
M O N T H L Y LABOE R E V IE W .
273
This table shows that during the period in the insured trades
158,903 adults registered for work—80,608 men and 78,295 women.
There were 137,213 vacancies reported—79,917 men and 45,095
women, 8,481 boys and 3,720 girls. The number of positions filled
was 110,702—57,345 men, 42,924 women, 7,278 boys, and 3,155
girls. The occupational groups in which the largest number of posi
tions was filled by adults were : Engineering, 40,332; ammunition and
explosives, 18,205; building, 13,542; and works of construction, 13,112.
In the uninsured trades there were 106,257 registrations—35,188
men and 71,069 women. The number of vacancies reported was
86,714—24,520 men, 44,788 women, 7,669 boys, and 9,737 girls.
The total number of positions filled was 59,048—14,216 men, 32,332
women, 5,598 boys, and 6,902 girls. The occupational groups in
the uninsured trades in which the largest number of positions was
filled by adults were: Domestic, 14,938; conveyance of men, goods,
etc., 6,426: and commercial and clerical, 5,990.
The total number of positions filled by adults in both the insured
and uninsured trades during the five weeks ending July 12, 1918, as
compared with the preceding month, shows an increase of 31.8 per
cent. The increase in the number of positions filled by men was 25.7
per cent; by women, 38.2 per cent. The largest number of both
men and women were employed in engineering.
No comparison can be made of the number of registrations in the
employment -exchanges of Great Britain with the number of appli
cations for work reported by the employment offices of the United
States owing to the differences in method of registering applicants.
It is possible, however, to make a comparison of positions filled by
the offices in the two countries. The figures show the following result :
Positions filled.
N um ber of
offices.
Gruot B ritain
U nito.']
...............................................................
......... ......................................................... ..
38
18!
Total.
16\750
216,919
Average
per day.
Average
per day,
each office.
5,658
8,67 j
15
48
EMPLOYMENT IN SELECTED INDUSTRIES IN AUGUST, 1918.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics received and tabulated reports
concerning the volume of employment in August, 1918, from repre
sentative manufacturing establishments in 13 industries. The figures
for August of this year, when compared with those from identical
establishments for August, 1917, show increases in the number of
people employed in 8 industries and decreases in 5. Car building and
repairing shows the largest increase—19.3 per cent—while leather
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1109]
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W ,
274
manufacturing and paper making show percentage increases of 6.6
and 5.8, respectively. The greatest decrease—7.9 per cent—appears
in silk.
Each of the industries show an increase in the total amount of the
pay roll for August, 1918, as compared with August, 1917. A marked
increase in car building and repairing—107.3 per cent—is shown,
which is largely due to the wage increases as provided in the General
Order No. 27 of the Director General of Railroads. Increases of
43.2 and 42 per cent appear in leather manufacturing and paper
making, respectively.
CO M PARISON O F EM PL O Y M EN T IN ID E N T IC A L E S T A B L IS H M E N T S IN A U G U ST, 1917,
AND AUGUST, 1918.
In d u stry .
A utomobile manufacturing.
Boots and shoes.....................
Car building and rep airin g .
Cigar m anufacturing. . . . —
Men’s ready-made clothing.
C otton finishing--------------C otton m anufacturing.........
Hosiery and u n d erw ear----Iron and stee l........................
Leather m anufacturing.......
Paper m aking........................
Silk...........................................
W oolen....................................
Estab
lish
m ents
report
ing for
August,
both
years.
46
68
29
56
38
15
54
57
99
34
49
42
47
A m ount of pay
roll in —
N um ber on pay
roll in —
Period
of pay
roll.
1 w eek . . .. d o .......
4 m onth.
I w eek. .
. .. d o .......
. .. d o .......
. ..d o .......
. .. d o .......
J m onth.
1 w eek ..
. .. d o .......
2 weeks..
1 w eek. .
Per
cent
of in
crease
) or
August, A ugust, (+de
1918.
1917.
crease
(-).
118,477
51,580
34.175
17,950
26,790
8,768
52,331
29,911
180,060
17,369
22,937
18,115
42,300
119,004
51,281
40,786
18,123
25,953
9,155
51,037
30.686
179,577
IS, 507
24,275
16,679
42,791
August,
1917.
August,
1918.
Per
cent
of in
crease
( + ) or
de
crease
(-).
+ 0.4 $2,553,961 $3,208,572 + 25.6
899,641 + 25.7
715,449
- .6
+ 19.3 1,240,439 2,571,064 4-107.3
240,867 + 11.4
216,181
+ 1.0
492,330 + 11.8
440,562
- 3.1
168,484 + 35.7
124,192
+ 4.4
818,218 + 40.3
583,275
- 2.5
439, -174 + 33.6
329,032
+ 2.6
- .3 8,229,109 11,156,860 + 35.6
392, (¡60 + 43.2
273,867
+ 6.6
524,023 + 42.0
369.018
+ 5.8
512,590 + 19.2
429,932
- 7.9
871,497 + 41.3
616,815
+ 1.2
The table below shows the number of persons actually working on
the last full day of the reported pay period in August, 1917, and
August, 1918. The number of establishments reporting on this
question is small, and this fact should he taken into consideration
when studying these figures.
COM PARISON OF E M PL O Y M EN T IN ID E N T IC A L E S T A B L IS H M E N T S ON LA ST F U L L
D A Y ’S O P E R A T IO N IN A U G U ST, 1917, AND A U GUST, 1918.
Industry.
Automobile TTiflTinfaetnriTig......... ..................
_______ -----Hoots aud shoes
Car building and repairing........................ Bern’s ready-mad*' clo th in g____. . . . . . . . . . .
Cotton fin b b iu,y
____ . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cotton raairr!fai'b iri'p (T
______ . . . . . . . . .
TTnoinru cm ] llTldftfWPilf
_______ . . . . .
Iro n and steel
............. .....................
L eather tnanMfaetnrino1,____. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Silk
W oohn
..................................................
...................................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Establish
m ents re ' Period of
p o rtin g for pay roll.
b o th y ears.
1
w eek ___
28
17 . .. d o ...........
28 J m o n th ...
w eek___
16
7 . .. d o ...........
. .. d o ...........
35 . .. d o ...........
. .. d o ...........
80 i m o n th ...
IS i w eek___
15 . .. d o ...........
w eeks. . .
25
w eek___
38
1
12
2
1
[ 1110]
N um ber actually work
ing on last full day of
Per cent
reported nay period-in of increase
A ugust—
( + ) or de
crease ( —).
1918
1917
88,631
6,333
28,881
3,260
11.293
6,270
26,557
11,239
130,426
,479
5,882
12,754
34,494
12
81,748
6.924
35,786
3,186
10,320
6,811
25,861
10,954
131,541
14,145
7,015
11,771
35,128
- 7.8
+ 9.3
+23.9
- 2.3
- 8.6
+ 8.9
- 2.6
- 2.5
+ -9
+ 13.4
+ 19.3
- 7.7
+ 1.8
M O N T H L Y LABOE R E V IE W .
275
In comparing the reports of the same industries for August, 1918,
with those for July, 1918, four show an increase in the number of per
sons on the pay roll and nine a decrease. The largest increase—4.9
per cent—is shown in car building and repairing, while the largest
decrease—3.8 per cent—appears in men’s ready-made clothing.
Seven of the 13 industries reporting show increases and six decreases
in the total amount of the pay roll in August, 1918, when compared with
July, 1918. A large increase of 22.3 per cent appears in car building
and repairing, which is due, mainly to the wage increase granted in
railroad shops. Other percentage increases of 11.4, 7.8, and 7.1 are
shown in iron and steel, woolen and paper making, respectively.
Men’s ready-made clothing and cotton finishing show percentage
decreases of 5.4 and 4.6, respectively.
C O M P A R IS O N
O F
E M PL O Y M E N T
IN
ID E N T IC A L
A U G U ST ,
In d u stry
A utomobile m anufacturing.
Boots and shoes............. ..
Car building and repairing.
Cigar m anufacturing............
Men’s ready-m ade clothing.
Cotton finishing..... .............
Cotton m anufacturing.........
Hosiery and u n d erw ear___
Iron and ste e l........................
L eather m anufacturing.......
P aper m aking........................
Silk..........................................
W oolen....................................
E S T A B L IS H M E N T S
N um ber on pay roll
E stab
Per
in lish
cent
m ents
of inreport Period of
.crease
ing for pay roll.
( + ) or
July
Ju ly ,
A ugust,
de
and
1918
1918.
crease
August.
(-).
44
69
27
56
37
15
55
57
98
34
48
40
40
1 w eek.
. ..d o __
\ m onth
i w eek.
. .. d o __
. ..d o __
...d o __
.. .do__
i m onth
1 w eek.
.. .do__
2 weeks
1 week.
1 1 9 ,5 2 3
5 3 ,4 0 9
3 4 ,5 0 6
. 1 8 ,9 3 5
2 6 ,6 3 2
9 ,3 8 7
5 1 ,4 0 5
3 0 ,7 4 4
1 7 7 ,5 9 1
1 8 ,7 2 6
2 3 ,0 8 5
1 3 ,0 2 3
4 2 ,6 2 4
IN
J U L Y , 1918, A N D
1 9 18.
1 1 5 ,6 8 5
5 2 ,6 9 2
3 6 .2 0 9
1 8 ,2 4 6
2 5 ,6 1 4
9 ,1 5 5
5 1 ,4 9 2
3 0 ,4 1 3
1 7 8 ,1 2 7
1 8 ,5 0 7
2 3 .2 0 9
1 2 ,7 4 3
4 2 ,2 1 3
- 3 .2
-1 .3
+ 4 .9
-3 .6
-3 .8
-2 .5
+
-
.2
1.1
+
.3
-
1.2
+
.5
-
2.2
1.0
A m ount of pay roll
in -
July,
1918.
2 ,9 7 8 ,0 0 9
9 3 7 ,3 5 6
1 ,8 9 8 ,2 7 3
2 7 8 ,0 6 7
5 1 6 ,5 0 5
1 7 6 ,6 9 2
8 3 6 ,'6 7 4
4 4 4 ,8 2 8
9 ,9 2 0 ,1 5 6
3 8 7 ,5 3 1
4 6 5 ,6 6 3
3 6 2 ,7 7 8
7 9 9 ,1 4 6
A ugust,
1918.
3 ,1 0 8 ,3 1 0
9 2 4 ,6 7 1
2 ,3 2 2 ,2 6 1
2 4 2 ,0 8 6
4 8 8 ,6 7 8
1 6 8 ,4 8 4
8 2 3 ,3 2 3
4 3 5 ,1 8 5
1 1 ,0 4 6 ,6 6 3
3 9 2 ,0 6 0
4 9 8 ,6 0 0
3 6 7 ,2 8 5
8 6 1 ,1 5 2
Per
cent
of in
crease
(+ ) or
de
crease
(-)•
+
4 .4
-1.4
+ 2 2 .3
- 1 2 .9
-
5.4
4.6
1.6
2.2
+ 1 1 .4
+ 1.2
+
7 .1
+ 1.2
+
7 .8
A comparatively small number of establishments reported as to the
number of persons working on the last full day of the reported pay
periods. The following table gives in comparable form the figures
for July, 1918, and August, 1918. The small number of establish
ments represented should be noted when using these figures.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[lllll
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
276
C O M P A R IS O N O P E M P L O Y M E N T IN ID E N T IC A L E S T A B L IS H M E N T S O N L A S T F U L L
D A Y 'S O P E R A T IO N S IN J U L Y , 1918, A N D A U G U S T , 1918.
E s ta b lis h
m e n ts
re p o rtin g
for Ju ly
and
A u g u st.
In d u s try .
A u to m o b ile m a n u fa c tu rin g ............................
B o o ts a n d s h o e s .................. 5 .............................
C ar b u ild in g and r e p a irin g ...............................
C igar m a n u fa c tu rin g ........1....................... . .
M en’s re a d y -m a d e c lo th in g ...............................
C o tto n fin ish in g ....................................................
C o tto n m a n u fa c tu rin g ........................................
H o siery a n d u n d e rw e a r............................. .
Iro n a n d s te e l.............................. .........................
L e a th e r m a n u fa c tu rin g ......................................
P a p e r m a k in g .............. 1 ..................................
S ilk ........................................................................
W o o len .................................................................
P e rio d of
p ay roll.
N um ber a c t u a l l y
w o rk in g on la s t fulld a y of re p o rte d p a y
p erio d in —
J u ly ,
1918.
1
28
w eek..
16 .. .d o ...........
25
m o n t h ...
w eok
17
7 .. .d o ...........
. . .d o ...........
35 . . . d o . . .
23
.do
77
m o n t h ...
18
w eek...
16 . . d o ..........
wooks
26
38
w e e k ___
1
82,744
6,756
30,247
3,483
10,349
7,537
26,152
1
1
2
1
139,917
13,465
7,130
9,121
34,517
h
12
A u g u st,
1918.
79,681
7,002
31,467
3,453
10,229
7,066
25,488
13,221
137,760
13,455
7,421
8,790
34,895
P e r ce n t
of in
crease ( + )
or de
crease (—).
- 3 .8
+ 3 .6
+ 4 .0
n
.2
—6.3
—2.5
- 3 .9
1
.1
+ 4.1
- 3 .5
+ 1.1
CH AN G ES IN W AGE R A TES.
During the period July 15 to August 15; 1918, there were establish
ments in each of the 13 industries which reported increases in wage
rates, and in one—boots and shoes—a reduction. Of the establish
ments reporting many did not answer the inquiry relative to this
item, but in such cases it is not likely that changes were made.
Automobile manufacturing.—An increase of 12 per cent was granted
to about 16 per cent of the force in olie plant. Approximately 56 per
cent of the force in one establishment received an increase of about 12
per cent. Two firms reported a 10-per-cent increase, affecting the
entire force in one, and 5 per cent of the force in the other. All em
ployees in one establishment were given an increase of about 5 per cent.
In one plant the individual rates were increased 3.87 per cent, while
in another the average rate per hour was increased 0.0058 cent. An
increase was granted to all employees by one firm, but no information
was given as to the amount of the increase. One concern paid a
bonus and another granted an increase, but both failed to give any
further data.
Boots and shoes.—One establishment reported about a 20-per-cent
increase to practically all of the employees. A 10-per-cent increase
was granted in seven establishments, affecting the entire force in three
plants, all except the foremen in two, 91 per cent of the force in one,
and 76 per cent of all employees in the seventh. Practically all of the
employees in one factory were granted an increase of about 7 per cent.
In two establishments 5 per cent increases were reported, affecting all
except the cutters in one, while the other failed to state the number
affected. Practically the entire force received about a 3-per-cent in
crease in one factory. Decreases of approximately 6 per cent and
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1112]
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
277
4 per cent were reported by two companies, which affected practically
all of the employees in both establishments.
