The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1917-08-25
LABOR STANDARDS
ME|vACED BY WAR,
EXPERT DECLARES
Former Secretary Of British
Board on Health of Munition
Workers Warns u. s..

"ASalNIION, Aug. IS.-Ine
of the dangerous industrial conditions
with which Great Britain was forced
to contend during the first two years
of war, according to Phillip Sergeant
Florence, until recently secretary of
the health and munitions workers
committee created by the English gov
eminent. Florence is now in this
country and has prepared for the Peo-
pies council the data which he fur
nished the British government for the
purpose Of safeguarding the workers
engaged in war industries.
Working as secretary of the British
health and munitions workers COM
n1ittee; he showed that the hasty con-
struction Of dwelling, the growth of
cities around war plants, high prices
and the accompanying conditions of
rapidly built industrial plants have
brought men, and women workers in
the British isles to a state bordering
almost on Generalization.
Points out Tendencies.
In submitting his conclusions to the
policy committee of the Peoples
emergency the following tendencies
1. The introduction Of new grades
of workers. The "dilution of labor"
as this tendency is known in England,
consists Of employment Of those less
fit, and of unskilled labor and Of .spe-
cial automatic machinery to replace
the skilled artisan. This new labor
may that of women, children, negroes,
old men, ETC., but in all cases, If in
troduced without democratic s1pervi-
sion, will result in unemployment, un-
suitable work or the cutting of wage
standards. A tendency toward the in
creased use of sweatshops will also
Assert itelf
Workers. Welfare Ignored. ~.
2. The i1asty construction of tenn.
'porary factories with unhealthy and
unsafe conditions. The haphazard
growth of cities around new factories
with little provision for decent hous-
ing or adequate food. What food and
housing there is will be. obtainable
only at exorbitant prices. The condi-
ton would be particularly disastrous
to the health and morals Of young
girls and women away from home for
the first time.
workers under the existing conditions
to the uttermost limit to fill urgent
contracts. For this purpose the spur
Of patriotism will be- used as an in
centive. This is cheaper to the en-
ployer than the payment of increased
wages or bonuses, but will hardly feed
and house the workers adequately for
the additional exertion required OF
him. (See the end.)
4. All present labor resources will
be used up to the uttermost, regard
less of any increased value in the fu-,
ture. Just as war loans Withdraw
wealth from the productive uses and
impose an unfunded liability on the
future, 50 children will be withdrawn
from school and exploited before
reaching full powers. Their youthful
energy will be dissipated Immediately
and wastefully.
Outlines Program.
5. No consultation with labor, on
the plea of lack Of time and efficiency.
It is, therefore, urged that a vigil
liant democracy shall insist upon the
following standards:
1. Observation-Disclosures wage;
/. Earnings-Minimum wage; equal
pay for equal work; men and women,
white and negro; increase in the scale
shall be made proportionate to the
rising cost Of living.
2. Working Conditions-Maximu
hours Of work (eight hours a day.,
overtime pay; limits to speeding up;
prohibition Of night work: factory
standards; safety for accident, poi
soning, etc.; hygiene, ventilation, tenn
perature, sanitation; facilities for
meals, transit home and housing.
3. Conservation Of human re-
sources-no child labor.
4. Industrial democracy; enforce
ment of state legislation: no paternal-
ism; trade union participation.
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