Ref.

8

MMERCE

LICATION

a

U.S. METRIC STUDY

INTERIM REPORT

TESTIMONY OF

NATIONALLY

REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

U.S.

|_RTMENT

OF

MMERCE

^National

Bureau

of

I* tandards

SP 345-12

U.S. METRIC STUDY
U.S. METRIC SUBSTUDY REPORTS

The results of substudies of the U.S. Metric Study, while being evaluated

for the preparation of a comprehensive report to the Congress, are being

published in the interim as a series of NBS Special Publications. The titles of the individual reports are listed below.

REPORTS ON SUBSTUDIES

NBS SP345-1

NBS SP345-2:

NBS SP345-3:

NBS SP345-4:

NBS SP345-5

NBS SP345-6

NBS SP345-7

NBS SP345-8

NBS SP345-9

NBS SP345-10:

NBS SP345-1 1:

NBS SP345-12:

International Standards (issued December 1970, SD

Catalog No. C 1 3. 10:345- 1, Price $ 1 .25)

Federal Government: Civilian Agencies (issued

July 1971, SD Catalog No. C 1 3. 10:345-2, price

$2.25)

Commercial Weights and Measures (issued July

1971, SD Catalog No. C13. 10:345-3, price $1.00)

The Manufacturing Industry (issued July 1971,

SD Catalog No. C 1 3. 1 0:345-4, price $ 1 .25)

Nonmanufacturing Businesses (in press)

Education (in press)

The Consumer (in press)

International Trade (in press)

Department of Defense (issued July 1971, SD

Catalog No. C13. 10:345-9, price $1.25)

A History of the Metric System Controversy in the

United States (in press)

Engineering Standards (issued July 1971

Catalog No. CI 3. 10:345-1 1 , price $2.00)

SD

Testimony of Nationally Representative Groups

(this publication)

COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON THE U.S. METRIC STUDY

NBS SP345: To be published in August 1971

Those publications with catalog numbers have already been issued, and

may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, Government

Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 for the prices indicated. Add onefourth of the purchase price if the publication ordered is to be sent to a

foreign address. Be sure to include the SD Catalog number with your order.
SEP 7 1971

(Q /» I o D

osi INTERIM REPORT

U.S. METRIC STUDY

TESTIMONY OF

NATIONALLY

REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

Twelfth in a series of reports prepared

for the Congress

U.S. METRIC STUDY

Daniel V. De Simone, Director

U v S< National Bureau of Standards

t,Special Publication 345-12

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Maurice H. Stans, Secretary

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Lewis M. Branscomb, Director

Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), Spec. Publ. 345-12. 180 pages (July 1971) CODEN: XNBSA

Issued July 1971

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington. D.C. 20402

(Order by SD Catalog No. C 1 3. 10:345- 1 2). Price $1.50 Stock Number 0303-0865


I
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

THE HONORABLE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

THE HONORABLE SPEAKER OFTHEHOUSEOF

REPRESENTATIVES

SIRS:

I have the honor to present the twelfth in the series of interim reports

stemming from the U.S. Metric Study, prepared by the National Bureau of

Standards.

This Study was authorized by Public Law 90-472 to reduce the many uncertainties concerning the metric issue and to provide a better basis upon

which the Congress may evaluate and resolve it.

I shall make a final report to the Congress on this Study in August 1971.

In the meantime, the data and opinions contained in this interim report are being evaluated by the Study team at the National Bureau of Standards. My

final report to you will reflect this evaluation.

Respectfully submitted,

Secretary of Commerce

Enclosure

\
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

Honorable Maurice H. Stans

Secretary of Commerce

Dear Mr. Secretary:

I have the honor to transmit to you another interim report of the U.S. Metric Study, which is being conducted at the National Bureau of Standards at your request and in accordance with the Metric Study Act of 1968.

The Study is exploring the subjects assigned to it with great care. We have

tried to reach every relevant sector of the society to elicit their views on the

metric issue and their estimates of the costs and benefits called for in the

Metric Study Act. Moreover, all of these sectors were given an opportunity

to testify in the extensive series of Metric Study Conferences that were held

last year. On the basis of all that we have been able to learn from these conferences,

as well as the numerous surveys and investigations, a final report will be

made to you before August 1971 for your evaluation and decision as to any

recommendations that you may wish to make to the Congress.

The attached interim report includes data and other opinions that are still being evaluated by us to determine their relationship and significance to all of the other information that has been elicited by the Study. All of these

evaluations will be reflected in the final report.

Sincerely,

Lewis M. Branscomb, Director

National Bureau of Standards

Enclosure

vi
FOREWORD

This report summarizes the testimony of nationally representative groups

that were asked for their opinions and cost-benefit estimates concerning a

possible changeover to the metric system. This opportunity for widespread

participation in the U.S. Metric Study was provided through an extensive se- ries of hearings, called "National Metric Study Conferences," that was held

during 1970.

Over 700 major national groups were invited to submit their views and

cost-benefit estimates of a metric changeover for their sectors. Many of

these groups responded, and although few of them were able to make such

estimates, we are grateful to all who participated in this effort and made this report possible.

Reports covering other substudies of the U.S. Metric Study are listed on

the inside front cover. All of these, including this report, are under evaluation. Hence, they are published without prejudice to the comprehensive re- port on the entire U.S. Metric Study, which will be sent to the Congress by

the Secretary of Commerce in August of 1 97 1

.

This report was prepared under the direction of Jeffrey V. Odom, who

coordinated the National Metric Study Conferences upon which the report

is based. Assisting him in various phases of this effort were Bruce D.

Rothrock, Robert W. Carson, Roy E. Clark, Joseph D. Crumlish, Mrs.

Linda J. Luhn, Miss Jean M. Simon, Miss Debora L. Gilbert and Mrs.

Evelyn B. Tallerico. In this as in all aspects of the U.S. Metric Study, the program has benefited from the independent judgment and thoughtful counsel of its advisory

panel, and the many other organizations, groups, and committees that have

participated in the study.

Daniel V. De Simone, Director

U.S. Metric Study

vn
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Letters of Transmittal v, vi Foreword vii

I. Summary 1

II. Groups Invited to Submit Inputs 6

III. Introduction 30

IV. Labor Inputs 34

V. Consumer Inputs 53

VI. Education Inputs 65

VII. Construction Inputs 76

VIII. Engineering-Related Industry Inputs 87

IX. Consumer-Related Industry Inputs 104

X. Natural Resources, Transportation, Health, Small Business

and Other Inputs 1 1

7

Appendix 1. Public Law 90-472 133

Appendix 2. Glossary 134

Appendix 3. Conference Programs 136

Appendix 4. Members of Review Panels 149

Appendix 5. Federal Register Notice 151

Appendix 6. Guidelines for Submittals to the U.S. Metric Study 1 52

Vlll
I. SUMMARY

Trade associations, labor unions, professional societies, and other groups were invited to submit their opinions and cost-benefit estimates concerning

a possible future conversion to the metric system on behalf of their membership to the U.S. Metric Study to supplement the information collected by its individual surveys and investigations. Their participation, in addition to supplying a valuable input to the Study, also provided the widespread participation of such groups directed by the Metric Study Act. Over 700 groups were so invited, and inputs were received from over 230

groups representing 674,000 firms and 19,600,000 individuals. These were

supplemented by inputs from experts in areas of consumer activity and education. The inputs from these groups are summarized below.

CURRENT METRIC USAGE

Many contributions report little significant usage of metric units, but twothirds of the reports indicate some metric usage, usually in research-related

activities. The extent of present metric usage can be shown by some examples which are given:

Industries with sales or manufacturing activities overseas use metric

units in engineering drawings and in sales brochures.

Calculations in electrical and electronic industries are metric, since our

present electrical units are identical with metric electrical units. Elementary and high schools use metric units in science courses. In some recently developed courses, metric is used exclusively.

Nearly all research in science has been metric for years. Laboratory

work in health and nutrition, physics, chemistry, and biology is

1
2 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

almost exclusively metric. Many engineering disciplines are customary but they are under increasing pressure to convert to the

metric system.

The pharmaceutical industry converted to the metric system 15 years

ago for closer coordination with research, increased accuracy in medication, and for sales to world markets. Their experience was

that the conversion was easier and less costly than anticipated.

Many imported automobiles, engines, and transmissions are made to metric standards, and repair mechanics use metric tools which are

readily available. In parts of the ball bearing industry, two-thirds of the production is made to metric dimensions today, and the proportion is increasing.

The fastener industry recently began work on a "fresh start" for threaded fasteners to combine the best features of customary and

metric threads.

FEELINGS ABOUT METRICATION

A strong majority ( 1 1 2) of those groups indicating a preference say that a change to the metric system is inevitable and/or desirable. Only 15 feel it is not inevitable and are opposed to a change; 108 indicate that it would not af- fect their activities if we did — or did not — change our measurement system.

A majority of those groups favoring metrication as inevitable or desirable

prefer such a program to be carried out on a nationally coordinated basis. One hundred and ten groups prefer planned metrication; only three favor

metrication proceeding with no national coordination; 122 offer no comment. Many groups, however, indicate that some governmental action would

be necessary to permit the close collaboration essential for producers,

customers, and suppliers to work together in setting priorities and time

schedules.

ADVANTAGES OF METRIC USAGE

Advantages to be achieved by conversion to the metric system which are most often cited include the fact that the metric system is easy to learn, re- member, and understand, and would lead to simpler calculations which

would reduce the chance of error and save time in computations.

Other advantages of a change to the metric system include the opportunity

for design improvement during changeover and the elimination of needless

sizes and types of products. Many groups feel conversion would improve the

exchange of goods and ideas around the world. Specifically they feel that it would lead to wider markets for exported products, worldwide interchangeability, and a wider range of choice from imports.
SUMMARY 3

COST OF CONVERSION

Transition problems appear significant in three areas: where metrication

would require substantial redesign, modification or replacement of manufacturing equipment and manufactured products; where additional stocks of

materials and repair parts would be needed; and in consumer education.

Major costs would arise from converting production equipment to make

metric parts and products. Costs would be minimized if the transition time were long enough that tools and equipment could be replaced when worn-out

or obsolete. In some industries 5 years would be long enough; in others it might take 15 years or longer. Most reports, however, indicate that a 10-year

transition would cut these costs to a minimum.

Additional inventories would be required during the transition and for years more in some situations, and careful coordination would be needed to minimize costs. Service needs on long-life equipment such as machine tools and major appliances might run many years beyond the end of the conversion period. Repairs to buildings might also call for continuing small-scale

production of present customary-sized supplies for years. Larger one-time transition costs would include the conversion of engineering drawings, repair manuals, and sales literature for products changed over

to metric units. Engineering standards and design tables would have to be

revised before new metric products could be made. Manpower required for

these steps could lead to temporary added costs during transition. Much existing legislation, codes, and statutes would need to be revised.

School textbooks are usually revised about every 5 years, and a change to the metric system would not add to costs in a 5- to 1 0-year transition. Traffic

signs and road markers could be converted over a year or two, but speed

limit signs would have to be changed overnight. Land titles could be converted on a go-forward basis when property changes hands.

WORKER CONCERNS: RETRAINING AND TOOLS

Production workers who are machine tenders would need no special train- ing other than what they would receive as consumers. But maintenance men

and service employees would need basic training in the metric system and

would also need to obtain some new metric tools. Some skilled workers

would need more training and would face greater expenses for workerowned metric tools. Some office workers would need metric training. Retail store clerks must

be trained to assist customers in purchasing metric-based products.

Teachers would need special in-service training to prepare them for metric

instruction.

The AFL-CIO takes a firm stand that metrication programs should in- clude reimbursement of workers for the cost of metric tools they must buy.

and must also provide training needed at no cost to the worker. Special consideration must also be given to the older workers who might have a more

difficult time learning the new system so that no worker would be discharged
4 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

or passed over for promotion due to his or her inability to quickly grasp the

metric system.

THE CONSUMER

Expert testimony generally agrees that in the long run the consumer would

benefit from conversion to the metric system. The major difficulty in the consumer area would quite likely be in education.

Many groups from all sectors of the economy comment on the need for a broad plan of consumer and public education in the metric system. Workers

receiving training on the job would learn metric as it relates to their jobs, but

a massive public education program would be needed to reach other con- sumers. An advertising campaign to teach the metric system on TV and in magazines could be used. Public museums would be ready to provide dis- plays on the metric system and its advantages. Vocational schools would be

equipped and prepared for consumer classes as well as for up-grading

workers.

FORMAL EDUCATION

Experience in teaching the metric system shows that it is easier to teach

and learn than the customary system. There would be problems in teacher

retraining and textbook conversion, but these are generally regarded as minor and far outweighed by the overall advantages which would be real- ized.

THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The construction industry is extremely complex and any conversion

would require careful coordination in order to minimize problems. Most

groups see little direct benefit to the industry from conversion, but many feel that it would present an ideal opportunity to advance the concept of modular

construction and thus achieve important cost savings. A special problem for the industry would be the need to repair and remodel existing structures which would require added inventories to be maintained for many years. AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND MINING

Farmers expect no advantages in metrication, but expect little disruption

if adequate education precedes any change. The major impact on agriculture

would be the confusion and inconvenience of learning to think in a new sys- tem. Foresters expect a changeover to lead to a better system of measuring

timber, but changes in land measurement could be a problem and would

need careful study. Fisheries could change over in 10 years at little cost,

but mining expects no return to offset conversion costs.
SUMMARY 5

UNAFFECTED GROUPS

Several of the groups supplying inputs indicate that their sectors of the

society are either only slightly concerned with measurements or do not use them at all. These include lawyers, bankers, accountants, credit bureaus, and

securities dealers. Conversion — or even no conversion — would not affect these groups' activities.
II. GROUPS INVITED TO SUBMIT INPUTS

The following is an alphabetical list of associations, societies, unions, and other groups, together

with their approximate memberships, that were invited to submit inputs to the U.S. Metric Study

by the Department of Commerce.

Accrediting Commission for Business Schools

Membership unknown

Administrative Management Society

16.000 individuals

Adult Education Association of the U.S.A.

5.000 individuals

Aerospace Industries Association of America.

Inc.

1 25 firms

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute 200 firms

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

150.000 individuals

Air Freight Forwarders Association

24 firms

Air Line Dispatchers Association

800 individuals

Air Line Pilots Association

16.200 individuals

Airline Stewards and Stewardesses Association,

International

7.000 individuals

Airport Operators Council. International

1 50 members

Air Transport Association of America

35 firms

Alabama Consumer Association

41 organizations

284 individuals

Alaska Consumer Council

50 individuals

Albuquerque Consumers Association

Membership unknown

Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf

8.000 individuals

Alliance of Independent Telephone Unions

75.000 individuals

Allied Industrial Workers of America. International Union

83.000 individuals

6
GROUPS INVITED TO SUBMIT INPUTS 7

Aluminum Association

80 firms

Aluminum Workers International Union

25.500 individuals

Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America

382.000 individuals

Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North America

353.000 individuals

Amalgamated Transit Union

103,000 individuals

Amateur Athletic Union of the United States 100.000 individuals

American Academy of Actuaries

2.000 individuals

American Academy of Arts and Sciences

2.000 individuals

American Advertising Federation

35.000 individuals

American Agricultural Economics Association

! 4.500 individuals

American Apparel Manufacturers Association

800 firms

American Association for Health. Physical Education and Recreation

60.000 individuals

American Association for Textile Technology.

Inc.

J 1,500 individuals

American Association for the Advancement of

Science

! 130.000 individuals

American Association of Advertising Agencies

jj 400 firms

! American Association of Airport Executives

1 .000 individuals

American Association of Botanical Gardens and

Arboreta

325 institutions American Association of Cost Engineers

2.100 individuals

American Association of Junior Colleges

800 institutions

American Association of Museums

4,500 institutions

American Association of Physics Teachers

14.000 individuals

American Association of Port Authorities

325 members

American Association of Retired Persons

2,000,000 individuals

American Association of School Administrators

18.000 individuals

American Association of School Librarians

9.000 individuals

American Association of State Highway Officials

53 states and territories American Association of Textile Chemists and

Colorists

10.000 individuals

American Association of University Professors

100,000 individuals

American Association of University Women

171.000 individuals

American Bakers Association

2.000 firms

American Bankers Association

19.000 firms

American Bar Association

140.000 individuals

American Boat Builders and Repairers Association

125 firms

American Brush Manufacturers Association

200 firms

American Bureau of Shipping

200 firms

American Business Press, Inc.

1 25 firms

American Business Women's Association

50.000 individuals
& TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

American Camping Association

7.500 individuals

American Cemetery Association

2.000 firms

American Ceramic Society

7.500 individuals

American Chemical Society

1 15.000 individuals

American College of Surgeons

29.000 individuals

American Concrete Institute 15.000 individuals

American Consumers Association. Inc. 300 individuals

American Council of Learned Societies

35 societies

American Council on Consumer Interests 2.300 individuals

American Council on Education

400 associations and societies

1 .200 individuals

American Culinary Federation

1 .000 individuals

American Dental Association

1 10.000 individuals

American Dental Trade Association

200 firms

American Die Casting Institute

1 25 firms

American Dietetic Association

2 1.000 individuals

American Dry Milk Institute. Inc. 200 firms

American Educational Research Association

10.000 individuals

American Farm Bureau Federation

1.700.000 individuals

American Federation of Government Employees

200.000 individuals

American Federation of Grain Millers

24.000 individuals

American Federation of Information Processing

Societies

45 .000 individuals

American Federation of Musicians

252.500 individuals

American Federation of State. County and Municipal Employees

281.300 individuals

American Federation of Teachers

125.000 individuals

American Federation of Technical Engineers

16.500 individuals

American Feed Manufacturers Association. Inc. 800 firms

American Fisheries Society

5.000 individuals

American Fishing Tackle Manufacturing As

sociation

275 firms

American Flint Glass Workers Union

34.000 individuals

American Footwear Manufacturers Association

400 firms

American Forest Institute 600 firms

American Forestry Association

65.000 individuals

American Foundrymen's Society

15.000 individuals

American Frozen Food Institute 300 firms

American Gas Association

9.000 firms

American Gear Manufacturers Association

225 firms

American Geographical Society

4.500 individuals

American Geological Institute 20 societies with

35.000 individual members

American Geophysical Union

1 1.000 individuals
GROUPS INVITED TO SUBMIT INPUTS 9

American Hardware Manufacturers Association

600 firms

American Historical Association

19.000 individuals

American Home Economics Association

50.000 individuals

American Home Lighting Institute 200 firms

American Hospital Association

9.000 institutions and

8.000 individuals

American Hotel and Motel Association

7.000 firms

American Industrial Arts Association

12.000 individuals

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics 35.000 individuals

American Institute of Architects

24.000 individuals

American Institute of Baking

1 .500 firms

American Institute of Biological Sciences

15.000 individuals

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants 70.000 individuals

American Institute of Chefs

1 .200 individuals

American Institute of Chemical Engineers

40.000 individuals

American Institute of Consulting Engineers

450 individuals

American Institute of Food Distribution. Inc. 3.600 firms

American Institute of Industrial Engineers

21.000 individuals

American Institute of Interior Designers

5.000 individuals

American Institute of Laundering

! 4.500 firms

American Institute of Merchant Shipping

40 firms

American Institute of Mining. Metallurgical and

Petroleum Engineers. Inc. 49.000 individuals

American Institute of Physics

40,000 individuals

American Institute of Planners

5.000 individuals

American Institute of Plant Engineers

5.000 individuals

American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers

3,500 individuals

American Institute of Steel Construction

350 firms

American Insurance Association

1 75 firms

American Iron and Steel Institute 3.000 firms

American Ladder Institute 50 firms

American Land Title Association

2.300 firms

American Leather Chemists Association

9.000 individuals

American Library Association

36.000 libraries and individuals

American Management Association

65.000 individuals

American Maritime Association

100 firms

American Marketing Association

16,000 individuals

American Mathematical Society

15.000 individuals

American Meat Institute 800 firms

American Medical Association

225.000 individuals

American Metal Stamping Association

500 firms

426-992 O - 71 - 2
10 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

American Meteorological Society

9.000 individuals

American Mining Congress

600 firms

American Movers Conference

1 .600 firms

American Mutual Insurance Alliance

1 25 firms

American National Cattlemen's Association

250.000 individuals

American National Standards Institute 900 firms

155 associations

American National Theatre and Academy

4.000 individuals

American Newspaper Guild

3 1 .400 individuals

American Newspaper Publishers Association

I.000 firms

American Nurses' Association, Inc. 185.000 individuals

American Nursing Home Association

7.000 firms

American Occupational Therapy Association.

Inc.

I I.000 individuals

American Optometric Association, Inc. 15.000 individuals

American Ordnance Association

50,000 individuals

American Paper Institute

225 firms

American Petroleum Institute 9.000 firms

American Petroleum Refiners Association

30 firms

American Pharmaceutical Association

50.000 individuals

American Plywood Association

200 firms

American Public Health Association

2 1,000 individuals

American Public Power Association

1,300 utilities American Public Works Association

12,000 individuals

American Radio Association

1 ,000 individuals

American Railway Car Institute 25 firms

American Railway Engineering Association

4,000 individuals

American Railway Supervisors Association

5,800 individuals

American Rental Association. Inc.

1 ,200 firms

American Retail Federation

75 associations representing

800,000 firms

American Road Builders Association

6,000 firms

American Short Line Railroad Association

250 firms

American Society for Engineering Education

13,000 individuals

American Society for Metals

45,000 individuals

American Society for Nondestructive Testing

6,000 individuals

American Society for Quality Control, Inc. 23,000 individuals

American Society for Testing and Materials

16,000 individuals

American Society of Agricultural Engineers

7,000 individuals

American Society of Appraisers

3,000 individuals

American Society of Association Executives

3,100 individuals

American Society of Bakery Engineers

3,600 individuals
GROUPS INVITED TO SUBMIT INPUTS 11

American Society of Brewing Chemists

900 individuals

American Society of Civil Engineers

I 65,000 individuals

American Society of Heating Refrigerating and

Air Conditioning Engineers

25,000 individuals

American Society of Landscape Architects, Inc.

i 3,000 individuals

American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Inc. 65,000 individuals

American Society of Microbiology

10,000 individuals

American Society of Planning Officials

6,000 individuals

American Society of Professional Biologists

260 individuals

1 American Society of Sanitary Engineering

3,000 individuals

I

1 American Spice Trade Association

250 firms

American Stock Yards Association

40 firms

American Subcontractors Association

30 firms

American Textile Machinery Association

125 firms

American Textile Manufacturers Institute 600 firms

American Train Dispatchers Association

3,800 individuals

American Transit Association

500 firms

( American Trucking Association, Inc.

, 5 1 firms

American Veterinary Medical Association

20,000 individuals

American Vocational Association

50,000 individuals

American Warehousemen's Association

500 firms

American Watchmakers Institute 4,000 individuals

American Watch Workers Union

2,000 individuals

American Waterways Operators, Inc. 300 firms

American Water Works Association

21,000 individuals

American Welding Society

22,000 individuals

American Yarn Spinners Association, Inc.

