Shop Management

SHOP MANAGEMENT 199 first only the most flagrant cases for fining and those offenses which affect the welfare of some of the other workmen. It will not be properly and most effec- tively applied until small offenses as well as great receive their appropriate fine. The writer has fined men from one cent to as high as sixty dollars per fine. It is most important that the fines should be applied absolutely impartially to all employés, high and low. The writer has invariably fined himself just as he would the men under him for all offenses committed. The fine is best applied in the form of a request to contribute a certain amount to the mutual bene- ficial association, with the understanding that unless this request is complied with the man will be dis- charged. In certain cases the fining system may not produce the desired result, so that coupled with it as an additional means of disciplining the men should be the first and second expedients of “ lowering wages” and “laying the men off for a longer or shorter time.” The writer does not at all depreciate the value of the many semi-philanthropic and paternal aids and improvements, such as comfortable lavatories, eating rooms, lecture halls, and free lectures, night schools, kindergartens, baseball and athletic grounds, village improvement societies, and mutual beneficial associations, unless done for advertising purposes. This kind of so-called welfare work all tends to im- prove and elevate the workmen and make life better