The Conference of the National Federation. of General Workers passed
a resolution on Thursday week expressing the opinion that "payment by results with proper safeguards" was "worthy of consideration of the Unions Affiliated, to the Federation." This is very important. The safeguards would provide that the payment should not in any case fall below that which can now be earned by time-work in a forty-seven-hours week, and that the piece-work rates should enable a workman of average ability to earn at least 33k per cent. over present time rates. It need not be asserted that piece-work is a panacea for all ills, for there must be some trades where a high degree of craftsmanship is required, and where piece rates would mean scamping. But we are convinced that in the vast majority of trades piece-work is not only practicable, but would give the men much better wages and make their work vastly more interesting to them. Payment by results is in accordance with the individiedietie temperament of the British workman.
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