MASSACHUSETTS LABOR BULLETIN. No. 31. MAY. CITY LABOR IN MASSACHUSETTS. 1904. The pay of city laborers was considered in the first publication of the Labor Bulletin in January, 1897. The present investigation of city labor in the Commonwealth is more extensive in its scope, covering not only the laborers in the different departments of municipal work, but all branches of employment paid by the day. The Saturday half-holiday has also been given consideration, as well as the number employed during the last week in December, 1903, the period for which returns were made in almost every city. We realize that the time was inopportune so far as the number of employees was concerned, the number on the payrolls for that week being naturally small and, in most cities, not indicative of the weekly average for the year, operations in some of the departments being entirely suspended. Nevertheless, the demand for data on the subject of city labor, and the agitation attendant upon orders introduced by city councils for increases in the daily wages of laborers, seemed to warrant an immediate presentation. All cities are represented except Newburyport, the Bureau being unable to obtain a return from this city. Little uniformity is shown in the classification of labor. It must be borne in mind, however, that the eight-hour day is now operative for laborers, mechanics, and workmen employed upon city work, all cities in Massachusetts having accepted the provisions of Chapter 344, Acts of 1899, amended by Chapter 357, Acts of 1900. The showing for Boston is given in detail for every department operated during the week under consideration. The data were taken from the payrolls of the city, and the classification is not arbitrary but is that specified by the Civil Service. Apparent inconsistencies may appear, as, for instance, in the water department where we note subforemen receiving a higher daily wage than foremen. This may doubtless be due to the fact that the foremen were district overseers of small gangs, while the sub-foremen were assistants to foremen having more responsibility. The following presentation shows by municipalities, alphabetically arranged, the rates of daily wage, and the departments and branches of city labor, with remarks as to number employed, contract work, Saturday half-holiday in 1903, etc. The lighting of the city is done by contract; the printing is in the hands of a committee, while the Public Property Committee has charge of the public buildings department. The permanent wage earners in the employ of the city are few in number, as employees are hired when needed. Saturday half-holidays were not given to laborers in 1903, but were granted to public officials during four months of the year. |