-418-
 As far as we know, lMA has not put a single handbag manufacturer
 out of business, but if exceptions to the wage rates are granted
 to one or a few in the industry, it is likely to put a great many
 out of business.

The Code fees paid by the I.Meeker Co. during the past year were on the
same basis paid by every other member of the industry. Besides, 254 of
the amount that was paid by each member 'vas refunded.
 STATISTICS
The chart shows the number of workers employed by the Meeker Co. for
each month reported from the effective date of the issuance of labels,
July 2, 1934. The peak month was 226 workers, the low, 112 in the month.,
of July, which normally is the slowest production month of the year.

In the peal: month, 148 out of a total of ?13 workers employed received
the minimum wage of 354 an hour, and only one worker received over $35.
a week. In the dullest month, July, 81 workers out of 112 received the
minimum wage of 350 an hour, and only one worker received over $35. a
week.

The Meeker Co. manufacture handbags that retail from $2.95 to $10.00
each. They have a reputation for maki.ig a clecn, well made product,
which can only be produced by experienced workers.

Their volume of sales on handbE.gs for the year 7. s $340,493. If, as
stated by the i'ieeker Co. this amount is 33 1/3,' les-. than their normal
business," their production of handbags would amount to more than
$500,000 a year in a normal yeexr. In a',ition to handbags, they manu-
facture an extensive line of uen's wallets and novelties, which do not
come under the ladies' handbag code.

From our knowledge of e:-isting conditions in the industry, also from a
personal investigation of the plant and working conditions made by the
Code Director of Comoliance, :.1ax Berkowitz, and based upon the statistic 4
of their business furnished by tne Mleeker Co., we are convinced they a
not entitled to an exception to the Code requested by them.

 Very truly yours,

 CODE AUTHo..ORITY
 LADIES' HAJDBAG INDUSTRY

 A. iittenthal _.
 Code Director


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