1 00 firms

Anti-Friction Bearing Manufacturers Association, Inc. 50 firms

Apartment Association of America

700 firms

Arizona Consumers Council

I , 000 individuals

Asphalt Institute 70 firms

Associated Actors and Artistes of America

62,000 individuals

Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. 3,000 firms

Associated Credit Bureaus, Inc. 4,000 firms

Associated General Contractors of America

9,500 firms

Associated Master Barbers and Beauticians of

America

I I, 000 individuals

Associated Tobacco Manufacturers, Inc. 20 firms

Associated Unions of America

4,000 individuals

Association for Childhood Education International

60,000 individuals

Association for Computing Machinery

27,000 individuals
12 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

Association for Educational Communications

and Technology

10,000 individuals

Association for Supervision and Curriculum

Development

13,000 individuals

Association of American Colleges

900 colleges

Association of American Geographers

6,000 individuals

Association of American Law Schools

1 25 colleges

Association of American Medical Colleges

3,500 colleges

Association of American Publishers

200 firms

Association of American Railroads

275 firms

Association of American Universities

50 universities

Association of California Consumers

Membership unknown

Association of Classroom Teachers

900,000 individuals

Association of College and Research Libraries

12,000 libraries

Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture 400 colleges

Association of Electronic Manufacturers, Inc. 250 firms

Association of Engineers and Scientists

70 individuals

Association of Graduate Schools in Association

of American Universities

50 colleges

Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers

100 firms

Association of Manufacturers of Confectionery

and Chocolate, Inc.

1 25 firms

Association of Massachusetts Consumers, Inc. 200 individuals

Association of Motion Picture and TV Producers

70 individuals

Association of Mutual Insurance Engineers

700 individuals

Association of Oil Pipe Lines

100 firms

Association of Pomona Valley Consumers

400 individuals

Association of State Colleges and Universities

200 colleges

Association of Stock Exchange Firms

600 firms

Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers

23,000 individuals

Athletic Goods Manufacturers Association

70 firms

Auto Body Association of America

3,000 firms

Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. 10 firms

Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association

600 firms

Automotive Service Industry Association

5,000 firms

Bakery and Confectionery Workers International

Union of America

61,000 individuals

Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmetologists' Inter- national Union of America, The Journeymen

72,000 individuals

Barre Granite Association, Inc. 40 firms

Bicycle Institute of America

250 firms

Biscuit and Cracker Manufacturers Association

250 firms

Bismarck-Mandan Consumers League

Membership unknown
GROUPS INVITED TO SUBMIT INPUTS 13

B'nai B'rith Women

135,000 individuals

Book Manufacturers Institute

1 25 firms

Boot and Shoe Workers' Union

40,000 individuals

Boys' and Young Mens' Apparel Manufacturers

Association

700 firms

Brewing Industries Research Institute Membership unknown

Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers International

Union of America

149,000 individuals

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers

39,600 individuals

Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees

141,000 individuals

Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen of America

12,200 individuals

Brotherhood of Railway, Airline and Steamship

Clerks, Freight Handlers, Express and Station

Employees

270,000 individuals

Brotherhood of Railway Carmen of the United

States and Canada

125,600 individuals

Brotherhood of Shoe and Allied Craftsmen

2,700 individuals

Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters 6,000 individuals

Brotherhood of Utility Workers of New England,

Inc. 3,900 individuals

Building Officials and Code Administrators In- ternational of America

1,300 individuals

Building Owners and Managers Association In- ternational

3,000 individuals

Building Research Advisory Board

700 individuals

Business Equipment Manufacturers Association

70 firms

California Redwood Association

10 firms

Can Manufacturers Institute, Inc. 55 firms

Canvas Products Association International

500 firms

Car and Truck Renting and Leasing Association

1,1 00 firms

Carpet and Rug Institute 400 firms

Casket Manufacturers Association of America

300 firms

Chefs De Cuisine Association of America

400 individuals

Chemical Specialties Manufacturers Association,

Inc. 550 firms

Chocolate Manufacturers Association of the

U.S.A.

20 firms

Christian Labor Association of the United States of America

Membership unknown

Cigar Institute of America

800 firms

Cigar Makers' International Union of America

3,600 individuals

Cigar Manufacturers Association of America,

Inc. 55 firms

Citizens for Consumer Action

Membership unknown

Clothing Manufacturers Association of U.S.A.

70 firms

Colorado Consumers Association, Inc. Membership unknown

Colorado Housewives Encouraging Consumer

Knowledge (CHECK)

Membership unknown
14 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

Commerce and Industry Association of New

York

3,500 firms

Communications Workers of America

32 1,000 individuals

Compressed Air and Gas Institute 40 firms

Concrete Pipe Association, Inc.

2 associations representing

250 firms

Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences

10 associations

Congress of Independent Unions

2,500 members

Connecticut Consumer Association, Inc. 90 individuals

Construction Specifications Institute

1 1,000 individuals

Consulting Engineers Council of the U.S.A.

2,300 individuals

Consumer Assembly of Greater New York

107 organizations

Consumer Association of the District of Columbia

275 individuals

Consumer Association of Indiana, Inc. 10 organizations

25 individuals

Consumer Association of Kentucky, Inc. Membership unknown

Consumer Association of West Virginia

200 individuals

8 groups

Consumer Conference of Greater Cincinnati

1 ,000 individuals

Consumer Federation of America

175 associations

Consumer Research Advisory Council

1 50 individuals

Consumers League of New Jersey

Membership unknown

Consumers League of Ohio

300 individuals

Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. 1,900,000 individuals

Cooperative League of the U.S.A.

20,000 individuals

Coopers International Union of North America

2,600 individuals

Copper Development Association, Inc. 80 firms

Copper Institute 25 firms

Cordage Institute 50 firms

Corrugated Container Institute 10 firms

Corset and Brassiere Association of America

65 firms

Council for Exceptional Children

18,000 individuals

Council for Professional Education for Business

15 associations

Council of Graduate Schools in the United States 300 colleges

Council of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional

Education

125 colleges

225 individuals

50 firms

Council of Housing Producers

Membership unknown

Council of Mechanical Specialty Contracting In- dustries, Inc. 4 associations

Council of National Organizations for Adult

Education

55 associations

Council of State Governments

50 states

Credit Union National Association, Inc. 24,000 credit unions
GROUPS INVITED TO SUBMIT INPUTS 15

Cutting Tool Manufacturers Association

175 firms

Dade County Consumers Council

Membership unknown

Data Processing Management Association

28.000 individuals

D.C. Citywide Consumer Council

200 individuals

Directors Guild of America. Inc. 3.200 individuals

Distillery. Rectifying. Wine and Allied Workers'

International Union of America

40.000 individuals

Drug. Chemical, and Allied Trades Association.

Inc.

j 800 firms

Edison Electric Institute 225 firms

Elastic Fabric Manufacturers Institute. Inc. 40 firms

Electrical Apparatus Service Association

1 ,800 firms

Electric Heating Association, Inc. 200 firms

Electronic Industries Association

325 firms

Engineers Council for Professional Development

30 societies

Envelope Manufacturers Association

175 firms

Evaporated Milk Association

25 firms

Farm and Industrial Equipment Institute 400 firms

Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association

400 firms

Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of

America

250.000 families

Federal Employees Association

219 individuals

Federal Plant Quarantine Inspectors National

Association

300 individuals

Federated Council of the International Association of Railway Employees and Association of

Railway Trainmen and Locomotive Firemen

300 individuals

Federation of Homemakers

2.500 individuals

Financial Analysts Federation

13.000 individuals

Fire Equipment Manufacturers Association

1 5 firms

Flavor and Extracts Manufacturers Association

of U.S.

300 firms

Flight Engineers' International Association

2.700 individuals

Florida Consumers Association. Inc. 100 individuals

Fluid Power Society

5.000 individuals

Food Processing Machinery and Supplies Association

300 firms

Food Tray and Board Association. Inc.

1 5 firms

Forest Products Research Society

5.000 individuals

Forging Industry Association

1 50 firms

Freight Forwarders Institute

20 firms

Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association

700 firms

Gasoline Pump Manufacturers Association

10 firms

General Federation of Women's Clubs. Inc. 15.000 clubs

Geological Society of America. Inc. 8.000 individuals
16 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

Georgia Consumer Council

40 individuals

Glass Bottle Blowers' Association of the United

States and Canada

68.000 individuals

Glass Container Manufacturers Institute 70 firms

Grain and Feed Dealers National Association

1 .900 firms

Granite Cutters International Association of

America

2.900 individuals

Graphic Arts Technical Foundation

2.500 individuals

Great Lakes Licensed Officers' Organization

1 1 7 individuals

Grocery Manufacturers of America

225 firms

Gypsum Drywall Contractors International

700 firms

Hard Fibers Association

1 5 firms

Health Insurance Association of America

350 firms

Health Insurance Institute 325 firms

Home Economics Education Association (NEA)

2.200 individuals

Hotel and Restaurant Employees' and Bartenders' International Union

450.000 individuals

Human Factors Society. Inc.

1 .600 individuals

Illinois Federation of Consumers

Membership unknown

Illuminating Engineering Society

1 1 .000 individuals

Independent Bankers Association of America

7.000 firms

Independent Garage Owners of America

5.000 firms

Independent Natural Gas Association of America

2,700 firms

Independent Petroleum Association of America

1 1 .000 firms

Independent Watchmen's Association

1 0.000 individuals

Industrial Fasteners Institute 70 firms

Industrial Forestry Association

85 firms

Industrial Heating Equipment Association

55 firms

Industrial Union of Marine and Shipbuilding

Workers of America

43.000 individuals

Institute for Rapid Transit

100 firms

Institute of Boiler and Radiator Manufacturers

80 firms

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Inc., The

170.000 individuals

Institute of Food Technologists

10,000 individuals

Institute of Paper Chemistry

1 16 firms

Institute of Scrap Iron and Steel

1 .400 firms

Institute of Traffic Engineers

3.500 individuals

Institutional Foodservice Manufacturers Association

1 25 firms

Instrument Society of America

2 1.000 individuals

Insurance Rating Board

1 50 firms

Insurance Workers International Union

22.000 individuals
GROUPS INVITED TO SUBMIT INPUTS 17

International Alliance of Bill Posters. Billers and

Distributors of the United States and Canada

1 .600 individuals

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Moving Picture Machine Operators of the United States and Canada

62.200 individuals

International Association of Assessing Officers

6.000 individuals

International Association of Bridge and Structural Iron Workers

162.000 individuals

International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Inc. 6.000 individuals

International Association of Fire Chiefs

8.000 individuals

International Association of Fire Fighters

1 15.000 individuals

International Association of Heat and Frost In- sulators and Asbestos Workers

12.500 individuals

International Association of Ice Cream Manufacturers 900 firms

International Association of Machinists and

Aerospace Workers

I 836.200 individuals

International Association of Marble. Slate and

Stone Polishers. Rubbers and Sawyers. Tile

and Marble Setters Helpers and Terrazzo Helpers 8.700 individuals

i International Association of Siderographers

29 individuals

International Association of Tool Craftsmen

500 individuals

International Association of Visual Communications Management. Inc.

I 5.000 individuals

International Association of Wall and Ceiling

Contractors

450 firms

International Bridge. Tunnel and Turnpike Association. Inc. 170 firms

International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. Iron Ship Builders. Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers 140.000 individuals

International Brotherhood of Bookbinders

6 1.800 individuals

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

875.000 individuals

International Brotherhood of Firemen and Oilers

45.000 individuals

International Brotherhood of Operative Potters

1 6.350 individuals

International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied

Trades of the United States and Canada

200.600 individuals

International Brotherhood of Pulp. Sulphite and

Paper Mill Workers of the United States and

Canada

171.200 individuals

International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Chauffeurs. Warehousemen and Helpers of America

1 .700.300 individuals

International City Management Association

5.000 individuals

International Conference of Building Officials

1 .000 individuals

International Die Sinkers' Conference

3.500 individuals

International Guards Union of America

2.100 individuals

International Jewelry Workers Union

14.200 individuals

International Ladies' Garment Workers Union

455.200 individuals

International Leather Goods. Plastics and

Novelty Workers Union

38.000 individuals
18 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

International Longshoremen's and Warehousemen's Union

60.000 individuals

International Longshoremen's Association

80.000 individuals

International Mailers Union

4.200 individuals

International Maintenance Institute

1 .000 individuals

International Molders and Allied Workers

Union. AFL-CIO

80.000 individuals

International Organization of Masters. Mates.

and Pilots 9.000 individuals

International Plate Printers. Die Stampers and

Engravers Union of North America

400 individuals

International Printing Pressmen's and Assistants'

Union of North America

1 14.000 individuals

International Stereotypers and Electrotypers

Union of North America

1 1.100 individuals

International Taxicab Association

1 .000 firms

International Typographical Union

1 06.700 individuals

International Union Guard Workers of America.

United Plant

12.000 individuals

International Union of Dolls. Toys. Playthings.

Novelties and Allied Products of the United

States and Canada

25.000 individuals

International Union of Electrical. Radio and

Machine Workers

320.000 individuals

International Union of Elevator Constructors

14.500 individuals

International Union of Journeymen. Horse

Shoers of United States and Canada

300 individuals

International Union of Life Insurance Agents

2,000 individuals

International Union of Operating Engineers

330.000 individuals

International Union of United Brewery. Flour.

Cereal, Soft Drink and Distillery Workers

55.000 individuals

International Union of Wood. Wire and Metal

Lathers

1 5,500 individuals

International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers

of America

1.402.700 individuals

International Woodworkers of America

94.200 individuals

Investment Company Institute 275 firms

Jewelry Manufacturers Association

1 25 firms

Joint Council of Economic Education

3 1 .000 individuals

Laborers' International Union of North America

474.600 individuals

Laundry and Dry Cleaning International Union

23.400 individuals

Lead Industries Association, Inc. 65 firms

League of Utah Consumers

Membership unknown

League of Women Voters of the United States 150.000 individuals

Leather Industries of America

400 firms

Leather Workers International Union of America

5.500 individuals

Life Insurance Association of America

1 25 firms

Linen Supply Association of America

1.5 00 firms
GROUPS INVITED TO SUBMIT INPUTS 19

Lithographers and Photoengravers International

Union

53.000 individuals

Louisiana Consumer League

450 individuals

Luggage and Leather Goods Manufacturers of

America. Inc. 200 firms

Machine Printers and Engravers Association of

the United States

I . 300 individuals

Machinery and Allied Products Institute 25 associations

Magazine Publishers Association. Inc. 125 firms

Mail Order Association of America

15 firms

Major League Baseball Players Association

700 individuals

Manufacturing Chemists' Association

200 firms

Manufacturing Jewelers and Silversmiths of

America. Inc. 850 firms

Marine Engineers Beneficial Association

II.000 individuals

Maryland Consumers Association, Inc.

1 1 organizations

100 individuals

Mason Contractors Association of America

2.000 firms

Material Handling Institute. Inc. 325 firms

Mathematical Association of America

19.000 individuals

Mechanical Contractors Association of America.

Inc.

1.3 00 firms

Mechanics Educational Society of America

37.000 individuals

Medical Surgical Manufacturers Association

100 firms

Metal Polishers. Buffers. Platers and Helpers In- ternational Union

10.000 individuals

Metric Association, Inc.

1 .500 individuals

Metropolitan New York Consumer Council

Membership unknown

Minnesota Consumers League

Membership unknown

Missouri Association of Consumers

200 individuals

Mobile Homes Manufacturers Association

350 firms

Motel Association of America

6,500 firms

Motion Picture Association of America

25 firms

Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association

600 firms

Municipal Finance Officers Association

4,500 individuals

Mutual Insurance Advisory Association

150 firms

Narrow Fabrics Institute 30 firms

National Academy of Engineering

375 individuals

National Academy of Sciences

950 individuals

National Aerospace Education Council

4,000 individuals

National Agriculture Chemists Association

1 50 individuals

National Alliance of Postal and Federal Employees

37,000 individuals

National Alliance of Television and Electronic

Service Association

8,000 firms
20 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

National — American Wholesale Grocers Association

400 firms

National Appliance and Radio-TV Dealers Association

5,500 firms

National Appliance Service Association

1 25 firms

National Association for Community Development

5,000 individuals

National Association for Public Continuing and

Adult Education

6,000 individuals

National Association for the Advancement of

Colored People

500,000 individuals

National Association of Accountants

70,000 individuals

National Association of ASCS County Office

Employees

14,300 individuals

National Association of Bedding Manufacturers

725 firms

National Association of Biology Teachers

8,000 individuals

National Association of Broadcast Employees

and Technicians

5,500 individuals

National Association of Broadcasters

4,000 firms

National Association of Building Manufacturers

200 firms

National Association of Casualty and Surety Executives

70 individuals

National Association of Chain Drug Stores

600 firms

National Association of Chain Manufacturers

15 firms

National Association of Colleges and Teachers

of Agriculture

1 ,600 individuals

National Association of Colored Women's Clubs

100,000 individuals

National Association of Counties

20,000 counties

National Association of County Agricultural

Agents

6,000 individuals

National Association of Credit Management

40,000 individuals

National Association of Electric Companies

150 firms

National Association of Elementary School Principals

26,000 individuals

National Association of Engineering Companies

50 firms

National Association of Extension Home

Economists

3,700 firms

National Association of Federal Veterinarians

1 ,400 individuals

National Association of Food Chains

250 firms

National Association of Furniture Manufacturers

500 firms

National Association of Glove Manufacturers,

Inc. 100 firms

National Association of Government Employees

200,000 individuals

National Association of Government Inspectors

1 ,200 individuals

National Association of Greeting Card

Publishers

100 firms

National Association of Home Builders

5 1 ,000 firms

National Association of Hosiery Manufacturers

500 firms

National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials

12,000 individuals
GROUPS INVITED TO SUBMIT INPUTS 21

National Association of Independent Food

Retailers

12,000 firms

National Association of Independent Schools

800 schools

National Association of Letter Carriers

190,000 individuals

National Association of Life Underwriters

100,000 individuals

National Association of Manufacturers

15,000 firms

National Association of Margarine Manufacturers 20 firms

National Association of Mens1 and Boys' Apparel Clubs

7,000 individuals

National Association of Motor Bus Owners

600 firms

National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies

1,100 firms

National Association of Mutual Savings Banks

525 firms

National Association of Negro Business and

Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. 7,000 individuals

National Association of Photographic Manufacturers 100 firms

National Association of Planners-Estimators,

and Progressmen

2,000 individuals

National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors

9,000 firms

National Association of Postal Supervisors

3 1 ,700 individuals

National Association of Postmasters of the U.S.

3 1,000 individuals

National Association of Post Office and General

Services Maintenance Employees

9,300 individuals

National Association of Power Engineers, Inc. 13,000 individuals

National Association of Purchasing Agents

1 9,000 individuals

National Association of Real Estate Boards

90,000 individuals

National Association of Refrigerated Warehouses

525 firms

National Association of Retail Druggists

36,000 firms

National Association of Retail Grocers of the

U.S.

50,000 firms

National Association of Secondary School Principals

32,000 individuals

National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. 4,000 firms

National Association of Service Managers

350 individuals

National Association of Small Business Invest- ment Companies

250 firms

National Association of Special Delivery Messengers

2, 100 firms

National Association of State Universities and

Land Grant Colleges

100 colleges

National Association of Textile and Apparel

Wholesalers

300 firms

National Association of Theatre Owners

12,000 firms

National Association of Trade and Technical

Schools

300 schools
22 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

National Association of Variety Stores

650 firms

National Association of Wheat Growers

80,000 individuals

National Association of Wholesaler- Distributors

2 1 ,000 firms

National Association of Wool Manufacturers

150 firms

National Automatic Merchandising Association

1 ,900 firms

National Automobile Dealers Association

22,000 firms

National Band Association

1 ,600 individuals

National Bankers Association

25 firms

National Bar Association

4,000 individuals

National Brotherhood of Packinghouse and

Dairy Workers

50,000 individuals

National Building Material Distributors Association

375 firms

National Business Education Association

12,000 individuals

National Canners Association

600 firms

National Coal Association

1 50 firms

National Coffee Association of the U.S.A.

325 firms

National Collegiate Athletic Association

700 colleges

National Commission on Accrediting

1 ,300 colleges

National Concrete Masonry Association

600 firms

National Confectioners Association of the

United States, Inc. 600 firms

National Conference of Standards Laboratories

250 laboratories

National Conference of States on Building Codes

and Standards

55 delegates

National Congress of Parents and Teachers

12,000,000 individuals

National Constructors Association

35 firms

National Consumer Finance Association

15,000 firms

National Consumers League

16,000 individuals

National Cotton Council of America

300 firms

National Council for Geographic Education

8,000 individuals

National Council for the Social Studies

18,000 individuals

National Council of Catholic Men

8,400 groups

National Council of Catholic Women

10,000,000 individuals

National Council of Farmer Cooperatives

1 30 firms

National Council of Jewish Women

125,000 individuals

National Council of Negro Women

3,850,000 individuals

National Council of Senior Citizens

2,000 associations representing

2,000,000 individuals

National Council of Teachers of English

50,000 individuals

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

80,000 individuals

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the

U.S.A.

30 demoninations with

145 ,000 churches
GROUPS INVITED TO SUBMIT INPUTS 23

National Council of the Young Men's Christian

Associations of the United States of America

4,500,000 individuals

National Crushed Stone Association

375 firms

National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America

650 firms

National Dental Association

700 individuals

National Education Association of the U.S.

1,100,000 individuals

National Education Association Division of

Adult Education Service

No separate membership from NEA

National Electrical Contractors Association, Inc. 5,500 firms

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

500 firms

National Elevator Industry, Inc. 55 firms

National Environmental Systems Contractors

Association

2,500 firms

National Executive Housekeepers Association

4,000 individuals

National Farm and Power Equipment Dealers

Association

13,000 firms

National Farmers Union

250,000 families

National Federation of Federal Employees

80,000 individuals

National Federation of Grain Cooperatives

25 firms

National Federation of Independent Business

270,000 individuals

National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses

3 1,000 individuals

National Federation of Post Office Motor Vehicle Employees

8,200 individuals

National Federation of Settlements and

Neighborhood Centers

400 centers National Fluid Power Association

1 50 firms

National Fire Protection Association

25,000 individuals

National Fisheries Institute 500 firms

National Flexible Packaging Association

175 firms

National Forest Products Association

20 associations with

1 ,500 firms

National Foundry Association

350 firms

National Furniture Warehousemen's Association

1,3 00 firms

National Governors Conference

50 governors

National Grange

800,000 individuals

National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association, Inc. 70,000 individuals

National Hand Knitting Yarn Association

50 firms

National Higher Education Association

28,000 individuals

National Home Furnishing Association

9,000 firms

National Home Study Council

150 schools

National Housewares Manufacturers Association

900 firms

National Housewives' League of America, Inc. 30,000 individuals
24 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

National Independent Automobile Dealers Association

2,500 firms

National Independent Dairies Association

325 firms

National Industrial Traffic League

1 ,700 individuals

National Industrial Workers Union

Membership unknown

National Industries for the Blind

70 agencies

National Institute of Diaper Services, Inc. 70 firms

National Institute of Drycleaning

10,000 firms

National Institute of Governmental Purchasing,

Inc. 700 firms

National Institute of Municipal Law Officers

1 ,500 individuals

National Institute of Packaging, Handling and

Logistic Engineers

400 individuals

National Institute of Real Estate Brokers

18,000 individuals

National Institute of Rug Cleaning, Inc. 600 firms

National Knitted Outerwear Association

900 firms

National Knitwear Manufacturers Association

900 firms

National League of Cities

15,000 cities National League of Postmasters of the U.S.

