Evening star., 1942-02-17
Prevailing Wage
Continued From First Page. }

Star showed, results in the Govern
ment paying higher wage scales on
its own projects than are paid for
similar low-cost homes, built pri-
vately under the F. H. A. insurance
plan.
In addition to authorizing housing
developments for defense workers In
or near Washington, the bill en-
powers the Federal Works Agency to
allot an unspecifid part Of the $50
100000 to the District Government
for schools, hospitals and other IA
cilities equally essential to the well
fare Of the defense employees in this
area.
Meanwhile the Executive Com
mittee of the Washington Board of
Trade urged the Senate Committee,
before acting on the bill, to insert
in 1t language which will state
clearly what prevailing wage rates
are to be paid on authorized hous-
ing projects. The number of family
dwelling units which can be con-
stfucted under the authorization
would be considerably smaller, it
was pointed out, If the "a" union
scale applied to the emergency con-
struction.
Chairman Byrd of the Joint Con-
gressional Economy Committee, like
wise displayed interest today in the
existence Of two different wage
scales for comparable low-cost hous-
ing projects here. and added:
Il will ask the proper authorities
for an explanation.
Truman Favofs Solution.
Senator Truman, Democrat, Of
Missouri, whose Defense Investigat-
ing Committee has devoted some Of
its time to Government housing
problems throughout the country,
made this comment on the variation
In wages paid on private and public
home construction here:
There ought to be a solution
worked out that would make 1t con-
sistent"
Representative Hoffman, Repub-
lican, of Michigan, said he would 60
on the House floor today to voice his
views on the payrhent scale.
Il have not had time to look into
the situation" he declared, but
from what I have read in the news
papers, it seems like hyprocricy to
me-"
Chairman Lanham Of the House
Public Buildings and Grounds Com
mittee, which last week piloted
through the House bill authorizing
an appropriation of $50000,000 for
housing and public works facilities
for Government war workers in the
District and its Metropolitan Area
refused to comment today.
1t has been pointed out in The Star
that if the Government continues to
pay the highest wage scales on its
housing projects, it not only will add
millions to the cost Of those DWELL
ings, but will before long make that
the established scale for residential
construction.
Private Undertakings Slowed.
While a large percentage of the
new residential building here, has
been provided by private builders,
who paid substantially lower wage
scales than are fixed for similar
Government projects, from now on
private undertakings will be slowed
down by priorities and related war
problems.
The slowing down of private con-
struction, coupled with the launch
ing Of new Government projects at
the high wage rates, will, it is
pointed out, tend to make the
higher rates the prevailing scale.
In explanation Of the wage dif-
refence, the Labor Department,
which predetermines the prevailing
wage in an area under acts of Con-
gress, contends that speed is essen
tial in providing defense housing,
and that the contractors large
enough to take the work are bound
by union agreements to pay the full
union scale regardless Of the type
Of work undertaken.