Labor Volatility at the Railway Shops
Rumors of mass layoffs at the local railroad shops lead to a clarification about seasonal economic shifts.
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There was quite a little stir about town this morning over the report that all but two of the employees at the railroad shops had been discharged. Upon investigation it was found that 21 men had been laid off until the first of next month, leaving 40 men still at work. A certain amount is allowed each month for the running expenses of each division, and if there are too many men employed during the first of the month, it is necessary to practice economy at the last of it. It is a customary thing on all eastern roads to lower expenses just before the board of directors meet. Only the men employed on new work have been laid off, and, as none of them have taken their time, they will all be taken back in a few days. It is also expected that the force will be considerably increased.
“There was quite a little stir about town this morning over the report that all but two of the employees at the railroad shops had been discharged.”
Economic volatility and 'just-in-time' labor management were as present in 1884 as they are today. The fear of mass layoffs triggered by corporate budgetary cycles remains a sensitive nerve in the local workforce.
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