Car building and repairing.—Further increases were granted by the
railroads as per supplement No. 4 to the General Order No. 27.
which was published in the L a b o r R e v i e w for Setpember 1, 1918
(pp. 131 to 134). The new rates are retroactive to January 1,1918, and
beginning August 1, 1918, the eight-hour day shall prevail with time
and one-half for overtime, Sunday work, and seven specified holidays.
Cigar manufacturing.—An increase of 20 per cent was granted to
the entire force in two factories. Four establishments reported 10
per cent increases, affecting the entire force in one plant, practically
all in one, about 86 per cent in one, and 75 per cent in the fourth plant.
Another firm gave about a 10 per cent increase to all cigar makers.
Men’s ready-made clothing.—One establishment gave a 10 per cent
increase to about 76 per cent of the force and a 15 per cent increase
to 61 per cent of all of the employees, while another firm granted
increases of one, two, and three dollars to cutters. An increase was
reported by one shop, but no further data was given.
Cotton finishing.—One plant reported an increase of 10 per cent
to about 92 per cent of the force.
Cotton manufacturing.—An increase of 16| per cent was given to
about 65 per cent of the force in one mill. One plant reported an
average increase of 12| per cent to all employees. Two establish
ments gave a 10 per cent increase—one, to all employees with an
additional increase to equalize the wage scale in certain departments,
while the other granted the increase to about 8 per cent of the force;
and another mill reported an increase of about 10 per cent to the
entire force. A 10 per cent bonus was granted by three mills,
affecting all the full-time workers in two, while the number affected
in the third mill was not reported. The entire force in two factories
received a 5 per cent increase. One plant gave an increase to the
shop force, and another establishment reported a slight increase, but
neither made any statement as to the proportion of the force affected.
Iloisery and underwear.—Two plants granted an increase of 20
per cent to the entire force, while another establishment gave a
16§ per cent increase to all of the employees. A 10 per cent increase
was reported by one mill, which failed to give any information con
cerning the number affected About 14 per cent of force in one
establishment and 5 per cent in another plant were given increases
of about 10 per cent. An increase was reported by one factory, but
no further data was given.
Iron and steel.—One plant granted an increase of 20 per cent,
affecting 65 per cent of the men, and also time and a half for all
hours in excess of 8, affecting 50 per cent of the force. An in-
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
11113]
278
M O N T H L Y LABOE R E V IE W .
crease of 19.6 per cent was given to all of the employees in one plant
and 19.23 per cent, affecting about all of the employees, was granted
in another establishment. An average of 13 per cent increase was given
to all of the employees in two mills, about 25 per cent of the force
in three mills, and about 20 per cent of the force in one mill.
Increases ranging from 10.7 to 12.1 per cent were granted in five mills,
which affected the entire force in one establishment, approximately
all of the employees in three plants, and 92 per cent of the force in
the fifth mill. A 10 per cent increase was made by 38 establishments,
this affecting all of the employees in 17 plants, approximately all in
five, about 95 per cent in one, 90 per cent in one, 85 per cent in one,
about 80 per cent in two, from about 44 to 55 per cent in six plants,
about 35 per cent in one, and 25 per cent in another, while three
plants failed to state the number receiving the increase. Three firms
granted an increase of approximately 10 per cent, affecting the entire
force in oné plant, approximately all of the employees in another, and
about 90 per cent in the third plant. An increase of 9.83 per cent
was given to about 10 per cent of the employees in one factory. One
company granted an 8 per cent increase and another reported an
increase of 5 per cent, but both failed to give the number affected.
In one plant the 55 per cent bonus, being paid to all employees with
a base rate of 17J cents an hour or less, was increased to 65 per cent.
All of the mechanics, turn men, and laborers in one establishment
received increases of 30, 40, and 20 cents a day, respectively; a fiat
increase of 3J cents an hour on all rates was granted in one mill and
3 cents an hour was given to all men working on an hourly basis in
another mill.
Leather manufacturing.—The entire force in one plant received
a bonus of 10 per cent, while in two other establishments increases
of about 10 per cent were granted to 25 per cent of the employees
in one, and 20 per cent of all of the men in the other. About 10
per cent of the entire force in one factory received a 5 per cent
increase, and approximately 10 per cent of those employed in another
factory received a 4 per cent advance in wages. One concern granted
increases of 3, 4, 5, and 9 per cent to about 8£, 21, 6, and 12 per cent of
the force, respectively. The wages of 20 per cent of the employees
in one plant were raised $2 per week, and an increase of $1 per week
was granted to 20 per cent of the force in the same establishment.
Paper making.—An increase of approximately 25 per cent with an
additional bonus of 25 per cent to all employees was reported by one
firm; and one mill granted an increase of 25 per cent, but failed to
give the number receiving the increase. An increase of 15 per cent
was given to all employees in two plants. Two establishments re
ported a 10 per cent increase, affecting 15 per cent of the force in
one, and all except the office force and salaried foremen in the other.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1114]
M O N T H L Y LA BO R R E V IE W .
279
All of tlie employees in one plant were granted an increase of about
10 per cent, while another firm gave an increase of approximately
10 per cent to 40 per cent of the force. An average increase of
3 cents per hour w'as received by all of the employees in one estab
lishment, and another concern gave an increase of 50 cents per day,
but did not state the number affected. One establishment reported
an increase of 20 cents per day to the entire force, except to a few
men whose salaries were advanced 30 cents per day and a few women
whose wages were raised 25 cents per day. One plant reported an
increase but failed to give any further data.
Silk .—About 8 per cent of the entire force in one plant received
increases of from 20 to 50 per cent. One plant reported an increase
of approximately 15 per cent to the entire force. Five firms reported
increases of 10 percent, affecting all of the employees in three mills,
10 per cent of the force hi one, while no data was given as to the
number affected in the fifth mill. An increase of 7 per cent to 25
per cent of the number employed was reported by one factory. The
wages of the entire force in one establishment were advanced 6 per
cent. An increase of 5 per cent was granted to 25 per cent of the force
in one mill, and an increase of approximately 5 per cent was given to
12 per cent of the number of the employees in another factory.
About 60 per cent of the employees in one establishment received
an increase of 4 per cent. Practically the entire force in one plant
were given an advance of 2 to 4 cents an hour.
Woolen.—1One plant reported an average increase of 7 | per cent
to the entire force.
VOLUME OF EMPLOYMENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM (GREAT BRITAIN
AND IRELAND) IN JULY, 1918.
The following figures as to the condition of employment in Great
Britain and Ireland in July, 1918, as compared with June, 1918, and
July, 1917, have been compiled from figures appearing in the British
Labor Gazette of August, 1918. Similar information for April was
published in the July review.
In comparing July, 1918, with June, 1918, as to the numbers
employed, a few slight increases are shown, while the largest de
creases—15.3 per cent, 10.6 per cent, and 6.6 per cent—appear in
seamen, wholesale mantle, costume, blouse, etc. (Glasgow), and in
dressmaking and millinery.
Comparing July, 1918, with July, 1917, relative to the number of em
ployees, an increase of 7.6 per cent and decreases of 14.5, 12.5, and 9 per
cent appear in the carpet industry, cotton, dressmaking, and millinery,
and bleaching, printing, dyeing, and finishing, respectively.
The aggregate earnings of employees in July, 1918, as compared with
June, 1918, show an increase of 11.2 per cent in the jute industry and a
decrease of 7.5 per cent in bleaching, printing, dyeing, and finishing.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1115]
280
M O N T H L Y LABOE E E V IE W ,
More important changes relative to the earnings of employees are
seen when comparing July, 1918, with July, 1917, nearly all of which
are increases. The largest increases—35.6 per cent, 27.8 per cent,
25.5 per cent, and 25.1 per cent—are shown in tailoring, bookbinding,
cement, and linen manufacturing.
VOLUM E O F EM PL O Y M EN T IN T H E U N IT E D KIN G D O M (G R E A T B R IT A IN AND IR E
LA N D ) IN JU L Y , 1918, CO M PA R ED W IT H JU N E , 1918, AND JU L Y , 1917.
[Compiled from figures in the L abor Gazette. (London), A ugust, 1918.]
I n lu strie s, a n 1 basis of com
parison.
Coal m in in g : A verage n u m b e r of
d a y s w o rk e d ..................................
Iro n m in in g : A verage n u m b e r of
d a y s w o rk e d ..................................
Q u a rry in g : A verage n u m b e r of
d a y s w o rk e d ..................................
P ig iro n : N u m b e r of fu rn aces in
b l a s t ................................................
Iro n a n d stee l w orks:
N u m b e r of em p lo y e e s...........
N u m b e r of s h ifts w o r k e d .. .
E n g in eerin g tra d e s : N u m b e r of
em p loyees 2....................................
S h ip b u ild in g tra d e s : N u m b e r of
em p loyees 2....................................
T in -p la te , steel, a n d galvanized
s h e e t tra d e s : N u m b e r of m ills
in o p e ra tio n ...................................
C o tto n tra d e :
N u m b e r of em p lo y e e s...........
E a rn in g s of em p lo y ees..........
Wroolen tra d e :
N u m b e r of em p lo y e e s...........
E a rn in g s of e m p lo y ees..........
W o rste d tra d e :
N u m b e r of em p lo y e e s...........
E a rn in g s of em p lo y ees..........
H o sie ry tra d e :
N u m b e r of e m p lo y e e s...........
E a rn in g s of em ployees..........
J u te tra d e :
N u m b e r of e m p lo y ees...........
E a rn in g s of e m p lo y ees..........
L in e n tra d e :
N u m b e r of e m p lo y e e s...........
E a rn in g s of e m p lo y ees..........
S ilk tra d e :
N u m b e r of e m p lo y e e s...........
E a rn in g s of em p lo y ees..........
C a rp e t tra d e :
N u m b e r of e m p lo y ees...........
E a rn in g s of em p lo y ees..........
L ace tra d e :
N u m b e r of em p lo y ees............
E a rn in g s of e m p lo y ees..........
B leaching, p rin tin g , dyeing, and
finishing:
N u m b e r of e m p lo y ees...........
E a rn in g s of em p lo y ees..........
B o o t a n d shoe tra d e :
N u m b e r of e m p lo y e e s...........
, E a rn in g s of em p lo y ees..........
L e a th e r tra d e s : N u m b e r of em p lo y e es............................................
T a ilo ring tra d e s :
N u m b e r of e m p lo y ees...........
E a rn in g s of emplo’yees..........
S h irt a n d collar tra d e:
N u m b e r of em p lo y ees...........
E a rn in g s of em p lo y ees..........
P e r c e n t of in
crease ( + ) or
decrease ( —) in
J u ly , 1918, as
co m p ared w ith —
June,
1918.
J u ly ,
1917.'
-
3.1
+ 5.5
-
.7
+
.2
-
3.6
-
.7
-
2.3
(9
-
.9
1.7
+ l.S
+ l.i
+
.12
-
.08
+
.02
-f-
. 22
— .9
+ 7.9
+
• 1.2
-4
—14.5
- 1.4
-
1.5
1.3
— 5.5
+ 17.7
-
2.3
1.4
- 6.1
+ 21.2
- 1.3
+ 2.4
- 3.6
+ 17.4
.5
+ 11.2
-6.7
+ 6.0
— 2.2
- 1.1
— 2.4
+ 25.1
- 1.6
+ -7
- 2.8
+ 23.3
-
1.4
.2
+ 10.2
-
1.5
.2
- 6.9
+ 6.1
-
3.2
- 9.0
— 2.1
- 1.9
— 1.3
C1)
- 7.6
+ 5.3
+
-8
- 1.8
+ 4.8
+ 1.1
+ 3 5 .6
-
— 4.4
+ 15.9
3 .0
.2
I n lu strie s, a n I basis of co m
parison .
June,
1918.
O th e r c lo th in g trades:.
D ressm ak in g an d m ilin e ry —
N u m b e r of em p lo y ees........
W holesale m a n tle , co stu m e,
blouse, e tc .—
N u m b e r of em p lo y ees—
L o n d o n .......................
M an ch ester................
G lasgow ......................
C orset tra d e : N u m b er of em p lo y e es....................................
B u ild in g an d c o n stru c tio n of
w orks: N u m b e r of em p lo y e e s2.
S aw m illing a n d m a ch in in g :
N u m b e r of em ployees 2.............
B ric k tra d e:
N u m b e r of em p lo y e e s...........
E a rn in g s of e m p lo y ees..........
C em ent tra d e :
N u m b e r of em p lo y ees...........
E a rn in g s of em p lo y ees..........
P a p e r, P rin tin g , an d b o o k b in d in g tra d e s:
P a p e r tra d e s —
N u m b e r of em p lo y ees
re p o rte d b y tra d eun io n s 2...........................
N u m b e r of em ployees
re p o rte d b y em p lo y ers
E a rn in g s of em ployees
re p o rte d b y em p lb y ers
P rin tin g tra d e s —
N u m b e r of em p lo y ees
re p o rte d b y tra d eu n io n s 2...........................
N u m b e r of em ployees
re p o rte d b y em p lo y ers
E a rn in g s of em ployees
rep o rte d b y em p lo y ers
B o o k b in d in g tra d e s —
N u m b e r of em ployees
re p o rte d b y tra d eu n io n s 2...........................
N u m b e r of em ployees
rep o rte d b y em p lo y ers
E a rn in g s of em ployees
rep o rted b y e m p l Ters
P o tte r y tra d e :
N u m b e r of e m p lo y ees............
E a rn in g s of em p lo y ees...........
G lass tra d e s:
N u m b e r of em p lo y ees............
E a rn in g s of em p lo y ees..........
F ood p re p a ra tio n tra d e s:
N u m b e r of em p lo y ees............
E a rn in g s of em p lo y ees...........
D ock an d riv e rsid e lab o r: N u m b e r of em ployees..........................
S eam en: N u m b e r of em p lo y e e s..
xNo change.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
P e r c e n t of in
crease ( + ) or
decrease ( —) in
J u ly , 1918, as
co m p ared w ith —
03
2Based on employment.
[1116]
-
J u ly ,
1917.
6.6
- 1 2 .5
- 2.7
— 3.4
-1 0 .6
- 4.3
— 3 .6
+ 1.9
-
2.4
-
(9
+
+
.04
8.2
.27
+ 2.7
- 2.5
+ 3.4
- 4.9
+ 18.9
+ .2
- 3.2
+ 1.7
+ 2 5 .5
+
.2
-
.4
-
1.5
.1
+
-3
-
1.1
-
2.9
-
1.7
+ 24.0
(9
+
.9
+ 19.5
-
.1
+
.2
-
5 .0
-
2.3
-
4.9
+ 27.8
— 1.4
- 3.4
- 5.8
+ 8.5
— 2.8
- 5 .0
- 4.6
+ 11.3
.9
— .1
- 4.1
+ 14.3
- 3.8
- 1 5 .3
-
4.9
2.5
CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION,
CONCILIATION WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, AUGUST 16 TO
SEPTEMBER 15, 1918.
