The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1916-02-17
DEMAND FOR LABOR WANING
Influx of Men From Ice Fields and from
Other Cities Leaves More Unemployed
Than in Former Months Prosper
GUS Spring and Summer Predicted.

| The January report Of the Manufac
turers' Bureau, just issued, furnishes
accurate statistics on conditions at the
| local factories. Indications point
strongly to a temporary drop in the de-
mand for help. This, however, may be
increased with the opening of work in
I the building trades, as a number of
painters, carpenters and other outside
tradesmen leave the shops in the spring.
1 Over seventy five percent of the Janu-
airy hiring was confined to the first two
weeks of the month, which would indi-
capacity in the number of operatives.
Common labor now on the market is
inferior in quality to that of former
years, although in numbers it is about
the average. Many good workers were
secured from Chicago and Milwaukee
and the let up of the ice harvest is
adding to the number seeking employ
ment. Apart from men required on
building operations outside, the shops
are fully supplied.
Twelve factories now employ approx
imately a total of ten thousand opera
tives, which is an Increase Of about
three thousand over the force of Janu-
airy, 1915.
It should also be borne in mind that
many of those employed year ago
were on short time while today the ma
jority are running on an overtime
schedule. During the winter full
night force was operated in several Of
the shops, but this has been reduced as
the factories caught up with the orders.
December proved very busy month,
| and January of this year was expected
to show even a greater increase. Most
firms run about even, but five showed a
reduction in the number employed
Calls for help were greatest during
November and December, but sixty be-
ing recorded for the past month. The
total of applicants registered numbered
four hundred seven and operatives five
hundred forty-six.
The safety and sanitation movement
| is receiving careful attention at all
factories In the Kenosha Safety Round
Table, an organization composed of SUI
lpNintendents and foremen, every ener-
gy is being set forth to further the
great work of saving life and limb.
At each monthly meeting, some i'm
portant phase of the subject is presented
Nv oh T.
discussed by those present. Each shop
has distinct safety organization which
lis productive of excellent results. Sew
eral plants are considering the advisa-
bility of abolishing the so-called "shop
doctor and establishing hospital de-
Ipartments with paid nurses to care for
the injured. No pains are being spared
Ito reduce accidents to the minimum.
Prosperous conditions at most Of the
factories for almost year have in
measure compensated for the dull times
of 1914. Many operatives who expert
enced hardships during that period have
been able to again establish themselves
comfortably and look forward with
DrlgnG hopes TO the future While the
manufacturing world at present is in a
state of uncertainty as to what the com
ing business situation will be, the
spirit of optimism prevails on all sides.
Much is dependent upon the European
situation, more along the line Of old and
new trade conditions, than to the sale
of munitions of war The latter is of
mushroom growth and will end abruptly
sooner or later. For future business,
the manufacturer must look forward to
the day when the world shall again be
at peace and trade relations re-estab-
hshed.