ENG-1953 — Page 42

OCCUPATIONS, WAGES AND LABOUR ORGANIZATION

In many Chinese firms the majority of the workers are engaged on a day to day basis, either on a flat daily rate or on a piece-work rate, and employment fluctuates considerably. There is a wider range of wages in these firms varying from $2 ($1.50 in certain unskilled jobs for women or girls)

or girls) to $14. Generally speaking men and women do different types of work, but where the job done is the same, as in the case of textile operatives, piece rates are also the same, with earnings varying in accordance with individual proficiency.

Working Hours. The 48-hour week is standard in most European concerns and in some Chinese companies of a Western character. Public utilities, such as electric generating ștations, work on a system of three 8-hour shifts as do some of the spinning mills. The rest day is usually Sunday, but in certain cases other days in rotation are given instead.

out.

Many Chinese concerns of the non-European type still favour a 7-day week together with a 9-hour day. It is, however, compulsory for young persons under 16 years of age, in industrial employment, to be given a weekly rest day and regular inspections are made to ensure that this is being carried It is still difficult to obtain any general support for shorter hours, even from the workers, partly on the grounds that as so many are on daily or piece-work rates, with employ- ment dependent on business fluctuations, they must make the most of their opportunities when they have work. As a result, overtime is worked willingly during periods of good business. During 1953, however, overtime, except to finish rush orders, has been the exception rather than the rule.

Cost of Living

Chinese

The Government, most European and employers running a European type business pay a variable cost of living allowance to their manual workers over and

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