approaching when there should be a degree of consolidation of some of the present cost of living allowance or its equiva- lent, the Rehabilitation Allowance, in the basic wage. This would leave a smaller variable factor and give a feeling of greater security to the worker.
Chinese firms generally do not pay Rehabilitation Allowance, but a consolidated wage. As a rule they do not have as high operating costs as the large European concerns, but at the same time they cannot offer the same security of employment and their male employees are on a comparatively higher scale. In a great many Chinese industrial establishments, although a nucleus of permanent employees may be on a monthly basis, a large number of men and women are on piece rates which vary considerably from industry to industry. Average daily earnings, for nine hours' work, of men and women on a daily or piece-rate basis in a few representative industries are as follow:-
Electric Torch Manufacture and
Hardware Industry
Garment and Shirtmaking
Rubber-shoe Making
Cotton Spinning
Cotton Weaving
Men
Women
$1.20-$3.00 $1.20-$7.20
$2.00-$10.00*
$2.50-$10.00*
$2.30 $ 9.00*
$1.50 $7.00
$2.00-$10.00*
$2.00-$7.00
$3.30-$6.50+ $1.00-$4.00
* The highest figure applies either to mechanics or to men very highly
skilled in their own processes.
† Very few; most men on a monthly basis.
Working Hours
In the European concerns and in an increasing number of Chinese concerns, the 48-hour week is standard. The usual rest day is Sunday, though other days are allotted where work must be continuous.
The majority of Chinese-owned concerns work a 7-day week, with a longer working day, 9 hours being the most common, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with an hour break at midday). Overtime is common, in some cases almost regular: this is usually worked from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.- occasionally later for men-at the same piece rates, but at increased rates for daily-paid and in a few cases for monthly- paid workers. Some industries work more than 9 hours, e.g. the textile industry has usually a 10 to 12 hour day, though the majority of the spinning mills close one day a week.
Factories and Workshops
During the year 503 applications for registration of factories and workshops were received. 280 registration
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