Under the organic act of the department, which gives the Secretary
of Labor the authority to mediate in labor disputes through the ap
pointment, in his discretion, of commissioners of conciliation, the
Secretary exercised his good offices between August 16, 1918, and
September 15, 1918, in 238 labor disputes. The companies involved,
the number of employees affected, and the results secured, so far as
information is available, were as follows:
S T A T E M E N T S H O W IN G T H E N U M B E R O F L A B O R D IS P U T E S H A N D L E D B Y T H E
D E P A R T M E N T O F L A B O R , T H R O U G H IT S C O M M IS S IO N E R S O F C O N C IL IA T IO N ,
A U G . 16, 1918, T O S E P T . 15, 1918.
W o rk m en affected.
Dispute.
D irectly .
S trik e , s la u g h te rh o u se m e n , A rm o u r A Co., Los A ngeles,C al
T h re a te n e d s trik e , S avage M o u n ta in F ire B ric k Co., C um
b erlan d , M d.
C o n tro versy, P a rk e r & T o p p in g Co., B ra in e rd , M inn .
C o n tro v e rsy , firem en, K a n sa s C ity, K a n s ...................................
C o n tro v e rsy , electric lin em e n , M e rc h a n t’s S h ip y a rd , B risto l,
57
100
50
C o n tro versy, shop em ployees, D e n v e r & S alt L a k e R . R ..
S trik e , sm e lte r m e n , U n ite d Z inc S m eltin g Co., M oundsville, W . V a.
C o n tro versy, R iv e rsid e B rid g e Co., W heeling, W . V a ............
S trik e , to o lm a k e rs a n d m a c h in ists, A . H . P e te rso n Mfg. Co.,
M ilw aukee, W is.
C o n tro versy, N a tio n a l Car C oupler Co., A ttic a , I n d ...............
C o n tro versy, M arin e tte & M enom inee P a p e r Co., M arin e tte,
W is.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1117]
30
653
50
Do.
Do.
R efe rre d to N a
tio n a l W a r L a b o r
B o ard .
Do.
A ll m e n to be re
in s ta te d . N o fur
th e r
ex a m in a
tio n s b y D e p a rt
m e n t of Ju stice
to ta k e place.
M en satisfied.
1,000
217
140
130
53
33
180
U n a b f t to a d ju st.
M en w o rk in g else
w h ere.
A d ju sted .
Do.
400
150
60
A d ju sted .
Do.
Do.
A d ju s te d p rio r to
c o m m is s io n e r ’s
a rriv a l.
P en d in g .
R efe rre d to N a
tio n a l W a r L a b o r
B o ard .
M en refu sed to ac
ce p t i n c r e a s e
offered a n d said
th e y w ere em
else
ployed
w h ere.
A d ju ste d .
Do.
P en d in g .
A d ju sted .
70
S trik e , c a rp e n te rs, T h e C am p b ell C reek R iv e r Coal Co.,
D an a, W . Va.
S trik e , s tre e t ca r m e n , B lo o m in g to n , 111........................................
S trik e , express d riv e rs, B lo o m in g to n , 111......................................... . "
S trik e , la u n d ry w orkers, B lo o m in g to n , 111.......................................' "
T h re a te n e d strik e , electrical w orkers, E a s te rn P e n n s y lv a n ia
L ig h t & P o w e r Co., P o tts v ille , P a .
S trik e , stre e t ca r m e n , D u b u q u e , Io w a .........................................
S trik e , s tre e t ca r m e n , M ontgom ery, A la ..................... " ! " ! ! !
W a lk o u t, boiler m a k ers, b la c k sm ith s, h elp ers, S ta n d a rd
B o iler & Iro n P la te Co., N iles, O hio.
In d ire c tly ,
281
282
M O N T H L Y LABOE REVIEW .
STATEMENT SHOWING THE NUMBER OE LABOR DISPUTES HANDLED BY THE
DEPARTM ENT OF LABOR, THROUGH ITS COMMISSIONERS OF CONCILIATION,
AUG. 16, 1918, TO SEPT. 15, 1918—Continued.
Workmen affected.
Dispute.
Result.
Directly.
Strike, waiters, Royale Restaurant, Chicago, 111.
28
Controversy, Simplex Mfg. Co., Richmond, Ind .................. .
Controversy, Western Gas Construction Co., Fort Wayne,
Ind.
Controversy, Fort Wayne Foundry Machine Co., Fort
Wayne, Ind.
Controversy, Fort Wayne Engineering Co., Fort Wayne,
Ind.
Strike, Adrian Furnace Co., Dubois, P a .................................
130
300
Controversy, Wayne Oil Tank & Pump Co., Fort Wayne,
Ind.
Strike, teamsters, Chicago Motor Bus Co., Chicago, 111....... .
400
Threatened strike, Bauer & Black Co. (case 1), Chicago, 111..
Strike, metal workers, Tascarello Bros., Brooklyn, N. Y ...
Threatened strike, machinists, San Antonio, Tex.:
San Antonio Machine & Supply Co..................................
Alamo Iron Works..............................................................
Threatened strike, boiler makers and helpers, Morrison
Bros., Dubucjue, Iowa.
Threatened strike, iron, steel and tin workers, United Alloy
Steel Corporation, Canton, Ohio.
Strike, waiters and cooks, Hotel Secor, Toledo, Ohio............
Controversy, employees, Woodhouse-Grunbaum Furniture
Co., Seattle, Wash.
S trike,pattern makers, Seattle, Wash....................................
1. Standard Pattern Works.
2. Fraser’s Pattern Works.
. 3. Western P attern Works.
4. Seattle Pattern & Model Works.
5. Eagle Pattern Works.
Controversy, coalminers, Broadway Mining Co., Simmons,
Ky-
Strike, plumbers and pipe fitters, Oberlin contractor, South
Bend, Ind.
Strike, dyers and helpers, Paterson, N. J ........................
Threatened strike, Perkins Marine Lamp Corporation,
Brooklyn, N. Y. .
Controversy, electrical workers, Los Angeles Gas Co., Los
Angeles, Cal.
Strike, machinists, Jos. Reid Gas Engine Co., Oil City, Pa.
Strike, glass workers, Libby Glass Works, Toledo, O hio.. . '
Threatened strike, bridge and structural-iron works, Toledo"
Bridge & Crane Co., Toledo, Ohio.
Controversy, Union Carbide Co., Sault Ste. Marie, Mich
Strike, laborers, McDougall Shipbuilding Co., Duluth
Minn.
Strike, motion-picture operators, 156 theaters, Cleveland
Ohio.
Threatened strike, clay miners, 11 companies, St. Louis, Mo.
Strike, blacksmiths and helpers, limestone mills and quar
ries, Bedford, Ind.
Strike, blacksmiths, Watertown Arsenal, Watertown, M a s s
Controversy, molders and coremakers, American Clay &
Machine Foundry, Willoughby, Ohio.
Controversy, molders and coremakers, Otis Steel Casting
Co., Cleveland, Ohio.
Controversy, street ear men, Lexington, K y........................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1118]
Indirectly.
40 Manager is consid
ering closing res
taurant on ac
count of poor
business.
Adjusted.
Do.
50
Do.
50
Do.
75
85
80
1
40
200
1,500
. 20,000
Men have returned
to work pending
investigation.
Adjusted.
Refuse to enterinto
any negotiations
for settlement, so
no
settlement
can be made.
Adjusted.
Do.
Pending.
Do.
50 Adjusted.
1,200
Do.
21
20
8
100
Do.
Do.
40
200
1
12
1,507
Pending.
65 Commissioner ad
v is e d checkweighmen to in
stitute action in
county court.
300 Adjusted.
3,300
Do.
Pending.
30
750 Adjusted.
80
700
350
170 Pending.
500 Adjusted.
700 Pending.
800
- 50
1,700
Referred to Na
tional W ar Labor
Board.
Adjusted.
Do.
200
46
200
Referred to Na
tional War Labor
Board.
Pending.
25
100
175
Pending.
Adjusted.
1
Adjusted.
75 Pending.
283
M O N T H L Y LABOE KEVIEW,
STATEMENT S H O W IN G 'T H E NUMBER OF LABOR D ISPU TES HANDLED BY THE
DEPARTM ENT OF LABOR, THROUGH ITS COMMISSIONERS OF CONCILIATION,
AUG. 16, 1918, TO SEPT. 15, 1918—Continued.
Workmen affected.
Dispute.
Result.
Directly.
Controversy, firemen, Topeka, Kans.......................................
Threatened strike, machinists, Advance Manufacturing
Co., Cleveland, Ohio.
Threatened strike, power house employees and contractors,
Pittsburgh & W. Va. R. R., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Strike, West Virginia & Pittsburgh Coal Co., Locust Grove
Mine No. 1, Colliers, W. Va.
Strike, woodworkers and carriage workers, Matthews
Manufacturing Co., Milwaukee, Wis.
Controversy, blacksmiths, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brook
lyn, N. Y.
Indirectly.
75
Adjusted.
Do.
1
Do.
275
40
68
150
Controversy, Matthews Engineering Co., Sandusky, Ohio.
Threatened strike, coopers, Vacuum Oil Co., Rochester,
N. Y.
Controversy, Commercial Solvents Corporation, Terra
Haute, Ind.
Controversy, firemen, Newport, K y ........................................
Threatened strike, machinists, Rockford, 111.........................
Strike, stogie makers, Wheeling, W. V a /...............................
Controversy, telephone operators, Southwestern Bell Tele
phone Co., Kansas City, Kans.
Strike, molders and coremakers, 7 shops, Marion, Ohio.........
Lockout, machinists, Kokomo SteeL& Wire Works, Ko
komo, Ind.
Strike, employees, Selden Motor & Vehicle Co., Rochester,
N. Y.
Threatened strike, street railway employees, Lancaster, P a ..
Strike, electrical workers, Baltimore & Ohio locomotive re
pair shop, Glenwood, Pa.
Strike, steam fitters, Standard Engine Co., Pittsburgh, P a ..
Controversy, electricians, General Electric Co., Erie, P a .......
Strike, carpenters, Fabricated Ship Corp., Milwaukee, Wis.
Threatened strikej molders, 10 shops, Williamsport, P a .......
60
23
275
130
3
4
3
350
Strike, coopers, T. Johnson & Co., Chicago, 111......................
Threatened strike, miners, Monterey Coal Co., West Mon
terey, Pa.
Threatened strike, machinists, Superior Machine Tool Co.,
Kokomo, Ind.
Controversy, hotel and restaurant employees, Boise, Idaho.
Controversy, street ear men, Wilkes-Barre, P a ..................... .
Strike, Woonsocket Rubber Co., Alice Mill, Woonsocket,
R. I.
Strike, employees, American National Co., Toledo, Ohio—
Controversy, marine engineers, New Orleans, L a.................
Controversy, pattern makers, Richmond, In d .......................
175
90
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Pending.
Do.
Referred to Na
tional War Labor
Board.
Pending.
1,000
400
[1119]
Do.
Questions at issue
have been taken
up by president
of
American
Brotherhood of
Blacksmiths.
No movement on
part of employ
ees. Decided to
let matters rest
until
occasion
arises.
Adjusted.
Do.
Threatened strike, fur, sheep, and leather workers, St. Paul,
Minn.
Controversy, machinists, G. & J. Co., Indianapolis, In d .......
Controversy, Milford Iron Foundry, Milford, Mass...............
200
Do.
1,200
94
Do.
Do.
Pending.
700 Referred to Na
tional War Labor
Board.
Workers decided to
compromise on
part in c re e a s e
d e m a n d e d , as
strikes were bad
for the country
at present.
Adjusted.
Do.
250
67
40
125
160
11
Do.
250 No demands had
been made by
men except the
right to organize
which was con
ceded.
20 Adjusted.
193
1,700
Do.
Adjusted.
Do.
Do.
Pending.
Do.
40 Adjusted.
Pending.
Referred to Nat i o n a 1 W ar
Labor Board.
1,100 Adjusted.
Do.
M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW ,
284
STATEMENT SHOWING THE NUMBER OF LABOR DISPUTES HANDLED BY THE
DEPARTM ENT OF LABOR, THROUGH ITS COMMISSIONERS OF CONCILIATION,
AUG. 16, 1918, TO SEPT. 15, 1918—Continued.
Workmen affected.
Result.
D is p u te .
Directly.
Controversy, American Federation oi Musicians, Philadel
phia, Pa."
Strike, machinists, Richards Iron Works, Manitowoc, Wis..
Controversy, Nitrate Plant Electrical Works, Toledo, Ohio
Controversy, waiters and waitresses, Dallas, Tex................
Threatened strike, Chambersburg Engine Co., Chambersburg, Pa.
Controversy, Manitowoc Foundry & Machine Co., Manito
woc, Wis.
Controversy, The Virginia & Rainy Lake Lumber Co., St.
Paul, Minn.
Controversy, flour mill employees, New Ulm and Sleepy
Eye, Minn.
Controversy, telephone employees, Norfolk, V a...................
Controversy, Southwestern Mechanical Co., Fort Worth, Tex
Strike, moiders, Howe Scale Co.', Rutland, V t.....................
Pending.
35
100
18
30
150 No satisfactory set
tlement reached
as to restoring
men to their job.
Pending.
500
Adjusted.
30
Do.
700 Men are returning
to work pending
final settlement.
Adjusted.
Do.
Referred to Nati o n al W a r
Labor Board.
Pending.
Do.
100
350
Controversy, Denver Union Stockyards, Denver, Colo..
Strike, structural-iron workers, Rochester, N. Y .................
Threatened strike, Hull-Dillon Packing Co., Pittsburg,
Kans.
Controversy, bookbinders and.rulers, Pittsburgh, P a ........
Adjusted.
5
S te el
Threatened strike, Midwest Engine Co., Indianapolis, In d ..
Threatened strike, Haynes Automobile Co., Kokomo, Ind.’.
Threatened strike, American Car & Foundry Co., Berwick,
Pa.
Controversy, G. W. Taylor Warehouse & Elevator Co.,
Fairportj Ohio.
Strike, Pacific Coast Steel Co., Seattle, W ash........................
Strike, International Car Shop, Chicago, 111...........................
Strike, Haskell-Barker Car Co., Michigan City, In d ..............
Strike, Foundrymen of American Locomotive Co., Schenec
tady, N. Y.
Strike, Warner-Klipatein Chemical Co., Charleston, W. Va.
100
35
200
200
400
Referred
to
Emergency
Fleet Corpora
tion.
7,000 Employeesrequest
no further action
be taken until
further advice,
as they have a
petition pending.
1,250 Pending.
815 Adjusted.
1,000 Pending.
Do.
1,200
225
300
130
Referred to Nat i o n a l Wa r
Labor Board.
75 Pending.
Adjusted.
400
Do.
55
350
00
1,200
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1120]
Do.
P e n d in g .
C o n t r o v e r s y , h o d C a r r i e r s , J o l i e t , I I I ................................................................
