The Connecticut labor news., 1921-10-07
MANY NATIONS ARE
TAKING STEPS FOR
RELIEF OF JOBLESS
British Minister of Labor Gives the
Result Of World Wide Survey
of Unemployment

The fact that unemployment is practi-
cally universal throughout the civilized
countries of the world gives special i'm
portance to an article entitled, The In
dustrial Depression" appearing in La
Dor Overseas" an official journal issued
by the Ministry of Labor of Great Bri-
tain. 1t gives what the minister believes
to be the outstanding causes of unemploy-
ment, together with what is being done
or proposed in a number of leading coun-
tries to meet the unemployment needs.
1t is particularly pertinent here now. At
tentiOn is directed to the smallness of
the progress that has been made in mans
under standing and mastery of natural
economic forces, as we'll as the extent to
which economic Well-being is liable to
sucer disaster through the overriding ex-
igencieS of non-ecOnOmic political forces,
such as war"
The chief causes for stagnation in in
dustry and trade are given as follows ::
Cd The loss of the incominbs from five
years reproductive Investment and the
waste of five years destruction of CAPT
tai; CD the reaction, too long delayed
and therefore the more violent, from the
imitation and extravaganza natural in time
of war; 6 the accumulation of stocks
with view to the reOpenlng Of foreign
markets followed by the realization that
in many of these markets there is for the
present no effective demand; G. the
chaotic condition of the foreign ex-
changes-due not solely to economic
causes; 60 the confusion of money
values and real values, which causes pro-
ducers Of all grades to demand a con-
tinuance of a high level of nominal re-
enumeration, whether as profits or as
wages.
Such maladies of world economics"
says the British labor minister, can not
be cured by simple remedies within any
one country, and the record of remedial
measures is with few exceptions that of
the traditional palliatives and, primarily,
of State subventions or doles."
The article gives the salient features
of the unemployment situation in vari-
Gus countries and measures for dealing
with the crisis, A summary follows:
Canada-Relief is given by the nu-
inequalities. Government investigating in
surance systems Trades and Labor Con-
gress proposes short time, relief works
and advisory councils at employment
agencies.
South Africa-Bonus of $50 offered
men who would voluntarily sign off" at
Kimberly diamond mines. Government
found work for many men on public
works. South African Industrial Fede-
ration proposes creation Of unernploy-
ment fund by a levy on wages, progress
sive tax on profits and a State subsidy.
misunderstanding of metalliferous
minues and flour mills, and partial clos
ing Of government docks Cauesd much I'M
employment, especially in New South
Wales.
Latin America-Chilean government
decided Professionally on scheme of pub
lie works involving expenditure of 80
100000 pesetas ($1,095, 000D.
France-An endeavor is being made
to induce former rural workers to re-
turn to the land Admission of foreign
labor is severely restricted. Government
seeking to increase the mobility of labor
within the country.
GermanyLarge sums are being appro-
priated for public works, especially in
districts where unemployment is serious.
Government is restricting profits which
accrue from public contracts.
Italy experiments uIOSl SCllCldlIy
adopted are short time and public works.
committee invited workers
to cooperate in solving the
unemployment problem.
Spain-PropOsed that Bank of Spain
advance sums equal to half of normal
wages: on return to normal conditions
two hours overtime would be worked
daily, the payment for which would be
devoted to the repayment of advances
made; the State would pay the interest.
elgium-Extensive program of public
works prepared not only for home coun-
try but also for Congo colony. Bill for
unemployment insurance be-
ing drafted by the government.
Netherlands - Unemployment being
increased by employers in or
der to show 'unwisdom" of eight-hour
day and high wages. Unemployment in
suranCe bill being considered in Parlia
ment.
Switzerland - Commission considering
plan for compulsory unemployment in
surance Federal Council restricts I'M
port of certain goods in order to pro-
tect home industry. Reduction of profits
Of manufacturers and traders called tor
by the labor organizations.
Austria-Trade unionists at work are
one hours pay each day
o unemployment fund.