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Newspaper
Roanoke Rapids Herald
Location
Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, United States of America
Date
May 20, 1943
Page
2
The white collar worker faces a stagnant salary, rising expenses, and a heavy tax bill while unions demand higher pay. Coal miners and railroad workers push for raises, and even the War Labor Board critiques the wage freeze as farmers enjoy high incomes and subsidy plans. Government records show stark contrasts among worker groups.
Actual earnings for factory workers rose from 1309 to 2043 dollars a year, a 56 percent increase. Coal miners climbed from 1229 to 1708, railroad workers from 1876 to 2290, and retail clerks from 1080 to 1248. Financial house employees averaged 1755, up from 1581, while telephone and telegraph workers rose 7 percent to 1671.
A wartime economy analysis shows families now buy 42 percent more goods with after tax income. Coal miners would gain about 60 percent more if a six day week were guaranteed. Farmers can purchase 48 percent more goods, while white collar workers struggle to stretch budgets.
Salaries have risen little in real terms as price increases cut buying power. Telephone and telegraph workers lose about 13 percent, school teachers more. retail employees can buy 3.7 percent less than in 1939, and white collar raises are largely wiped out by higher prices.
The analysis notes middle income earners face the steepest war tax hit. A $4,000 wage couple with four members now pays $470 in federal taxes, saves for bonds, and sees $2,574 in 1939 purchasing power. A $5,000 income still leaves $3,122 in 1939 terms after taxes and bonds. White collar workers earning $2,500 sit with $1,730 buying power after tax and bond deductions.
Additional wartime inconveniences hit salaried workers who hold A gas ration cards while farmers and factory staff fare better with B or C cards. The white collar class faces tighter job security and reduced business, unlike factory workers and railroad employees.
The piece notes white-collar workers lose business, dividend income, and food rations strain budgets. Labor shortages push more home duties onto wives. Draftees from white-collar positions rise by midsummer, while many factory workers and farmers are deferred as essential workers. The white-collar man is now asked to fight the war.
Local Red Cross calls for women to sew bandages and prepare dressings for wounded servicemen. Volunteers should contact Mrs. F. G. Jarman at R-727-1 or visit the Red Cross Room at Rosemary Band Hall at the corner of 10th and Henry.
Petty Officer First Class J Willard Brown of the Elizabeth City Navy Recruiting Station will visit Roanoke Rapids on May 21 and 22 for interviews. The Navy welcomes 17 year olds and men 38 to 50 for general service, with 50 trade schools available to volunteers. Women seeking Waves information should contact Officer Brown on site.
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