Threatened strike, Bauer & Black Co., Chicago, 111. (case 2).
Controversy, Dallas, Tex.:
Robinson Manufacturing Co..............................................
Dallas P attern W orks........................................................
Mosher Manufacturing Co..................................................
Strike, flour and cereal mill workers, Tacoma, W ash............
Controversy, Burger Boat Co., Manitowoc, W is...................
P a r t l y adjusted,
serious trouble
averted.
Adjusted.
Referred to '~at i o n a 1 W ar
Labor Board.
Pending.
Do.
Do.
Strike, United States Rubber Co., Bristol, R. I ....................
Strike, boiler makers, Traylor Engine Co., Allentown, P a ..
Threatened strike, trainmen, Eastern Pennsylvania Light &
Power Co., Pottsville, Pa.
Controversy, pattern makers, Mclntosh-Seymour Corp.,
Auburn, N. Y.
C o n t r o v e r s y ,m o id e r s a n d p a t t e r n m a k e r s , B e t h l e h e m
C o ., S p a r r o w s P o i n t , M d .
Adjusted.
Pending.
150 Adjusted.
370 Referred to Nat i o h a 1 W ar
Labor Board.
Adjusted.
300
Controversy, Cleveland Stevedore Co., Cleveland, Ohio.......
80
Threatened strike, Haskelite Plant, Ludington, Mich...............................
Strike, Maplewood Sales Co., Peoria, 111., operates Maple100
wood Coal Mine, Bloomington, 111.
Controversy, bookbinders and commercial printers, Wash
ington, D. C.
Threatened strike, Hyde Windlass Co., Bath, Me................
Indirectly.
Adjusted.
P e n d in g .
300
75
350
100
Do. i
Do.
Adjusted.
Do.
285
M O N TH LY . LABOR REVIEW ,
STATEMENT SHOWING THE NUMBER OF LABOR DISPUTES HANDLED BY THE
DEPARTM ENT OF LABOR, THROUGH ITS COMMISSIONERS OF CONCILIATION,
AUG. 16, 1918, TO SEPT. 15, 1918—Continued.
Workmen affected.
Dispute.
Result.
Directly.
Controversy, James Clark, jr.. Elec. Co., Louisville, K y ..
Controversy, machinists, Grainger & Co., Louisville, Ky.
Controversy, Voght Bros. Machine Co., Louisville, Ily __
Controversy, street car men, Louisville, K y .............. .......
Controversy, Sheboygan, Wis.:
Badger Tannery Co...........................................................
American Hide & Leather Co..........................................
Controversy, Ott Grinder Co., Indianapolis, In d .................
Controversy, Hastings & Scheons, pattern makers, Springheld, Mass.
Strike, theatrical crafts, Oklahoma City, Okla.....................
Controversy, American Bridge Co., Gary, In d .....................
Lockout, upholsterers, Chicago, 111........................................
Threatened strike, street car men, Cincinnati, Ohio............
Threatened strike, Third Ave. R. R. Co., New York, N. Y.
Threatened strike, Gadsden Car Works, Gadsden, Ala__
Controversy, fire fighters, Kansas City, Mo'.........................
Threatened strike, foundrymen, Erie, P a .............................
Strike, Allentown, Pa.:
Heilman Boiler Works....................................................
Allentown Boiler Works....................................
McDermott Eng. Co.......................................... ...............
McDermott Bros. Boiler Works.
Controversy, Great Northern Tannery Co., Sault Ste. Marie,
Mich.............................................................
Threatened strike, Washington, D. C., at—
New National Theater..............................................
Gayety Theater .... ......................................................
Poli’s Theater...........................................................
Cosmos Theater.........................................................
Folly Theater............................................................
Lyceum Theater............................ ........................ „•
B. F. Keith’s Theater...........................................’ "
Belasco Theater........................................................
Casino Theater..........................................................
Controversy, Dean Steam Pump Co., Holyoke, Mass.
Controversy, Sharon, Pa.:
Sharon Foundry Co..................................................
15
150
250
2,169
300
6
Do!
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Pending.
4
4
4
7
16
5
Strike, Sterling Products Co., Wheeling, W. Va.
100
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Adjusted.
12
98
380
[ 1121 ]
Do.
Do.
Do.
Harmonious rela
tio n b e tw e e n
men and com
pany but wages
so low, question
was referred to
National
WTar
Labor Board.
Pending.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
29
Threatened strike, butchers and meat cutters, Phoenix, Ariz.
Strike, Rochester, N. Y.:
Crowell-Lundoff-Little Co. and Fenestra Construction
Co......................................................................................
Taylor Instrum ent Co........................................................
Controversy, Blackwell Lumber Co., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Controversy, Globe Mach. & Supply Co., Des Moines, Iowa.
Threatened strike, teamsters, Helena, Mont........................
Controversy, West Virginia Aircraft Co., West Virginia___
Controversy, Champion Sparta Plug Co., Toledo, Ohio......
Threatened strike, Eastern Steel Co., Pottsville, P a .......... .
-19
Pending.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Adjusted.
Pending.
Do.
Do.
1,100
82617°—18-
Pending.
Do.
Do.
A g re e m e n t a r
ranged to secure
better working
hours.
1,500
Shenango- Mach. C o ................... '.....................................
Turner-Frick Mach. Co............................................
Strike, theatrical employees, Los Angeles, Cal.....................
Controversy, Steacy-Schmidt Co., York, P a .........-.............
Threatened strike, Michigan United R. R., general’office,
Jackson, Mich................................................................
Threatened strike, American Cement Plaster Co., Gypsum
near Port Clinton, Ohio.........................................................
Indirectly.
66
100
150
700
Referred to Na
tional
W ar
Labor Board.
Do.
Do.
3,900 Adjusted.
Pending.
Adjusted prior to
com m issioner’s
arrival.
Adjusted.
98
Do.
Do.
Pending.
Do.
20,000 Adjusted.
Pending.
■qóò' Adjusted.
Referred to Na
tional
W ar
Labor Board.
65 Mediator believes
men will return
to work.
¿50
40 ................... Adjusted.
286
M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW .
ST A T E M E N T SH O W IN G T H E N U M B E R O P LA B O R D IS P U T E S H A N D L E D B Y T H E
D E P A R T M E N T O F L A B O R , T H R O U G H IT S CO M M ISSIO N ERS O F C O N C IL IA TIO N ,
AUG. 1G, 1918, TO S E P T . 15, 1918—Continued.
W orkm en affected.
Result.
Dispute.
D irectly.
Threatened strike, A merican G ypsum Co., P o rt Clinton,
Ohio.
Strike, W estern U nion Mfg. Co., Kansas C ity, Mo.................
Threatened strike, Cham bersburg, Pa.:
Cham bershurg F oundry & Machine Co............................
50
T. B. W ood’s Sons Co..............................................................
The Wolf Co...............................................................................
Controversy, p a tte rn makers, Buffalo, N. Y ............................
C ontroversy”stereotypers and electrotypers, San Francisco,
Cal.
Controversy, boiler makers, ICewanee Boiler Works, Kewanee, 111.
Threatened strik e, m otorm en and conductors, Cleveland
Street Car R . R ., Cleveland, Ohio.
Controversy, h o d carriers, B utte, M ont...................................
Controversy J clothing m arkers, finishers, etc., S. Suskind’s,
Philadelphia, Pa.
Threatened strike, Fort W ayne, Ind.:
Fo rt W ayne & N orthern Indiana Traction C o .................
Home Telephone & Telegraph Co........................................
C ity Light & Power Co................................................
Controversy, Niagara Electro Chemical Co., Niagara Falls,
N. Y .
Controversy, Muncie Foundry & Machine Co., Muncie, In d .
Controversy, moving picture operators, Kansas City, K a n s ..
Threatened strike, Salem, Mass.:
A. M. Joly, carpenters.............................................................
P itm an & B row n......................................................................
Threatened strike, Green B ay, Mich.:
N orthern Paper Mills Co.........................................................
Green B ay Paper & Fiber Co................................................
Threatened strike, plasterers, St. Paul, M inn...........................
300
300
Controversy, car repair men, South Buffalo R. R ., Buffalo,
N . Y.
Strike, porters and drivers, H inrich & Pond Co., New York,
N. Y.
Controversy, employees, S. B lickm an, New Y ork, N. Y ___
Strike, California Packing Corporation & F ru it Works,
San Francisco, Cal.
T hreatened strik e, fruit w orkers, and Canning Co., San Jose,
Cal.
Controversy, D. M. Dillon Steam Boiler Works, Fitchburg,
Mass.
Strike, Leetonia R ailw ay Co., Leetonia, P a ...................
Threatened strike, F o rt W orth stockyards, F o rt W orth, Tex.
Strike, telephone workers, Palestine, T ex........................ '.
Strikej U nion Salt Co., Cleveland, Ohio........................
Controversy, riv er coal employees and m arine engineers,
P ittsb u rg h , Pa.
Controversy, M ather Spring Co., Toledo, O hio.............
Controversy, engineers, M ontana & R oyal Mills, Great Falls,
Mont.
Controversv, H an n a Coal Co., Superior, W is..............................
Strike, Rochester Box & Lum ber Co., Rochester, N. Y ...........
Lockout, Pow er Specialty Co., Dansville, N. Y ..............
Controversy, W heeling Steel Iron Co., Yorkville, O hio.......
Controversy, A merican R. R. E xpress Co., In d ian ap o lis.In d .
Controversy, Ohio Drop Forge Co., Cleveland, Ohio . . . ”.......
Controversy, Champion M achine Forge Co., Cleveland, Ohio
Controversy, textile workers, W oodstock Mills, Norristown,
Pa.
Controversy, V andyke T axicab Co., Buffalo, N . Y ........
Controversy, M iddletown Car Co., Middletown, P a ..................
Lockout. B enjam in Iro n & Steel Co., H azelto n .'P a.........
Threatened strike, carpenters, Neville Island, Pittsb u rg h ,
Pa.
Strike, W heeling T raction Co., W heeling, W . V a.....................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1122]
Indirectly.
100
A djusted.
Do.
85
Referred to National
W ar
Labor Board.
Do.
Do.
Pending.
Do.
Do.
Do.
60
300
Do.
A djusted.
50
14
17
85
30
150
Do.
Do.
Do.
Pending.
79
300
A djusted.
Pending.
Do.
Do.
450
400
500
A djusted.
Do.
A d ju s te d b efo re
c o m m issio n e r’s
arrival.
Pending.
7
45
A djusted.
850
75
Pending.
A djusted.
1,200
3,800
Do.
Pending.
10
4
100
130
A djusted.
12
Pending.
A djusted.
Do.
Pending.
Do.
25
300
Do.
A djusted.
' Do.
Pending.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
A djusted prior to
c o m m is sio n e r’s
arrival.
M O N T H L Y LABOR REV IEW .
287
ST A T E M E N T SH O W IN G T H E N U M B E R O F L A B O R D IS P U T E S H A N D L E D B Y T H E
D E P A R T M E N T O F LA B O R , T H R O U G H IT S CO M M ISSIO N ER S O F C O N C IL IA TIO N ,
AUG. 16, 1918, TO S E P T . 15, 1918—Concluded.
W orkm en affected.
Dispute.
Result.
D irectly.
Controversy, molders, Lancaster, O hio............................
T hreatened strike, Kokomo Brass W orks, Kokomo, I n d ........
Controversy, F. B ium enthalC o., W ilm ington, D el.........
Controversy, N orth Lebanon Coke P lan t, Lebanon, P a ........
Strike, Eclipse Coal Co., A storia, 111...........................................
Controversy, Carpenter 'Steel Co., R eading, P a ...................
Controversy, Textile M achine Co., Reading, P a ...................
Controversy, Bell Telephone Co., St. Louis, M o...............
Lockout, K e ith ’s T heater, Indianapolis, In d ...................
Strike, Gulf, Florida & A labam a R. R ., Pensacola, F l a ..
Threatened strike, street car employees, Danville, 1 1 1 . ..
Strike, masons, Syracuse, N. Y .....................
Lockout, Veneering Co., Birchwood, W is...............
Strike, H arry O. Sm ith M anufacturing Co., Milwaukee, W is.
Controversy, Cleveland Telephone Co., Ohio S tate Tele
phone Co., Cleveland, Ohio.
Controversy, telephone employees, Salt Lake City, U ta h ___
Threatened strike, H aynes Autom obile Co., Kokomo, In d .
Threatened strike, Electric Co., Kokomo, In d __
Controversy, Prem ier Motor Corporation, Indianapolis, In d .
Controversy, R em ington A rm s P lan t, Hoboken, N. J.
(W m . Griffin’s case).
Controversy, Louisville Car W heel & Supply Co., Louisville,
Controversy, electrical workers, Scranton Electric Co.,
Scranton, Pa.
Indirectly.
130
59
14
20
Pending.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
. Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
A djusted.
Pending.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
The following cases noted as pending in the August statement
have been disposed of:
Controversy, International Engine Works, Framingham, Mass.
Controversy, Marks Manufacturing Co., Indiana Harbor, Inch
Strike, Cleveland Welding & Manufacturing Co., Cleveland, Ohio.
Strike, neckwear industry, N. Y.
Controversy, Clarkson Coal & Dock Co., Ashland, Wis.
Controversy, International Jewelry Works Union and employers, Attleboro, Mass.
Controversy, electrical workers and contractors on Government warehouse, Sche
nectady, N. Y.
Controversy, tin-can workers, Chicago, 111.
Controversy, boiler makers and helpers, Oil Well Supply Co., Oswego, N. Y.
Controversy, electrical workers on transports, New York.
Strike, Squantum shipyard, Squantum, Mass.
Controversy, Dubuque Boat & Boiler Works, Dubuque, Iowa.
Controversy, metal workers and metal miners, Butte, Mont.
Controversy, Farmers’ Cooperative Co., and butchers, Madison, Wis.
Controversy, St. Mary’s Oil Engine Co. and machinists, St. Charles, Mo.
Controversy, carpenters, Port Huron, Mich.
Controversy, Chicago Surface Lines, cable splicers, Chicago, 111.
Controversy, slieet-metal workers, Ashland Iron & Mining Co., Ashland, Ky.
Controversy, foundry employees, Belleville, 111.
Strike, sheet-metal workers, De Pere Manufacturing Co., De Pere, Wis.
Threatened strike, Elgin and Chicago railways.
Controversy, machinists, American Machine & Elevator Co., Louisville, Ky.
Controversy, electrical workers, Symington-Anderson Co., Rochester, N. Y.
Controversy, engineers, Seneca Wire & Manufacturing Co., Fostoria, Ohio.
Lockout, Gadsden Car Works, Gadsden, Ala.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1123]
288
M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW .
Strike, slaughterhouse men, Swift & Armour plants, Los Angeles, Cal.
Controversy, U. S. Gypsum Co., Port Clinton, Ohio.