18,000 individuals

National Licensed Beverage Association

45,000 firms

National Lime Association

60 firms

National Limestone Association

700 firms

National Liquor Stores Association

40,000 firms

National LP-Gas Association

3,600 firms

National Lumber and Building Material Dealers

Association

30 associations

National Macaroni Manufacturers Association

100 firms

National Machine Tool Builders' Association

200 firms

National Management Association

95,000 individuals

National Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association

1 1,000 individuals

National Maritime Union of America

45,000 individuals

National Medical Association

6,000 individuals

National Milk Producers Federation

125 firms

National Newspaper Association

7.000 firms

National Notion Association

160 firms

National Oil Fuel Institute 8.000 firms

National Outerwear and Sportswear Association.

Inc.

1 50 firms

National Paint. Varnish and Lacquer Association

1 ,200 firms

National Paper Box Association

400 firms

National Pest Control Association. Inc.

1 .300 firms

National Petroleum Refiners Association

1 25 firms

National Postal Union

70.000 individuals
GROUPS INVITED TO SUBMIT INPUTS 25

National Ready Mixed Concrete Association

1.1 00 firms

National Restaurant Association

15.000 firms

National Retail Hardware Association

24.000 firms

National Retail Merchants Association

16.000 firms

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

1 .000 firms

National Rural Letter Carriers' Association

40.400 individuals

National Sand and Gravel Association

600 individuals

National Scale Men's Association

1 .200 individuals

National School Boards Association

52 boards

National Science Teachers Association

25,000 individuals

National Screw Machine Products Association

300 firms

National Secretaries Association

27.000 individuals

National Security Industrial Association

450 firms

National Shoe Retailers Association

6.000 firms

i National Small Business Association

36.000 firms

National Society of Professional Engineers

! 70.000 individuals

National Soft Drink Association

[ 2,500 firms

National Sporting Goods Association

4.000 firms

National Tool. Die. and Precision Machinery Association

1 ,500 firms

National University Extension Association

175 colleges

National Urban League

50.000 individuals

National Vocational Agricultural Teachers Association

10.000 individuals

National Warm Air Heating and Air Conditioning Association

2.500 firms

National Waterways Conference. Inc. 550 firms

National Wholesale Druggists Association

900 firms

National Wooden Pallet and Container Association 235 firms

Negro College Committee on Adult Education

10 individuals

Newspaper and Mail Deliverers' Union of New

York and Vicinity

3.500 individuals

North Carolina Consumers Council

2.000 individuals

23 organizations

Northern Textile Association

300 firms

Office and Professional Employees International

Union

70.000 individuals

Ohio Consumers Association

17 organizations

91 individuals

Oil. Chemical and Atomic Workers International

Union

165.400 individuals

Operations Research Society of America

7.000 individuals

Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' Inter- national Association of the United States and

Canada

68.000 individuals

Optical Manufacturers Association

70 firms

426-992 O - 71 - 3
26 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

Order of Railway Conductors and Brakemen

18.800 individuals

Oregon Consumers League

500 individuals

Packaging Institute. Inc.

1 .600 individuals

Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute

1 25 firms

Paper Bag Institute. Inc. 20 firms

Paper Shipping Sack Manufacturers Association

30 firms

Paper Stationery and Tablet Manufacturers Association

55 firms Patent Office Professional Association

600 individuals

Pattern Makers League of North America

1 3.400 individuals

Peninsula Consumer League. Inc. Membership unknown

Pennsylvania League for Consumer Protection

90 organizations

500 individuals

Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association

1 50 firms

Pickle Packers International. Inc.

1 75 firms

Plastic Products Manufacturers Association. Inc.

1 25 firms

Plate. Cup. and Container Institute. Inc. 25 firms

Portland Cement Association

70 firms

Poultry Breeders of America

32 firms

Printing Industries of America

8.000 firms

Private Truck Council of America. Inc.

1 .600 firms

Producers' Council. Inc. 225 firms

Professional Photographers of America

1 1 .000 individuals

Radio-Television News Directors Association

1 .100 individuals

Railroad Yardmasters of America

2.000 individuals

Railroad Yardmasters of North America. Inc. 2.000 individuals

Retail Clerks International Association

500.400 individuals

Retail. Wholesale and Department Store Union

170.500 individuals

Rhode Island Consumers' League

Membership unknown

Rubber Manufacturers Association

185 firms

St. Louis Consumer Federation

25 organizations

50 individuals

Sales and Marketing Executives— International

28.000 individuals

Salt Institute 30 firms

Scale Manufacturers Association

40 firms

Schiffli Lace and Embroidery Manufacturers Association

500 firms

Scientific Apparatus Makers Association

250 firms

Screen Manufacturers Association

30 firms

Seafarers International Union of North America

80.300 individuals

Service Employees International Union. AFL-1 ' CIO

420.000 individuals

Sewing Machine Trade Association

30 firms
GROUPS INVITED TO SUBMIT INPUTS 27

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors'

National Association. Inc. 2.300 firms

Sheet Metal Workers International Association

100.000 individuals

Shipbuilders Council of America

50 firms

Soap and Detergent Association

150 firms

1 Society for Advancement of Management. Inc. 13.000 individuals

Society for Experimental Stress Analysis

3.000 individuals

1

1

Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics

4.000 individuals

Society of Aerospace Material and Process Engineers

2.500 individuals

Society of American Florists

5.500 firms

Society of American Foresters

j 20.000 individuals

Society of American Military Engineers

26.000 individuals

Society of Applied Medical Systems

Membership unknown

I Society of Automotive Engineers. Inc. 27.000 individuals

Society of Fire Protection Engineers

1 .500 individuals

Society of Manufacturing Engineers

50.000 individuals

Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers. Inc. 1 8.000 individuals

JJ Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers

10.000 individuals

Society of Packaging and Handling Engineers

2.000 individuals

Society of Photographic Scientists and Engineers

3.600 individuals

Society of Plastics Engineers. Inc. 15.000 individuals

Society of Real Estate Appraisers

18.000 individuals

Society of Soft Drink Technologists

600 individuals

Society of the Plastics Industry. Inc.

1 .500 firms

Society of Women Engineers

1 .200 individuals

Society of Wood Science and Technology

600 individuals

South Dakota Consumers League

Membership unknown

Southern Building Code Conference

614 towns, counties and cities Southern Furniture Manufacturers Association

300 firms

Southern Labor Union

2.500 individuals

Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers

Institute 10 firms

Steel Founder's Society of America

140 firms

Stove. Furnace and Allied Appliance Workers'

of North America

9.000 individuals

Structural Clay Products Institute

1 25 firms

Sulphur Institute 40 firms

Super Market Institute 400 firms

Surety Association of America

60 firms

Tanners Council of America

375 firms
28 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper In- dustry

14.000 individuals

Telephone Group of ANSI

1 .300 firms

Theater Equipment and Supply Manufacturers

Association

60 firms

Texas Consumers Association

Membership unknown

Textile Distributors Association. Inc. 200 firms

Textile Foremen's Guild. Inc. 2 1 5 individuals

Textile Workers Union of America

182.000 individuals

Tobacco Associates. Inc. 400.000 individuals

Tobacco Institute

1 5 firms

Tobacco Workers International Union

32,500 individuals

Toilet Goods Association. Inc. 550 firms

Tool and Die Institute 900 firms

Toy Manufacturers of America

350 firms

Transport Workers Union of America

135.000 individuals

Tricot Institute of America. Inc. 50 firms

Truck Body and Equipment Association, Inc. 700 firms

United Allied Workers International Union

600 individuals

United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting In- dustry of the United States and Canada

284.800 individuals

United Brick and Clay Workers of America

21.000 individuals

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of

America

800.000 individuals

United Business Schools Association

500 schools

United Cement. Lime and Gypsum Workers In- ternational Union

35.600 individuals

United Church Women of the National Council

of Churches

10.000.000 individuals

United Electrical. Radio and Machine Workers

of America

320.000 individuals

United Federation of Postal Clerks

143.200 individuals

United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association

2.800 firms

United Furniture Workers of America

37.500 individuals

United Garment Workers of America

27.000 individuals

United Glass and Ceramic Workers of North

America

48.300 individuals

United Hatters. Cap and Millinery Workers In- ternational Union

30.000 individuals

United International Union of Welders

2.000 individuals

United Mine Workers of America

232.000 individuals

United Papermakers and Paperworkers

144.300 individuals

United Rubber. Cork. Linoleum and Plastic Workers of America

170.500 individuals

United Shoe Workers of America

53.000 individuals
GROUPS INVITED TO SUBMIT INPUTS 29

United Slate. Tile and Composition Roofers.

Damp and Waterproof Workers Association

22.900 individuals

United States Beet Sugar Association

10 firms

U.S. Brewers Association. Inc. 400 firms

U.S. Conference of Mayors

500 individuals

United States Independent Telephone Association

1 .300 firms

United States Savings and Loan League

5.200 firms

U.S. Screw Service Bureau, representing

Aerospace Precision Fastener Association

Aircraft Locknut Manufacturers Association

Precision Aerospace Rivet Association

Sockets Group Products Bureau

Tapping Screw Service Bureau

j| Tubular and Split Rivet Council

U.S. Cap. Screw and Special Threaded

Products Bureau

U.S. Machine Screw Service Bureau

U.S. Wood Service Bureau

Members — 80 firms total

United Steelworkers of America

1.068.000 individuals

United Stone and Allied Products Workers of

America

12,100 individuals

| United Telegraph Workers

28.300 individuals

, United Textile Workers of America

J 47.100 individuals

| United Transportation Union

260.000 individuals

United Transport Service Employees of America

3.000 individuals

University Photographers Association of America 275 individuals

Upholstered Furniture Manufacturers Association

50 firms

Upholsterers' International Union of North

America

58.300 individuals

Utility Workers Union of America

72.400 individuals

Valve Manufacturers Association

35 firms

Vinyl Fabrics Institute 25 firms

Virginia Citizens Consumer Council

150,000 individuals

Washington Committee On Consumer Interests 200 individuals

Washington Society of Engineers

600 individuals

Water Pollution Control Federation

16.000 individuals

Window Glass Cutters League of America

1 .200 individuals

Wire Association. Inc. 3.000 firms

Wisconsin Consumers League

1 50 individuals

25 organizations

Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers Association

75 firms

Work Glove Manufacturers Association. Inc. 40 firms

Writers Guild of America. Inc.

1 ,400 individuals

Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association.

Inc. 100 firms

Young Women's Christian Association of the

U.S.A.

2.230.000 individuals

Zinc Institute, Inc. 150 firms

Zirconium Association

1 5 firms
III. INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE U.S. METRIC STUDY

The metric system of measurement was developed in France in 1 790. and.

in a world that generally had no uniformity of its weights and measures,

received much interest and attention. In the years that have followed, it has

been adopted by an ever growing number of countries. The number of adherents has increased until at this time the United States is the only industrial country of any size not using or having announced its intention of using

the metric system.

The use of the metric system in the United States was made legal with the

passage of a bill by Congress in 1 866. Many unsuccessful attempts followed

to legislate a nationwide conversion. Recent developments, including metrication plans and activity in the other English-speaking countries of the

world, caused Congress, in 1968, to enact the Metric Study Act (PL 90-472)

authorizing the Secretary of Commerce to ". . . conduct a program of in- vestigation, research, and survey to determine the impact of increasing

worldwide use of the metric system on the United States; to appraise the

desirability and practicability of increasing the use of metric weights and

measures in the United States . . ." (see app. 1 for the complete text). To carry out the directives of this Act. the Secretary of Commerce named

the National Bureau of Standards, which brought together the U.S. Metric

Study Group for these purposes. The Study Group conducted an extensive

series of investigations and surveys aimed at answering the following key

questions for all sectors and segments of the society:

What is the present impact within the United States of increasing worldwide use of the metric system?

30
INTRODUCTION 31

What would this impact be in the future, assuming that the use or nonuse of the metric system continues as at present, with no coordination among the various sectors of the society ? Alternatively, what would be the effect of a coordinated national pro- gram to increase the use of the metric system?

INPUTS FROM NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

To supplement the individual surveys and investigations, trade associations, professional societies, unions, and other nationally representative

groups were invited to present their opinions and viewpoints relating to the

three key questions outlined above.

Detailed reports were submitted by over 230 such groups and all of the in- formation contained therein has received careful consideration in the

deliberations of the U.S. Metric Study. This report summarizes these inputs

and presents brief summaries of all those received. For convenience these

are grouped into seven categories and these appear in chapters IV through

X of this report, with each chapter corresponding to a category as detailed

below:

1. Labor

2. Consumer Affairs

3. Education

4. Construction

5. Engineering-Related Industry

6. Consumer-Related Industry

7. Natural Resources. Transportation, Health. Small Business,

and Others

In addition to gathering information as to the opinions and viewpoints of

representatives of all sectors of the society, these inputs were an important means of providing widespread participation in the Study. Section 2(5)

of the Metric Study Act, states, in part, that the Study Group should ". . . permit appropriate participation by representatives of . . . industry, science,

engineering and labor, and their associations . . . ."

HOW THE INPUTS WERE OBTAINED

Inputs were sought from groups representing every sector of the economy

and were obtained in a number of ways. First, a large number of groups were

invited by the Secretary of Commerce to participate in one of a series of National Metric Study Conferences to present their input verbally. Additional

groups were invited to submit their input in writing to the U.S. Metric Study.

Finally, an announcement was published in the Federal Register stating that any such group was invited to submit its viewpoints and opinions to the U.S.

Metric Study Group.
32 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

The selection of groups to participate in the conferences was guided by the

need to choose a list of groups that — with reasonable number — assured

adequate coverage of all sectors of the economy. In many cases difficult choices were made in the selection of a single group to represent a given

sector of the economy where two or more groups were equally representative. However, in order to make the conferences workable, limitations were deemed advisable. Valuable assistance was obtained from members of the

Metric System Study Advisory Panel in the selection of groups in areas of

their expertise.

To supplement the inputs received at the conferences, a second listing was

developed and groups on this list were invited to supply written statements

to the U.S. Metric Study. These reports have received equal consideration

in the preparation of this report and the final U.S. Metric Study report as those reports received at the conferences.

To further supplement the information received from those invited to submit statements, a notice was published in the Federal Register on May 21.

1970. (see app. 5) that the U.S. Metric Study was interested in receiving in- puts from any interested group.

In order to receive inputs in a meaningful and usable form, it was necessary to supply guidelines and pertinent background material to those invited. These guidelines, which were based upon the three key questions outlined

above and greatly expanded, differed slightly for the various groups contacted. A general set of guidelines was used for most groups. Special

guidelines were prepared for the consumer, education, and labor sectors (see app. 6).

DETAILS OF THE CONFERENCES

The seven conferences were held in the categories previously described

(see app. 3 for detailed agenda for each conference). It should be noted that the meetings were not typical conferences. In fact, the term "hearing" more

closely approximates the nature of the meetings, wherein the invitees or wit- nesses generally attend only that portion of the meeting of direct interest to them.

A secondary benefit of the conferences (the major one was providing opportunity for inputs and. of course, receiving the information contained

therein) was that they were public meetings at which any interested person

could attend, and, in fact, participate in the discussions. A series of press

releases and individual contacts with the press were utilized to advertise the

conferences, and with the exception of the first conference there were no

fees charged for attending. In addition, brochures announcing both the entire

series and details of each individual conference were mailed to many

thousands of potentially interested parties.

At every conference but the first, there were review or discussion panels

made up principally of members of the Metric System Study Advisory Panel

(see app. 4 for the makeup of these panels). The review panel first listened to
INTRODUCTION 33

each presentation and then responded with questions of the presenter. When

time permitted, the audience was then allowed to question the presenter.

There was extensive interaction with each of the groups invited to participate in the conferences to help them prepare their inputs. This interaction

provided an opportunity to discuss the guidelines and explain the assumptions and provide whatever other assistance was needed.
IV. LABOR

A SUMMARY OF INPUTS

This conference was planned with the cooperation of the American

Federation of Labor— Congress of Industrial Organizations to get the

workers' viewpoint concerning increased metric usage. Unions were divided

into nine broad groups for purposes of presentations at the conference. A

spokesman for each area was selected by AFL-CIO and NBS to make the

conference presentation. A total of 45 unions supplied inputs to the presentations made at the conference.

Labor generally takes a position of neutrality on metrication, with union

spokesmen concerned about workers' investments in tools and the retraining

needed during transition. The reports indicate that some unions are unaware

that a change is contemplated; many feel that the issue is too remote for any

consideration now. The workers in 17 unions have some experience with

metric units; those in 28 unions have no metric experience. Those unions

that have some experience with metric units feel that the long term advantages of going metric outweigh the disadvantages and disruption of conversion; that changeover is inevitable and should be made as soon as possible.Sixteen unions feel metrication is either inevitable and/or desirable; four

are opposed to metrication; 25 feel the choice of units is of no concern to

their members.

Few of the unions anticipate any long term problems once the transition to the metric system is completed. Some feel that metrication would have little effect. Several see positive benefits: a simpler system with less chance of error, easier to understand and remember, and an aid in apprentice training.

Workers would also benefit as consumers.

34
LABOR 35

Transition Problems

Some unions believe the transition would take many years; others see it as

a temporary problem that would pass. Most agree that transition problems

would be less if the change were made rapidly.

The impact of metrication on the worker would be greatest during the

changeover period: new tools, retraining, loss of productivity, and new work

standards would all need attention. In many trades dual units would have to be used for a while, and this would lead to confusion and mistakes, but the

major factor would be human resistance to change, and learning to "think

metric." Younger workers coming through apprentice schools would be

prepared for metric usage but older workers with many years of trade ex- perience might find the retraining difficult.

Cost of Metric Tools

The cost of new tools that a worker would have to buy under metrication

is a major concern of the unions. In some unions this is not an important factor; in others, workers would have to buy new micrometers, scales,

wrenches and socket wrenches.

A range of $25 to $150 would appear to cover the costs faced by many

workers. Some trades (such as mechanics) might face larger expenditures,

perhaps as large as $500 to $1,000. All of the tools needed are readily

available today.

Retraining

Worker retraining is the second major concern of the unions. Estimates of

actual effort needed are difficult to make, due to varying requirements depending on actual job activities, but it is generally felt that whatever training

would be necessary should be at the employer's expense. Most unions feel that existing training programs would be adequate to cover the increased

load caused by metrication.

Many unions also express the opinion that retraining might have to focus on the older workers who. with much experience behind them, could be

harder to train and teach to "think metric." These steps would be necessary

in order to ensure that these older workers would not lose their present jobs

or would not be passed over for promotions due to a lack of understanding of

the metric system.

Individual Union Inputs

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS

AND AEROSPACE WORKERS

In the machine tool industry, metric usage has been occurring for a long

time. Foreign trade has been responsible for bringing the issue of metrication

into the metal industry, but on a limited scale. The influence of foreign trade
36 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

has been felt both in relation to imports and exports. The influx of foreignmade cars into the American market has necessitated the use of metric tools. Machine tool companies are manufacturing for export, and there are job

shops specializing in maintenance and tooling for foreign-made machines.

The one problem that concerned all those affected by metrication was the cost for the replacement of worker-owned tools. Thus far there has been no

need for the worker to purchase special tools. If worker-owned tools become

obsolete eventually, it is estimated that the cost for replacement at today's

prices would range from $300 to $1,000. No serious retraining program is envisaged.

It is fair to conclude that except for the replacement cost of tools, there is no serious opposition to metrication if it is carried out in a gradual manner

over a long period of time. Job shops handling the maintenance and tooling

of foreign machines are the most enthusiastic about metrication. However,

it is agreed that either the employer or the government should cover the cost of new tools, and also for retraining.

ALUMINUM WORKERS INTERNATIONAL UNION

The Aluminum Workers International Union and its members are not opposed to a change to the metric system but feel that it should be entered into

with an educational program within our school system to educate young people to this system some time before it is adopted in this country. To suddenly

introduce the older members into this system would be tremendously difficult. The changeover could be easy with groundwork in the schools.

Major problems foreseen in conversion would include tool replacement

and retraining. The extent of both vary, of course, with the different occupations. The cost of tool replacement, for example, could be as little as $50 to as much as $ 1 .000.

PATTERN MAKERS LEAGUE OF NORTH AMERICA

Conversion to the metric system would bring about no specific advantages

to member craftsmen. The economic impact of the obsolescence of instru- ments and tools would be severe. The exact cost of tool replacement cannot

be determined since it depends on many variables. Because of the basic

training of the members, which includes mathematics and related disciplines,

the members could convert without any formal or extended training pro- grams.

If there were no Federal grants to remove the economic burden of conversion on the craftsmen, it would be logical to assume that the Pattern Makers

League and its local associations would find it necessary to include conversion costs in collective bargaining demands.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY'S

UNIONS

The structure of the construction industry does not readily lend itself to
LABOR 37

major change. The industry is highly interrelated and both fragmented and

decentralized with thousands of companies participating to some extent. New construction should not be emphasized to the exclusion of renovation, remodeling, and repairing. These would each have an entirely different

impact as far as metrication is concerned. If we convert to the metric system

completely in the next 10 years, it would be easier to construct new buildings

and nonbuildings than to repair the ones now in existence. Many of the

buildings now standing will be in existence for the next one hundred years. Constructed and planned on a scale of inches and feet, they would present

serious renovation and repair problems.

Another major consideration in the construction industry is its work force.

It consists of a large pool of people possessing varying degrees of necessary

skills. There is constant movement in and out of this work force, and

generally speaking, there is very weak industry attachment. It takes about

1 .8 persons to fill one annual job.

Concerning metrication, in construction there is little or no present application and no past experience with the metric system. Existing exports of

materials are insignificant now and probably will continue to be in the future. The reasons for that include the weight, bulk, and high cost of transportation. Accommodation, or even adaption, would be better than conversion for the construction industry. The increased cost and very limited benefits that

this industry would receive precludes efficient conversion. Metrication itself should not affect overall construction activity because this activity is limited

to the cost and availability of long term capital. The priorities of what type of

construction will be built are determined through the flow of this capital.

Housing construction could be postponed to give priority to the conversion

of plants, capital investments, and plant equipment.

Another factor which would affect the overall construction activity is the

quality of the work force. Training would be needed to shift from the custo- mary system to the metric system. Training is probably the most important

element in the industry. The capacity of existing apprentice training systems,

teaching aids, textbooks, and conversion materials would need to be

analyzed; whom to train and how to train him would have to be decided.

Recruitment would have to vary with age and geographic distribution. If. for example, a worker lives in a rural area and has to travel to training areas and

classrooms, the time spent could be considerable. He should be compensated for time and transportation, creating an additional expense.

Additional concerns include the impact on the earnings of journeymen.

There would be a strong possibility of lost income due to delays in scheduling. Also, many persons who are either unwilling or unable to learn, could be

forced out of work.

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF

ELECTRICAL WORKERS

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has no past ex- perience with the metric system except the use of present electrical units
38 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

which are metric. The cost of replacing required tools due to metrication

would be small. However, a distinction should be made between the tools required by agreements, and tools craftsmen and journeymen carry as a per- sonal convenience to expedite their work. Although the number of tools required by agreement is minimal, the craftsmen actually carry a significant

number of additional tools. Reimbursement would probably be limited to required tools. The worker, unfortunately, would have to fund himself the

replacement of those other tools. Training is estimated at 30 to 40 hours

for journeymen and 50 to 80 hours for instructors at an undetermined

expense. Conversion at this time would definitely not be advantageous.

