Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-08-16
Labor Offices Monthly BulIe-
tin Reveals Chain Stores
Curtailed Forces.
DROP IN TOURIST TRAFFIC
REDUCES HOTEL WORKERS
City Improvement and Building
Operations Afford Jobs for
Many Men.

A slight recession in industrial en-
ployment occurred in the District dur
ing July, the Department of Labor
made known today in its monthly bull
letin of industrial employment infor-
nation Chain grocery stores and drug
stores curtailed their forces somewhat,
as did the larger department stores.
The department said further that a
decrease in the volume of tourist traffic
was reflected in hotel employment, and
that the presence of many migratory
workers, both skilled and unskilled, 4"
added to the surplus of labor which
has been apparent"
On the other hand, city improve
mentS, particularly street paving and
repairs, continued in fairly good VOL
ume and the department emphasized
that building operations, both private
and Federal afforded employment to
many men.
Some Employed Part Time.
throughout the country building con-
tinued below the high peak of pre-
vious years, although there was an
increase in the demand for outdoor
labor, chiefly unskilled workers and
farm help. Curtailed schedules con-
tinued In many manufacturing estab-
lishmentS, and large numbers of men
time basis.
In a review of wholesale prices in
July last the Labor Department said
that comparative estimates showed
the purchasing power of the 1926 dollar
to be $1.19 last month On the whole
price decreases among $50 commodities
for which comparable information for
June and July was collected far out
numbered the increases, with boosts
being recorded in only 81 instances.
Foods declined over ~ per cent from
the June average, but whatever bene-
fits that might accrue to the farm
population apparently were Offset to a
large extent by q decrease Of 6la per
cent in the price Of farm products.
Departments Statement.
In commenting on employment con-
ditions generally the Labor Depart
ment discussed the District Of Column
bia and nearby States as follows:
"Maryland--Geaeral While the ma
jority Of the industrial establishments
operated throughout July, part-time
schedules prevailed in many plants,
affecting many workers. A general
surplus of labor was apparent in the
larger cities. Road construction and
municipal improvements offered en-
ployment to a large number of men.
Building continued in fair volume.
but a surplus of these craftsmen OBJ
tanned in most localities. Plenty of
farm help reported.
"Baltimore--A surplus Of labor pre-
vailed throughout July. Some of the
unemployed were able to secure work
in one of the new industrial establish
fnents that Just entered production.
While the majority Of the local plants
were In operation, approximately SO
per cent of them curtailed operations
to some extent.
District of Columbia Washington
A slight recession In industrial employ
ment occurred in the District during
July. The chain grocery and drug
stores curtaiIed their forces somewhat,
as well as the larger department stores.
There was a decrease in the volume of
tourist traffic which was reflected In
hotel employment, which remained on
q curtailed basis. The presence of
many migratory workers, both skilled
and unSkilled, added to the surplus of
labor which has been apparent. City
improvements, particularly street paw
ing and repairs, continued in fairly
good volume and offered employment
to many men. Building under way in
cludes college structures at cost of
100000, a 100000 apartment house,
q $375, 5000 utility garage, a 100000
apartment house and many other large
commercial projects. Federal building
was also the source of employment for
large numbers of skilled as well as I'M
skilled laborers. A decrease in the
demand for domestic help occurred,
which Is, usual at this period of the
year when residents leave the city for
vacations.
Cities Had Surplus.
''Virginia -General.-The industrial
employment situation was described as
fairly satisfactory; however, a surplus
of labor was apparent in practically all
the larger cities. The majority of the
manufacturing establishments were in
operation, but part-tine schedules
were reported In number of plants
and factories. Highway construction,
building, municipal improvements and
agricultural work afforded employment
to a large number of skilled and I'M
skilled laborers
'Richmond-A surplus of building
trades men, railroad shop men and un-
skilled laborers prevailed. The ma
jority of the plants were in operation,
but part-time prevailed in a number,
including an iron manufacturing estab-
ishment and two paper mills. A rail-
road shop released approximately 100
men, including nachinists, electricians
and pipe filters. Work is to start in
the next 80 days on the erection of
post Office addition which will absorb
approximately 100 laborers"