Controversy, miners, Silverton, Colo.
Threatened strike, Lake Erie fish dressers, Erie, Pa.
Controversy, bridge and structural-iron workers, Moss Iron Works, Wheeling,
W. Ya.
Controversy, metal polishers, Nagel Electric Co., Toledo, Ohio.
Controversy, metal polishers, Saxon Manufacturing Co., Toledo, Ohio.
Controversy, metal polishers, Electric Auto-Lite Co., Toledo, Ohio.
Threatened strike, machinists and toolmakers, Model Gas Engine Co., Peru, Ind.
Strike, express drivers, American Railway Express Co., Columbus, Ohio.
Controversy, electrical workers, Standard Engine Co., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Controversy, smelter workers, Blackwell, Okla.
Walkout, die sinkers and makers, Herbrand Co., Fremont, Ohio.
Controversy, shipyard, Superior, Wis.
Strike, Saco-Lowell Shops, Newton Upper Falls, Mass,
Strike, trainmen, Crucible Steel Co., East Liverpool, Ohio.
Controversy, carpenters, Lone Star Ship Building Co., Beaumont, Tex.
Controversy, Stenotype Co., Indianapolis, Ind.
CONCILIATION BOARD TO INQUIRE INTO LABOR DIFFERENCES IN
JAMAICA.
As a result of considerable labor unrest in the island of Jamaica,
public notice was issued on June 25, 1918, announcing a proposal to
appoint a board to inquire into differences between employers and
laborers. This board, known as the conciliation board, was subse
quently appointed by the governor, according to a statement issued
from the colonial secretary’s office on July 8 and published in the
Jamaica Gazette Extraordinary of even date.1 The following is the
notice in full:
By a public notice, dated the 25th of June, 1918, it was announced that the governor
would appoint a board to inquire into each case in which an employer and laborers
or workmen were unable to settle their differences.
In keeping with this announcement the governor has appointed a “ conciliation
board.” This board is composed of more than 50 persons, and from these persons
a subcommittee (as hereinafter mentioned) will be selected by the governor to
inquire into any particular dispute.
Before selecting a subcommittee as above mentioned the governor must be fur
nished with evidence that genuine and patient attempts have been made to settle
the particular dispute amicably. In each case this evidence must be presented to
the honorable the colonial secretary for submission to his excellency.
Assuming that the governor is satisfied that a dispute can not be settled amicably,
the following procedure will be followed:
(a) The colonial secretary will send to each party—i. e., the employer, and also to
a representative of the laborers or workmen—a complete list of the persons composing
' T hrough the S tate D ep artm en t a copy of this issue of the Jam aica G azette E xtraordinary w a s
received by this bureau from the American consul a t Kingston.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1124]
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
289
the conciliation board; (b ) having received this list, each party will select therefrom
eight names and, in addition, will send the colonial secretary a written list setting
forth the eight names.
As soon as the foregoing procedure has been followed, the governor will select
(from the conciliation board) a subcommittee to investigate and to settle the particu
lar dispute. Usually this subcommittee will be composed of a chairman and four
other persons; all to be members of the conciliation board. The chairman will
always be selected specially by the governor. With regard to the other four persons,
the governor—as a general rule—will select them in the following manner:
(a ) He will select two from the list which has been submitted by the employer;
(b ) he will select two from the list which has been submitted by the representative
of the laborers or workmen.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1125]
IMMIGRATION,
IMMIGRATION IN JULY, 1918.
The number of immigrant aliens admitted into the United States
during the year 1917, as compared with the number admitted during
the year 1916, decreased 56.9 per cent. During 1917 the decrease
from the preceding month for January, February, and March was
19.9, 22.3, and 19.4 per cent, respectively. For April, however, the
number of immigrant aliens admitted showed an increase of 32.3 per
cent over the number admitted in March. As compared with April,
the figures of May showed a decrease of 48.9 per cent. The figures
for June indicated an increase of 5.5 per cent over those for May.
During July only 9,367 immigrant aliens were admitted. As com
pared with the figures for July, those for August showed an increase
of 7.3 per cent. In September the number was 139 less than the
number admitted in July. As compared with August, the figures for
September showed a decrease of 8.2 per cent. In October there was
an increase over the September arrivals of 0.6 per cent. In November
a decrease of 30.6 per cent from the number admitted in October was
shown. In December there was an increase of 8.4 per cent. In
January, 1918, there was a decrease of 9 per cent as compared with
December, 1917. February showed an increase over January of 16.2
per cent, while March as compared with February showed a decrease
of 11.9 per cent. April as compared with March showed an increase
of 46.7 per cent, May as compared wdth April, an increase of 59.5
per cent, while June as compared with May decreased 6.4 per cent.
July as compared with June showTed a decrease of 45.4 per cent.
IM M IG R A N T A L IE N S A D M IT T E D IN T O T H E U N I T E D S T A T E S I N S P E C I F I E D M O N T H S ,
1913 TO 1918.
1918
M onth.
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
N u m b er.
J a n u a r y ......................................
F e b r u a ry ....................................
M a rc h ..........................................
A p r il............................................
M a y ..............................................
J u n e .............................................
J u ly ..............................................
A u g u s t.............. ..
S e p te m b e r.................................
O c to b e r......................................
N o v e m b e r..................................
D e c e m b e r..................................
46,441
59,156
96,958
136,371
137,262
176,261
138,244
126,180
136'247
134' 440
104' 671
95,387
44,708
46,873
92,621
119,885
107,796
71,728
60,377
37,706
29^143
30^ 416
26'298
20; 944
15,481
13,873
19,263
24,532
26,069
22,598
21,504
21,949
24,513
25,450
24! 545
18,901
1 D ecrease.
290
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1126]
17,293
24,740
27,586
30,560
31,021
30,764
25,035
29,975
36,398
37^ 056
34,437
30^ 902
24,745
19,238
15,512
20,523
10,487
11,095
9,367
10,047
9428
9,284
6' 446
,987
6
6,356
7,388
6,510
9,541
15,217
14,247
7,780
P e r cen t
increase
over
preceding
m o n th .
i9 ,0
16 2
11.9
46.7
59.5
16 . 1
145.4
M O N T H L Y LABOE E E V IE W ,
291
Classified by nationality the number of immigrant aliens admitted
into the United States during specified periods and in July, 1918,
was as follows:
IM M IG R A N T A L IE N S A D M IT T E D IN T O T H E U N IT E D ST A T E S D U R IN G S P E C IF IE D
P E R IO D S AN D IN JU L Y , 1918, B Y N A T IO N A L IT Y .1
Y ear e n d in g Ju n e 3 0 July,
1918.
N a tio n a lity .
1915
1916
1917
1918
5,660
932
1 6<d
3,506
2,469
1,942
3'402
'305
6,675
82
38,662
3,472
12,636
20,729
15; 187
26,497
23) 503
10; 660
46,557
8,609
'146
2,638
3,604
10'993
7,971
l)221
327
1,134
l'8 4 3
305
3,428
94
5,393
69
32,246
5,900
24,405
9; 682
25,919
17,342
17) 462
.796
35)154
8,925
194
479
434
16,438
10
3,109
IO) 194
'522
3,711
l', 211
19) 596
13)350
'244
15,019
2)587
'976
454
793
1,369
2) 097
5,706
221
74
150
1,576
33
1,179
15
2,200
61
12,980
1,867
6,840
1,992
2)602
3)672
4,657
l)074
5)234
IO)168
149
135
32
17,602
17
295,403
110,618
Afriean (Tola,file)__................... ............................... ..
A rm enian . T .......................... .............................................
Bohe.m inn and M o ra v ia n .................................... ............... .
"Bulgarian S erbian, M o n ten e g rin ......................................
C hinese
...................................................................................
C ro atian and S lo v en ian ..........................................................
C u b an
.....................................................................................
D a lm a tia n B osnian, H e rz e g o v in ia n ................................
D u tc h a n d F le m is h ...............................................................
E a s t I n d i a n ...............................................................................
E n g lis h ........................................................................................
F in n is h .................................................................................... ....
F ren eh .......... ............. .........................................................
G e r m a n .......................................................................................
G re e k ...................... ............. ......................... .......................... ..
H e b r e w .............................................................. ............. ..
Iris h
.........................................................................................
Ita lia n ( n o r th ') .........................................................................
Ita lia n ( s o u t h ) .........................................................................
Ja p a n e se .......................................................- ....................... ..
K o r e a n .......... ............................................................................
L ith u a n ia n .................................................................................
M ag yar................................................... .....................................
M ex ic an .......................................................................................
P acific Is la n d e r........................................................................
P o lish .........................................................................................
P o r tu g u e s e ................................................................................
[R oum anian.................................................................................
R u s sia n .....................................................................................
R u th e n ia n (R u s s n ia k )...........................................................
S c a n d in a v ia n .............................................................................
S co tc h .......................................................................................
S lo v a k ..........................................................................................
S p a n is h .......................................................................................
S p an ish -A m erican ...................................................................
S y ria n ...........................................................................................
T u r k i s h .......................................................................................
W e ls h ...........................................................................................
W e s t In d ia n ( e x c e p t C u b a n )...............................................
O th e r peoples.............................................................................
9,065
4,376
l ' 200
'459
2,933
24' 263
1< 310
2,069
5,705
l ' 667
T 767
'273
1,390
'823
1,877
4,576
964
642
3,146
2,239
791
3,442
114
6,443
80
36,168
5,649
19,518
11,555
26,792
15,108
20' 636
4'905
33,909
8,711
154
599
981
17,198
5
4,502
12,208
'953
4,858
1,365
19,172
13,515
577
9,259
1,881
676
216
983
948
3,388
T o t a l ...............................................................................................................
326,700
298,826
6
4
3
668
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1127]
149
1
115
162
6
1,369
63
529
91
49
325
433
46
49
1,345
5
9
1
102
2
39
58
2,319
'155
1,513
49
8,741
5,204
35
7,909
2,231
840
264
'2 1 0
21
24
278
732
314
i The total number of departures of emigrant aliens in July was 4,385.
656
12
17
2
119
5
313
442
2
14
102
23
7,780
PUBLICATIONS RELATING TO LABOR,
OFFICIAL—UNITED STATES.
A r iz o n a .—S ta te B o a r d f o r the C o n tr o l o f V o c a tio n a l E d u c a tio n .
B u lle tin N o . 1,
A u g u s t, 191 8 . S ta te a n d F e d era l a id f o r v o c a tio n a l e d u c a tio n u n d e r the S m ith Ilu g h e s A c t. P h o e n ix , D e p a r tm e n t o f V o c a tio n a l E d u c a tio n , 1918. 68 p p .
Appropriations for vocational education in Arizona are equally divided among
three general classes of work: I. Agriculture—all-day schools; II. 1. Trade and
industry—all-day schools, evening schools, and part-time schools; and 2. Home
economics—all-day schools; and I I I —Teacher training. Space is devoted in the
bulletin to proposed outlines of instruction in the different courses included in these
classes and to discussions of purposes and methods.
Ca l if o r n ia .—S ta te B o a r d o f H e a lth .
S p e c ia l B u lle tin N o . 2 8 . B io lo g ic a l D iv is io n .
B u r e a u o f C o m m u n ic a b le D ise a se s. S a n ita tio n i n m in e s f o r the p r e v e n tio n a n d
e ra d ic a tio n o f h o o k w o rm . B y C harles A . K o f o id a n d W illia m W . C ort. S a c ra
m e n to , 191 8 . 12 p p .
A review of this bulletin was contained in the M onthly L abor R e v ie w for July,
1918, pages 190 to 192.
K en tu c k y .—B u r e a u o f L a b o r a n d B u r e a u o f I m m ig r a tio n . E ig h th b ie n n ia l r e p o rt o f
the B u r e a u o f L a b o r a n d r e p o rt o f the B u r e a u o f I m m ig r a tio n .
f o r t , 1918. 177 p p .
1 9 1 6 -1 7 .
F ran k
Reports in detail the activities of the department in enforcing the working women’s
law and the child labor law; tabulates wages earned by workers in leading industries
of the State; gives the text of the working women’s law and of the child-labor law;
and includes a directory of labor unions in the State.
—■
— W o rk m e n 's C o m p e n s a tio n B o a r d . A n n u a l re p o r t o f d e p a r tm e n t, A u g u s t 1, 1916,
to J u n e 30 , 1917.
F r a n k fo r t, 1918.
52 p p .
T h is rep o rt is review ed on pages 228 to 230 of th is issue of th e M onthly L abor
R e v ie w .
------------ H a n d b o o k
o f in s tr u c tio n s to e m p lo y e rs a n d e m p lo y e e s o p e r a tin g u n d e r the w o rk
m e n 's c o m p e n s a tio n a ct. R e v is e d to S e p te m b e r 1 , 191 6 . F r a n k fo r t [1916]. SO p p .
— ------ R e p o r t
[191 8 ].
o f le a d in g d ecisio n s. A u g u s t 1, 1916, to N o v e m b e r 1 , 1917.
149 p p .
— ----—
W o rk m e n ’s c o m p e n s a tio n la w , S ta te o f K e n tu c k y .
F r a n k fo r t [1918]. 44 p p .
F r a n k fo r t
E ffe c tiv e A u g u s t 1, 1916.
Text of the law, with a digest of the 1918 amendments on the back cover.
L o u isia n a (N e w O r le a n s ). — P a r is h o f O rle a n s.
F a c to rie s I n s p e c tio n D e p a r tm e n t.
T w o p a m p h le ts: N in th re p o rt, f o r the y ea r e n d in g D ecem ber 31, 1916; T en th re p o rt,
f o r the yea r e n d in g D ecem ber 3 1 , 1 9 1 7 . N e w O rle a n s. 9 p p . a n d 11 p p .
M a ssa ch u setts .— B u r e a u o f S ta tis tic s .
F o r ty -fir st q u a rte r ly r e p o rt o n e m p lo y m e n t in
M a ssa ch u setts, q u a rte r e n d in g M arch 31 , 1918. B o s to n , 1918. 16 p p .
According to returns received from 1,226 labor organizations at the close of March,
1918, representing 228,867 members, 6 per cent of the total membership were unem
ployed from all causes, showing a decrease as compared with the corresponding per
centage (7.4) for the close of December, 1917. Lack of work was the cause of unem
ployment in the case of 50.4 per cent of the 13,843 reported as not working, and the
292
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[112S]
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
293
greatest amount of unemployment (44.5 per cent) was in the building trades, car
penters being most generally affected (35.1 per cent of the total unemployed in these
trades and 15.6 per cent of the total unemployed).
M a ssa c h u sett s . — C o m m is s io n o n M e n ta l D ise a ses.
(.P u b lis h e d q u a rte r ly .) B u lle tin ,
V o lu m e 1, N o s . 3 a n d 4- E d ite d b y W a lter E . F e rn a ld , G eorge M . K lin e , E . E :
S o u th a r d . B o s to n . 1918. 259 p p .