UNITED BROTHERHOOD OF CARPENTERS AND

JOINERS OF AMERICA

It is the opinion of this union that with the increase of worldwide trade a uniform measuring system is essential. The members have little, if any. contact with the metric system; therefore, the measuring tools and precision

equipment used by the members would be a major problem if the metric

system were adopted. Both construction and industrial workers are members in the union, and the replacement value of their tools would vary depending upon the segment of the trade in which they are employed.

An in-service training program of 40 hours for the coordinators and in- structors of apprenticeship and journeymen classes would be required. An

estimated 20-hour supplemental upgrading program would be needed in order to acquaint members with the metric system.

OPERATIVE PLASTERERS' AND CEMENT

MASONS' INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION

OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA

The metric system is not used by the workmen in this industry simply

because the advantages are not clear and the unfamiliarity with the system

by the membership naturally adds up to an opposing viewpoint.

Conversion to the metric system would be calamitous to the membership,

due mainly to the high number of elder members. In the event the use of the

metric system is adopted, some kinds of total and absolute compensatory

damages must be strongly considered for those who fail to grasp and master

the techniques of the new system, thereby reducing or totally losing their earning power. Replacement of tools would be negligible in comparison with

the tools and equipment of those in other crafts. INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF PAINTERS

AND ALLIED TRADES

The experience of the members with the use of measures is primarily

limited to linear and liquid or volume measuring, and most of the membership has been using the English system of measure in their day-to-day work

experiences.

No members of the union have any past experience with conversion to the
LABOR 39

metric system; most members are probably not even familiar with it. Furthermore, there are no readily apparent advantages of conversion from

the standpoint of the individual members of the union.

The impact of conversion on members in the building trades, primarily

painters, glaziers, and floor coverers, relates mainly to tool replacement.

They typically supply many of their own tools. Among the industrial workers, most of the paint makers use employer-supplied equipment. However,

the maintenance painters supply many of their own tool kits, and besides

painting, they are expected to perform other maintenance functions which

may involve the use of micrometers and depth gages. Retraining in both

areas would also be a concern. The amount of retraining would necessarily

vary according to tradesmen's or industrial workers' present use of the

customary system.

BRICKLAYERS, MASONS AND PLASTERERS

INTERNATIONAL UNION OF AMERICA

If the metric system were adopted, there would be much resistance to the

change at the outset. However, the tradesmen of this union could adapt to a change with fewer problems than other trades. Successful conversion would

require coordination of changes between material suppliers, architect designing engineers, and general and masonry contractors through joint meetings

and efforts. Advantages of metric usage may include its ultimate simplicity in calculation. Also, there may be some simplification of processes and construction

if the system of measure were unified through the metric system. Greater

economies through speed of construction could result if coordinated building

design, building materials, and assembly techniques were brought about by

a standardized measuring system.

The major disadvantage of metric usage would be costs and delays due to reeducation. A complete reeducation program of all workers would be

necessary. There may be a total rejection by some of the older workmen at the outset. There would be some difficulty in job planning and estimating.

Worker tool changes would also be required. These include a regular folding

rule, 50 feet and 100 feet steel measuring tapes, and a framing square. The

costs of such changes would be minimal.

OIL, CHEMICAL, AND ATOMIC WORKERS

INTERNATIONAL UNION

If planned metrication is necessary, the conversion should rigidly apply to

all segments of industry and no one group should be exempt. Industry must

draw labor into its conversion discussions.

Problems would include the replacement of tools. The worker is often

solely responsible for the purchase and maintenance of his own equipment

at significant cost. Another problem could be the replacement of existing

work practices. In chemicals, petroleum and related industries, conversion

may require substantial revision of process methods. This could mean the
40 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

development, installation, and operation of new equipment for which the

worker would require training.

The temporary need for maintaining dual working tools and work habits

would be expensive and wasteful until such time as the new system is nationally operated.

UNITED MINE WORKERS OF AMERICA

Present unit usage is primarily customary, but there is a growing use of imported (metric) mining machinery. Conversion to the metric system is considered both desirable and inevitable.

The changeover would require a long and intensive transition period. A

massive and prolonged effort of public reeducation would be essential. One

prime concern of the United Mine Workers Union would be conversion to metric tons from short tons, as royalties on a tonnage base support the

UMWA welfare and retirement fund.

UNITED TEXTILE WORKERS OF AMERICA

The members of this union are aware of the necessity for having some

uniform method of measurement, particularly as a result of the expanding

trade between all nations of the world. The concerns of the workers during

conversion would be tool replacement (who would pay for the new ones

needed) and retraining. Nevertheless, there would be no real objections to making the change, providing it would not be made too abruptly, but would

be spaced over a period of several years.

UNITED HATTERS, CAP AND MILLINERY WORKERS

INTERNATIONAL UNION

Conversion to the metric system would not be an insurmountable hurdle

for the industry to overcome. The immediate impact would require some

minor adjustments in the manufacturing process. To the extent that the in- troduction of the metric system might have an effect on the present sales policy of the industry to sell any product in dozen quantities, there might be a

relearning process required. However, countries on the metric system ap- parently still use dozens in internal and external sales. Therefore, there

would be no objection in terms of impact in this industry. On the positive

side, it would help make cost comparisons with foreign markets easier if measurements of length, width, height, and weight were directly comparable.

TEXTILE WORKERS UNION OF AMERICA

The customary system is primarily used in textile operations. Some textile mills are using imported machines made in foreign countries using the metric

system. These require the use of special tools by mechanics, repairmen, or

fixers, but this has not created any problems.

Concerning a possible change to the metric system, the great majority of
LABOR 41

textile workers are machine tenders and the effect of conversion on their work routines would be negligible.

No significant advantages or disadvantages would result to members on

the job. The average individual would find the metric system simpler, after a short adjustment period. Familiarity with the U.S. monetary system should

make the transition easy. A relatively small number of worker-owned tools such as micrometers,

verniers, wrenches, etc.. might become obsolete. These are used by only a

small percentage of textile workers and sometimes supplied by the employer. The cost of replacement would be negligible or small for most textile workers.

Training programs may become necessary for some of the skilled trades

workers who utilize measures such as weights, pressures and volumes in dyeing, finishing, coating, and similar textile operations to familiarize them

with the metric system. This could be done by the employers in the plant in a short time.

INTERNATIONAL LADIES' GARMENT

WORKERS' UNION

There is no prior experience in conversion or in the use of the metric

system in the production of apparel in the United States, whether made by

cut-and-sew or knitting processes. Any conversion to the metric system

would require certain adaptations in the industry. There are relatively few

worker-owned tools that might be affected. Some sewing machine operators

own measuring tapes and other minor tools that would require changing.

The main problem in conversion, from the worker's standpoint, would be an educational one. For example, stitch lengths in sewing are expressed in stitches per inch. Adjustment mechanisms found on sewing machines are ex- pressed in these terms. In view of the comparatively long life of this equipment, many machines with present adjustment markings would continue to be utilized even after a conversion to the metric system; this might add to confusion in the shops.

In the shop, workers in the cutting room would possibly have to get used

to different widths of fabric that the introduction of the metric system may

bring, again assuming that fabric width would be changed to a whole number

of centimeters. However, the marking of patterns on fabrics of slightly dif- ferent width would present only an educational problem to the worker that would not be insurmountable.

BOOT AND SHOE WORKERS' UNION

The greatest impact from conversion in the shoe industry would fall on the

manufacturers.

The major impact for the shoeworker would be confusion with new units. Some impact may result in teaching operators to check their various parts by

centimeters rather than by irons or eighths of inches or other fractions of

inches. Piecework operators who now receive pay based on linear measure426-992 O - 71 - 4
42 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

merits could become confused and even suspicious if the conversion is made

to centimeters.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE TRANSPORTATION

INDUSTRY'S UNIONS

Transportation unions see little, if any. advantage to their members in converting to the metric system of measurement. On the other hand, no serious

opposition to conversion from these unions would be likely to arise providing that the investment of workers in their tools would be protected, necessary training would be provided and disruption in established seniority systems

and other collective bargaining arrangements would be minimized.

The financial burden of tool replacement must not fall on the worker.

Unions would not be willing to accept the idea of "let the cost fall where it may." If there is an advantage to industry and to government in converting

to the metric system then industry and government should bear the cost. The

advantage to an individual worker would be too remote in benefit and time

to put the burden on his pocketbook.

In all transportation modes there are situations where safety is a primary

factor and where rapid decision making is required. In these instances

proper off-the-job training must be furnished.

Although proper training would probably be the most important single

step to accomplishing smooth conversion, it would not present serious

problems if it could be undertaken within the present institutional collective

bargaining arrangements between employers and unions.

Metrication would have to come about without upsetting seniority by al- lowing younger workers to bypass their seniors just because the former are more versed in the metric system. This could be avoided by putting more

emphasis on the training programs for older workers — to make sure that no

worker is denied a job to which he would otherwise have been entitled if conversion had not occurred.

INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE,

AEROSPACE AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT

WORKERS OF AMERICA

At present the metric system of measurement is used in only a small per- centage of auto, aerospace and agricultural implement plants in the United

States. There it is mainly used in the tool and die and modelmaking trades. In the plants where the metric system has been introduced on a limited basis

there have been problems that have arisen. One of the main problems is the cost to the employer for conversion to the

metric system of the machines now in use. The second problem experienced

is the cost of replacing the workers' tools, especially in the metal trades classification. No formal training programs have been established; this would in- dicate that the workers learn as they get involved.

Advantages to the worker of a conversion to the metric system seem

nonexistent. The primary disadvantage of a change in measuring systems
LABOR 43

would be the cost of replacing the workers' tools, mainly in the metal working trades. Tool replacement for workers in the tool and die trade could cost

as much as $450. Other trades, i.e.. electricians, patternmakers, etc.. would

also be involved although not to the extent of the tool and diemakers.

Training would be another area of concern. U.A.W.'s formal and so- phisticated apprenticeship programs would need to be revised to incorporate

the metric system of measurement. The length of time necessary for these

training programs cannot be established. If the change were put into effect naturally, the training programs could get shorter as the change continued

and the employees through custom became familiar with the metric system.

AIR LINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION

Most pilots feel that metrication is inevitable, especially those with inter- national experience; and a good thing in view of its acceptance by the rest of

the world. There is a definite advantage in being able to perform mental cal- culations using a system of units with a base 1 0. However, during a transition period, the retraining of pilots would be the

most serious economic and personal hardship, and the lack of experience

with the new units could pose a serious safety problem.

MARINE ENGINEERS' BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATION

The scope of measurements used by marine engineers covers a wide range

and a change from customary measurement units to the new International

System of Units would have a major effect on the members.

During the past several decades a limited number of engineers have had

experience with the use of metric measurements primarily on foreign built vessels. Experience in working on such vessels has shown that the worldwide availability of parts and labor is greater, and if repairs are required overseas, the extensive conversion required in converting the job specifications from English to metric units is eliminated.

During conversion to the metric system, the primary disadvantage would

occur during the period when the new system is put into effect. The practicing engineers would have to be trained in the use of the new system; the

trainee engineer would have to be trained in two systems of measurement.

Fortunately the educational level of the membership is quite high, therefore

the training periods would be rather nominal. To date all training has been

accomplished by on-the-job training.

The primary long-range problem that would face the membership by this industry converting from the English system to the metric system would be

a radical change in job characteristics. The average U.S. flag merchant vessel has a life span of approximately 25 years; the manufacturers and vendors

of ships' equipment carry spare parts for approximately 3 years by require- ment. Fortunately, the manufacturers of most marine equipment have not changed their basic designs for the past several decades which results in having spare parts for the life of a vessel. With the adoption of the metric

system, the subsequent retooling of the marine component manufacturers
44 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

would rapidly eliminate the availability of spares, requiring that the ships'

engineers either do more shipboard machine work or develop newer

techniques for repairs.

UNITED TRANSPORTATION UNION

People primarily represented by this organization are those engaged in the

movement of trains and engines on the tracks of the United States and

Canadian railroads. The facilities that are utilized in such movement, as well

as the "tools of the trade" which are lanterns, flares, signal flags, etc.. have no direct relationship to the measurement system used, and, accordingly,

there would be no impact if the metric system were adopted.

UNITED TRANSPORT SERVICE EMPLOYEES

The United Transport Service Employees, and its members, strongly support and urge the adoption of the International System of Units (SI). However, it would necessitate the establishment of area-wide classes of instruction for people who are not attending schools or colleges in order that they

could become familiar with the usage of the metric system.

There would be no apparent advantages or disadvantages to transport ser- vice workers in converting to the metric system due to the nature of the

members' work. No worker-owned tools or equipment are required in the

performance of their duties.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF MASTERS,

MATES AND PILOTS

If the United States were to convert to the metric system, it would be welcomed by the members of this organization. In general, the average Deck

Officer would have no serious problem in adjusting himself to the use of the

metric system in his daily assignment.

Ships' Officers in their duties in meteorology and weather are used to handling their assignments using the metric system, e.g.. by expressing temperatures in Celsius, and millibars for barometric pressure. Ships' Officers, in their daily work in cargo operations, find that most cargo documents express

weights in kilograms. When heavy lift is expressed in kilograms, this in turn

is converted by the Officer to pounds because the ships' cargo gear capacity

is expressed in lifting ability in long tons. In many places in the world the

Deck Officer is involved, for example, with Docking Officials who. in many

cases, express length in meters instead of feet. For the average Ships' Officer, there are no serious difficulties ex- perienced in these conversions. However, if the conversion to the metric

system were put into effect, it would simplify matters for the Deck Officers.

AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION

Early transition to the metric system appears to be in the national interest
LABOR 45

in order that American-made tools and machinery and other consumer

products may have a much broader export market. Obviously, the export

market is increasingly resistant to the idea of carrying a duplicate inventory

of tools and skills to accommodate the American-produced products.

However, the advantages of a changeover to the metric system are not

readily visible or apparent to workers in the transit industry, particularly

when they have not had any previous exposure to the use of the metric

system. Since metric units are divisible by 10 in all of their multiples or submultiples, a far greater degree of facility, efficiency, and therefore improved

productivity, is possible.

Disadvantages to the transit worker which would accompany metrication

are in reality cost problems relating to tool replacement, redrafting of maintenance specifications, either by changing completely to metric, or by giving

metric equivalents during the transition period; and the training of employees to the metric system.

BROTHERHOOD OF RAILWAY, AIRLINE AND

STEAMSHIP CLERKS, FREIGHT HANDLERS,

EXPRESS AND STATION EMPLOYES

The United States has been adjudged in many areas as a world leader. With more than 80 nations already on the metric system, it behooves the

U.S. to join with the rest of the world in this endeavor. The workers

represented by this union would not be materially affected by conversion to the metric system. However, the union is convinced that the conversion

should take place and the cost absorbed as it would provide for a freer exchange of scientific data and common standards for easier exporting and

importing of materials.

The greatest advantage of a conversion to the metric system would be an improved exchange of information with persons of like interests in other

countries. Over a 10-year period, disadvantages would be minimal. Not

more than 2 percent of the members would be faced with purchasing new

tools. Over 10 years with normal wear and tear, and depreciation, there

would probably be no cost to the worker.

It would be essential that members who make computations in distance be

given a brief orientation coupled with the issuance of conversion tables.

LITHOGRAPHERS AND PHOTOENGRAVERS

INTERNATIONAL UNION

With the world shrinking as a result of continually improving communications, global standardization of measuring systems is more and more imperative and it will be necessary for the graphic arts industries to adjust ac- cordingly.

It is very obvious that in adopting the metric system, all industries would

encounter difficulties in varying degrees. Manufacturing industries would

have the most serious problems and the graphic arts industries are in that category.
46 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

It is apparent that it would be necessary for all industries to embark upon

vast educational projects to properly train and convert workers to the metric

system. The Lithographers and Photoengravers International Union is al- ready geared to meet that situation. The LPIU Educational Training and Retraining Program enables graphic

arts craftsmen to attend courses of instruction which are specifically

designed to keep their knowledge and skills in pace with the needs of the in- dustry. The physical requirements and instructional system are already well

established and any new subject could be added to the curriculum with a minimum of difficulty. If the United States adopts the metric system, the

Lithographers and Photoengravers International Union, through its Educational Training and Retraining Program would be ready for a massive conversion program.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCAST

EMPLOYEES AND TECHNICIANS

This report is based on a questionnaire survey of the chief engineers at radio and television broadcasting stations, and officials of the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians.

The advantages of conversion to the metric system far outweigh the disadvantages in the broadcast industry. The industry is already using many elec- tronic measurements and standards expressed in metric terms. A major advantage of conversion relates to the need for uniformity

throughout the entire spectrum of worldwide electronic communications.

The advent of computers and satellites marks an even greater need for worldwide standardization. More and more electronic equipment of foreign

design and manufacture is entering the United States, and the need for such

uniformity is even more urgent.

There is broad concurrence among the respondents that the main disadvantage—and a minor one — in conversion to the metric system would be in the measurement of footage of audio tape, video tape and motion picture

film for purposes of time computation in the day-to-day broadcast operations

as relates to program scheduling. Here it is believed that even though the impact of conversion would be immediate, the acceptance of the new standard

would be easily accomplished because of the high skills and competence

prevalent among the employees in the broadcast industry.

Tool replacement would not be of great concern to the workers because in the broadcast industry the companies supply, for the most part, all of the

tools and equipment used. There should be no need for any extensive train- ing program for employees in the broadcast industry, assuming the availabili- ty of a comprehensive series of conversion tables. A conversion to the metric system should neither create any insurmountable problems in the recruitment of employees or in the promotion of employees, nor should conversion have any significant effect on the nature of

the jobs of the employees in the broadcast industry.
LABOR 47

INTERNATIONAL PRINTING PRESSMEN AND

ASSISTANTS' UNION OF NORTH AMERICA

Advantages of a metric conversion for workers in this facet of the printing

industry would be in the form of a spin-off benefit related to expanded employment opportunities. This would appear to be a deferred or long-range

benefit. job-related tool replacement costs would be minimal for printing press operators in a changeover. Workers engaged in maintenance and repair,

however, would have a substantial investment to make in personal tools. Normal depreciation, breakage and obsolescence over a 10-year period

would not necessarily offset the need for maintenance workers to secure a complete set of metric tools at one time. This would be required at the moment a metric press is introduced into a plant which previously had no metric

equipment. Due to the long life of capital equipment in this industry, dual

usage of measurement systems, particularly for maintenance, would be pro- longed. Maintenance machinists, electricians, etc., would be required to own

two sets of tools for a good many years past completion of conversion.

Training should not be confined to only those workers directly engaged in measurements in the performance of their jobs since this ignores the fluidity

of the work force. Denying adequate metric training to any and all workers

might limit promotion opportunities or limit geographical mobility of in- dividuals who would relocate to improve their earning capacity. In printing

it is probably more characteristic than in other industries for employers to

rely on the mobility of workers to secure adequate manpower.

INTERNATIONAL UNION OF ELECTRICAL,

RADIO AND MACHINE WORKERS

The report is based on a questionnaire survey of local unions.

There are several classifications of jobs which probably would not be af- fected by metrication. These are the repetitive, short-cycle production line jobs in which very little measuring is done. Highly skilled personnel — such

as technicians and engineers — would be affected by a changeover, but indi- cations are there would be few problems regarding acceptance.

Approximately 15 percent of IUE members are skilled tradesmen (maintenance men, machinists, tool and die makers, etc.). These are the workers

who would be the most seriously affected by the introduction of the metric

system. They would be affected in two ways: (a) the cost of tool replacement, and (b) the need for additional training in the use of the metric system.

The greatest objection voiced in all replies is the cost of new tools due to conversion of machinery over a period of years. The type and replacement

cost of tools depends on the job. All respondents believe a retraining program would be necessary. This

should consist of classroom instruction as well as on-the-job guidance. A

gradual changeover— with the use of conversion charts — would be necessary to allow workers whose adaptability rates differ, to pace themselves ac- cordingly.
48 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS OF AMERICA

There are no immediate advantages from conversion that would accrue to the non-supervisory workers in the telephone and telegraph industry. In the

long-run, however, conversion to the metric system by all nations would

greatly facilitate the exchange of goods and information.

One of the principal immediate disadvantages would be the tremendous

inconvenience that would be caused those workers involved in measurement—particularly in the manufacturing arm of the industry and in installation. In addition, habits and custom — particularly those involving measure — would be difficult to break, could cause the workers great concern and

eventually lead to errors and disciplinary measures.

Skilled craftsmen represented by the CWA would suffer greatly from obsolescence of tools. Because of the many skilled crafts represented and the

differing tool requirements for each one. any estimate would be difficult at best. Training would also be a problem but it is impossible to judge the

needed effort. In view of the problems that are encountered when complete conversion

is employed, it would appear that the minimal response to the metric system

or "'accommodation" should be first employed. If this minimal approach can

be digested, then the second and third degrees of response, after proper in- tervals, could be utilized. This procedure should be employed if the metric

system were adopted because of its gradual approach.

THE ASSOCIATED ACTORS AND ARTISTES

OF AMERICA

The Associated Actors and Artistes of America reports that their members

have essentially no use of measuring systems in their activities and as such

would have no problems if and when the metric system were adopted in the

United States.

AMERICAN NEWSPAPER GUILD

The American Newspaper Guild reports that their members have essentially no use of measuring systems in their activities and as such would have no problems in performance of their job functions if and when the metric

system were adopted in the United States.

SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION

Discussions with representatives of member locals in the United States and Canada lead to the observation that the bulk of the membership would

not be greatly affected by a conversion to the metric system.

In general, it should not place any great burden on the membership. Some

of them would have to undergo some instruction in the transposition and use

of the system, but such instruction would probably not have to be extensive.
LABOR 49

Most of the members are not required to purchase their own tools. Accordingly, there would seem to be no costs involved for them individually in the changeover.

INSURANCE WORKERS INTERNATIONAL UNION

There is almost no interest, pro or con. about conversion to the metric

system among the members of the Insurance Workers International Union.

Because of the nature of the industry, any impact from such a change is apt

to be minimal.

INTERNATIONAL UNION OF UNITED BREWERY,

FLOUR, CEREAL, SOFT DRINK AND

DISTILLERY WORKERS OF AMERICA

The union is opposed to conversion to the metric system. The reasons are

the possible costs of the changeover of tools, machine tools, and containers

of all sizes. Education is also considered to be a big problem.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POST OFFICE

AND GENERAL SERVICES MAINTENANCE

EMPLOYEES

It is the feeling that the use of the metric system would have no great impact on members of this organization as presently set up, unless the size of

nuts, bolts, and tools, etc.. are changed.

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SPECIAL

DELIVERY MESSENGERS

The National Association of Special Delivery Messengers feels conversion to the metric system would have no effect on its membership.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POST OFFICE

MOTOR VEHICLE EMPLOYEES

The National Federation of Post Office Motor Vehicle Employees feels that conversion to the metric system would have no effect on its membership.

OFFICE AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES

A changeover to the metric system would bring no great advantages or

serious disadvantages for union members. The overwhelming majority of of- fice and other white-collar employees do not use any tools, instruments, or machines that would have to be replaced if the metric system were adopted.

No extensive educational programs for white-collar employees would be

needed if the United States decides to adopt the metric system.
50 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

RETAIL CLERKS INTERNATIONAL

ASSOCIATION

A conversion to the metric system of measurement would produce

minimum benefit to store workers, but at the same time the detrimental

aspects would be slight.

The advantages or disadvantages of converting to the metric system in the

retail industry appear to be minimal. The disadvantages relate to the necessity of reeducation of the workers to a system with which they have virtually no familiarity. However, the metric system is fairly simple to learn. Retail

workers use the measuring equipment supplied by their employers. Therefore, there would be no direct cost to them in any conversion.

