The Connecticut labor news., 1922-06-23
EMPLOYER REFUSES
 TO ACCEPT PAY CUT:
 LIVING IS TOO HIGH
Chicago Printer Sets An Unusual Example in Turning Down
 Arbitration Award.

The Bronson Canode Printing Co. of Chicago, strictly union concern, is the first firm in this country, ac- cording to M. w. Martin, editor of the Blacksmith, Drop Forgers and Helpers Journal, to adopt the policy of declining to reduce wages and not accept a decision of an arbitration committee that ordered a cut in the pay of all printing, binding, and press room workers.
 In addition to it's refusal to cut wages of it's employees, the firm vol untarily places insurance protection on every worker in it's employ, from the mechanic down to the office force pays the premiums from the earnings of the firm, and makes the dependents of these workers the benefciaries under the policies instead of the firm being the beneficiary, as is the case with most concerns.
 The following letter, written by Charles H. Canode, president of the Bronson Canode Co.,, gives an insight into it's manner of treating with it's workers It is addressed to the off, cers of Franklin Union Mo- of Chi cago:
 Il have been away from the city for some time, and your recent circular, with the circular of the Closed Shop Division of the Franklin Association, notifying of reduction of wages agreed upon by arbitration, for mem bers of the Franklin Union, were de- layed in being brought to my atten- ton.
 "I am very much surprised that decision authorizing cut in wages under present conditions has been agreed upon by the board of arbitra- ton and can not understand how any unbiased arbitrator could render such decision, as 1 feel that the cost of living has not been sufficiently re- duced to justify a reduction of wages of printers employees at this time.
 "We believe in the policy. of live and let live,' and we want our em- ployes to live just as we'll as enjoy the same conditions that we, as em- ployers, enjoy; we believe that Is their God-given right; we believe satisfied employe IS an asset, while dissatisfied employe is liability to any concern-for who can put in his best efforts for his employer when the money he receives for his hire is not sufficient to properly maintain those dependent upon him for support?
 The Bronson Canode Printing Co. therefore vii continue to pay the same scale of wages to Franklin No. 4 for the 44-hour week that has been in effect since the 44-hour week was first established ,and shall not re- duce wages in any department of our plant until fuel, rents, and other costs which go to make up the high costs of living are materially reduced
 I've are paying higher wages in all departments of our plant than any shop in the city of Chicago, and we are meeting competitive prices with printers doing our class of work. We are making money, and we are pay ing our employees, in addition to their salaries, share of our profits, rang ing from five per cent to about Is per cent of their yearly salaries.
 ,"We believe all employing printers should feel kindly toward Franklin Unoin No. 4, because it was their initial demand for a living wage that put the 'guts' in the employing print CTS of this town, to go out and ask for just and adequate prices for their product; and now, when these em- ploying printers, some of the big ones, are Dragging about having paid income tax on $25o,ooo earnings dur ing 1921, I feel at least that they arc practicing false economy to demand reduction in wages at this time"