Contains articles on the functions of social service in State hospitals and on the psy
chopathic employee, a problem of industry, the latter being based upon investigations
carried on by the Boston Psychopathic Hospital into the difficulties in which their
patients become involved in industry and how far these difficulties are referable to
their disabilities.
----- M in im u m W age C o m m is sio n . F ifth a n n u a l r e p o rt f o r the y ea r en d in g D ecem ber
31, 1917.
B o s to n , 1918.
51 p p .
P u b lic d o c u m e n t N o . 102.
This report is reviewed on pages 186-189 of this issue of the M onthly L abor
R e v ie w .
------------W ages
o f ivo m en e m p lo y e d as office a n d other b u ild in g cleaners i n M assachu setts.
B u lle tin N o . 16. B o s to n , 1918. 36 p p .
A digest of this bulletin is given on pages 196 to 199 of this issue of the M onthly
L abor R e v ie w .
N ew H a m p s h ir e .— B u r e a u o f L a b o r.
F a c to r y in s p e c tio n [S ta n d a r d N o . 1 -1 1 ], 11 p p .
The subjects covered by these standards are stairways, railings, belts and pulleys,
elevator shaftings, first-aid cabinets, abrasive wheels, fire escapes, miscellaneous,
toilet facilities, drinking water, safety organization.
N e w Y o r k .— C o n feren ce o f C h a r itie s a n d C o rre c tio n s.
conference, B in g h a m to n ,
313 p p .
N.
Y .,
N o v e m b e r 1 3 -1 5 ,
P ro c e e d in g s o f the eighteenth
19 17. B in g h a m to n .
[1917.]
One session of the congress was devoted to the subject of industrial and vocational
training. The report contains the introductory remarks of the chairman of this ses
sion, Miss Mary Van Kleeck, of the Russell Sage Foundation, New York City, con
cerning the relation between vocational and industrial training and industrial unrest,
an address on social significance of the modern school, by Angelo Patri, principal of
Public School No. 45, New York City; the New York City industrial education survey,
by Herbert Blair, statistician, vocational division, Military Training Commission;
and training women workers in war time, by Miss May Allinson, assistant secretary,
National Society for the Promotion of Industrial Education.
----- D e p a r tm e n t of_ L a b o r. B u r e a u o f S ta tis tic s a n d I n fo r m a tio n . I n d u s tr ia l C om
m is s io n . S p e c ia l B u lle tin N o .
[ A lb a n y .]
J u n e , 1918. 71 p p .
88.
N ew
Y o rk la b or la w s en acted
in
1918.
------ (Cit y .) — B o a r d o f A ld e r m e n .
C o m m itte e o n G en era l W e lfa re. P r e lim in a r y re
p o r t. I n the m a tte r o f a request o f the Conference o f O r g a n ize d L a b o r re la tiv e to edu
c a tio n a l f a c ilitie s .
M e etin g o f J u n e 26 , 191 7 . [N e w Y o rk , 1 9 1 7 .] 346 p p .
Includes the petition of February 6, 1917, from the Conference of Organized Labor
requesting that the board hold meetings and invite the board of education and city
officials to answer why the demands for better educational facilities have not been
respected, and the minutes of the several hearings held pursuant to this communica
tion.
■
——• -— - D e p a r tm e n t o f E d u c a tio n . N in e te e n th a n n u a l r e p o r t o f the s u p e r in te n d e n t o f
schools, 1 9 1 6 -1 7 .
Ju n e 19, 1918.
109 p p .
Industrial and placement work for crippled and deaf children is the subject of one
of the reports on special classes which are included in this annual statement.
N orth D a ko ta .— P u b lic W elfare C o m m is sio n . A c o m p ila tio n o f the la w s re la tin g to
the e m p lo y m e n t o f w o m e n a n d ch ildren in the S ta te o f N o r th D a k o ta .
191 8 . [9 p p .]
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1129]
[B ism a rc k .]
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
294
P en n sy lv a n ia .— R e p o r t o f the D e p a r tm e n t o f M in es, 1916.
P a r t I , A n th ra c ite , 900
[H a r r is b u r g .] 1917.
It is stated in the introduction that the production of coal for the year was 256,804,012 net tons, an increase of 10,006,238 tons over 1915. Of this 87,680,198 tons were
anthracite and 169,123,814 tons bituminous. Anthracite production decreased 1,697,
508 tons and bituminous increased 11,703,746 tons, as compared with 1915. The num
ber of employees in and about mines was 333,473.
There were 1,001 fata! accidents, of which 565 were in the anthracite region and 436
in the bituminous. Nonfatal accidents numbered 3,316, of which 1,510 were in the
anthracite and 1,806 in the bituminous region.
The number of lives lost through accidents per 1,000 employees was 3.55 in anthra
cite and 2.50 in bituminous mining. The rates in 1915 were 3.32 and 2.35, respec
tively.
In anthracite mining operations in 1916 the number of employees was 159,169, or
18,170 less than in 1915. The number of lives lost was 6.44 per 1,000,000 tons pro
duced in 1916, 6.58 in 1915, and for the 18-year period 1899-1916, 7.34.
Fatal accidents due to falls of coal, slate, and roof formed 32.59 per cent, and to
operation of cars 15.32 per cent of all fatal accidents inside mines in the anthracite
region.
In bituminous operations the number of employees was 174,304, or 13,430 less than
in 1915, and the number of lives lost through accidents %as 2.58 per 1,000,000 tons
produced, as compared with 2.81 in 1915 and 3.71 for the 18-year period 1899-1916.
For the year 1916 falls of coal, slate, and roof caused 55.10 per cent, mine cars caused
21.60 per cent, and explosions of gas and dust caused 8.74 per cent of all fatal acci
dents reported inside mines. Of the fatal accidents occurring outside of bituminous
mines 62.50 per cent were due to cars.
The number of minor children 16 to 20 years of age, inclusive, employed inside
anthracite mines was 8,293. The loss of lives in this group of employees was 4.58 per
1,000 such employees. There were 9,877 boys between 14 and 20 years of age, in
clusive, employed at work outside of the mines, where the fatal accident rate was 1.32
per 1,000 of such persons employed. The rate of fatal accidents for both groups was
2.81 per 1,000 of such employees.
In bituminous mines there were 8,303 boys between 16 and 20 years of age, inclusive,
employed inside mines. The fatal accident rate for such employees was 4.09 per
1,000. There were 11,536 boys between the ages of 14 and 20, inclusive, employed
outside the mines where the fatal accident rate was 0.31 per 1,000 of such employees.
For both groups combined the rate was 3.03 per 1,000.
“ Many new small mines have also been opened during the year in the bituminous
region, and in the aggregate they have produced hundreds of thousands of tons of coal,
but as they did not come under the law owing to the small number of employees, no
official record was made of their production.”
The following titles indicate other subjects discussed in the introduction: Labor
conditions, trade conditions, new system of haulage, education of employees, first aid
and community work, and proposed legislation.
S outh D akota . —[S u p r e m e C o u r t.] R u le s a n d re g u la tio n s g o v e r n in g the talcing a n d
p p . ; P a r t I I , B itu m in o u s , 1404 p p .
p r o s e c u tio n o f a p p e a ls to the c irc u it co u rts u n d e r the p r o v is io n s o f the w o r k m e n ’s
c o m p e n s a tio n la w . C h a p te r 3 7 6 , L a iv s 191 7 . 4 p p .
W is c o n s in .— I n d u s tr ia l
[ M a d is o n .]
191 8 .
C o m m is sio n .
32 p p .
C h ild
la b o r
la w — w ith
e x p la n a to r y
n o te s.
Contains also the reprint of an address on “ The rational basis of legislation for women
and children,” by Albert H. Sanford, professor of economics, State Normal School,
LaCrosse, Wis., delivered before the La Crosse business men at a meeting held under
the auspices of the Industrial Commission of Wisconsin.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1130]
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
295
W i s c o n s i n .— I n d u s tr ia l C o m m is s io n . G en era l orders o n sa fe ty "building c o n s tr u c tio n .
R e v ise d , 19 1 8 .
M a d is o n , 191 8 . SO p p . D ia g ra m s .
U n i t e d S t a t e s . — C o n gress.
H o u se o f R e p r e s e n ta tiv e s . C o m m itte e o n M in e s a n d M in
in g . M in e ra ls a n d m e ta ls f o r iv a r p u r p o s e s . H e a r in g s before the c o m m itte e . M arch
2 5 - A p r i l 2 , 1918.
W a sh in g to n , 1 9 1 8 . 180 p p .
----- D e p a r tm e n t
o f C o m m erce. B u r e a u o f the C e n su s. D e a f-m u te s i n the U n ite d S ta te s.
A n a ly s is o f the cen sus o f 1910 w ith su m m a r y o f S ta te la w s r e la tiv e to the d e a f as o f
J a n u a r y 1, 191 8 .
W a sh in g to n , 1 9 1 8 . 221 p p .
—---------------- S ta tis tic s
19 1 7 .
o f fire d e p a r tm e n ts o f c ities h a v in g a p o p u la tio n o f o ver 3 0 ,0 0 0 .
W a s h in g to n , 191 8 . 105 p p .
------------ B u r e a u
o f F o r e ig n a n d D o m e s tic C om m erce. M isc e lla n e o u s S e rie s —N o . 71.
W e a rin g a p p a r e l i n B r a z il. P r e p a r e d b y W illia m C . D o w n s . W a sh in g to n , 1918.
64 p p . P r ic e , 10 cen ts.
------------------ S p e c ia l A g e n ts S e rie s —N o .
157. C o tto n g o o d s i n B r itis h I n d ia . P a r t V .—
S u m m a r y o f tra d e. P a r t V I .— C o tto n m a n u fa c tu r in g . B y R a lp h M . O d e ll. W ash
in g to n , 191 8 . 5 7 p p . P ric e , 10 cen ts.
——
D e p a r tm e n t o f the I n te r io r . B u r e a u o f M in e s.
M ethane a c c u m u la tio n s f r o m
in te r r u p te d v e n tila tio n , b y H o w a r d I . S m ith a n d R o b e rt J . H a m o n . ^ T echnical
P a p e r 1 9 0 . I l l i n o i s c o a l-m in in g in v e s tig a tio n s co o p e ra tiv e a g re em en t. W a s h in g to n ,
191 8 . 46 p p . I llu s tr a te d .
This paper presents the result of tests, supplemented by investigations of explosions,
disproving the theory that interrupted ventilation during shot firing lessens the danger
of explosions due to coal dust in bituminous mines, and shows that, on the contrary,
slowing the fan allows methane, the inflammable gas commonly generated in coal
mines, to accumulate and constitutes a dangerous practice. The study is based on
conditions in southern Illinois and Indiana mines, and is the first to show the rate at
which methane accumulates in mines during periods of disturbed ventilation.
.— —
F ed era l B o a r d f o r V o c a tio n a l E d u c a tio n . B u lle tin N o . 14. A g r ic u ltu r a l S e rie s
N o . 2 . R eference m a te ria l f o r v o c a tio n a l a g r ic u ltu r a l in s tr u c tio n .
W a s h in g to n ,
J u n e , 191 8 . 26 p p .
------------ B u lle tin
N o . 15 (.R e ed u ca tio n S e r ies N o . 3 ).
The e v o lu tio n o f n a tio n a l sy ste m s
o f v o c a tio n a l reed u ca tio n f o r d isa b le d so ld ie rs a n d sa ilo r s, by D . C . M c M u rtr ie .
W a sh in g to n , 1 9 1 8 . 319 p p .
The volume deals with the subject of rehabilitation generally, its principles, the
attitude of the public toward the disabled man, and the outlook and viewpoint of the
men themselves. I t then takes up the various countries—France, Belgium, Great
Britain, Italy, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Canada, and other British dominions.
Information concerning placement, insurance, and pensions in the various countries
concerned is included. The foreword states: “ It is probably the most complete
account available of the experience of the belligerent countries in rehabilitating their
disabled.”
----- F ed era l
T rade C o m m is sio n . S u m m a r y o f the re p o rt o n the m e a t-p a c k in g in d u s tr y .
J u ly 3 , 191 8 .
W a sh in g to n , 191 8 . 51 p p . F o o d in v e s tig a tio n .
Contains a summary of the findings and of the recommendations of the commission,
also of the evidence upon which both are based, which shows: “ First, the magnitude
of the large meat-packing companies, the extensive ramifications of their interests,
and the instruments by which they have established and maintain control. Second,
the nature of the'ir combination, with details of the various agreements and combina
tions. Third, the practices of the combination and their social and economic effects.
Fourth, the remedy proposed.’1
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1131]
M O N T H L Y LABOE BEVIEW .
296
U n ited S ta t e s .— T a r if f C o m m is sio n .
T a r if f I n f o r m a tio n S e rie s —N o . 5 .
T he g la ss
in d u s tr y as affected b y the W ar. N e w branches o f the in d u s tr y — C h an ges in m a n
u fa c tu re a n d tra d e d u e to w a r c o n d itio n s — H o ld in g e x p o r t a n d d o m e stic trade after
the W ar— T he g la ss tra d e o f E u r o p e a n c o u n trie s— T e s tim o n y o f le a d in g A m e r ic a n
m a n u fa c tu re rs.
W a sh in g to n , 191 8 . 147 p p .
OFFICIAL—FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
A r g e n t in a .— P ro y e c to de C ó d ig o de S e g u ro N a c io n a l con E x p o s ic ió n de M o tiv o s y P r o
yecto de L e y B a s ic a p re se n ta d o a la I I . C á m a ra de D ip u ta d o s en la se sió n N ° . 7 0 de
21 S e tie m b re de 1917 p o r el d ip u ta d o D r . A u g u s to B u n g e .
C ám ara de D ip u ta d o s de
la N a c ió n , B u e n o s A ir e s , 191 7 . 539 p p .
This volume contains the proposed code of national insurance presented to the
Chamber of Deputies of Argentina by Dr. Auguste Bunge in September, 1917. In a
book review which appeared in the M onthly R e v ie w for May, 1918, page 305, credit
inadvertently was not given to Dr. Bunge, who is the sole author of the text of the
proposed code and of the report which accompanied it, and it was erroneously stated
that the volume contained the report of a committee to which the proposed law was
referred. No committee report was made but Dr. Bunge recommended that a com
mittee be nominated to prepare a code, and he submitted the proposed code for the
study of such a committee when it should be appointed. In regard to the statement
that only 65,188 out of half a million registered members of associations of mutual
aid are Argentine citizens, Dr. Bunge writes that “ this is the membership of asso
ciations the majority of whose members are Argentines, but there are also many
Argentine citizens in the other associations—the Cosmopolitan, which admits mem
bers of all nationalities, and the Italian, Spanish, etc., which admit Argentines of
Italian or Spanish parents, etc.—perhaps a total of 150,000.”
A u st r a l ia .—B u r e a u o f C en su s a n d S ta tis tic s .