UTILITY WORKERS UNION OF AMERICA

In the utility industry, conversion would cause no real difficulties. Most

workers are highly trained and could learn and adapt easily.

ALLIED INDUSTRIAL WORKERS OF AMERICA,

INTERNATIONAL UNION

Voluntary conversion would create additional pressures at the bargaining

table. The employer's side of the table would see additional costs in equipment and also the short-run loss in productivity. There is no question that the conversion would slow down the rate of increase in productivity (if not

actually cause a decrease) in the short-run.

From the union's side of the table, the pressures would be on the union for wage increases to cover the additional tool cost to employees or have the

employer purchase the tools. Unions would also be seeking protection of

seniority rights in job upgrading through job bidding procedures. Unions

have enough experience with subjective management judgment regarding

ability without adding one more screening out criteria (i.e., knowledge of the

metric system).

AMERICAN FLINT AND GLASS WORKERS UNION

The American Flint and Glass Workers Union's skilled mechanics have

an average of $500 to $600 invested in precision tools and the protection of

this investment is of great concern. They see no particular advantage in conversion to the metric system to offset the increase in costs.

GLASS BOTTLE BLOWERS ASSOCIATION

OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA

Since the nations of the world are gradually accepting the metric system,

this nation cannot remain alone with a system of measurement of its own. More and more of the products made by the members are exposed to inter- national markets and to make them more acceptable they must be in units of
LABOR 51

measure in use in the purchasing country. This exportation of the members'

products is an important factor in maintaining stable employment and in ex- panding job opportunities for the workers. The glass container is very versatile and the manufacturer and customer are very innovative. Because of

this fact, changing glass or plastic containers to metric sizes would be almost

routine.

With the exception of the workers employed in the maintenance departments and machine repair departments, very few of the workers represented

by this union are required to furnish tools or equipment. Most of the tools used by the average worker are the kinds that were developed specifically for this industry and since they would be of no use in some other job or in- dustry, are supplied by the employer. A conversion to the metric system

would have to be gradual. No special training program would be required to convert the workers represented by this union to the metric system.

INTERNATIONAL LEATHER GOODS, PLASTICS

AND NOVELTY WORKERS' UNION

Both the customary and the metric system can be conveniently used by

the workers. Of course the introduction of a new system would entail more

difficulties than maintaining the status quo. However, if there were a consensus that a new system should be introduced, this union would concur in such

a consensus and would urge that appropriate educational measures be un- dertaken to assure its proper implementation.

INTERNATIONAL MOLDERS AND

ALLIED WORKERS UNION

The simplicity of the metric system and its widespread acceptance in a major part of the world, demands thoughtful and intelligent consideration on

our part. This union welcomes a study of the systems, realizing that an un- derstanding and an agreement could have a good effect upon the economies

of the world. If agreement can be reached upon an international system of measures and weights, the United States might advance quickly to other

agreements.

A training program for workers should be initiated by all industries if and

when a decision to convert is reached. It seems that it would be a proper

function of the government to help defray the cost of such training. Although

a period of 10 years has been discussed as an orderly transition period, it should be possible to shorten the time.

UNITED FURNITURE WORKERS OF AMERICA

It is always desirable to institute for universal use a uniform system in any

area. Our current money, electrical and number systems are based on units

of 10. It is therefore logical to conclude that to change a similar system of

weights and measures should not be difficult.
52 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

Once the metric system is introduced and workers become accustomed to

it. they would find it easier to use. It would also result in greater uniformity

in tools, nuts, bolts, screws, and other such hardware used in the furniture

trade.

It would be necessary to institute a training program to teach workers in the plants not only the system, but to relate it to the use of tools. Most workers are conservative when it comes to changing from a system

or method to which they have long been accustomed. However, once the

people in the industry master the use of the metric system they would

probably never want to change back to the current system of measuring.

Certain cost factors would be involved, however, for the skilled workers—cabinet makers, upholsterers, etc., since many of their tools would

become obsolete, and the purchase of new tools produced in the metric

system would be required.
V. THE CONSUMER

A SUMMARY OF INPUTS

Inputs in the consumer area were obtained with the special assistance of

the American Home Economics Association. Reports were made by specialists in ready-to-wear clothing and yard goods, in health products, fresh

and processed foods, food preparation in the home, and kitchen and

household equipment.

The experts agree almost unanimously that conversion to the metric

system would bring advantages outweighing disadvantages, and that metrication would offer no great problems in converting clothing, food, and home

equipment. The feeling that the change is inevitable and would cost more if delayed is also commonly expressed. It is also noted that at present most consumers are disinterested or apathetic, and a massive educational program

would be needed.

Advantages

A major advantage of metrication for the consumer cited by the experts is that the metric system is simpler, with little use of fractions and only one unit for any quantity. It would therefore be easier to learn and calculations would

be less subject to error. Also, price comparisons would be easier to make,

and calculations in home food preparation would be simpler.

Another advantage would be that changing to the metric system would

bring opportunities to introduce sizing methods based on actual body dimensions for some types of clothing. Finally, some experts feel that with more

products exported and imported, the range of choice for the consumer would

be wider and costs could be reduced.

53
54 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

Disadvantages

Disadvantages to consumers, according to the experts, would be limited

to getting accustomed to a new system, with some confusion and possible

temporary cost increases during a transition to the metric system. Surveys

conducted by many of the participating organizations show that consumers

generally are unaware of any contemplated change to the metric system and

see no reason to change. Consumer education to the metric system is ex- pected to present more difficulty than any other aspect.

The time required for conversion, in general based on inventory turnover

time, ranges from a few months for food to 5 or 10 years for appliances and

equipment. All experts favor a coordinated conversion program with a fixed

date for completion.

Education for Consumers

The reeducation of the U.S. consumer to a new system would be a major

problem in metrication. Preparation for conversion would require six months to a year of planning. Teachers would need to be trained before any

massive educational program could be started, and sales clerks would need

to be trained to assist customers.

A survey of consumer attitudes to uncover opportunities to arouse in- terest and provide motivation for the change to the metric system would be

very useful. Such a survey could help develop a strategy for winning broad

popular support for metrication. Advertising would be one of the ways of

achieving this support, through TV commercials and in print, as has been

done in the past for other public interest causes.

Spokesmen for Consumer Activities

PURCHASING WOMEN'S READY-TO-WEAR CLOTHING

Presented by:

Dr. Margaret Warning

College of Home Economics

Iowa State University

The present system of sizing has been established by practice through the

years without a consistent plan and is often confusing to the buyer. Where

sizes refer to actual physical measurements, they are exclusively in terms of

customary units, and garments partially constructed in foreign countries for marketing in the U.S. are labeled according to U.S. practices.

Planned metrication would have the following advantages: ( 1 ) adoption of

uniform national and perhaps even international standards for clothing sizes;

(2) possibility of having the actual dimension of garments on the label so that consumers could know what they were selecting rather than having to in- terpret sizes; (3) simplification of international trading and shopping in
THE CONSUMER 55

foreign markets made easier; (4) less difficulty in transferring highly skilled garment workers from abroad to work in U.S. production.

These would be accompanied by the following disadvantages and

problems: (1) the psychological disadvantage associated with learning and

adjusting to new measurements; (2) rounding may produce new sizes; (3) a possible increase in the cost of garments resulting from increases in manufacturing costs.

PURCHASING CHILDREN'S CLOTHING

Presented by:

Elsie K. Williams

College of Home Economics

Iowa State University

Whether produced domestically or foreign made, all children's clothing is sized by the customary system. The present system of sizing is inconsistent

and often confusing. Infant and toddler clothing often is sized with an ar- bitrary letter or number accompanied by a height and weight chart. Similar

standards have been developed for boys, girls, sub-teens, and teen-age girls,

but rarely are clothes for these age groups sized by height and weight.

A program of planned metrication would provide an opportunity to change

to a logical labeling system which would include critical body dimensions.

Standardization of sizes is not necessarily advantageous since differences

in manufacturers offer flexibility to consumers and an opportunity to select cuts and styles that fit the buyer's body type.

Advantages would include easier selection of prepackaged infant wear; and more accurate mail order purchases would be possible.

There may be a psychological disadvantage associated with learning and

adjusting to new sizes and measurements.

PURCHASING MEN'S CLOTHING

Presented by:

Dr. Margaret Boyle Conte

School of Home Economics

Purdue University

Men's clothing is sized according to the customary system whether made

domestically or imported. Some American sizes are related to body measurement (i.e., actual neck or chest girth in inches).

Metrication would probably have a minimal impact on the consumer of

men's clothing. Under a program of planned metrication, no particular advantages would be forthcoming. New sizing would need to be carefully

planned to offer the most customer satisfaction. A reduction in the number

of sizes could decrease satisfaction.
56 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

HOME SEWING, YARD GOODS AND PATTERNS

Presented by:

Mildred Graves Ryan

The McCall Pattern Company

The customary system is used exclusively in all phases of home sewing.

The sewer may use items, trimmings, buttons, buckles, fabrics, ribbons and

sewing machines that have been made in metric countries according to metric engineering standards, but in doing so she uses the customary system.

Planned metrication would necessitate the establishment of new sizes for many of the items used and new dimensions for others. These changes could

be expected to cause difficulties and be met with resistance by many con- sumers. The time needed to adopt or adjust would depend on the intelligence

of the home sewer, her attitudes, the attitudes of those who brought the

change, and the attitudes of those who introduce her to it. The pattern companies would present the home sewer with the information she would need to purchase her patterns and fabrics. She would not need to convert any of her measurements. Items that would have to be

replaced include a rule and tape measure that total approximately $2.00.

PURCHASING PROCESSED FOOD

Presented by:

Dr. Jean A. Phillips

College of Home Economics

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Current legal restrictions are such that the customary system is used in

retail markets for all foods. Some contents are given in metric units but only

as parenthetical information. With the familiar customary system, some confusion does exist between weight and volume when the term ounce is used.

A planned program of metrication would aid in eliminating present ambiguities. Different units in the metric system for mass and volume would aid consumers. Elimination of sub-units like 16 ounces per pound would

facilitate calculations. The major disadvantage would be the need to educate

the consumer. PURCHASING FRESH FOOD

Presented by:

Majorie M. Merchant

Extension Management and Family Economics

University of Massachusetts

Purchase of fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables is done exclusively by the

customary system (pounds, gallons) or by count. There is no trend toward
THE CONSUMER 57

introducing the metric system, and, at present, price comparisons can be

easily made.

Under planned metrication, the number of language, unit and size changes

would be minimal for the consumer engaged in purchasing fresh foods and

the impact would also be minimal. The consumer would need to be educated

to recognize changes in sizes and in pricing and to learn to think and base

purchases on the new units. HOME FOOD PREPARATION

Presented by:

Fern E. Hunt and Eloise Green

School of Home Economics

The Ohio State University

Recipes, measuring devices, and cooking utensils are all presently in terms

of customary units for home cooking. Under planned metrication, there would

be no difficulty in converting from Fahrenheit to Celsius for temperature

measurements in cooking although conversion tables would be needed. A

change to cooking by weight would create problems and women would

probably prefer to continue to cook by volume measuring. It would be

desirable to retain the relationship between basic proportions as those now

existing between the cup. tablespoon and teaspoon. Careful planning and

thought would be needed in establishing metric measuring devices for use in home cooking.

Advantages of metrication would include: (1) simplification of calculations and comparison of diets, formulas and recipes; (2) easier international

exchange and use of food preparation information; and (3) easier international exchange of utensils and measuring equipment for food preparation.

The major disadvantages would be the obsolescence of presently owned and

used utensils, measuring devices and recipes from the standpoint of

markings and language. The cost of new measuring items would be less than

$10.00 per household.

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT

Presented by:

Helen M. Goetz

Department of Home Management

University of Alabama

At present there is exclusive use of customary units in the description,

directions for use. and indication and control of kitchen equipment. The

homemaker is not handicapped by the use of customary units and would not

benefit from the use of metric units. Under planned metrication the consumer would be required to learn new

nomenclature but no mass confusion is foreseen since kitchen equipment is

426-992 O - 71 - 5
58 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

not acquired often and afterwards the consumer does not concern herself

with measurements that are important at the time of purchase.

THE PURCHASE AND USE OF

HOUSEHOLD EQUIPMENT

Presented by:

Mary E. Purchase

Department of Design and Environmental Analysis

New York State College of Human Ecology

Cornell University

At present all items of household equipment utilize exclusively customary

units. There is increasing use of metric language as parenthetical information, but this is of no concern to the consumer. Under planned metrication there would be no advantage or disadvantage

to the consumer in this area. No special education would be

required — general metric education would be suitable. Any change in the physical sizes of appliances to make them in round metric units would be small and of little concern to the consumer, provided that the new sizes were not too large to pass through existing doorways.

THE PURCHASE AND USE OF

HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS

Presented by:

Stanley H. Slom

Home Furnishings Daily

At present customary units are used exclusively for the purchase and use

of household furnishings. This causes some problems for the consumer (e.g.. converting from square inches to square feet to square yards).

Under planned metrication there would be no significant problems to the consumer. The width of carpeting, upholstery fabrics, and drapery materials

may change but this would be of more concern to the manufacturer than to the consumer.

REPAIRS AND SERVICING

Presented by:

Henry N. Ostborg

Merchandising Testing and Development Laboratories

Sears. Roebuck and Company

At present there is very little use of metric language or metric engineering

standards in repairs and servicing; primarily the customary system is used.

Items purchased outside the continental United States and built to the met-
THE CONSUMER 59

ric system have created no serious problems for Sears and/or its customers.

Under planned metrication the success of such a program would depend on good planning with a reasonable rate of change. The rate of conversion

should fit changes brought about by normal product design innovations and

improvements and/or the improvement or replacement of manufacturing

equipment or methods. If this procedure were followed, the duplication of

repair parts inventory could be held to a minimum. Training of sales and ser- vice personnel could be accomplished as part of the normal training necessary for any product change. This would minimize confusion and total cost both to industry and the consumer. (This report is based on the experience

of Sears. Roebuck and Company.)

METRIC LABELING FOR FOODS,

DRUGS AND COSMETICS

Presented by:

Wallace F. Janssen

Food and Drug Administration

Only through complete conversion and standardization of sizes could the

consumer-purchaser obtain substantial direct benefits from metrication.

Merely to place metric numbers on English units of quantity would not simplify the shopper's arithmetic or aid in price comparisons.

As to health products and services, the U.S. has already converted very

largely to the metric system. Prescription medicines and many other medical

products are manufactured, controlled, labeled, and administered in metric

units. That change was evolutionary and voluntary, stimulated by the practical advantages of a scientific and more easily used system. It was beneficial

and has had no adverse impact on the consumer.

AUTOMOBILE PURCHASING AND USE

Presented by:

Harry Murphy

Chairman

Department of Marketing

University of Dayton

Domestic automobiles are manufactured primarily to customary engineering standards. Of course, imported automobiles use metric standards extensively. The producer-seller provides purchase and use information converted into customary units. Under planned metrication, a change of measurement language only

would be confusing and the benefits of metrication would probably not be

achieved; a change in standards to rounded metric quantities would be

required. Conversion to the metric system would result in consumer confusion and resistance. Adjustments in the purchase of gasoline and oil and in
60 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

the inflation of tires would be more readily and safely dealt with than the

problems of conversion confronting the driver of an automobile. These could

be a problem if mental conversions of road sign information are confusing at high speeds on expressways.

AUTOMOBILE REPAIR AND SERVICING

Presented by:

Herbert E. Ellinger

Transportation and Technology

Western Michigan University

Domestic automobiles are based on and use the customary system.

Foreign automobiles are generally engineered to the metric system. The

volume of imported cars is steadily increasing and for those consumers that do their own servicing it has required a modest purchase of metric tools. There is difficulty in getting satisfactory service when the consumer takes

his foreign car to an independent repair shop or service station. This is primarily because of the poor availability of replacement parts and not the

fact that metric standards were used to manufacture the parts. Service on

foreign cars is comparable in cost to service on domestic cars. Metrication would cause no serious problems at the consumer level in au- tomotive service. The service man. with some training and suitable tools,

should have no trouble servicing metric designed and engineered cars. The

consumer could be affected by those service men who are untrainable or

refuse to be trained. Any added cost would likely be passed along to the con- sumer.

CONSUMER ATTITUDES: "A CROSS-SECTION

OF ATTITUDES"

Presented by:

Margaret Dana

Consultant, Consumer Attitudes

In response to a request in Mrs. Dana's newspaper column. 219 persons

wrote letters giving their opinions about the metric system and a possible

change to it in this country. They came from all parts of the country, all age

and educational levels, and many occupation categories.

Figures ran about 10 to 1 in favor of metric conversion. The letters emphasized:

1. The metric system is easy to use

2. The metric system is easy to learn

3. Some elderly people would have a difficult time adjusting

4. A barrier would be set up between Americans and others if the U.S.

does not change.
THE CONSUMER 61

The overriding conclusion from the survey is that metrication has greater consumer support than is usually realized. CONSUMER ATTITUDES: EDUCATION

Presented by:

Theodore Dunn

Benton and Bowles (Advertising Agency)

Advertising seeks to find out what consumers need and want and, through

education and motivation, to sell products and services. Advertising

develops a strategy for selling a particular item, executes it. and checks

whether or not it has accomplished its objectives. These principles could be

applied to the introduction of the metric system.

Knowledge of the metric system and the motivation to use it would al- leviate many, if not all, of the difficulties. Lack of advantages and motivation

of consumers for metrication could be compensated for by borrowed motivation. Metrication would probably not be met with a great deal of resistance,

but rather apathy and indifference born out of lack of knowledge of the

values of the new system and of reasonable satisfaction with the old. Advertising could help provide the knowledge and motivation necessary to over- come this apathy.

Individual Group Inputs

NATIONAL RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

ASSOCIATION

This report is based on a survey of representative consumers conducted

by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Generally, those consumers who are familiar with the metric system and have used it professionally or in school favor a change and do not feel it would be difficult. Those people who have not had contact with metric measurements are opposed.

Respondents indicate knowledge of the metric system in such items as

electrical units, film, drugs, school, and foreign cars. About half state that they have no occasion to use metric measurements. Responses indicate that those who have used metric measures do not find it difficult. Three out of

five indicate no disadvantages in the present system. A majority indicate that they have heard metric terminology; fewer can define the meanings, and still fewer use such measurements.

CONSUMER INTEREST COMMITTEE- AMERICAN

HOME ECONOMICS ASSOCIATION

The Consumer Interest Committee of AHEA surveyed members in busi- ness, education, research, and homemaking.
62 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

Reeducation and adjustment is identified by most as the major effect of a change to the metric system on the field of home economics, the home

economist as an individual consumer, and the total consumer population.

The degree of concern and needs on the part of a majority of the respondents

in the survey is directly proportional to familiarity with the system. Home

economists currently involved with metric measurements generally envision

minor changes in equipment and materials, and as a result, minimum cost to

their position in home economics and to their role as consumers. Those

respondents less familiar with the metric system tend to view a change to the

metric system as very costly in money and time, both to their position within

home economics, and to their own households in terms of replacement of

equipment and educational materials.

Among home economists answering questions on advantages and disadvantages of a change to the metric system for American consumers, 23 per- cent feel there is no consumer advantage to such a change. Thirty-four per- cent of the respondents feel the major advantage to be that of conformity

with the other countries of the world, a situation that would have indirect

benefits for the consumer. In contrast. 61 percent of the sample see a direct consumer advantage to the complete use of metric measurements through

easier price comparisons in the marketplace.

Home economists see initial confusion and adjustment as the major disadvantages of a change to the metric system. Concern is expressed for extensive consumer education efforts and the development of easily interpreted

educational materials relating to conversion factors. The cost of replacing

household equipment is the second most often stated disadvantage to complete adoption of metric measurements.

HOME ECONOMISTS IN HOMEMAKING SECTION

AMERICAN HOME ECONOMICS ASSOCIATION

This report is based on a questionnaire survey of the Home Economists in Homemaking Section's members. The respondents indicate the greatest advantage of present customary usage is its familiarity, and the disadvantages

most frequently cited are the use of necessary fractions and the inability to correlate the measures. The advantages of metric system usage listed most are its universality for world trade and communication, and the simplification of calculations.

Among the disadvantages are the necessity to relearn measurement units

and the expense involved in the changeover. Most respondents think it would take six months to make the conversion, and they feel the areas that would be the most affected are food, clothing, and household equipment.

MARYLAND CONSUMER ASSOCIATION, INC.

At present there is no noticeable increase in metric usage except in the

number of foreign automobiles in use. The repair and servicing of foreign au- tomobiles have been somewhat of a problem. Under planned metrication, initial resistance would be encountered, but the decimal feature of the metric
THE CONSUMER 63

system would be an advantage. Cost and confusion for the consumer would

be the main disadvantage.

CREDIT UNION NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, INC.

Worldwide metrication will affect consumers as imports from metric countries increase. CUNA's Task Force on Consumer Affairs possibly would

consider the issue further should the need arise. CONSUMERS UNION

The Consumers Union recognizes that the merits of the metric system,

while substantial, could only be secured if the energies of interested private

and governmental agencies would be enlisted and coordinated to secure its adoption.

ASSOCIATION OF POMONA VALLEY CONSUMERS

Consumers would need proper protection to avoid being taken advantage

of during any transition to the metric system.

AMERICAN CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

Consumers make no use of the metric system at present. There are no dis- advantages from the use of the customary system, and familiarity with the

customary system is an advantage. Planned metrication could cause confusion and animosity. Consumers would have to replace numerous items; costs could be uncertain. Changes in the food area would be the most confusing. Clothing could be changed gradually, and leisure time and transportation activities could be easily changed.

VIRGINIA CITIZENS CONSUMER COUNCIL, INC.

The Virginia Citizens Consumer Council endorses metrication in the

United States with the understanding that such metrication would be gradual

and that a major effort would be made to educate the consumer during the

transition period.

Needless to say, people generally object to any changes in the status quo. However, the Council recognizes the need for and the feasibility of metrication.In 1970. the Virginia Citizens Consumer Council conducted a survey of consumer reaction to adoption of the metric system via its Dial-a-Consumer

telephone recording system. One-third of those responding expressed no knowledge of the metric system, while another third felt they were somewhat familiar with it. The remainder said they were very familiar with

the metric system.

Planned metrication is preferred over "letting nature take its course." Metrication should be accomplished gradually — at least over a decade — so
64 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

that the consumer, manufacturer, textbook publisher, etc.. could adapt to the new system. Manufacturers should label products and advertise those

products using both systems until metrication is complete (i.e.. all citizens

have a working knowledge of the system). The mass media should be used

extensively in educating the public. Consumers should be encouraged to conceptualize the liter, centimeter, etc.. not simply memorize equivalents.
VI. EDUCATION

A SUMMARY OF INPUTS

The inputs in this area were obtained with the special assistance of the National Education Association and the American Vocational Association, and

covered the impact of metrication in elementary and high schools, in higher

education, and on the vocational level. Experience with metric usage shows that it is easier to teach and learn than the customary system. All educational levels support metrication as an

aid to improved efficiency in learning, starting as soon as possible following

a short preparation period.

The advantages of metric system usage in education would far outweigh

any costs and problems faced in transition. Professional groups see only

minor costs for in-service teacher training, and for conversion of textbooks

and equipment. The vocational schools foresee opportunities to train and up- grade people for jobs requiring metric competence; they could also introduce consumers to the metric system when the need arises.

