Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 301, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 December 1920 — THREE MEN FOR EVERY FIVE JOBS [ARTICLE]

THREE MEN FOR EVERY FIVE JOBS

Chicago, Dec. 10. —A surplus of three men for every five jobs exists in the middle west according to emSloyment agencies, railroads and reorts received here today. Railroads have laid off several thousand men in the last three weeks, shopmen being principally affected. Chicago and northwestern shops here, more than 500 men have been laid off within the last two weeks. With the job surplus employers have also started to cut wages. Reports from Ohio, Indiana and other middle western states show that out of 1,292 plants, 176 have reduced wages since Sept. 1, while 102 others are hiring at lower wages. Of this same number 739 have laid off 200,000 meh. Employment agencies which closed their doors this summer because they were unable to find applicants are now being rushed with business. The shortage of domestic help and office boys they say has collapsed. There are more house maids on hand now than are needed. Charles J/ Boyd, superintendent of the state free employment bureau, said there are 160 job seekers for every 100 jobs at the bureau’s disposal.