Survey of work-relief wage policies

Prior to the entrance of the federal government into the field of relief, work-relief wage policies varied from payment of prevailing wage rates to entire repudiation of the wage concept. Since 1933, various programs have, at the outset, involved departures from the prevailing wage concept. In each case, however, a return has been made to payment of prevailing rates. Restriction of total earnings to the "budgetary deficiency" has been abandoned in favor of the present "security wage." The factors involved in these changes are outlined and analysis is made of the problem of establishing rates that will satisfy all of the requirements imposed upon a work-relief program.