O fficial s ta tis tic s .
T rade a n d cu sto m s
a n d excise reven u e f o r the y ea r 1 9 1 6 -1 7 . P r e p a r e d u n d e r in s tr u c tio n s f r o m the M in is te r
o f S ta te f o r H o m e a n d T e rrito rie s. C . S . , N o . 3 3 4 . [M e lb o u rn e ,' 1 9 1 8 .] 612 p p .
Ca n a d a .—I m p e r ia l M u n itio n s B o a r d .
Canada.
[O tta w a .]
N o v e m b e r, 191 6 .
W o m e n in the p r o d u c tio n o f m u n itio n s in
64 p p . , m o s tly illu s tr a tio n s .
A collection of photographs showing women at work in Canadian munition plants.
The main object is to emphasize the practicability of woman labor in the production
of munitions in Canada, according to an explanatory foreword and a preface by the
director of the department of labor of the board.
------ (B r it is h C o l u m b ia .)— F ir s t a n n u a l r e p o rt o f the W o rk m e n 's C o m p e n s a tio n B o a r d
f o r the y e a r e n d in g D ecem b er 3 1 , 191 7 .
V ic to ria , B . C ., 1918.
30 p p .
A review of this report is given on pages 230 to 232 of this issue of th e M onthly
L a bo r R e v ie w .
D e n m a r k .—A r b e jd e r fo r sik rin g s -R a a d e t.
D anslce u ly k k e s in v a lid e r ; u n d ers^ g else o m
h vo rd a n det é k o n o m is k er g a a et f o r p erso n er, der 1 9 0 5 -1 9 1 4 a f A r b e jd e r fo r sik rin g s R a a d e t har f a a e t tilk e n d t e r s ta tn in g f o r m in d s t 50 p . c t. in v a lid ite t, fo r e ta g e t a f
A rb e jd e rfo rsik rin g s-R a a d e t t i l b ru g f o r det 4 de N o rd isk e A r b e jd e r -U ly k k e s fo rsik r in g sMqide ved * * * F . Z e u th e n . ( L e s in v a lid e s des a cciden ts d u tr a v a il en D a n e m a r k .)
C o p e n h a g en , 191 8 . 161 p p .
For a review of the salient features of this report on what becomes of the handi
capped man in industry in Denmark, see pp. 85 to 90. The volume contains a
very complete summary in French, pp. 147-161.
G r ea t B r it a in .— C e n tra l C o n tr o l B o a r d ( L iq u o r T raffic).
h u m a n o rg a n is m .
L o n d o n , 191 8 .
A lc o h o l, its a c tio n o n the
133, x , p p .
In November, 1916, the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) appointed an ad
visory committee “ to consider the conditions affecting the physiological action of
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1132]
M O N T H L Y LABOE REV IEW .
297
alcohol, and more particularly the effects on health and industrial efficiency produced
by the consumption of beverages of various alcoholic strength, with special reference
to recent orders of the Central Control Board, and further to plan out and direct such
investigations as may appear desirable, with a view to obtaining more exact data on
this and cognate questions.” This volume presents the unanimous conclusions of
the committee and is printed as the basis for further research. The preface is by
Lord D’Abernon, chairman of the Central Control Board.
G r ea t B r it a in .— C e n tr a l C o n tr o l B o a r d ( L iq u o r T ra ffic).
F o u rth re p o rt o f the C e n tra l
C o n tr o l B o a r d (L iq u o r Traffic) a p p o in te d u n d e r the D efen se o f the R e a lm {A m e n d
m e n t ) { N o . 3 ) A c t, 191 5 . [ C d . 9 0 5 5 .] L o n d o n , 1918. 27 p p . P ric e 3 d . n e t.
D efen se o f the R e a lm {L iq u o r C o n tro l) R e g u la tio n s , 1915.
This report in special chapters deals with the development of the general work
of the board—the areas to which the board’s orders have been applied; the special
treatment of certain areas; other matters of administration; scientific advisory com
mittee on alcohol; the effects of the restrictive orders; industrial canteens; and direct
control. Appendix I gives tables showing convictions for drunkenness, deaths from
alcoholic diseases, cases of attempted suicide, and deaths of infants from suffocation;
and Appendix II a sketch map showing the distribution of licensed premises in
Carlisle. In discussing the effects of the restrictive orders in reducing the inefficiency
which may be caused either by drunkenness or by drinking which is excessive and
harmful the report of the commissioner of police of the metropolis dated February 25,
1918, is quoted to the effect that “ In 1913 the convictions for drunkenness in the
Metropolitan police district amounted to 64,617; in 1914 they amounted to 67,103;
in 1917 they were 16,567. These figures relate to 200 police station areas making up
the 700 square miles of the Metropolitan police district with its population of over
seven and one-half millions.” The weekly average of convictions for drunkenness in
Greater London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, and Glasgow were in 1913,
1,259, 91, 286, 148, 514, respectively; in 1916, 566, 25, 112, 50, 319; in four weeks to
January 28, 1917, 566, 21, 91, 37, 286; and in four weeks to March 24, 1918, 217, 9, 83,
25, 157. “ The outstanding characteristics of these figures are (1) that, while public
drunkenness had already by the end of 1916 reached a low level which would have
been thought incredible two years or perhaps even one year previously, the period
subsequent to 1916 shows a further substantial decline; (2) that nearly the whole of
this substantial decline was secured in the earlier months of 1917; and (3) that a further
improvement, though now very slow and slight, and not quite universal, appears
to be still in progress.”
--------- -—■P u b lic
19 1 8 .]
h ealth a n d a lc o h o lism a m o n g w o m e n .
10 p p .
B y L o r d D 'A b e r n o n .
[L o n d o n ,
Address by the chairman before the board citing evidence based upon figures which
show the decrease in alcoholism and in its most vicious consequences among women
since 1913. The main causes of this decrease are stated to be apparently: “ The
restrictive measures applied to the sale of alcohol; the constructive measures adopted
to increase all opportunities for nonalcoholic refreshment: and the restrictions on the
output and release from bond of alcoholic liquors imposed by the food controller.”
--------------
P u b lic health a n d the c o n tro l o f the liq u o r traffic.
[L o n d o n , 1 9 1 8 .] 7 p p .
B y L o r d D ’A b e rn o n .
Address to the board by its chairman in which his account of the effects of alcoholism
upon mortality and public health is strengthened by the statistics of three tables:
I. Deaths certified as (a) from alcoholism, {b) connected with alcoholism, though not
directly due to it, and (c) from cirrhosis of the liver (not certified as alcoholic) in
England and Wales in each of the years 1913-1916, expressed in percentages of the
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1133]
M O N T H L Y LABOE REV IEW .
298
figures for 1913; II. Convictions for drunkenness, cases of delirium tremens treated
in poor-law infirmaries, and deaths from excessive drinking, in Liverpool, in three
12-month periods; and III. Convictions for drunkenness in England and Wales, in
years 1913-1916.
G r e a t B r it a in .— C e n tr a l C o n tr o l B o a r d (L iq u o r T ra ffic).
S o m e a sp e c ts o f the d rin k
[L o n d o n , 1 9 1 8 .] 6 p p . 4 charts.
Address to the board on the results of the scientific study of the effects of alcohol
on the health and life of males and females, to which is added charts showing the
consumption of spirits (all kinds) and beer in the United Kingdom in gallons per head
of population; number of persons tried for drunkenness in England and Wales; con
victions for simple drunkenness compared with convictions for drunkenness with
aggravations and involved with other offenses, for eight English cities, 1909 to 1916;
seasonal fluctuations of drunkenness, and convictions in England and Wales, figures
from “ Licensing Statistics.”
p ro b le m .
B y L o r d D ’A b e rn o n .
•------------ T em p era n ce
c o n d itio n s.
adva n ce i n E n g la n d a n d W ales.
[L o n d o n , 1 9 1 8 .] 1 p .
P re s e n t c o m p a re d w ith p re w a r
Chart illustrating the advance in temperance between 1913 and 1917, also the first
six months of 1918.
------------- T he
w o rk o f the C e n tra l C o n tro l B o a rd . S p eech by L o r d D ’A b e rn o n a t the
a n n u a l s p r in g a sse m b ly o f the C o n g re g a tio n a l U n io n o f E n g la n d a n d W ales. [L o n
d o n .] 6 p p .
An account of the results which have accrued to the nation from the system of
control of the drink trade which has been in force for the last three years.
——
C o m m ittee o n P r o d u c tio n a n d sp e c ia l a r b itr a tio n tr ib u n a l (S e c tio n 1 (2) M u n itio n s
o f W ar A c t, 1 9 1 7 ).
M e m o ra n d u m o n p ro c e e d in g s o f the C o m m itte e o n P r o d u c tio n s .
M a y 1 9 1 7 -A p r i l 1918. [C d . 9 1 2 6 .] L o n d o n , 1918. 9 p p . P ric e 2d. n e t.
Summarizes the work during 12 months of the committee, which is the principal
arbitration tribunal under the Munitions of War Acts for the determination of differ
ences between employers and employed. During the 12 months ending April 30,
1918, there were 1,333 awards made, as follows: May 1917 (part), 23; June, 53; July, 84;
August, 104; September, 76; October, 86; November, 120; December, 108; January,
1918, 145; February, 134; March, 184; April, 216.
The number of cases dealt with was 71 per month for the first six months, and 151
per month for the last six months. These represented practically all the principal
trades and industries of the country, and included not only cases referred to the
commission under the provisions of the Munitions of War Acts, but also cases which
were so referred by the voluntary consent of employers and workpeople.
------ H o m e
Office. F o r ty -se c o n d a n n u a l re p o r t o f H is M a je s ty 's in sp e c to r s o f e x p lo s iv e s,
b ein g th eir a n n u a l re p o r t f o r the y e a r 1 9 1 7 . [C d . 9 0 5 0 .] E x p lo s iv e s A c t, 1875 (3 8
V ie t., c. 1 7 ). L o n d o n , 191 8 . 18 p p . P r ic e 3 d . n e t.
—------- —
In te llig e n c e D e p a r tm e n t. R e p o r t. 1918.
the W ar. L o n d o n , 191 8 . 3 7 p p . P ric e 6d. n et.
I n f a n t w e lfa r e in G e rm a n y d u rin g
This report is summarized on pages 201 to 206 of this issue of the M onthly
L abor R e v ie w .
——
M in is tr y o f L a b o r.
n e t.
T he M o n th 's W o rk .
L o n d o n , J u ly , 1918.
16 p p .
P r ic e 2d.
This is the first issue of a monthly magazine issued by the Ministry of Labor.
There is a foreword by the Minister of Labor, and articles on Australia’s aid, the labor
resettlement committee, the problem of demobilization, and the Whitley report in
action. A section is devoted to the woman worker.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1134]
M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW .
299
G r ea t B r it a in .
M in is tr y o f M u n itio n s . H e a lth o f M u n itio n W orkers C o m m itte e .
The in d u s tr ia l e m p lo y m e n t o f w o m e n a n d g ir ls .
S e c tio n I V a n d A p p e n d ix B
e x tra cted f r o m f i n a l re p o r t. ( 1) T he in d u s tr ia l e m p lo y m e n t o f w o m e n . (2 ) A f u r th e r
in q u ir y in to the h ealth o f w o m e n m u n itio n w o rk ers.
B y M iss J a n e t M . C a m p
b ell. (3 ) G en era l f in d in g s o f in q u ir ie s in to the h ea lth o f w o m e n m u n itio n w ork ers.
B y M iss J a n e t M . C a m p b e ll. L o n d o n , 1 9 1 8 . 32 p p . "P r ic e , 3 d . n e t.
Very similar conclusions are reached in these three reports through the extensive
data upon which they are based. These include recommendations for the further
shortening of the hours of labor for women; adequate and suitable medical supervision,
including rest rooms and first-aid appliances, medical officers and nurses; the careful
selection of women, and restricting employment in the heavier work to those who are
young and physically capable; good and sufficient food at suitable times, including
the provision of industrial canteens; and a suitable factory environment. The com
mittee state it as their opinion that if the maximum output of which women are un
doubtedly capable is to be secured and maintained for an extended period, such
essentials must be provided. See pages 219 to 222 of the September M onthly L abor
R e v ie w for a more extended discussion of these reports.
------------ B e p o r t o f a c o m m itte e a p p o in te d b y the R ig h t l i o n , the M in is te r o f M u n itio n s
r e sp e c tin g the p r o d u c tio n o f f u e l o il f r o m hom e sou rces.
7 p p . P r ic e , I d . n e t.
-----
\C d . 9 1 2 8 .)
L o n d o n , 1 9 18.
M in is tr y o f P e n s io n s . L is t o f cou rses o f tr a in in g i n o p e r a tio n or s a n c tio n e d
th ro u g h o u t the U n ite d K in g d o m . L o n d o n .
M a y , 1918. 15 p p .
The object of this list, which will be amended from month to month, is to inform
local war pensions committees of the different centers at which facilities exist for the
training of disabled men in various trades, so that, where training is not available in
any particular area, advantage may be taken of the training provided by other areas.
----- M in is tr y o f R e c o n stru c tio n . F ir s t (in te r im ) re p o r t o f the C iv il W ar W orkers' C om
m itte e . [ C d . 9 1 1 7 .] L o n d o n , 1 9 1 8 . 11 p p . P ric e , 2d. n e t.
Contains recommendations for a plan of procedure for assisting munition and other
workers discharged on the termination of hostilities to return to their former occupa
tions, through the medium of employment exchanges working in conjunction with
the Labor Resettlement Committee and the local advisory committees—now bein"
constituted by the Ministry of Labor—in cooperation, when necessary, with the
Ministry of Industrial Councils or temporary trade committees now being set up by
the Ministry of Reconstruction, the Board of Trade, and the Ministry of Labor acting
jointly—and with the assistance of labor unions. The object of publishing the report
was to facilitate public discussion of the questions raised in it. Action is being taken
in connection with some of the matters referred to in the report, and others are under
further examination by committees or otherwise.
—--------- R e c o n stru c tio n
L o n d o n , 1918.
C o m m itte e . F o r e str y su b c o m m itte e .
1 0 5 p p . P r ic e , I s . n e t.
F in a l re p o rt.
\C d .8 S 8 1 .1
The matter of afforestation in the United Kingdom is here considered in two
parts—the present position and the forest policy recommended—in light of the fact
that dependence on imported timber has proved a serious handicap in the conduct
of the war and the resultant conclusion that in the interest of national safety more
timber should be grown in the British Isles. It is estimated that, in order to render
the United Kingdom independent of imported timber for three years in an emergency,
it will be necessary to afforest 1,770,000 acres, and it is advised that, taking 80 years
as the average rotation, two-thirds of the whole should be planted within the first
40 years. It is recommended that the care of forestry, which is now divided among
several departments, be centralized in a forest authority equipped with funds and
powers to survey, purchase, lease, and plant land and generally to administer the
areas acquired and authorized to make limited grants for every acre planted or newly
afforested during the first 10 years after the war by public bodies or private indi-
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1135]
M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW .
