Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 231, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 September 1914 — WOMEN TOIL FOR LITTLE PAY [ARTICLE]

WOMEN TOIL FOR LITTLE PAY

Ask Commission for Privilege of Receiving Less Than Minimum Prescribed. Olympia, Wash. —The unusual feature of industrial workers pleading for the privilege of working for low wages is observed by the Industrial Welfare commission, following the establishment of the $lO weekly minimum wage for women working in mercantile establishments, together with the regulations relative to apprenticeships. A considerable number of women and girls have applied to the commission for the privilege of working for the apprentice wage established —$6 for the first six months and $7.50 for the second six months —notwithstanding the fact that they have in many cases had enough experience to entitle them to the regular minimum wage of $lO. Others who have had six months’ experience, and are therefore entitled to the $7.50 minimum provided for the second six months of an apprenticeship, are asking the commission to grant them the privilege of working for a lower wage. Applications are also coming in, it is stated, for special permits to Work for less than, the minimum wage. This is allowable under the minimum wage law in cases whereja woman is "physically defective or crippled by age or otherwise.” The commission will issue no such special permits for any other reason than actual physical inability to earn a minimum wage. Labor Commissioner E. W. Olson, chairman of the Industrial Welfare commission, states that he has received no complaints of violation of the minimum wage law as applied in the mercantile industry.