The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1934-01-30

An important contribution to the
studies made in an attempt. to un-
derstand the many and diverse
problems Of household workers and
their employers is offered in a re-
cent publication Of the Women's
Bureau. This study, entitled
Household Employment In Chica-
go" and made by B. Eleanor
johnson, discusses the subject or
household employment under three
main neads: The character OF the
employing group; the character OF
| the employe group; and outstand-
ling difficulties of employer and en-
ployes.
The survey, conducted in Chica-
go in 1880, deals with empowers
more than three fifths OF whom
had annual incomes OF over WV
900, It does not claim to give
picture of Chicago employment
conditions for household Workers
of to-day. In no other occupation
al cid, perhaps, has there been SO
drastic slipping OF standaras' VI
wages, and of working conuieioiis
during the depression period as IN
domestic employment, accoruins -
Miss Mary Anderson, d1rector o.
the Women's Bureau, U. 3. Depart
ment of Labor.
re report, as is pointed out, has
40 snecial value as evidence that
even in relatively normal times 1or
EN- blowers. and under much more
desirable conditions of work than
current ones. there are certain
Fundamental difficulties inherent In
this type of employment that seri-
ously affect the adjustment OF
workers to their jobs.
Household employment is q rela-
tion between individual employer
and employees. Accordingly, 1t Is
The household
empIoye nds no denite wage scale
based on experience, skill, or
amount Of work required. There
Is no standard for the length OF the
working day nor for the amount
of work to be accomplished during
ing that day. Overtime is rarely
computed or paid for. Many work.
ers are expected to perform any
service that may be required from
the time of getting up in the morn
ing un'l going to bed at night; in
domestic service it Is the person
WIN 10 ILL S0s eNAAN
labor of the person."
Lack of Standardization In
household employment is reflected
in the wide variety OF problems
faced by employer and worker, &C.
cording to the schedules received
from $50 employers and from 200
domestic workers. Major problems
of the employer include the secur-
ing of q worker with desired quail
cations; her training and efficiency:
her attitude toward her work and
her employer; and the cost OF SER
vice and turnover. Tho workers
problem comprise difficulties In
occurring the kind OF work desired
and favorable conditions within the
household, tho latter relating to
daily hours, free time, amount and
character Of work demanded, treat.
ment by employer, and living con-
ditlons.
The now publication should DO
found OF particular value 70 VEGA
tl0nRi guidance and placement onls
eiais. Employers answers 10 such
questions a. 10 the times OF DAY
nj which they most need assist.
aneoi thAIF comparative need Tor
different types OF ahsletnncei their
race, nativity, and age preferences
IN employees the personality traits
they ~ vt desire IN .weFkoFsi these
constitute useful material for these
eennsellns prospective household
TRIs Bulletin makes q special
contribution IN that u n enc of TIRE
most careful sinaies ever prepared