New-York tribune., 1921-12-25
Average Factory
Wages in State
Continue Lower
Figures Show $24.32 Week
in Nov, Against S24.43 a
MONTH Ago, S24.47 Year
Ago: Seasonal Dizziness

ALBANY, Dec. 24-The downward
trend Of average weekly earnings Of
New York State factory workers was
continued during November, according
to the report Of Henry D. Sayer. IN
dustrial Commissioner, who reports the
average weekly wage during last month
as $2432. II cents less than October's
wage and about Is cents less than the
average IN November last year.
Widespread observance CT Armistice
Day, which fell within the period Gov
cred by q part OF the reports, wage
rate reductions in some plants and the
continuance OF the depression in some
industries were the chief factors caus-
ing the reduction in average weekly
earnings. In several industries sea-
sonal activity caused an increase, while
in others part-time work was replaced
by full-time work.
In the clothing group the greatest
decrease in average earnings occurred
in the women's clothing and in the
millinery industries. Seasonal inactlv
ity was the main factor in the reduc
ton in the millinery industry, but in
the women's clothing industry the
strike was partly responsible for the
loss. The only other noteworthy
change IN this group was in the mems
shirts and furnishings industry, where
a rather large increase was reported,
due 10 increased activity.
Shoe Trade Dull
The boot ard shoe industry reported
large decrease partly because Il num-
her OF plants were closed on Armistice
Day, partly as the result Of the 10 per
cent wage cut announced II the Roch-
ester factories and partly because OF
a seasonal reduction IN operations. a
reduction in the earnings Of workers
in the leather industry was due partly
to the closing Of factories on Armistice
Day and partly TO parC-time work IN
some factories The fur industry in
crease of 1921 was due entirely TO
seasonal activity. For the same reason
there was an increase of $1.38 in the
miscellaneous leather goods industry.
The piano industry showed sub
stantial reduction in November, large
lv because of the closing Of factor es
en- Armstice Day. The decrease in the
saw-miil and planlng-mill products in
dustries was the result Of the season
al decline. Some Of the furniture fac
tories reported increased working time
as we'll as increased employment, which
resulted in greater average earnings.
The structural iron industry re-
ported decrease Of $l.31, which was
the largest IN the metal and machinery
group. Other important reductions &C
Cured in the automobile, steel and
iron and sheet meta products indus
tries. Preparations for the holiday re
quirements resulted in an increase of
So 10 in the silverware industry. Sub
stantial increases also occurred ia the
manufacture OF cutlery and tools, type
writer's, meters. thermometers and
lanterns.
Resumption OF full-time work in
some Gil rehneries and increased activ-
ity in the manufacture of coal-tar by
products led to an increase OF Sf.52 in
= .erage earnings in the oil products in
dustries- The plants manufacturing
paints and dyes showed reduction OF
Si.02 from October to November.
Paper Trade Improves
Improving business conditions caused
average earnings in the paper making
industry to increase from October Il
November. In the printing and paper
goods group of industries the only i'm
portaut change was a reduction ir
earnings in the printing and publish
ing industry
Dull business caused some factorie.
in the silk Industry to operate on (
part-time basis, with the result tina
average earnings decreased substan
TALLY from October to November Tn,
knit goods industry also reported 1
decrease.
The average earnings in the chic
industry groups fer November were a
fol ows:
stone clay and glass products s4s 2
Metals, machinery and conveyancas. g5 9
! Wood manufactures -......--,.,. 244
frrs. leather and leather goods s-... 22-i
I Chemicals, oils. paints, etc. 2J.s
Paper .4.t....- ..-.,.....- ..--... 27-5
/ Printing and paper goofs ....-...... 20 &
Ie&tiles .---.-'.. ...s..- -. l
Clothing millinery, laundering. ate. 2l.H
( + cod, beverage- a1a tobacco .. ae5
Water, light ard power .-..-.-.... 34I
{ Total--ail industries .- x2s 9