Unemployment in the United States

Bibliographic data

Monograph

Identifikator:: 1828236179

URN:: urn:nbn:de:zbw-retromon-226169

Document type:: Monograph

Title:: Unemployment in the United States

Place of publication:: Washington

Publisher:: United States, Government Printing Office

Year of publication:: 1930

Scope:: II, 193 Seiten

Digitisation:: 2022

Collection:: Economics Books

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Document type:: Monograph

Structure type:: Chapter

Title:: Statement of Mr. William Green, president of American Federation of Labor

Collection:: Economics Books

UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE UNITED STATES 49 ul m to 11- 1t 1S ar (1 0 a d (8 <q y 5S . centers. The summary of these records is an interesting document. We are satisfied that the sustained high rate reflects among other forces unemployment due to mechanization of industry. Nearly one-third of the wage earners in the United States depend on manufacturing industries for their jobs. Our wage earner popu- lation is increasing, while jobs in manufacturing industry decrease. Since 1919 the normal increase in population has brought over five and a half million more persons who want work as wage earners, while jobs in manufacturing have decreased by 585,000. Thus we need more than 6,000,000 new jobs. Nor there are a lot of interesting facts that I have included in this prepared statement, but it occurs to me I am taking up alto- gether too much time. There are others here who will present to you some interesting facts and information and I feel I am trans- gressing upon their time by pursuing further. I will file this state- ment for the benefit of the record and those facts and the information which I have failed to read can be absorbed by the members of the committee. I want to leave this thought with you in conclusion: The American Federation of Labor is deeply interested in these measures. We feel that, after all, it is the only proposal before Congress that is practical and constructive, looking towards the relief of the unemployment situation. Can Congress afford to adjourn without doing something that will relive the unemployment situation? Can you go home to your constituents and face the inquiry of “What did you do to help us?” If you fail to pass this, then what will you pass; what else is proposed? In these closing hours of Congress, what can you do for us if you fail to pass these measures? It is inconceivable that we can be confronted by such a serious social and economic problem as the one which exists today, without Congress dealing with it in some constructive way. If this bill is not right, then what can you give us instead; what are we to have? We have gone over it. We feel these measures are reasonable, very reasonable and conservative indeed, and, if these bills are passed, we can say to labor that Congress at least shouldered its responsibilities and did something for you. We do not stand in the way of technical progress. 1 do not wish you to interpret what I have said, in analyzing the problem growing out of the introduction of machinery, as opposition on the part of the American Federation of Labor to technical and mechanical progress. We feel that is inevitable. The benefits are great; but, while we enjoy the benefits, we believe society ought to help those who really pay more because of the introduction of scientific and mechanical methods than any one else. We must face this issue; we can not avoid it. We are face to face with it. Germany and England are grappling with it, very seriously; we want to avoid the experiences they have had there. We want to deal with it in an American fashion, in an American way; but, just as sure as the sun shines, unless our legislative bodies meet their obligations and face their duties and responsibilities by helping in this situation, we will be confronted with a situation filled with discontent, threatening our very security and our peace and our prosperity. . These are the thoughts I want to leave with you. I bope gentlemen, vou will favorably report this bill and that it will be passed promptly.

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