Montana labor news., 1933-04-13

works during February and
Unemployment increased in Feb
ruary, according to the Federation's
estimate based on Government fig
ures," Mr.. Green, "and reports from
trade unions show a still further in
crease in the month of March.
"Our estimate for January showed
1881, 900 out of work (revised fig
ure) and in February unemployment
increased to 12,98O,OOO preliminary
figure). March reports from unions
show another increase, from 26.0 per
cent of the membership out of work
in February to 26.7 per cent in
March weighted figures). If the
increase in unemployment for the
country as a whole was of the same
proportions as in trade unions, some
100000 more lost their jobs in March,
bringing the total out of work in
March we'll over 100000.
New Downward Trend.
Increasing unemployment at this
time of year when industry usually
takes on more workers for the spring
busy season means that buying power
is cut still more, deflation is going
still further, a larger number still
are dependent on charity.
"This increase in March is partic-
ularly serious since it shows a new
rising trend in unemployment. Last
fall this rising trend had been check
ed, and the increase in u%nemploy-
ment was less than seasonal. But
this spring there is a counter-season-
al trend and unemployment is defin-
itely rising again. The far-reach-
ing consequences of this new increase
cannot be overlooked. 1t means the
beginning of a new downward trend.
Primitive Life for Millions.
GAS long as deflation continues we
cannot hope to get out of this de-
preston. Continuing deflation means
continuing destruction of our human
resources and our economic institu-
tons. Millions are going back to the
primitive life of two centuries ago,
and as their standard of living is re-
duced to starvation levels, industry
cuts its activity and its earning
power until it can no longer make
payment on debts.
More Wage Reductions.
"If deflation is carried to its limit,
our present civilization will be de-
stroyed. Yet deflation policies have
the upper hand. The Government
salary cut has already started wage
and salary cuts in industry-United
States Steel Immediately announced
another salary cut; Public Service
Corporation of New Jersey cut wages
and salaries 10 per cent. Wage cuts
mean further price declines, rent de-
clines, more liquidation, still lower
levels of business and Of living.
"The only way out Of this down
ward spiral is a vigorous government
program to get industry to work
again and men back at their normal
job producing and distributing goods.
70 Per Cent of Building Workers Idle.
sour unemployment reports show
u per cent out Of work in building,
SO per cent in manufacturing, 40 per
cent in metal trades, 4S per cent in
water transport, 81 per cent still out
of work in clothing, although this is
almost the peak of the spring season.;
80 per cent in motion pictures and
theaters; 90 per cent in printing,
where unemployment in March is
normally s per cent. The figure of
26.7 per cent out of work in the coun-
try as a whole weighted figure)
compares with a normal of Be- per
cent for March. Sixteen of our "a
cities report an increase in unemploy-
ment in March, only Q report any
general gain"