River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1920-07-22
THE MINIMUM WAGE LAW

Minimum wage laws are now in
operation in IA states and in the
District of Columbia and in practical
~ all foreign countries. The idea be-
hind these laws is that "a laborer is
worthy of his hire" Every woman
who puts in an honest day of work
should be paid enough to support
herself in reasonable decency and
comfort, at least after the learning.
period.
This has been requirement OF law
in this state since 1918. Not until
1919, however was a determination
made of what is the living wage.
This law applies to all employers OF
women and minors, in every occupa-
ton. The minimum rate may be paid
to every adult woman or u every
minor over II years of age is 10 cents
per hour during the first three months
of employment in a trade or industry.
20 cents per hour during the second
three months, and % cents per hour
after six months. In seasonable IL
iastries which operate for only few
months during the year no learning
period is recognized and all women
and minor employees must be paid at
least % cents per hour. Minors be-
tween IA and II must be paid at least
Is cents per hour, which rate must be
increased to 20 cents per hour when
the minor is 16 and has completed
three months in the industry. Where
board and lodging is furnished by
the employer, he may claim a credit
therefor Of $3.50 per week for board
and $500 per week for lodging.
Special orders have been made for
small telephone exchanges and for
hospitals and sanitoriums. These es-
tablisments must pay the same hourly
rates as other employers. Since the
work is intermittent, it has been
found necessary to determine special
ly the number of hours which may be
taken as fairly representing the actu-
al amount of work done and which
must be paid for.
The only women or minor employees
to whom less than the rates given
above may be paid are indenured ap-
prentices and physically or mentally
handicapped persons who have been
licensed by the Industrial Commission
to work for less than living wage.
No such license can be granted unless
there is genuine handicap and unless
the rates paid are adequate to enable
all employees whip are not handicap
ed to earn at least the minimum llv-
ing wage.
Employers very generally have ac-
cepted this law without complaint. At
present prices, 90 cents per hour is
not a desirable wage, but only
minimum living wage. Most women
and minor employees in the state are
and should be well above this mini
mum. Nor is the wage based upon
Milwaukee prices, but raher upon
conditions in the small towns.
1t is true that only $3.50 OF the
women employees in Wisconsin live
away from home. Most of the other
1870, however, must contribute to the
family treasury at least enough for
their maintenance.
1t is recognized also that in many
occupations an employee cannot be-
come truly efficient in six months.
After six months, however, every en-
ployee who is at all suited for the
work should be able to earn enough
to support herself.
The Wisconsin minimum wage law
is reasonable and its requirements are
much less stringent than those of the
laws of other states. Every person
who employees any woman or minor
should become thoroughly familiar
with this law and should not fail to
observe it's provisions. The penalty
for violation is forfeiture of from
$40 to 500 for each day that any