300
viduals, such plantations to be made in accordance with approved plans and con
ditions.
G r ea t B r it a in .— [ N a tio n a l H ea lth In su ra n c e J o in t C o m m itte e .] M e m o . 2 3 9 . S u m m a r y ,
o f the p r o v is io n s o f the n a tio n a l in su r a n c e (h ea lth ) a c ts , 1 9 1 1 -1 9 1 8 , f o r the in fo r m a tio n
o f m em b ers o f a p p r o v e d so c ietie s.
London.
J u ly 1, 1 9 18.
20 p p .
P ric e I d . n e t.
------------ N a tio n a l
in su ra n c e a c ts, 1 9 1 1 -1 9 1 7 . R e tu r n as to the a d m in is tr a tio n o f
s a n a to r iu m b en efit f r o m J a n u a r y 12, 191 4 , to D ecem b er 31, 1914, cind J a n u a r y 1,
191 5 , to D ecem ber 3 1 , 191 5 . [C d . 8 8 4 5 .] L o n d o n , 1 9 1 7. 8 p p . P ric e I d . n e t.
Contains tables and explanatory notes relating to sanatorium benefit received
by general and tubercular cases.
----- N a tio n a l H e a lth In su ra n c e J o in t C o m m itte e a n d the In s u ra n c e C o m m issio n e rs f o r
E n g la n d , S c o tla n d , Ir e la n d , a n d W ales. C irc u la r A . S . 192. N a tio n a l health
in su ra n c e . R u le s o f a p p r o v e d so c ietie s. [L o n d o n ,] M a y , 1918. 2 p p .
- -P a r lia m e n t.
C e n su s o f E n g la n d a n d W ales, 191 1 . (10 E d w a r d 7 a n d 1 G eorge
5, ch. 2 7 .)
V o l. X . A p p e n d ix .
C la ssifie d a n d a lp h a b e tic a l lis ts o f o c c u p a tio n s
a n d ru le s a d o p te d f o r c la s sific a tio n . [C d . 7 6 6 0 .] L o n d o n , 1915. 37 p p . P ric e 3 s.
These lists contain considerable additions to those of the last census, which are
“ the result of correspondence with representative employers of labor and others
who in many cases willingly cooperated in the revision of the list by furnishing
extensive and detailed lists of the terms used in their respective industries; further
additions have also been made by incorporating some of the terms which in the process
of tabulation were found to be used by the employees themselves in describing their
occupations on the census schedules.”
-------- -—- H o u se o f C o m m o n s. S e le c t C o m m itte e . R e p o r t o n lu x u r y d u ty , together w ith
the p ro c eed in g s o f the c o m m itte e a n d a p p e n d ix e s .
n e t.
L o n d o n , 1918.
51 p p .
- -------- H o u se
1918.
o f C o m m o n s. S e le c t co m m itte e o n n a tio n a l e x p e n d itu re .
L o n d o n , 1 9 1 8 . 14 p p . P ric e , 2 d . n e t.
Deals largely with the subject of cellulose acetate manufacture.
------------------------- S ix th re p o rt, 19 1 8 . L o n d o n , 1 9 1 8 . 4 p p . P r ic e , I d .
A report upon the Ministry of Information.
------------------------- S e v e n th re p o rt, 1918. L o n d o n , 1918. 37 p p . P rice,
Makes recommendations in regard to the form of public accounts.
I n d i a .— D e p a r tm e n t o f S ta tis tic s . S ta tis tic s o f B r itis h I n d ia .
1 9 1 6 -1 9 1 7 . [ N o . 5 8 5 .] C a lc u tta , 1918. 230 p p .
C h art.
V o lu m e V.
P ric e 6d.
F ifth re p o rt,
6d. n et.
E d u c a tio n .
I r e l a n d .— L o c a l G o v e rn m e n t B o a rd .
A n n u a l re p o rt f o r the yea r en ded 3 1 st M arch ,
1 9 17, b ein g the f o r ty - fif th re p o rt u n d e r “ The L o c a l G o vern m en t B o a r d ( I r e la n d ) A c t,
1 8 7 2 ,” 3 5 a n d 36 V ie t., c. 69. [C d . 8 7 6 5 .] D u b lin , 1917. L X I I I p p . P ric e 4 d .
Covers Local Government (Ireland) Acts 1898 to 1902, etc.; Poor relief; Public
health, etc., acts; Provisional orders; Laborers acts; Borrowing by local authorities;
Payments from the local taxation (Ireland); Account in aid of local rates, etc.
I t a l y .— C o m u n e d i M ila n o .
D ecem ber, 1917.
A n n u a r io S to r ic o -S ta tis tic o 1916.
C C I I I , 604 p p .
V ol. X X I I I .
M ila n ,
A historical-statistical yearbook for 1916 of the city of Milan, containing the
kind of statistics usually shown in municipal yearbooks. Of special interest to
labor are the data on immigration and emigration, food, prices, employment offices,
unemployment, labor disputes, factory inspection, industrial accidents, social insur
ance, and workmen’s and employers’ organizations.
----- M in istè re p o u r V a ssista n c e m ilita ir e et les p e n s io n s de g u erre. L e p ro b lè m e des p e n
sio n s de gu erre en I ta lie . R e la tio n d u c o m m a n d a n t a vo ca t G io v a n n i G iu r ia ti a la
conférence in te ra llié e de L o n d re s ( M a i 1 9 1 8 ). R o m e , 1918. 4 7 p p .
A paper on the problem of war pensions in Italy read at the interallied conference
on the after-care of disabled soldiers in London (May, 1918), by Judge Advocate
Maj. Giovanni Giuriati in behalf of the Italian Ministry for Military Assistance and
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1130]
M O N T H L Y LABOE REVIEW .
301
War Pensions. Tlie paper, after discussing the difficulties of the problem, considers
the latter from its juridical, moral, political, and social aspects, describes the procedure
of the award of war pensions, and gives a table showing the amount of the pension
for the various military and naval ranks according to the grade of disability.
N
Z
e w
N
. — [Registrar-general’s office.]
Statistics fo r the year 1916. In fo u r vol
Volume IV : Education. Miscellaneous. Wellington, 1917. 184 pp.
e a l a n d
umes.
. — Fiskeridirektgren.
Norges Fiskerier, 1915.
(Norges Officielle Statistik, VI: 115.)
o r w a y
Christiania, 1917, 84*, 144 pp.
This annual report on the fishing industry of Norway shows that there were 86,076
men employed in the industry in 1915, of which number 67,771 were employed in
deep-sea fishing.
Riksforsikringsanstalten. Aarsberetning nr. 21 fra Riksforsikringsanstalten (1917).
[Christiania, 1918.] 50 pp.
------------
This financial report of the State Insurance Institute of Norway shows that the
administrative expenses of the system formed 7.3 per cent of the gross premiums for
the calendar year 1916. The average for each of the years, 1912 to 1916, was 9.8, 7.2
7.5, and 8 per cent, respectively. The average for the period 1895 to 1916 was 9.8
per cent. The administrative expenses for 1916 amounted to 458,414 crowns ($122,854.95).
D A TA
R E L A T IN G
TO
N O R W E G IA N
IN D U S T R IA L
A C C I D E N T I N S U R A N C E , 1 9 1 1 -1 9 1 5 .
( D o e s n o t i n c l u d e f i s h e r m e n ’s a n d s e a m e n ’s i n s u r a n c e . )
Y ear.
Num
ber of
a c c i
d en ts
com
pen
sa te d .
N um
ber of
a c c i
d e n ts
not
com
pen
sa te d .
7 ,5 6 4
8 ,8 0 8
8 ,8 4 9
8 ,6 9 7
9 ,0 8 0
289
321
343
336
308
T o ta l
nnm ber of
a c c i
d en ts
re
p o r ted .
N u m b e r o f co m p en sa te d
a c c id e n t s r e s u lt in g in —
D ea th .
D is a
b ility
of over
4 w eek s.
D is a
b ility
of 4
w eeks
or le s s .
A m o u n t o f c o m p e n sa tio n .
T o ta l.
Crotons.
1 9 1 1 ............................
1 9 1 2 ............................
1 9 1 3 ............................
1 9 1 4 ............................
1 9 1 5 ............................
-----------
7 ,8 5 3
9 ,1 2 9
9 ,1 9 2
9 ,0 3 3
9 ,3 8 8
Statistiche Central Bureau.
ania, 1918. 12, 212 pp.
138
116
127
129
206
4 ,3 1 1
4 ,6 6 5
4 ,7 7 0
4 ,8 5 7
5 ,1 2 2
3 ,1 1 5
4 ,0 2 7
3 ,9 5 2
3 ,7 1 1
3 ,7 5 2
2 ,8 7 2 ,1 0 7
2 ,8 2 0 ,7 0 3
3 ,0 2 3 ,2 2 7
3 ,1 7 6 ,5 5 3
3 ,4 7 5 ,6 3 2
P er com
p e n sa te d ca se.
Crowns.
( 1 7 6 9 ,7 2 5 )
( 7 5 5 ,9 4 8 )
( 8 1 0 ,2 2 5 )
( 8 5 1 ,3 1 6 )
( 9 3 1 ,4 6 9 )
3 7 9 .7 0
3 2 0 .2 4
3 4 1 .6 5
3 6 5 .2 5
382. 78
Statistisk Aarbok fo r Kongeriket Norge, 1917.
( $ 1 0 1 .7 6 )
( 8 5 .8 2 )
( 9 1 .5 6 )
( 9 7 .8 9 )
( 1 0 2 .5 9 )
Christi
This annual yearbook of the Kingdom of Norway presents the statistics usually
found in such a publication. Of interest to labor are those sections dealing with
social insurance, unemployment, employment exchanges, trade-unions, and employers’
associations, strikes and lockouts, retail prices, and the cost of living. The latest
data available are generally for the year 1916.
S
. — K . Socialstyrelsen.
Kooperativ Verksamhet i Sverige, Arm 1911-1913.
w
e d e n
Stockholm, 1918, 597 pp.
(Sveriges Offidella Statistik, Sodalstatistik.)
According to the above report at the end of 1913 there were registered in Sweden
3,762 cooperative societies. Of that number 1,024 were cooperative consumers’
leagues and 2,253 building associations of various kinds. At the same time there
were registered 2,174 agricultural cooperative societies of various kinds, principally
cooperative purchasing associations, 1,055 out of the 2,174 registered being of the
latter kind.
The average annual sales of cooperative consumers’ leagues amounted to 6.98
crowns ($1.87) per inhabitant in 1913. The membership of this class of societies
82617°—18-----20
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
11137]
M O N TH LY LABOE REVIEW.
302
numbered 85,358 persons at the end of 1910 and had increased to 112,694 at the end
of 1913.
S
w
.— K.
Socialstyrelsen. Levnadskostnaderna i Sverige 1913-1914, Del II.
Lokalmonografier- 6. Hälsingborg. Stockholm, 1918. 88 pp.
e d e n
This monograph forms one of a series of studies on the cost of living in the principal
cities of Sweden undertaken by the official labor office. This particular monograph
covers the city of Hälsingborg. The data covers the period 1913-1914.
S
. —Schweizerischen
Volkswirtschaftsdepartement. Berichte der schweizer
ischen Fabrikinspektoren über ihre Amtstätigkeit in der Jahren 1916 und 1917.
Aarau, 1918. 240 pp.
w it z e r l a n d
The annual report for the years 1916 and 1917 of the Swiss factory inspection service.
For purposes of factory inspection Switzerland is divided into four inspection districts,
and in the present volume the chief inspector of each district makes a separate report
on general industrial and working conditions, the workrooms, accidents and trade
diseases and measures for their prevention, workmen’s lists, working regulations,
wage payment, hours of labor, woman and child labor, enforcement of labor laws,
and welfare measures. It is to be regretted that the four individual reports are not
Hiimma.riy.ed and therefore can not be reviewed here. The volume contains, however,
a few summary tables covering all Switzerland with respect to industrial accidents,
trade diseases, permits for overtime, night and Sunday work, and fines imposed for
contraventions of labor laws.
In industries carried on in factories the number of workmen employed in 1916
was 367,444 for which 25,021 accidents involving temporary disability, 2 involving
permanent disability, and 82 ending fatally were reported. The accident rate per
1,000 workers was 60, and the total amount paid in accident compensations was
5,376,385 francs ($1,037,642.31). The accident rates were highest in power and gas
plants and waterworks (128), metal working (122.1), factories of machinery, apparatus,
and instruments (119.9), and in factories working up stones and earths (119.7). The
silk industry had the lowest accident rate (19). A total of 7,884 accidents were reported
by nonfactory establishments (building trades, road and railroad construction, hydrau
lic and well construction, quarries, transportation, etc.), of which one.involved
permanent disability and 50 caused death. The total amount of compensation
paid was 1,530,222 francs ($295,332.85). A total of 72 cases of sickness and death from
trade diseases was reported for 1916 as against 31 cases for 1915. Of this number 16
cases were caused by chlorine, 13 by hydrochloric acid and hydric fluoride, and 11
by carbonic oxide and carbonic acid. Six cases were fatal.
The number of permits granted in 1917 for overtime, Sunday, and night work
shows a considerable increase as compared with 1916. A total of 819 fines, amounting
to 26,018 francs ($5,021.47), was imposed in 1916 and 1917 for contraventions of the
factory law and the law regulating work on Saturdays.
The reports from all four inspection districts state that after the great industrial
depression of the first two years of the present world war great and steadily increasing
activity set in in 1916 and 1917 in the Swiss industries. This activity is only limited
by the lack of certain raw materials and coal and by the scarcity and unrest of labor.
High wages offered by some industries cause the workmen to' change from one employ
ment to another, and the turnover of labor is consequently abnormally great. One
inspector reports that in a machine shop employing 55 men 110 workers were hired
and left again between November, 1916, and February, 1917. Lack of foreign competi
tion and great demand for manufactured products have caused the establishment in
Switzerland of a number of new industries and have caused other industries that in
prewar times barely managed to exist to prosper in an unprecedented manner. All
the inspectors regret the intensive development of the munitions industry in Switzer
land during the present war, for the reason that the high wages paid in this industry
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1138]
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W ,
303
cause the withdrawal of large numbers of skilled workers from legitimate peace in
dustries and make factory hands of them.
o p B e r n e ).— Verwaltungskommission des Arbeits- und Wohnungsamtes und der VersicherungsJcasse gegen Arbeitslosigkeit. Venvaltungsberichl f u r das
Jahr 1917. Berne, 1918. 16 pp.
S w it z e r l a n d (C it y
This is the annual report for 1917 of the single administrative commission in charge
of the varied activities of a public renting bureau, a public employment office, and a
system of subsidized unemployment insurance for the city of Berne.
The commission r
@FedFRASER