V. I.

Lenin

1.11.1920

Regarding bonuses, I have strong doubts.

§ 4— absolutely arbitrary fixing of the standard (50%—exactly 50%—from “the best”, i.e., given the best machines,
etc. This is quite arbitrary. Can’t we have it more exact? Publish
standards for control? Or collect them for the scientific-technical
department, etc., and publish in a bulletin?).

Account of results: top limit of bonuses. Accounts on this not provided
for. Will this not virtually legalise gross abuses?

Consumers should be enlisted for standard control. Are there
any examples of this? Among the co-operatives? and so on.

The draft is too sweeping, abstract, unbusiness-like; promises
everything, verifies nothing. [1]

Lenin

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Notes:
[1]
Point 4 of the draft regulations on bonuses for workers and office
employees, about which Lenin had his doubts, was worded as follows:
“4. Standard output shall be established on the basis of technically
possible output under the best technical conditions of production, provided
the means and implements of production are in a normal condition. In view,
however, of the general conditions prevailing in industry, a deduction
should be made from this technically possible standard, but in no case more
than 50 per cent, after which the actual standard of productivity, varying
with the different trades, enterprises and groups, shall be fixed.”

At its meeting on February 1, 1920, the Narrow
C.P.C. resolved that, the draft decision on bonuses shall be returned to
the People’s Commissariat for Labour for revision in accordance with
Comrade Lenin’s directions”.

A decision “On the Procedure for Endorsing Bonus
Projects” was adopted by the Council of People’s Commissars on June 8 and
published in Izvestia on June 10, 1920.