“. . . And too dear”

It is some months now since the present Government started its “More production” poster propaganda campaign. The first, and perhaps the most notorious, of this series of posters, was the one headed. “Work or Want.” Many workers dubbed this the “Work and Want” poster. There followed the “Ten-per-cent” poster, being an appeal by Mr. Attlee for a 10 per cent, all round increase in production. Since then there have been a number of similar large bills, pictorial and otherwise, decorating the hoardings.

The recent one carrying the doggerel:

gave rise to wisecracks and humorous comment from some workers. Popular was the parody,

The latest edition in this poster campaign is far from funny. It sounds a note of warning. This poster boldly announces that it is issued by “His Majesty’s Government.” In view of the speeches and writings of some of the members of that Government in their less palmy days, one can only conclude that, either they are indulging in downright lying propaganda and know it, or else they are so stupid and ignorant of the manner in which Capitalism operates, that one can only marvel that they should have achieved their present position.

The poster reads:

“Jobs. The danger to full employment is not producing too much, but producing too little —and too dear.”

The fact that it has been found necessary to make such a statement as this is an indication that the real cause of unemployment is fairly widely appreciated by the working class. It is fast becoming apparent to the workers that, when goods have been produced in such great quantities that the markets of the world cannot absorb them, then production will cease, or, at least, slow down. In either case it spells loss of employment to many.

The warning of the approach of that day is contained in the final phrase on this poster. “ —and too dear.” No longer is there a “sellers’ market.” The post-war day is almost past when the demand for goods is so great that extravagant prices can be asked—and obtained—for them. Governments in all parts of the world are urging their respective workers to hustle, to produce more, to work harder, to work longer, to abolish restrictive practices, etc. All are striving to make the most of that wonderful market, that dwindling market which provides such remarkable profits. And with the wealth of goods that the workers are producing, the market is becoming saturated. It is less easy to sell now. Competition is becoming more keen. That means that prices will be cut in an endeavour to undersell competitors. Lower prices mean lower profits, unless the cost of production can be lowered also. Lowering the cost of production means that, either fewer workers are to be employed to produce a given amount; the same number of workers must produce more at the same cost; or the same number of workers must produce the given amount at a lower cost. And that word “cost” means “wages” to the workers. It is, of course, the second alternative that is being urged at the moment, with just a suspicion of a hint at the third.

We note that the employers in the Ladies’ Hairdressing Trade are saying that the present price cutting war in that trade will mean that they may he unable to meet their employees’ wage demands. This line of argument will not be confined to one trade alone.

Those words “—and too dear” are indeed a warning, maybe even a threat.

W. WATERS