Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-02-11
SHARING OF PROFITS.
Il. K. Porter & Co. Make the Sixth
Annual Voluntary Distribution.
NOT so LARGE AS LAST YEAR,
Though the Plan Is Declared to Have Been
Very Successful.
HEARTY COOPERATION is NECESSARY

Yesterday H. Z. Porter & Co. made the
sixth annual voluntary distribution to its
workmen. The 800 or 400 employees of the
locomotive works were each made happy by
the substantial reminder of the firms in
terest in their welfare. Each man received
the following circular:
Continuing our voluntary distribution,
now six years in force, we hand you inclosed
check. The sum is q little less in proper
tion to wages received by you in 1891 than in
1890, but this reduction is nothing like that
sustained by us in the outcome of the years
business. Had it not been that in devising
this distribution, we had had reference to
some such years of unsatisfactory returns,
the sum distributed would be much less
than it now is.
We take pleasure in again expressing our
and your endeavors to bring about the best
results We note your interest even when
you may not be aware of it.
Hearty Cooperation Necessary.
If any of you are ever tempted
to be careless OF Indifferent or
negligent in any way of what is
importance to the firm, he is not only work
ing injnry to us, but also to his fellow work
men; and besides this, Is endangering this
whole plan of a money distribution. So long
as we can see determination to do the best
possible, in every respect, prevailing
throghout our shops, we shall be disposed to
continue this general distribution to all.
But if contrary spirit should manifest
itself ana men show disposition to shirk
work or to do the least possible, rather than
the most, 1T may become question with us
whether this plan shall be continued in the
future 1t can be continued, if you all heart
lily cooperate to enable us to do it.
A member of the firm in speaking of this
yearly distribution said: "We do not con-
slider the money we give our employees
gift to them. Six years ago we decided to
in some way show them the appreciation
we had for them, and at the
same time get something in return.
''The present plan was adopted and it has
worked like a charm. All the employees
share in the divide proportionally, unless it
be some man who has only worked week
with us and shows no extra ability. Our
apprentices too, are not forgotten, but, like
the man who has been on our payroll for 20
years, comes in for his share.
Helping to Pay for Homes.
'SThe system, think, is the best in
vogue. Many firms have other ways of
giving extra money to their men, but 1 do
as we do. For instance, firm or company
puts certain amount of money into an in
surance fund for its men. That may be all
right, but with that system the money does
not go through the employees hand
think man likes to spend money for him
self He has the satisfaction of doing what
he wants with it. .
''The money given out to-day, in each
case, will go long way towards helping to
pay for home, or securing life insurance.
While we do not dictate to our men as to
how they shall spend their money, we let
them understand that we want them to
make a substantial use of it. They always
do, if they did not, am of the opinion the
system would be dropped.
'That last paragraph in our circular is
just put in for a precautionary purpose
We want our men to know that if they do
not work for our interests we cannot work
for theirs. Our plan is to bring about free
communion with both employer and en-
ploye, and our end is being satisfactorily at
tanned. Our relations with every employe
are the most pleasant, and during the time
this plan has been working there has not
been the slightest rupture between en-
ployer and employed"