TECHNIQUE OF THE FIVE-DAY WEEK 35

from the former weekly total, and that of the adjustment in
wage rates necessary to compensate for this lost working
time. Inability to arrive at a satisfactory answer to these
questions is likely to be the chief stumbling-block in the way
of those who are seriously and sympathetically considering
the adoption of a five-day week schedule.

ADJUSTMENT OF WAGE RATES
Consideration of the five-day week inevitably brings up the
question of its effect upon wage scales and upon the earnings
of the workers affected. When no change in total hours per
week is involved in the changed work schedule, the wage
question does not enter, but if so much as a half-hour is
dropped from the weekly total, the problem of adjustment
becomes an important issue. The decision in this matter
may rest with the employer, it may be arrived at by joint
agreement between management and employees or, in the
case of unionized industries, it may be practically dictated
by the labor union.
In a number of the union trades in which the five-day
week schedule is prevalent, wage scales had already been
established upon a weekly basis before the shortened weekly
work schedule was adopted. The change to the five-day
basis, which usually involved a reduction of several work
hours in the weekly schedule, was negotiated with the understanding
 that weekly wage scales would remain unchanged.
This, in effect, amounted to an increase in the wage scale to
permit the earning of the same amount in a shorter work
week as was formerly earned in a longer one.
When the decision governing wage scales is not affected by
outside influence, diverse policies prevail. The wage payment
 system already in force is an important factor in the
situation. Where employees are paid on the hourly rate
basis, no effort for increased production on their part can
make up for their wage loss through reduction in the number
of hours per week, since it is the hourly rate multiplied by the
hours worked that determines their weekly earnings. Where,
on the other hand, piece work or a premium or bonus system
of wage payment is in effect, the employee has some measure
of control over his earnings and, conceivably, can increase