snowyday Posted April 5, 2012 Share Posted April 5, 2012 A Wisconsin farmer, who had a reputation as a skinflint, had two hired men and a maid. Rumors flew around that he was paying them starvation wages. A federal inspector from the Wages and Hour Administration called at the farm. “I hear you are violating the law by paying below the minimum,†the inspector said. “Oh, am I?†the farmer said angrily. “Well, there’s Willie, who milks the cows and does chores around the barn. Ask him.†Forty dollars a week, sir,†Willie said. “And there’s Sammy,†the farmer said, calling over the other hired man. Tell this man your wages.†“Forty dollars a week sir,†Sammy said. “And there’s the maid, Kate,†the farmer said. “Ask her.†“Thirty dollars a week, with room and board, sir,†Kate said. “Any more?†the inspector said. “Well, no—only the halfwit,†the farmer said. “He gets $10 a week, a bit of tobacco and his food.†“Could I speak to him?†the inspector asked. “Well, you’re speaking to him now,†the farmer answered. * * * * Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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