The wage of
the machinists was set from cents hour depending on
their skill. His
practice using foreign workers has been interpreted part
of his policy pay low wages. Edison was concerned with
keeping labor costs low possible and getting the most out
of his laboratory employees.
The wage sheets for 1890 show wide range different
wage rates within specializations, for example weekly wages for
experimenters range from $30. The
. wrote 1917: "the men use
receive only ordinary workmen's salaries," although expected
26
them work harder than the ordinary worker. It
was possible for skilled machinists earn more than $20 a
week— this was more than Aylsworth Walter Miller received
for their experimental work wax compounds and recording. The muckers were paid by
the week and Edison was determined get the most out them
even meant working all night. knew that working for him was considered an
opportunity and honor and paid accordingly. Edison also continued the old machine shop
practice piecework and subcontracting with machinists.Ill- 18
can't make his work pay me. There can doubt that capitalized on
his fame and exploited the prestige the West Orange
laboratory.”
Edison was notorious for paying his men the lowest
possible wages. Although the leading
experimenters earned, average, more than the skilled
machinists, there were still plenty the latter who earned
more than experimenters putting long hours
