THE CANDY CONSUMER

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 261, 4 August 1928, Page 24

THE CANDY CONSUMER

The Consumers’ League of New’ York, which has been in existence for 37 years, has just completed a very useful piece of work summarised in a report published under the name of “Behind the Scenes in Candy Factories” (says the Manchester "Guardian”). The consumption of candy having largely increased in the States, it is alleged, since the adoption of prohibition, the league felt the necessity of conducting an inquiry into the conditions under which it is produced, true to its policy of assuming that in the last analysis the consumer is the employer and is not only’ responsible for these working conditions, but also bound to fulfil that responsibility by refusing to buy all goods that are not produced under fair conditions. The National Women’s Trade Union League of America considers that the “white list” of manufacturers issued by the Consumers’ League is even more effectual in improving conditions than what is known as the trade union label on goods, because, by appealing to a circle of buyers outside the trade unions, it enlarges the sphere of influence and .proves still more conclusively the power of the consumer to raise working standards. The investigation was conducted in 23 factories, varying from the "little loft in a side street” to the large model factory; and it was effected partly by interviews with workers and employers, but mainly from within the factory, the investigators going in as ordinary workers without disclosing their identity. About 61 per cent, of New York candy-workers appear to be women, who perform nearly all the operations except the actual making of the candy, which is done by men. It is largely unskilled work, and the majority of workers are therefore young girls earning what are considered in New York low wages; the aristocrat of the trade, the chocolate dipper, earns much more because this is a highly skilled trade, the worker sitting al] day before containers of hot melted chocolate, with which one of her hands is constantly coaled as she tosses the fondant into the chocolate and twirls it about. The illuminating report concludes with two recommendations, the first proposing certain legislative action, which has since been initiated in a bill introduced into the New York Legislature at the instigation of the Consumers’ League; and the second relating to the white list and the requirements demanded of candy factories if they are desirous of qualifying for it. As a result of its work the league has been approached by 60 firms who wish to be placed on the list, and these are being subjected to investigation for the purpose, while others have pro-, mlsed to come into line, by conforming to the wage minimum demanded and by improving their conditions, generally. The city Commissioner of Health has also taken action with regard to insanitary factories, and to the official methods of granting foodhandlers’ cards to candy-workers. The wholp proceeding is a real testimonial to the power of co-operation when exercised by the.consumer irrespective of , class.