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In 1919 a temporary statute was worked out for the purpose of increasing the efficiency of the workers and the increase of wage rates; but it is only partly applied in large telegraph offices.
The premium can be granted either to the whole staff of workers or only to individuals. The latter is the only one used so far. The average rates of wages are increased by 50% owing to the premium.
At present the Central Committee partly „naturalises“ the premium which is paid in kind.
A premium is granted not only for output above the normal but for a certain output produced by a staff the number of which is below the usual.
The Congress realised that it would be inefficient to increase the wages owing to the general depreciation of the rouble and the limited amount of food supplies; therefore, the 3rd. Congress decided upon the immediate naturalisation of wages within possible limits.
Special Wage Standardisations Commissions were charged to carry out those wage rates in provinces and districts. These Commissions are composed of representatives of the administrative and of the managing Board of the Union; in the centre the Wage-rate Department is composed of members of the Central Committee. The Wage-rate Department is the supreme organ in the matter of the standardisation of wages and administration is compelled to carry out its decisions. The Union has succeeded in regulating the working hours. The 6-hour working day has finally been established throughout.
In March 1919 the Central Committe worked out and carried through the rules of the All-Russian Central Council of Trade Unions concerning the supply to workers and employees of industrial clothing.
