Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 2.djvu/805

 SOME ECONOMIC LOSSES IN THE BUILDING TRADES 789

fered through the change. Work was limited to half the year, and wages were still lower. But the natural result was a drift- ing away from the trade, until the scarcity of men during the working season had a compensating influence. Time wages in the trade have more than doubled during the past twenty years, the workmen being now able to secure their yearly maintenance, according to recognized standards of living, by working during the shortened period of employment. The change caused by the introduction of cast-iron radiators lessened the cost of heat- ing apparatus, but necessitated a period of idleness for steam fitters each year. Now that they are able to secure sufficient wages during the working months to compensate for the idle period the cost of fitting up a heating plant is greater than under the old conditions of steady work and lower wages. Had the progress of invention done away entirely with the work of the journeyman steam fitter the cheapening would have been perma- nent. But, as the changes have made a period of enforced idle- ness which must be paid for, the reduction of cost was merely temporary. A return to the old methods, though it would give greater product in proportion to outlay, is not at present possi- ble. Industrial forces are prevented from reaching their natural level by the same forces that are noticeable in the carpenters' trade. Architects, too, have accepted the new conditions, and specify the new fixtures in all contracts.

The much abused plumber is not generally regarded as sub- ject to the ordinary laws of economics, yet recent changes in his work closely resemble those which have taken place in other building trades. The change from steady to temporary employ- ment has been perhaps less marked, owing to the "jobbing" and repairing in which he has won or lost his reputation. But inno- vations have caused an idle period in his yearly work, and the law of supply and demand has given him compensation in the form of higher wages during the working months. While the time between outside "jobs" was occupied in making lead traps and bends, and in work which has passed to the brass finisher, employment was steady and wages ranged low compared with