Teaching the Metric System

Students in early grades are able to learn the metric system easily, but find

little use for it outside the classroom. Students in the upper grades run into

interference with their background in customary units, and find it difficult to think in metric terms. Metric units are already in general use in teaching modern science courses

in elementary schools, and for biology, chemistry, and physics courses in high school. In many of these courses, the metric system is used exclusively;

65
66 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

experience shows that the use of two systems with conversion charts is not

helpful; total immersion in the metric system is more effective. The use of metric units is desirable for all educational courses at all levels. Decimals are easier to learn than fractions and lead to increased accuracy.

Confusion from multiple names for a quantity in customary units (e.g., inches, feet, and yards for length) is eliminated in the metric system. Some

savings in learning time is possible because of metric usage, and it would

release time for other learning.

Vocational Education

Contributions from 10 divisions of the American Vocational Association

indicate that metric units are already used to some extent in regular instruction in nearly half of the divisions. All agree that a planned metrication pro- gram with firm dates for completion would be essential. Except for courses

using machine tools, conversion could be completed in 2 to 5 years, and conversion costs would be minor. Trade schools feel that up to 10 years might

be needed to hold equipment costs to a minimum. Since vocational courses

prepare students for a specific occupation, metric training would have no

value until the employer is converting to metric usage.

In addition to training beginners, the vocational schools are also prepared

to offer up-grading courses for employees needing training in the use of the

metric system on the job. Most adults who come for up-grading would have

little or no knowledge of the metric system, and would bring widely varying

skills and educational backgrounds. Programmed instruction methods have

been developed to teach the adult exactly what is needed without wasting

time.

The vocational schools also anticipate an important role in educating con- sumers as metric products become available. Almost every consumer in the

nation has a vocational school within easy driving distance. Trained staff, classroom facilities, and demonstration equipment are already at hand, or could be available by the time they would be needed.

Teacher Education

Metrication would require retraining of teachers prior to the start of the

transition. The in-service training needed would take 2 to 5 hours of class- room instruction supplemented by practice and experience in order for the

teachers to learn to think in metric terms. Existing in-service training channels could be used, and most school districts have science and mathematics

teachers qualified to provide the training. Some resistance to a change is anticipated from older teachers; new teachers entering the field would be proficient in metric usage.

Textbook Replacement

Book publishers would be able to convert textbooks to the metric system

with little cost or problem if they have at least 5 years advance notice. Most
EDUCATION 67

textbooks are revised every 5 years, and metric units could replace customary units at the time for normal revision. The advantages of a simple, uniform

system of units would outweigh any conversion problems.

Individual Inputs

NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

The National Education Association, in 1970. adopted the following

resolution:

"The National Education Association believes that a carefully

planned effort to convert to the metric system is essential to the future

of American industrial and technological development and to the

evolution of effective world communication. It supports federal

legislation that wouldfacilitate such a conversion.

"The Association declares that, commencing with the 1971-72

school year, teachers of all grades should teach the metric system as

the primary system of weights and measures ofthe United States." At present, elementary school instruction in the metric system is brief and

superficial but is gradually improving. A national program of metrication

would lead to a simplification of the learning process and some time would

be saved. There would be readjustments in texts, training, and equipment.

Costs and problems would be minimal if spread over a reasonable time, per- haps 10 years. Of course, a reasonable lead time for planning would be

needed. There would be no dollar savings; time would instead be released

for other learning experiences.

THE AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL ARTS ASSOCIATION

Industrial arts reflects the conditions existing in industry. The metric

system is taught in 40 to 50 percent of the courses where measurement is required. Any conversion in industrial arts must follow a shift by industry.

Massive in-service training would be needed. Tools and machines would be

a problem and a 10-year phase out program would reduce costs. Eventually

there would be a saving in time and energy.

COUNCIL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN

Contrary to present practices in "normal" education, most exceptional

children (except the gifted and. only recently, the deaf) are not introduced to the metric system at all. Teaching a dual system (customary and metric)

would be confusing, even detrimental, for exceptional children; they need a system related to what they encounter in real life. There is substantial reason

to believe that they could learn and relate to the metric system much more

easily than to the English system of measurement. School and nonschool

strategies to implement this transition are known and rather easily utilized by teachers and parents.
68 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY

SCHOOL PRINCIPALS

Most of the 200 schools surveyed indicate the metric system is presently

being taught, mostly in chemistry, physics, mathematics, general science and

physical science. Over the past 10 years, the use of the metric system has

been increasing.

If the United States should adopt the metric system, in-service training,

especially for teachers outside of math and science, would be needed. The

cost of textbooks would be minimized if spread over a 5- to 10-year period.

It would be worth the effort since the metric system is a more logical system

and easier to learn. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF TEACHERS OF ENGLISH

Metrication would have no significant effects on English teaching.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF TEACHERS OF MATHEMATICS

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, in 1969. adopted the

following resolution:

"Be it resolved. That the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics encourages the universal adoption of the metric system of

measure."

At present, the metric system appears briefly in all arithmetic series and

the trend has been towards an increase in use. Nevertheless, most students

don't think in metric terms and teachers are not adequately trained.

If the metric system were adopted following a planned program over a period of 5 or 10 years, teachers could be retrained through existing channels, but more money for in-service education may be necessary during the

transition period. However, the revision of textbooks, either at the elementary or secondary level, would cause no major additional cost. For a period of

years more time would have to be devoted to the teaching of measurement,

but in the long run metrication would promote efficiency in learning mathematics.

"eNAL SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

The National Science Teachers Association, in 1969, adopted the following resolution:

"The Association strongly urges that the metric system and its lan- guage be incorporated as an integral part ofthe education ofchildren

at all levels of their schooling. We believe this goal can best be real- ized within the context of a complete conversion to the metric system

in all sectors ofnational life."

Metric units have been used for decades in science teaching and during the

past decade there has been a marked trend toward their exclusive use.
EDUCATION 69

Although this trend has been more pronounced at the secondary level, it has

also been noticeable at the elementary school level. The main problem en- countered with such usage is that the metric system does not relate to life outside the science classroom.

Under a conversion to the metric system, any short-term disadvantages

would be far outweighed by long-term advantages. Costs would be minimal over a 10-year period.

NEA DIVISION OF ADULT EDUCATION SERVICE

The National Education Association Resolution C-16 states that "all grades should teach the metric system." The Division of Adult Education

Service recommends that adult education courses be used to bring about

rapid and effective conversion. It strongly supports a planned program of

conversion. Its usage may be helpful to millions of adults who do not know

basic computational skills.

AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY

In 1966 and in 1968 the ACS Board of Directors voted "that the American Chemical Society endorse the adoption of the metric system in the

United States." At present the metric system is used in practically all (greater than 90%)

chemistry classes and laboratory work. Chemical engineering programs use customary units but the trend is toward the use of metric units. ACS publications use metric units in scientific journals; but both metric and customary

units can be used in applied journals.

AMERICAN GEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE

There is little metric usage in both secondary schools and colleges, but the

trend is towards increased metric usage at both levels. If the metric system were universally adopted, advantages would far outweigh disadvantages.

Announced deadlines would be best. It is estimated that nearly universal

utilization of the metric system in schools could be attained within 5 years. Further research on the effects of early metrication on the geological

profession and on the teaching of earth and/or geological sciences should be

carried out.

THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS

Modern physics textbooks use the metric system almost exclusively and

almost all laboratory equipment is calibrated in metric units. Full adoption

of the metric system is desired and would present no serious difficulties or

disruptions in any of the several aspects of physics education.
70 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR ENGINEERING

EDUCATION

At present, the metric system is used in the basic sciences; but the custo- mary system is used in engineering education. If the United States should

convert to the metric system, it would take between 5 and 10 years to make

a complete change; in higher education it would probably be necessary to be

bilingual for several decades. If a change were planned, the metric system

must be taught as the primary language as soon as possible. Physical changes

required would include gradual changes in reference tables, charts, dia- grams, and experimental laboratory equipment, but these could be accomplished readily in a decade.

ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN LAW SCHOOLS

Metrication would affect law teachers, law students, and the legal profession in indirect ways in the courses which are taught and no specific effects are foreseen. The only foreseeable impact of metrication would be the

government statutes that would need to be revised.

THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA

Currently geology is a multidiscipline profession and uses both the custo- mary and the metric systems. However, the Geological Society of America

is in favor of the ultimate adoption of the metric system and its policy state- ment addressed to contributors to its periodicals and book publications is that "the metric system is preferred.

MATHEMATICAL ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Mathematics courses in the secondary schools teach systems of measurement, but higher level courses are dependent on and use no particular

system. The use of the metric system in secondary school texts has in- creased as it has increased in use throughout the world. Textbooks,

reference works and research reports use metric units. The only difficulty

with its usage is that students visualize more readily in English units. Since metric usage is common, a general conversion would not result in curriculum changes. Cost would be negligible and the advantages would be

overwhelming. Therefore, a complete conversion to the metric system

within education at all levels in the United States as soon as possible is strongly recommended.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND

TEACHERS OF AGRICULTURE

The National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture

foresees no major curriculum changes in subject matter if metrication were

to occur. It would cause changes in some laboratory equipment and shop
EDUCATION 71

equipment, the revision of textbooks and visual aids and some teacher

retraining. There would be no time saved initially because both systems

would continue to be taught, possibly long beyond the end of any transition

period.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR GEOGRAPHIC

EDUCATION

The primary measurement units used in geography courses are customary

units, although the field lends itself well toward increasing metric usage. The

government should lead and coordinate any conversion. The training of

teachers would involve some difficulties, but the savings in time should be

substantial.

SOCIETY FOR INDUSTRIAL AND APPLIED

MATHEMATICS

Although the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics has taken no official position, it is generally considered among members that metrication is desirable, inevitable, and overdue.

American Vocational Association

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

Metric usage is limited to certain areas such as science and chemistry re- lated to agriculture. The metric system would be easier to use and would

provide a more uniform standard of weights and measures. However, any

conversion must be well planned and involve all areas of education and the

agricultural industry. The major cost impact would be for re-equipping

laboratories.

BUSINESS EDUCATION

At present customary units are used. Conversion would merely involve

temporarily supplying teachers with supplementary manuals, a brief retrain- ing of typewriting teachers and a more extensive retraining for business

mathematics teachers.

DISTRIBUTIVE EDUCATION

The customary system is used exclusively in distributive (marketing) education and there are no plans to introduce the metric system. Complete

adoption of the metric system would reduce the amount of time spent in classes teaching weights and measures. There would be no special problem

related to conversion of textbooks if 5 years were allowed. It is likely that distributive education could perform an important function in implementing

the transition.
72 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

GUIDANCE EDUCATION

At present there are no problems related to increasing metric usage except

that some learning problems confronting counselors may be associated with

students having to work with two systems of measurement. Instruction

received by counselors would not need to be altered if the country were to change to the metric system. One long-range advantage would be less confusion to the students.

HEALTH OCCUPATIONS

Currently in educational programs preparing supportive level health workers, the metric system is most commonly used, but the customary and

apothecary systems are also used. Confusion and conversion problems exist,

and this has implications for patient welfare due to mistakes. Adoption of the

metric system would not lead to major changes in present curricula, except

to reduce the need for conversions which must now be taught.

HOME ECONOMICS EDUCATION

At present the customary system is used exclusively. Planned metrication

would take a strong concerted effort coupled with a legislative mandate. The

continued use of customary recipes, patterns, and accompanying directions

would be a disadvantage for almost a generation.

INDUSTRIAL ARTS EDUCATION

At present, about 35 percent of the courses in industrial arts use the metric

system. However, extensive variation is found in various areas of instruction; for example: all of the electronics courses use metric measures. Planned metrication would cause some financial problems, especially in metal working and auto repair instruction. It would probably take 10 years

to change all labs, and instructional materials would require 5 years to be

replaced. A decision to change in this field would not be accepted without

criticism, but comments favorable to a change outnumber negative ones

4 to 1. NEW AND RELATED SERVICES

Four essentials for planned metrication in manpower training programs

for adults are:

(1) The factors which make each adult learner unique must be un- derstood.

(2) Appropriate adult-oriented programmed instructional material rele- vant to metric usage within each occupation must be developed.

(3) These materials must be presented via an individualized training

system.

(4) Adequate staff training must be provided.
EDUCATION 73

The cost of metrication would be reduced if these four essentials were pro- vided for in adult education.

TECHNICAL EDUCATION

At present metric measurements are used in basic science courses, data

collection, and problem solving. The customary system is used in drafting,

machine-oriented courses, and architectural programs. Planned metrication

could be easily undertaken because teachers are familiar with the metric

system. Some equipment conversion would be required and 5 years would

be sufficient to revise handbooks, standards, and tables.

TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION

At present unit usage is primarily customary, but metric usage is now

starting in the training of auto mechanics. Under a planned conversion to the

metric system, the vocational education program would adjust to the demands of each of the industries. Occupational fields such as cosmetology,

dry cleaning, refrigeration, and many others would require some adjustments

to conform to conversion. The supplementary part-time program in the

schools could assist the present employees to make the necessary adjustments while continuing to be employed.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE

ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE

The Commission on Science Education of the American Association for the Advancement of Science has developed a science program for children

in grades kindergarten through six that uses only metric units for all measurements.

In general, children learn the metric system easily. The natural link between the metric system and our counting system simplifies the learning

of arithmetic skills and facilitates the learning of decimal notation. Slower

children learn the metric system more easily than the customary system.

Upper elementary children previously exposed to customary units tend to compare these units with metric units. Teachers generally favor metric measures in the science curriculum though they themselves have some difficulty

thinking metric.

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES CURRICULUM STUDY

The Biological Sciences Curriculum Study encompases materials

developed for grades 9 through graduate school with emphasis at the 10th

grade level. All materials use the metric system exclusively. Experience has

shown that the metric system is easier for the students to use than the custo- mary system. Students take to it readily, comprehend it easily, and use it adequately. Unfortunately students have to use two different systems — metric in the classroom and customary in daily life. This is a handicap and burden.

426-992 O - 71 - 6
74 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

If there were a planned program of metrication, a major source of difficul- ty would not be in teaching students but in changing teachers. Nevertheless,

teacher training should not be difficult. Fortunately, little change would be

needed in the sciences area since the metric system is already used extensively there. EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER

The Education Development Center has experience in the use of the metric system in three completed curriculum projects for junior and senior high

school science students, and one 4-year college curriculum in science and

mathematics for future physics and chemistry teachers that is currently

under development.

Metric units are used almost universally, and in feedback from the

teachers there has been no suggestion that the metric system is difficult for the students to learn or hindered the understanding of materials.

The educators at EDC feel that in physics and chemistry the use of the

metric system is indispensable because it saves time, does not obscure basic

scientific principles and is not difficult to learn. They would like to see all school science texts use metric units.

INTERMEDIATE SCIENCE CURRICULUM STUDY

The Intermediate Science Curriculum Study is a large scale science in- structional project for grades 7-9 with metric units used exclusively.

Tests on pupils entering the program early in grade 7 show that many stu- dents at this level cannot handle the metric system efficiently today. However, the majority of students using the ISCS math in grades 7-9 learn to use

the metric system expeditiously and accurately. This experience leads the

developers of the Study to feel confident that such usage of metric units

could be easily taught in schools.

PROJECT QPS

(QUANTITATIVE PHYSICAL SCIENCE)

Project QPS is devised for students age 14 (9th grade) and older. It starts with experiments and then uses textbooks. Learning and contrasting more

than one measurement system is useful for instruction of these students, so QPS systematizes three measurement systems: mks, cgs, and British Engineering.

QUANTITATIVE APPROACH IN ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL SCIENCE

The Quantitative Approach in Elementary School Science has developed

a curriculum for grades 1 -6, with the metric system used exclusively.

Experience with metric usage has shown that its several advantages in- clude: decimal divisions are inherently easier to learn; math lessons on place
EDUCATION 75

values and decimal arithmetic are more tangible; and concepts about density

and force are less confusing with metric units. Its only disadvantage seems

to be that most teachers are frightened by it. They take to it naturally once

they try it. There are no difficulties as far as students are concerned; they

take to the metric system naturally, too. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

Librarians have used the metric system to measure books and catalog

cards since the late nineteenth century. The use of the metric system

would correct a nearly 100-year-old inconvenience in, for example, using

catalog card cabinets.

The libraries would be inconvenienced by the need to replace the general

reference tools such as cookbooks, atlases, formularies, data books, tables,

and various specifications. This represents not only a significant number

of items in a scientific collection but also represents many expensive items

in a public or school collection.

Libraries would have to collect — and in fact are doing so now — additional

materials dealing with conversion from the present systems of measurement

to the metric system. The Department of Commerce and other agencies

could take advantage of this already existing information outlet to provide

instructional materials to the general public.

ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN PUBLISHERS

The main concern of publishers related to conversion would be to have as much lead time as possible to handle necessary changes. A transition period

of 5 years would make a cost impact minimal.

The greatest editorial changes would be in elementary and high school

math and science textbooks and teaching aids. In addition the books in the

medical and scientific instructional fields would require considerable adaption. Fewer changes would be needed in college textbooks and adult education course texts. Substantial changes in encyclopedias would also be

required.

ASSOCIATION FOR EDUCATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS

AND TECHNOLOGY

A majority of the members of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology favor prompt commitment towards conversion.

If the use of the metric system were increased, mediated self-instructional

(audio-visual) materials seem ideally suited for its presentation when instruc- tors lack understanding of the content. Even when they know the metric

system, such materials could assist in presentations. Mass media, such as

television, would be the only way to reach those no longer in school.
VII. CONSTRUCTION

A SUMMARY OF INPUTS

The construction inputs were obtained with the special assistance of the

Construction Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Commerce of the

United States. Inputs were received from 26 construction related groups. A majority of those groups (ten) expressing an opinion feel that metrication is inevitable and/or desirable. Only two groups are opposed to metrication; 14 either express no opinion or state the use of measurement systems

does not affect their activities. Almost all groups expressing an opinion on a preferred method of conversion indicate that any such program should be carried out only under a

nationally coordinated program. Some want a mandatory program and many

suggest that a Federal agency take over responsibility for coordination. A

10-year transition time is commonly preferred, with the first 5 years used in converting codes, standards, and catalogs.

Cost and Benefits of Conversion

There is some resistance to change, usually based on estimates of transi- tion costs with no foreseeable benefits. Many feel that conversion costs would be moderate, and once behind them the simplicity of metric usage

would bring continuing savings, opportunities for more modular construction, and increased exports.

Transition costs would be less than for manufacturing industries since

most equipment changes could be made by adjustments or by normal maintenance in 1 or 2 years. Some added costs would be anticipated during

transition from the necessary accelerated revision of codes, standards, and

76
CONSTRUCTION 77

design tables; added inventories causing some mix-ups at the job site; and some worker inefficiency while adjusting to metric sizes. Training would not be a serious problem for the construction industry.

The changeover would require new thinking, and "unlearning" of longestablished relationships. Vocational and apprentice schools would have to change instruction to use metric units, but young workers entering the field with metric training would find measurements and calculations easier to make.

Some problems would be faced, during and after conversion, in repairing

older structures built to customary standards. Dual inventories would have

to be maintained on some materials for many years, and a variety of adapters

would have to be stocked.

Modular Construction

More than half of the industry reports comment on the opportunity offered

by metrication to advance the concept of modular construction and achieve

important cost savings. Unified codes could reduce the number of sizes and

simplify the fitting of components together on the job. Uniformity would

reduce intermixing and on-site cutting, and save construction time. In addition, the use of metric modules would provide more opportunities for

exchange of materials and test data abroad.

Metric standards for wallboard and plywood panels are only slightly

smaller than our 4 by 8 foot standard. Producers could change over to metric

sizes by merely adjusting machinery. Metric cement block dimensions are close to present U.S. sizes, with about a 3/8 inch difference in thickness.

Since molds have a relatively short life, conversion of the machinery could

take place during normal replacement. A major concern for all such building

products manufacturers during any conversion process would be the need to continue to supply products made to inch standards at the same time as new

metric-sized products are being produced.

Other Items

The conversion of land title descriptions to metric units is suggested only on a "go forward" basis, at the time property changes hands. No useful pur- pose would be served by converting existing records. Maps could be converted at the time of normal up-dating.

The experience of the construction industry in England, which is taking a leading role in metrication there, is cited by several trade associations as a good guide to the procedures which should be followed. All building construction in England will become metric by 1972, 7 years after the start of

their metrication program.
78 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

Inputs from Individual Groups

AIR-CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION

INSTITUTE

The report is based on a survey of member firms. It indicates that there is

little or no motivation or demand either for making the change to the metric

system or for planning for possible metrication in the future. Consideration of the replies results in a consensus of ACRI's General

Standards Committee to the effect that while there appears to be no motivation for metrication at this time, the industry would cooperate in any nationally planned move for metrication, provided that a reasonable time

period were provided — not less than 1 0 years. AMERICAN CONCRETE INSTITUTE

When job mixing of concrete was replaced by ready-mixed concrete, the

choice of units had little implication. But the current increase in precast construction is leading to two sets of standards, one in the United States and

another abroad. Also, U.S. standards for reinforcing bars are not compatible

with European practice.

To prepare the industry for eventual metrication, the American Concrete

Institute now requires the use of metric units in all its publications, with

customary units permitted. The new British building code includes a new

metric standard for reinforcing bar sizes intended to be somewhat compatible with U.S. standards.

The concrete industry is presently going through a period of rapid change

in practices and standards, and this would be an opportune time to convert

to the metric system so that a separate conversion at a later date and at a

greater cost, could be avoided.

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS

The Board of Directors of the American Institute of Architects, in April

1970, passed the following resolution:

"Resolved, That the Board of Directors of the American Institute of

Architects urges the completion of studies authorized by Public Law

90-472, particularly as these studies relate to the construction industry, and further urges that the metric system be adopted as the national standard of weights and measures in the United States of

America."

Generally, architectural projects which are to be constructed in the

United States are designed and constructed using the customary measure- ment system. Projects designed for construction out of the U.S. are usually

designed using the system in general use at the location of their construction.

Any conversion should take place in a planned 10-year period because

under that program the conversion would be more orderly, take less time,
CONSTRUCTION 79

and allow the easier incorporation of a standardized dimensional framework

into the product and dimensional standards of the United States. AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF PLANNERS

With no planned program for metrication, the greatest problem would be

comparability of data. For example, planners use data, such as miles, tons,

and gallons, from many Federal agencies. Changing to the metric system

would require the use of conversion tables and careful descriptions of data. Without Federal Government coordination and widespread cooperation this conversion could be a tremendous undertaking. However, under a nationally

coordinated program, planners would be affected no more than the general

population.

AMERICAN LAND TITLE ASSOCIATION

The report of the American Land Title Association is based on a survey

of association members. The survey basically indicates that while some of

the members anticipate advantages, such as the efficiency and uniformity

that might be realized if metrication could be accomplished, the consensus

is that conversion of land title records is unnecessary since land is neither

exported nor imported. Further, the consensus seems to be that such a change would be difficult, confusing, and expensive to the public as well as

to title companies and would contribute to greater error in title evidencing

and insuring.

