UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE UNITED STATES 39
Mr. Montague. Therefore the civil service will give value to that
in its total summing up of the units that will qualify the man.
Mr. Bacamany. I understand the purpose of the legislation and
what they are trying to accomplish by it. I am merely directing the
gentleman’s attention to the fact and asking whether or not it has
been studied sufficiently to know what it is going to bring about.
Mr. Cerrer. In order to clarify the record and to clear up any
misunderstanding as to Senator Bingham’s attitude on Senate bill
3059, I have before me the record of the Senator's speech over the
radio as it appears in the United States Daily of Monday, June 9, and
as to Senate bill 3059 he indicates no objection and goes on to say
that bill passed with a substantial agreement in the Senate and passed
without opposition, indicating that he apparently has no objection to
that bill, at least.
Mr. GREEN. Yes. That was my understanding, although I did not
have that statement, to which you call my attention, before me. I
am glad you called my attention to that. Now, just a few moments
more. Unemployment still remains at as high a level as last January,
20 per cent—only 2 per cent less than the peak. Progress in employ-
ment is highly unsatisfactory. We estimate that 3,609,000 wage
sarners were out of employment in the month of May. Reports from
trade unions in May show there are still as many out of work as in
January. In both previous years, 1928 and 1929, the situation was
clearing rapidly by May and at least 27 per cent of those out of work
in January were back at their jobs again. The improvement from
April to May this year was very slight. Revised figures show that 21
per cent of union members were out of work in April. In May 20 per
cent were still unemployed. After the crisis of 1928, the improvement
from April to May was three times as great as this year, and the change
from March to May five times as great.
Building-trades men are the only trade group showing any improve-
ment. Ten per cent of those out of work in April have found employ-
ment, but this is a very small improvement, considering the large
aumber seeking work. Thirty-six per cent are still unemployed.
After the crisis of 1928, the improvement for building trades-men from
April to May was more than twice as great. In metal trades, the
number unemployed is actually increasing. Twenty per cent are
now out of work, four times as many as at this time last year. The
dull condition of the metal industries is making it harder than ever
for members to find work. Unemployment has actually increased
from 15 per cent in January to 20 per cent in May, when employment
is usually improving at this season of the year. In printing 6 per
cent are still out of work, an unprecedented number, and twice as
many as at this time last year. }
Now, I submit some figures here that I will not burden you by read-
ing, but will put them in the record, giving the unemplovment in
cities in per cent.