Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1926 [PAGE 487]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

484

board of trustees

[December 8

of course, is not available. It would probably be somewhat higher than that of 1924. The cost of living rose previous to 1920 until it reached the high figure mentioned above. Following this increase in the cost of living, the wages of our janitors were raised in 1917, 1918, 1919, and 1920. The maximum paid in 1917 was $2.80 a day. The minimum on thefiftycent rate now is $4.00 per day.

SUMMARY

Following is a summary of the reasons "pro" and "con" the requested advance so far as they have been given me or I have been able to discover them. Reasons for the advance: 1. To meet the rising cost of living. 2. The University should pay at least as well and perhaps better than other employers. It should not let its standard be determined by that of others but should set the pace. 3. The present rate of pay is not sufficient to enable a m a n to live well, save something, and educate his family. Reasons against the advance: 1. The pay is adequate for the work done. Moreover the way is open for a janitor to get into the $120 a month class by showing greater efficiency in his work. 2. Aside from regular pay our janitors have the benefit of the retiring allowance. 3. Aside from regular pay our janitors have the benefit of the death benefit. 4. Our janitors are assured employment through the year with one to two weeks' vacation on pay. 5. They work under especially good working conditions. 6. Their work does not belong to the out-of-door hard labor class. 7. Consideration is shown them as they grow old when other work would not be open to them. 8. Pay for similar work elsewhere in State jobs and in this neighborhood is substantially the same and in many cases less. 9. There are few cases of janitorial jobs paying more and these practically all are places involving harder work, such as firing boilers, etc. (See Professor White's letter of October 20.) 10. The cost of living is lower as shown by the index number quoted than it was at the time of the last raise in pay. n Our janitors have opportunities to put in extra time largely in connection with University entertainments, games, and other functions. These assignments are well liked and sought after. They really furnish entertainment and relaxation while under pay. 12. This matter has been, according to Professor White, frequently and thoroughly discussed with the local Union and its representatives have been satisfied. 13. T o agree to the request would necessitate raising wages of other groups where such increase is not justified, and would call for a total of more than Jlo,ooo for the janitors alone and $50,000 or more to meet the janitor's demands and others which would immediately follow on its basis. 14. Those who are getting sixty-five cents per hour for hard out-of-door labor are not steadily employed. 15. N o janitor of ours has abandoned his job to take this out-of-door labor. I recommend that no change be made in the wages of janitors. O n motion of M r . W h a m , this report w a s received for record and the recommendation w a s adopted. OFFER OF PRIZE BY DR. FRANK SMITHIES (11) Dr. Frank Smithies, whose offer of a prize for research in the diseases of the alimentary tract was laid before the Board at its October meeting, has written m e renewing theto informa youIthat ready and willing H e deposit with the proper Unimont"I wish offer in that a m m y offer ofform. to writes: in memory of Beaustill holds and somewhat different an annual award