The complexity of converting the huge number of public records now on

file in numerous offices should be carefully considered if land title metrication were contemplated. Thought should be given to the possibility of converting land title records only on a go-forward basis if metrication comes;

changing back-dated public record information to metric units in both public

offices and title company files would mean very high cost with little apparent

benefit. In 1970, the ALTA Board of Governors adopted a resolution which reads

in part as follows:

"Whereas, virtually all major industrial countries in this world

have converted to the metric system: Now, therefore, be it resolved that the American Land Title Association sees no advantage

in converting land titles to the metric system; nevertheless, the Association will cooperate in any decision made by the Congress to convert to the metric system."

AMERICAN PLYWOOD ASSOCIATION

The softwood plywood industry uses the customary system of weights and

measures. At this time, it does not appear there is a significant possibility the

industry would voluntarily changeover to the metric system unless all industry changed over at the direction of the Federal Government.

It appears the logical way to carry out a program of planned metrication in
80 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

the plywood industry and in the United States would be to establish timetables for a fixed time period of perhaps 10 years, or more, with sufficient lead

time established for coordination between related industries prior to work

beginning on standards, construction modules, etc.

It seems important that industries be encouraged to stay as close to present sizes and modules as possible to minimize the impact of the change.

In view of the popular 4 by 8 foot panel size and the capacity of existing

equipment, a maximum new panel size equivalent to 49 by 98 inches would be

feasible. Mere conversion to the metric language does not seem to offer too

great a problem, but any radical changes in physical sizes could be chaotic

because expensive equipment would become obsolete.

The greatest problem involved in metrication would probably be that of

coordination between industries that are inter-related and that need to establish size standards that are compatible with each other. AMERICAN ROAD BUILDERS' ASSOCIATION

The report is based upon a survey of selected member firms. In general the survey indicates that there would be some advantages and some problems for the highway and airport construction industry in a national changeover to the metric system of measurement. In spite of the

potential problems, the industry in general favors a changeover in the national interest of a more uniform and logical system of measurement.

Most members feel that a changeover is inevitable and desirable but that the change would require close coordination among different industries. This

close coordination could only be affected by the Federal Government in a planned program of education, encouragement, and perhaps financial

assistance.

Some segments of the highway industry could change rather quickly,

others more slowly. The timing of a change must be coordinated to follow

the logical sequence of operations beginning with planning and design and

continuing through construction, testing, and maintenance. The change of

engineering standards is often a time consuming process, and these changes

must be coordinated with the industries involved.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS

This report is based on the work of a special Metrication Committee of the

American Society of Civil Engineers.

The Society has been on record since 1 876 as favoring a conversion to the

metric system. The many ASCE divisions have different opinions, but the

majority seem to feel that conversion would present problems, but none that would be insurmountable, and, in fact, may lead to certain efficiencies.

THE ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF AMERICA

THE NATIONAL CONSTRUCTORS ASSOCIATION

Based on experience reported by the British Metrication Board in 1970

relative to Great Britian's conversion to the metric system, and on the
CONSTRUCTION 81

opinion of members of the associations, no increases in cost or difficulties due to conversion in the construction industry are foreseen, providing:

(1) That the conversion is orderly, planned and gradual in its effects; and

(2) That simultaneously with the conversion, the standards, codes and

specifications which now prevail are modified to conform to the new

units of measurement, and that nationally recognized bodies are urged to standardize the results of their efforts where possible and

that local governmental bodies be encouraged to adopt model or re- gional codes.

BUILDING OFFICIALS AND CODE

ADMINISTRATORS INTERNATIONAL

In this country, the customary system of measurement is used exclusively

in building code enforcement. Since the customary system of measurement

has served the necessary purposes satisfactorily and the construction and re- lated industries use the customary system, the motives for instigating any

change are based on matters not directly related to, but certainly concerning,

this industry.

The members of BOCA who have expressed ah opinion on this subject,

favor a change to the metric system because:

A common system of measurement throughout the world would improve international trade and commerce and facilitate the exchange

ofmaterials, building techniques, and systems between nations.

A common system of measurement is imperative to share

technological innovations between nations.

The metric system is convenient for engineering computations.

Building codes could be universally interpreted and adopted.

BOCA feels the possibility of complete metrication is negligible, unless a mandatory conversion process is adopted. Therefore, the members of the

Building Officials and Code Administrators International strongly recom- mend that the Secretary of Commerce urge the Congress to take immediate

action toward implementing a 20-year planned metrication program for the

United States.

CALIFORNIA REDWOOD ASSOCIATION

The redwood industry would prefer a soft (i.e. language only) conversion

to a hard (i.e. changes in size) one. Regardless of what occurs, however,

it appears that there would be no insurmountable problems for the redwood

industry due to metrication.

CONSULTING ENGINEERS COUNCIL

A major concern of the Consulting Engineers Council related to metrication is the increase in expenses that could be incurred in a transition period

due to unfamiliarity with the metric system. This possible increase would
82 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

need careful monitoring especially as to its effects on small engineering concerns, since a 5 percent cost increase could place severe burdens on such

operations.

It is conceded that the metric system, as a more coherent system, would

be more efficient. Also, engineers, with their specialized training, would be

able to adapt more rapidly than others.

GYPSUM DRYWALL CONTRACTORS INTERNATIONAL

It is difficult to see beneficial results from metrication. Under planned

metrication, problems resulting from new sizes could involve changes in building codes, building design, structural values, fire resistive requirements,

sound transmission class ratings, architectural drawings and specifications,

conversion of board production line speeds, drying kilns, possible changes

in formulation, and many others. Until such time as architectural drawings

and specifications, building codes, engineering standards, structural values,

and other regulatory requirements are revised and reflected in metric units,

the magnitude of any change to be encountered by the drywall industry in converting to the metric system would be difficult to ascertain.

ILLUMINATING ENGINEERING SOCIETY

Customary units of measure are used in the lighting industry, such as the

foot, footcandle, and footlambert. However, in all transactions of the

Society, metric units are shown parenthetically following customary units. Metric units are used in the industry when related to export or foreign

consulting.

Although most of the world now uses metric units, it still uses the foot as a module measure for many lighting products, such as fluorescent lamps.

This may not change. If a planned program for metrication were to begin it would be a greater problem to educate the consumers and designers than to redesign parts or products.

INSTITUTE FOR MUNICIPAL ENGINEERING,

AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION

If the municipal engineer and public works official is to fulfill his role in protecting and enhancing the human environment, he must utilize the latest available technological innovations both at home and abroad. The adoption

of the metric system by almost all nations of the world clearly establishes it as the universal system of measurement. The benefit of technical exchanges on public works matters is greatly diminished by our failure to utilize and be

conversant with this universal system.

Furthermore, municipal engineers and public works officials have ex- pressed a general desire to change to the metric system. This is due primarily

to its economy in performing engineering calculations and its increasing ac- ceptance as a universal system of measurement. The use of the metric

system for solving many engineering and public works problems requires

one-tenth the time for calculation as compared to the customary system.
CONSTRUCTION 83

A planned metrication program would add approximately 5 percent to the cost of all public works operations during the conversion period. The technical benefits and long run economies of this effort, however, would greatly

outweigh the conversion costs. INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WALL

AND CEILING CONTRACTORS

An informal survey of the International Association of Wall and Ceiling

Contractors' membership reveals that no members are opposed to a change

to the metric system, tf the change were done on a gradual basis — and as long as the entire construction industry changes — there should be no

problems of major consequence in this segment of the industry.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF

BUILDING OFFICIALS

The use of the metric system in present activities is limited in a very minor

way to the research program. Any changes in weights or measurement

nomenclature in the enforcement field would be dictated by the needs of the

material and construction industries. In other words, if the metric system is universally adopted in the production and design of lumber, steel, concrete,

masonry and aluminum, model code groups would convert to the new

system without difficulty. However, it is possible that adverse effects would

result from evolutionary metrication not having the benefit of a coordinated

program between Federal, state, and local governments and the construction

industry.

It is likely that the majority of the members would initially resist conversion to the metric system since the field personnel are nontechnical. However, since the metric system is more efficient and more practical, the membership would eventually subscribe to the change following an adequate educational program by ICBO.

MOBILE HOME MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

The Mobile Home Manufacturers Association as a group has no opinions

or position to offer. Present unit usage is predominantly customary, but

there seems to be little doubt that the industry would be able to accom- modate any conversion without serious consequences.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS

This report is based upon a survey of a representative sample of the National Association of Home Builders' membership.

Converting to the metric system would create problems in the repair and

remodeling of millions of homes and apartments already built in this country.

These buildings, dimensioned in inches and feet, would need repairs

long after completion of the conversion to the metric system. The intent
84 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

of metrication should be to arrive at workable and easily understandable

measurements.

Past experience in attempting to introduce modular coordination has

shown that unless there is a coordinated effort, with some positive means of

encouragement, an evolutionary process will probably be unsuccessful. Any

system of planned metrication must take into consideration the fact that the

construction industry is highly complex and over the years has developed

highly efficient and economical methods for utilization of materials.

NATIONAL CONCRETE MASONRY ASSOCIATION

The concrete block industry almost exclusively utilizes the "modular

coordination" concept, and the presently used module is based on the custo- mary system. Conversion to a similar metric module would be possible but

would cause two serious problems:

( 1 ) Production equipment changes would be costly

(2) Modular customary blocks and modular metric blocks cannot be in- termixed in the same job without destroying both the modular concept and the beauty of the wall.

Since concrete blocks are made and sold strictly on a local basis with no

shipment in the international market, the concrete block industry sees no

benefit resulting from metrication.

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION

The report is based on a survey of member firms. The survey reveals that

at present the customary system is primarily used, except that electrical units are metric. However, as more firms seek to go international, the need

to "think metric" becomes more imperative. Increasing imports of materials

is presently causing problems for domestic operators, including on-site per- sonnel.

The overwhelming majority of the Association's members approve the

idea of converting and express a sense of urgency that it be undertaken as soon as possible, following a carefully planned program.

The majority recommends the conversion be concurrent in architectural

design and electrical materials manufacture and that the government take the

lead in fostering and encouraging conversion on all fronts more or less concurrently.

NATIONAL FOREST PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION

It is unrealistic to think that the construction and building materials industries would permit a trend toward metrication, either voluntary or stimulated, to proceed without coordination. Such coordination should involve

architectural planning, modular coordination and engineering design as well

as product development and use. The attitudes encountered most frequently in the forest products industry on the subject of metrication seem to be: ( 1 ) that the trend is an unavoidable
CONSTRUCTION 85

one; (2) that its benefits to most segments of the industry have not been fully

explained or understood; and (3) that the total cost over the period of conversion may be difficult to justify in terms of direct benefits. Reaction ranges

from enthusiasm through cautious optimism to concern for cost and disruption of production and marketing practices.

It is generally believed that simple conversion of present measurement

units to the metric system at the product level could be accomplished with

minimal adjustment of equipment and training of production personnel.

Volumetric determinations of log yield and conversion of land measure- ments to the metric system, however, are thought to be significant constraints where a dual system may be required for some time.

With respect to lumber use in building construction, the extent to which

benefits of metric conversion could be translated into simplification of the

building process and demonstrable construction economies would be a major factor in determining the pace of metrication and degree to which

coordination of the effort would be encouraged and supported.

SHEET METAL AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS'

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, INC.

If metrication is undertaken a planned program must be employed with a time table that would enable the contractors to initiate educational pro- gramming for their work forces. The major problem in the industry would be

training journeymen and apprentices who are presently doing layout work on

sheet materials to form three-dimensional products. This is the only trade in the construction industry that still fabricates that which it installs and this requires the use of an extensive shop facility for fabrication purposes.

Perhaps the item of greatest concern, however, would be the administrative ceiling on overhead allowed on government construction projects. Such

restrictions should be increased to allow for added costs due to inefficiencies

during conversion.

STRUCTURAL CLAY PRODUCTS INSTITUTE

The report is based on a questionnaire survey of members.

The attitude of the brick industry in the United States toward metrication can be described, at best, as 'lukewarm." While it accepts the fact that the

metric system is. basically, a more logical and simpler system of measure- ment than the one we have been using for centuries, it cannot see any

economic benefits that would result from converting. It does see. however,

a certain amount of confusion and expense during a transition period.

On the other hand, it is also cognizant of the fact that the United States

will, no doubt, not let itself become an isolated nonmetric island in a metric

world. Therefore, if the increased use of the metric system is inevitable in the U.S., the brick industry urges that it be accomplished under a nationally

coordinated and planned program with a fixed time period of sufficient duration to permit everyone involved to accomplish metrication with a minimum

of confusion and cost.
86 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

It would be hoped that a planned program could result in an industry

agreement on a fewer number of what would be considered standard metric

brick sizes. It could also result in agreement on some new and more optimum sizes, necessitating some retooling in the industry, with its attendant

expense.
VIII. ENGINEERING-RELATED INDUSTRY

A SUMMARY OF INPUTS

Many of the engineering-related industry inputs were received at the first conference which was held on the campus of the Deerfield Academy. Deerfield. Massachusetts, arranged in collaboration with the Engineering Foundation. Co-chairmen were Roy Trowbridge of General Motors Corporation.

William Burton of Ford Motor Company, and Jeffrey Odom of the National

Bureau of Standards. A total of 41 inputs were received.

A majority of the reports either favor metrication or feel that it is inevitable, although many reports indicate concern about the costs or other

problems that might accompany metrication. If metrication comes, a majority of the reports indicate support for a nationally coordinated plan with 3 to

5 years preparation and 8 to 12 years for completion. Some governmental

action would be necessary to permit the close industrial collaboration essential for producers, customers, and suppliers to work together in setting pri- orities and time schedules.

Disadvantages

The major disadvantage of conversion cited in the inputs is the cost of converting production equipment. This could be very high unless replacement could be made at the time of normal wearout or obsolescence. Other

problems could include retraining operators, inspectors, and engineers

which would be costly.

Other one-time costs would include the revision of drawings, standards,

repair manuals, and computer programs. Some production loss during transi87
88 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

tion could be expected. Also, added inventories of materials and repair parts

would have to be maintained for many years.

Advantages

Some advantages are anticipated in increasing metric usage with respect

to the in-house design of products and production equipment. These would

include opportunities presented for improvement in design and the elimination of unnecessary varieties. Savings should also occur in engineering,

production and accounting operations from reduced computation time and

fewer errors. Other advantages relate to the benefits of worldwide use of a single

system. These include a more complete system of modules with worldwide

interchangeability and an improved U.S. position in international standards

development. There would also be greater acceptance for U.S. products in export markets, particularly in developing countries. Of course, foreign suppliers would find increased acceptance here for their products.

Technical Societies Positions

Policy statements from nearly all of the technical societies reflect a con- sensus that the metric system has important advantages over customary

units and that increasing worldwide use will hasten adoption here. The societies accept the responsibility for making their members aware of these world

trends and educating them to metric usage. All societies (eleven) report some metric usage by their members, and many of the technical organizations are already using both customary and metric units in their standards

and publications.

Five of the societies feel metrication is inevitable and/or desirable; six offer no comment. None indicate opposition to conversion.

Trade Associations Positions

Statements by the trade associations include a wide range of views on metrication. Positions range from hard opposition to general resistance to a change, to the feeling of the need to change due to the changing world situation. The majority, however, feel metrication is desirable and/or inevitable,

and that it should be brought about by a voluntary nationally coordinated

program. In actuality. 17 associations — many expressing concern over the

problems of conversion — feel metrication is inevitable and/or desirable, five see no need or desire to make a change, and eight have no opinion. Only one

association indicates a preference for metrication with no national program;

1 6 favor planned metrication, and 1 3 indicate no opinion.

Time estimated as required to complete metrication, on the average, is a

little under 10 years. Materials manufacturers and some industries with

products that have a relatively short life cycle feel that conversion could be

completed in 5 to 8 years, but 10 years is the time most often cited. Many re- ports mention the need for a period of time for preparation before the start of
ENGINEERING-RELATED INDUSTRY 89

actual conversion. Nearly all emphasize that minimum conversion costs would require a carefully prepared plan, national in scope.

Inputs from Individual Groups

THE ALUMINUM ASSOCIATION

The report is based upon a survey of member firms with 55 of 69 firms

participating.

The results are as follows:

22 percent currently use the metric system

38 percent see advantages in metrication

65 percent anticipate major problems in adopting the metric system

75 percent want a nationally planned program

81 percent favor eventual adoption

Problems likely to be faced in converting to the metric system would in- clude: education and training, conversion of documents and computers,

replacement of instruments, operation with dual systems during conversion,

errors and confusion, and early obsolesence of equipment.

There is a consensus favoring eventual adoption of the metric system as a more exact system, easier to use and less subject to error once the transition

is made. Of those favoring a planned program. 60 percent consider 10 years an optimum period for conversion.

THE AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING

The American Bureau of Shipping is an organization that promulgates

"Rules" with minimum standards for ship's structure, propulsion machinery,

electrical plant, piping systems, and materials. It has representatives in 93

countries covering the world's principal ports.

There is a terminology peculiar to shipbuilding which is derived from the

customary inch and pound units of measurement but has meaning only to people engaged in shipbuilding. With the growth of overseas shipbuilding

and with over 80 percent of the Bureau's new construction business in countries using metric units, the Rules were published in both metric and custo- mary units in 1967. with metric units favored by placing them ahead of the

customary unit equivalents which were enclosed within parentheses.

AMERICAN CONCRETE INSTITUTE

When job mixing of concrete was replaced by ready-mixed concrete, the

choice of units had little implication. But the current increase in precast construction is leading to two sets of standards, one in the United States and

another abroad. Also. U.S. standards for reinforcing bars are not compatible

with European practice.

To prepare the industry for eventual metrication the American Concrete

Institute now requires the use of metric units in all its publications, with

426-992 O - 71 - 7
90 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

customary units permitted. The new British building code includes a new

metric standard for reinforcing bar sizes intended to be somewhat compatible with U.S. standards.

The concrete industry is presently going through a period of rapid change

in practices and standards, and this would be an opportune time to convert

so a separate conversion, at greater cost, would be avoided later on. AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS

The official position of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers,

adopted in 1965. is that the U.S. should convert to the metric system on a time schedule paralleling British metrication. To date, little has been done to implement this position.

AIChE publications use whatever units are common for the subject or in- dustry, and there has been no significant change in this practice in recent

years. A change to metric units in publications on an experimental basis is being considered, and the U.S. Metric Study may well lead AIChE to re-examine the issue. A change to the metric system would bring a cost penalty for a year or two. but once the initial problems are overcome AIChE sees advantages in improved communications. Many useful numbers used in everyday en- gineering practice would be lost, new ones would have to be learned, and

there would be costs in revising publications.

Chemical engineers are accustomed to working with different systems of

units, and making conversions back and forth. A number of chemical en- gineers were asked about converting to the metric system, and everyone said

"let's get at it." If metrication were adopted, it should proceed on a fixed time schedule to

limit the transition period. Steps should be taken to minimize the mushrooming of variations in units promoted by some industries and trade groups. AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF MINING, METALLURGICAL,

AND PETROLEUM ENGINEERS

The American Institute of Mining. Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers is a diverse group of three separate societies with about 50.000 members. The Board of Directors, made up of the officers of the three societies,

adopted a statement in 1970 supporting adoption of the metric (SI) system

of measurement on a national basis.

AMERICAN IRON AND STEEL INSTITUTE

This information was developed by the Metric System Study Group of the

American Iron and Steel Institute's Committee on Manufacturing Problems.

The Group sees no advantage in converting to the metric system. It would

produce no increase in sales, and would increase costs substantially. However, the industry will continue to supply the needs of customers who order

in metric sizes.
ENGINEERING- RELATED INDUSTRY 91

Metrication would require revision of several thousand product standards,

placing an added burden on technical staffs. One-time costs of converting

equipment and training would not be large if enough time were available.

Premature replacement of capital equipment with a normal life of 30 to 40

years would be prohibitive in cost; replacement at normal wearout would entail added costs in maintaining two types of equipment. Total recurring an- nual costs during a 5-year transition are estimated at as much as 3 percent of

sales. Because of the considerable cost involved in conversion to the metric

system, the industry might need some form of financial assistance, such as a

tax relief. Any program of metrication should provide 5 years notice before the start of the transition, with a firm completion date set. The Federal Government

should supply leadership in planning and coordinating the transition through

suppliers and consumer groups. Such coordination would probably require

legal immunity.

AMERICAN LADDER INSTITUTE

There is no advantage or need for the ladder industry to adopt the metric

system. However, considering the world situation, there is realistically no

choice but to convert. Conversion without a well coordinated plan would create confusion and

planned metrication would be preferred.

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE

Prior to passage of the Metric Study Act. ANSI set up a Metric Advisory

Committee which has cooperated with all groups studying the metric

system, including the U.S. Metric Study at NBS and its Metric System

Study Advisory Panel. The ANSI Advisory Committee developed and

published a "Metric Kit" for general information on the metric system. The

kit includes these publications:

Orientation for Company Metric Studies

Guide to Impact of Metric Usage on Standards Development

Measuring Systems and Standard Organizations

ISO R 1000, Rules for Use of SI Units,

and in cooperation with ASTM made available the

ASTM Metric Practice Guide (now in process of adoption as an American National Standard)

ANSI supports the recommendations of the ISO Council to include SI

units in addition to other units in all ISO Recommendations.

AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE

The American Petroleum Institute is a trade association that includes all branches of the industry in the U.S.. Canada, and Mexico. A majority of the

members were queried concerning the increasing use of the metric system.
92 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

and they generally report that there is little present need for adopting the

metric system. However, based on the recent experiences of the industry in Japan and the United Kingdom, it appears that the industry could convert

without serious disruption.

The six operating divisions of API have differing opinions regarding metrication; the Accounting Division says it makes little difference, while the

Production Division says the customary system is already established on an

international basis so no change is needed. Other divisions take stands

between these two positions.

The API Advisory Committee on Metric Planning favors increased use of

the metric system to facilitate worldwide standardization, and supports an

orderly and deliberate conversion. The overall cost of such a planned change

could be as great as several billion dollars. However, it would appear that being the only country in the world to use customary units would eventually erode the United States' position in inter- national commerce, or alternatively, force the continuing use of an increasingly complex dual system. Conversion to the "International System" would

probably benefit our national economy in the long run. and would certainly

lead to the simplification of both engineering, and weighing and measuring

standards.

AMERICAN RAILWAY CAR INSTITUTE

The main purpose of the American Railway Car Institute is to conduct

research and promote standards for railway car equipment. While no poll was taken, the opinions expressed are shared by ARCI members.

Customary units are used exclusively; on cars built for foreign use the

customary units are converted to metric units for shipment. There is no

change to the metric system desired and no advantages are foreseen. A changeover could be fast and inexpensive, and reluctance to change is forestalling

the inevitable. A start could be made using dual dimensioning until tooling is modified — over perhaps a 10-year period. Major problems would lie in modifying machinery and retraining shop operators.

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR ENGINEERING EDUCATION

The Public Affairs and Policy Committee of the American Society for Engineering Education recognizes that in converting ASEE would face a lan- guage problem rather than a hardware problem, and that faculty and students

would need education on the importance of engineering standards. A current mailing to deans of engineering offers material to aid in planning a program

on SI units and standards. (See ASEE's report to the Education Conference

for more details.)

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS

International standardization activities of the American Society for Testing and Materials ( ASTM) goes back to 1 898 when a number of U.S. mem-
ENGINEERING-RELATED INDUSTRY 93

bers of the International Association for Testing Materials (I ATM) organized

an American Section. In 1902. the American Section of I ATM was reor- ganized as ASTM.

Interest in international standardization reached a peak at the beginning of

World War I. At that time, selected ASTM Standards were translated into

other languages in order to promote their adoption internationally. Regulations issued in 1913. governing the form of specifications, stated "Units of

measurement shall be expressed in both the English and metric systems, if. in the judgment of the committee concerned, it is desirable to do so." This regulation was largely ignored after World War I , until 1 963 when the

Board of Directors took action to put ASTM in a leading position in an effort to establish a common system of measurement throughout the world. This

action resulted in the issuance of the first ASTM Metric Practice Guide in 1964 and the inclusion of metric units in ASTM standards beginning in 1965. The Guide was revised in 1966 to incorporate SI units, and the

revised Guide was issued by NBS as Handbook 102. The Guide became

ASTM Standard E380 in 1968. and a 1970 revision has been submitted to the American National Standards Institute for adoption as an American

Standard.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS

The increased use of the metric system throughout the world requires

greater recognition of metric units. In 1963 the Society adopted a recom- mendation that all ASAE standards applicable to metric areas use both

customary and metric units. Preference is given to SI except when some commonly used metric units

(not recognized as part of SI) are needed to make publications readily understandable. Metrication is essential to promoting our influence throughout

the world. A uniform base of units and values is essential regardless of any

U.S. official action on SI.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEATING, REFRIGERATION

AND AIR-CONDITIONING ENGINEERS

The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning

Engineers has adopted no policy on metrication, but its metrication committee has offered several recommendations for a policy applying to publications, including: all numeric units should be decimal; authors are encouraged

to use SI units, or SI conversions for English units; and the 1972 Handbook

should use SI as a basis for all conversion tables.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS

This statement from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers was

prepared by a special metric study committee, reviewed by 50 officers, and

adopted by its Council in June 1970.

The ASME anticipates the displacement of customary units by metric
94 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

units in many fields, with both systems continuing in use; dual capability

therefore is needed. ASME will aid in the development of SI, and ISO R- 1000 in particular, and participate in preparing conversion tables and dual

dimensioning practices for mechanical engineering.

The Society will provide and promote education needed for dual capability, will encourage the use of SI in ASME publications and codes, and work

with ANSI in increasing the use of SI.

ANTI-FRICTION BEARING MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

A consensus on metrication within the Anti-Friction Bearing Manufacturers Association is impossible because of wide divergence in product lines and export activity. The comments offered here reflect the views of two

member firms.

About 60 percent of current production is already made to metric stan- dards for bore, outside diameter and width, but manufacturing drawings and

catalogs are in inches. Nominal millimeter bearings generally conform to ISO standards with dimensions shown in dual units, with tolerances given in inches.

Because a change to the metric system seems inevitable whether the in- dustry wants it or not, most manufacturers are looking at transition

problems. Most bearing parts are made to masters, and the dimensional label

is not important. Inch leadscrews and dials on machine tools could be converted or replaced with metric components. Conversion of gages and comparators would be expensive. Conversion of those bearing types presently

made to nominal inch boundary plans to nominal metric sizes would nearly

double the number of bearing sizes without increasing the volume — aiding

foreign competitors who would no longer have to produce inch bearings to capture more of the U.S. market.

However, the U.S. position as the only user of the inch system is untenable, and a change to the metric system is inevitable.

ASSOCIATION OF HOME APPLIANCE MANUFACTURERS

These comments are based on the results of a questionnaire survey of the

Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. The report is a consolidation of the opinions expressed and is not an official position of the Association. The customary system is primarily used by most manufacturers with some

metric system usage in research and testing. Dual dimensioning is used with

foreign operations or for components purchased abroad.

There are no important advantages foreseen in metrication, but if it comes,

dual systems would be needed for years. At least 10 years would be needed

for an orderly replacement of drawings, standards, and tools. One complete

generation of consumers should be educated in the metric system before

starting conversion.

One disadvantage cited to the use of the metric system is that consumers would not understand new certified performance values. AHAM supports
ENGINEERING-RELATED INDUSTRY 95

international standardization of performance and safety regulations through

the International Electrotechnical Commission to keep the door open to fu- ture overseas markets. Presently the Association encourages the use of dual

systems with metric units in parentheses.

Metrication could open further domestic markets to imports, and reduce

U.S. production volume. The industry exports few products because home

appliances designed and built in the U.S. do not lend themselves to use in foreign homes. Most U.S. manufacturers design and build appliances in foreign countries for use in those countries.

AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

The Automobile Manufacturers Association is a trade association of the

eight U.S. automobile and truck manufacturers. All members were consulted in preparing this material. Their comments are restricted to the

domestic production of highway vehicles.

The current use of the metric system in the United States operations is confined to electrical units and some research work. Some design for overseas manufacture has been in metric modules; other designs are done in customary units and converted to metric units. Some use is made of dual

dimensioning, and some material sizes are adjusted to local practices.

AMA favors increased use of metric units through voluntary evolution

based on need. There is no tangible reason to adopt metric units exclusively,

and a program of planned metrication does not seem desirable at this time.

Increasing worldwide metric use has no effect on U.S. production.

For the U.S. to prosper in a metric world, SI should be taught in order to develop a bilingual capability. Education in the use of metric units should be

assured at all levels beginning with the grade schools. Metric translations of

national engineering standards should be developed as needed.

BUSINESS EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATIONS

This report does not represent a consensus of the 70 Business Equipment

Manufacturers Association members, but does present an expository look

at the current views held by some BEMA members in an attempt to span the

range of opinions available. It has been reviewed by the policy boards of the

three BEMA groups.

At the present time, BEMA members normally use the customary system

of weights and measures. As purely a defensive measure, because some

companies must operate in an increasingly metric world, they are using dual

dimensioning systems on their documents. The module sizes are, however,

normally based on the customary system of measure. BEMA members are concerned about the present multi-dimensional en- vironment and would prefer a single system of units of measure. Since a pre- ponderance of nations are tending toward the metric system, it appears to be

the system which will be preferred in future international trade. If the U.S.

is to be drawn into the increased use of metric units of measure, a planned

transition rather than an evolutionary transition would be preferred.
96 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

Within the United States' manufacturing and distributing facilities at present, there is no pressure or need for the change to metric units of measure. There is the fear that to change would require increased capital equipment investment and a possible temporary reduction in plant efficiency. On

the other hand, there would also be the possibility that the long range result would be an increase in BEMA companies' productivity because of the new

capital equipment.

Whether or not the United States changes to metric units of measure,

strong support must be given to U.S. participation in international stan- dardization to help guide and select parts with full consideration of the

economic impact on customary units sizes. CAN MANUFACTURERS INSTITUTE

The membership of the Can Manufacturers Institute was consulted in preparing this report. In the industry, except for some isolated use of metric units for film

thicknesses, all measurements are in customary units. Some equipment

purchased abroad is built to metric standards. There is no planned increase

in metric usage, and increasing worldwide usage has had no effect on U.S.

manufacturers. Metal cans are neither imported nor exported in any quantity.There is no incentive to metricate, and much resistance to it. Under a planned changeover, the cost would be minimized if present can sizes were

retained and new labels prepared. If can volumes must be changed, it would

be less costly to retain present can diameters and adjust the length only. ISO

TC-52 is presently working toward standardizing can diameters to present

U.S. dimensions except for one size. Process equipment has a very long life and replacement parts would have

to be kept available for many years. Can companies that make their own

machinery would have to maintain dual capability. Conversion costs and

changeover times would be comparable to other machinery fields.

COPPER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

The mission of the Copper Development Association is market development; its members cover the entire range of copper and copper alloy fields. These comments reflect the thinking of the Copper Development Association's Standards Advisory Committee.

The customary system is primarily used in all operations other than

research. The industry actively supports the ASTM policy of dual values

(customary and metric) in all copper standards. Industry engineers are active

in ISO and COPANT which is producing some harmonization. Otherwise,

the increasing worldwide use of the metric system is having no effect on the

copper industry.

Planned metrication would reduce productivity temporarily during the

transition period, but would bring a permanent change for the better. Metrication would have a greater impact on customer industries.
ENGINEERING- RELATED INDUSTRY 97

ELECTRONIC INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION

These comments are based on the results of a survey conducted by the

Metric Study Panel of the Electronic Industries Association.

Fifty-three percent of the firms have increased their use of the metric

system in the last 10 years, but 90 percent have no plans for any further in- crease. Nevertheless, a majority of the industry feels that increased metric use is inevitable, and favor a changeover the sooner the better. Of those companies who have used the metric system, 79 percent are strongly or mildly in favor of increased use. Of those who have not used the

metric system only 48 percent are strongly or mildly in favor of increased

use.Concerning the transition time needed for metrication, responses indicate an average of 10 years, with many indicating a shorter time. A coordinated

program would be essential, with legislation establishing a target date and

voluntary changeover by industry.

FARM AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT INSTITUTE

The Farm and Industrial Equipment Institute recognizes the effects of in- creasing worldwide use of the metric system. It appears that the industry

favors metrication, and an optimum transition period of 15 years would

better fit its long product development cycle.

Dual dimensioning is common for equipment produced here and abroad,

in expectation of foreign need. Standard inch fasteners would be no problem

for they are available most places in the world, but structural steel would be

a problem. SI has many benefits, particularly for standards, and it will become the world system, but there would still be problems with it that would need to be resolved.

The cost of conversion could be in line with normal retooling if metrication takes place as obsolete machines were replaced. Conferences between

manufacturers and suppliers to resolve transition problems could have legal

implications unless immunity were provided.

FORGING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

At present the customary system is used predominantly, with some metric

usage related to foreign sales or the use of imported equipment. Conversion

without coordination would be undesirable since it would be too slow and

too confusing. Planned metrication would be the desirable method of conversion. The industry's customers, of course, would set the pace, with careful coordination.

The industry generally feels the cost and inconvenience of metrication

would outweigh any advantages.

INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS INSTITUTE

A questionnaire survey of the industry by the Industrial Fasteners Institute brought this response: metrication would decrease domestic production and would increase imports.
98 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

IFI supports the continued use of U.S. standards (based on customary

units) for fasteners because the products are technically superior to those

based on metric modules. The cost of conversion to the metric system would

be exorbitant with no compensating return.

If the U.S. converts to the metric system, a new system of metric fasteners

should be designed for optimum performance. This "fresh start" should simplify the number and styles of fasteners. However, it could cost our industry

as much as one billion dollars to introduce and maintain metric module

fasteners. The pressure of increased costs on smaller companies would be

proportionally higher than for companies with larger volume.

INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS

This report was prepared by the Administrative Subcommittee of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' Standards Committee which

represents the Institute before other standardizing bodies. The major IEEE

publications use metric units or show metric equivalents where original data was not metric. The units are limited to SI units. This policy does not affect the choice of units for manufacturing processes or industrial standards.

INSTRUMENT SOCIETY OF AMERICA

A Metrication Task Force, broadly representing interests in the Instru- ment Society of America, in a year of study prepared recommendations

forming the basis for an official position that all new and revised standards

should be written in the units currently accepted for the intended industry.

If customary units are used, SI equivalents will be added in parentheses or

in a conversion table. The Task Force further recommends the implementation of SI units by

education through taped programs, handbooks. Section meetings, and ses- sions at Annual Conferences, plus a "think metric" campaign in their monthly Journal. Each author should be given a copy of ASTM E380-70 as

a guide for one of two procedures: if customary units are used, SI

equivalents are added at the end; if mixed units are used, SI equivalents

should be given in parentheses after all customary units; if feasible, SI units

should be used alone.

MANUFACTURING CHEMISTS ASSOCIATION

The report was prepared by the Manufacturing Chemists Association's

Mechanical Technical Committee (now the Engineering Advisory Committee), a standing committee responsible for engineering standardization studies.Industry products can be packaged in any type of container, and measured

by any system of units. Growing markets have developed overseas, but the

products are generally made in overseas plants with raw materials and equipment purchased locally. The chemical industry can continue to do business

at home or abroad without metrication.
ENGINEERING-RELATED INDUSTRY 99

An unplanned and/or mandatory conversion could cost the industry as much as a billion dollars, but a planned conversion with an optimized time

schedule would cost much less. Metrication would lead to added costs in retraining technical people and clerks; in changing packaging equipment and

recalibration of instruments; in additional inventories and changes in paperwork, computer programs, and records. There would also be added costs in dual stocks of spare parts; in revised specifications, operating instructions,

and repair manuals; and in revised drawings, standards, and engineering

computations.

Both these costs and offsetting commercial or technical benefits are dif- ficult to quantify, and therefore it is not possible to determine any net effect. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC

MANUFACTURERS

At present, the customary and metric systems are both in common use. The eventual increased use of the metric system is inevitable. Without

federal coordination, chaos and confusion would result. The inevitability of

the eventual widespread use of the metric system and the present potential

for confusion if a laissez faire attitude were adopted indicates the need for the

establishment of a well coordinated federal program for the adoption of the

metric system. However, the changes should be guided by market demands

and competition.

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

These comments were prepared by the National Electrical Manufacturers

Association's Metric Study Committee of five executives of representative

member companies. Metrication poses such diverse problems that a formal consensus among NEMA's 500 member companies is not possible.

The customary electrical units are identical to metric electrical units. The

kilowatt hour is universally understood as the unit of energy and should be

preserved as a deviation from SI. Customary length and mass units are inch

based, with no recent changes except for the acceptance of hertz for frequency. Decimal inches have replaced fractional inches, and some companies have gone to dual dimensioning for foreign markets. The present position of supporting customary units in international standards may become

untenable with the loss of British support.

Metrication could be essentially completed over a 10-year period. Conversion costs could put U.S. manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage

during conversion. A coordinated program would require definition of anti- trust limitations. Standards organizations should determine whether the

change should be to metric dimensions only or to metric modules also. NATIONAL FLUID POWER ASSOCIATION

This report was prepared by the National Fluid Power Association's committee on metrication. No formal survey was made, and the report does not represent the official position of the Association.
100 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

The industry produces accessories for machines. U.S. companies with

factories abroad have provided sales drawings in customary units for 15 years, but metric customers are now demanding metric shaft ends, flanges, screws, and port connections.

The United States is living with two systems, and the sooner it goes metric

the better. The inch system is declining in world influence; the U.S. must

change to the metric system to increase its exports. Manufacturers who have

to design metric models of standard inch units would face increased operating costs that should be offset by increased sales. One approach to planned

metrication would be for the U.S. military establishment to go metric for all new procurement, followed by the rest of the Federal Government. The rest of industry could follow as it wished.

NATIONAL MACHINE TOOL BUILDERS' ASSOCIATION

The National Machine Tool Builder's Association has taken no official stand on metrication since its statement in 1965 of opposition. This report is based upon the results of a recent survey of NMTBA members. The survey

has not been reviewed by the Board of Directors and is not an official position. Only 5 percent of the firms responding are using any form of metric units; 85 percent do not plan to increase the use of the metric system since their customers are not asking for it. For those increasing the use of the metric

system, exports or overseas manufacturing is responsible. Most members

export to some extent, but only 27 percent note any increase in demand for metric components. Nearly 60 percent feel that increased use of metric

abroad would be disadvantageous to the domestic industry, yet a majority

feel that the U.S. should convert.

NATIONAL SCREW MACHINE PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION

This report is based on the results of a survey of the screw machine

products industry.

Half of the respondents have made parts to nominal metric dimensions,

and 14 percent are currently doing so. Metric dimensioned prints are converted to decimal inches in the office for use in the plant. Forty-eight percent

have cut threads to metric standards, but 75 percent have difficulty in getting

threading tools. Only 12 percent were using any machines of foreign origin;

56 percent have difficulty in making metric parts on American machines.

Present experience shows that during any transition to the metric system

when the operators would be working with both metric and inch parts, an

estimated 6 months to a year of training with an estimated 20 to 50 percent

loss in efficiency during the transition might be experienced. The cost of additional tooling could run from $50,000, according to a third of the replies, to $250,000 according to another third. Few companies have ever produced for export, and 70 percent feel that metrication is not in their interest and that it would increase foreign competition. Many of the responses point out that the inch system screw threads
ENGINEERING-RELATED INDUSTRY 101

should be retained because of their inherent superiority over metric screw

threads.

NATIONAL TOOL, DIE, AND PRECISION MACHINING

ASSOCIATION

The primary interest of the members of the National Tool, Die, and Precision Machining Association is in model production and tooling rather than mass production. Only a few of the members have foreign operations.

The Association has set up a metric study committee but has not con- ducted a survey. The industry would be one of the first affected by metrication, and would respond to their customer's requirements.

RUBBER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

The Rubber Manufacturers Association's membership embraces several

industries with often dissimilar problems. Each comprises a separate divi- sion of RMA, and representatives of the various divisions within the Association have been consulted concerning the contents of this paper. The

position represented is of necessity a composite view. Consequently, the

views of individual members or divisions of the Association might differ in some respects.

Most of the products that the rubber manufacturing industry produces are component parts with the dimensional characteristics controlled by the

designer of the original equipment. Consequently, the industry is not in a

position to voluntarily change from using the English system of measure- ment to using the metric system. If original equipment manufacturers should

decide that all new designs be in metric units, it is estimated that the majority

of rubber products would be manufactured to these dimensions within 10

years. The rubber industry is a participant in international markets. The Association is also deeply involved in the development of international standards

within the International Organization for Standardization. Participants in these activities have come to realize that if the United States should decide

it is in its best interests to convert to the internationally recognized metric

system, we should avoid considering the adoption of a strict mathematical

conversion.

From the standpoint of efficiency of production, clarity of communication,

and efficiency of distribution of products, it would appear that one internationally accepted system would be preferable. Whether this will be SI, English, or some other measurement system should be determined through

natural selection in the international marketplace.

SCIENTIFIC APPARATUS MAKERS ASSOCIATION

Over one half of the Scientific Apparatus Makers Association's 200

member firms assisted in the preparation of this report; 90 percent of them

export an average of 10 percent of their sales.
102 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

Most firms use customary units, but 45 percent use metric units to some

extent, and this metric usage is traditional in some industries and for some

instruments of European origin. Foreign subsidiaries and licensees use metric units. Nearly all movement to the metric system is recent, and most members feel that metrication is inevitable.

Problems related to metrication would be in training, duplicate drawings,

and dual stocks of materials and components. The cost of conversion is dif- ficult to estimate, and a short-term recovery of the costs would be unlikely.

Anti-trust regulations would handicap industry-wide collaborations in changing codes and standards.

The United States must participate intensively in international standards

development to avoid being excluded from world markets. Emerging markets are metric and will be difficult to exploit in the face of German and

Japanese competition. It is estimated that metrication would increase exports and competition for 27 percent of the firms; 73 percent predict no impact on exports.

SCREEN MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

Present unit usage is predominantly customary, and adoption of the metric

system is favored.

SHIPBUILDERS COUNCIL OF AMERICA

The Shipbuilders Council of America is a national trade association composed of major shipbuilding and ship repair yards, and suppliers of ship component parts. This report was prepared by the Technical Committee of the

Council and reviewed by member companies.

At present the entire shipbuilding and ship repair industry of the United

States is using the customary system of measurment. However, in recent years there has been increasing exposure to the metric system precipitated

by the use of foreign made equipment in new ship construction, and also,

ship repair.

The metric system could be adopted by the shipbuilding and ship repair in- dustry as an element of a planned national metrication program. However,

it must be stressed that at the present time, the industry has no incentive to convert on its own and therefore must be influenced by its customers and,

due to the gross complexity of shipbuilding versus the individual specialized

equipment manufacturers, must be preceded in the conversion by these

manufacturers.

It is reasonable to conclude that the shipbuilding industry would be hin- dered in participating in the commercial maritime field on a worldwide basis

should the United States, as a nation, not take a positive stand advocating

the acceptance of industry-wide metrication.

SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS

In 1969 the Society of Automotive Engineers adopted a policy to provide

education in the use of SI, and include SI units in SAE standards.
ENGINEERING-RELATED INDUSTRY 103

SAE encourages the use of SI in papers, and promotes United States stan- dards for worldwide use. ISO R-1000 is the basis for this use, with elimination of the kilogram-force and calorie. Certain deviations from pure SI are

desirable: decimal division of plane angle, conventional time, Celsius temperature scale, the nautical mile restricted to navigation, Pascal instead of

newton per meter for pressure, and the liter without prefix for liquids.

SAE has published standards for dual dimensioning and conversion practices to assist a transition from the inch to the millimeter. SAE urges concurrent use of SI because of its growing world importance. SAE also urges in- creasing participation in producing goods to international standards.

SOCIETY OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY

This report is based on a survey of the members of The Society of the

Plastics Industry. SPI is divided on the increased need for the metric

system, and it takes no official stand.

Materials suppliers are the only group to show a majority currently using

both customary and metric units — customary in the shop, and metric in the

lab.Increasing use of the metric system is affecting about 25 percent of the

material, suppliers, and 30 percent of the machinery manufacturers through

stronger competition in foreign markets and loss of export business. In re- gard to the need for a change to the metric system, 96 percent of the firms

replying have made no change and plan no future change, but 41 percent

have a desire to change. Reasons offered in support of a change are ease of

calculation, better communication, less confusion, and more accuracy.

Those with no desire to change see difficulties in training, added costs for dual stocks, and production loss during conversion, but even some of those

indicate a readiness to change "if everybody else does."

U.S. SCREW SERVICE BUREAUS

A survey of the eighty manufacturers in the screw, nut, rivet, and

aerospace fasteners industries in eight trade associations served by one

technical director shows all firms in favor of staying with customary units

because of the technical superiority of present U.S. thread standards over comparable metric standards. The companies support the position of the In- dustrial Fasteners Institute that a new metric system of fasteners should be

developed if metrication takes place.

Fastener manufacturers will make metric fasteners if customers order

them. Deficiencies in the metric engineering standards could be overcome,

and the high costs of change could be met, but fastener users should be aware of the enormous costs involved. Changes in fasteners would be a major part of the national cost of metrication.
IX. CONSUMER-RELATED INDUSTRY

A SUMMARY OF INPUTS

Metrication is favored and/or considered inevitable by a majority of trade

associations and professions serving the food, clothing, printing, transportation, and entertainment needs of consumers. A few oppose a change as offer- ing no return for the cost of conversion; for others, a changeover would

make little difference after consumers were educated. Among the 37

inputs received, 19 groups feel metrication is inevitable and/or desirable,

three prefer to make no change, and 1 5 indicate no preference. A majority of

groups (30) are already using metric units in their technical work and some

are producing products that are wholly or partly metric. Only seven groups

indicate no present metric usage. Every group but one that takes a position on metrication favors a nationally coordinated voluntary program, preceded by some time for preparation. The time recommended for conversion generally varies with the rate of

inventory turnover. Some retail operations could convert in 2 or 3 years, or even as little as a few months in some areas. In some food lines, metr' ition

would require changes in legislation at local, state and national levels, and

this might take up to 5 years. Most other groups feel 10 years would be an adequate transition time.

Consumer Education

Educating consumers to metric usage would be the major problem in rela- tion to metrication that these consumer-related industries would face. People would need to learn to "think metric" and unlearn years of experience

with customary units. Many groups suggest that education should start now

104
CONSUMER- RELATED INDUSTRY 105

with elementary school grades where it would be easy, and they feel increasing difficulty would be encountered with older age groups.

Dual labeling is frequently suggested as a means of introducing consumers

to metric equivalents. The museums offer to develop visual exhibits to explain the metric system and show its advantages to large adult audiences in major cities. The toy industry suggests that special toys and games could

assist in education.

Other Problems

The training of machine operators and maintenance workers is also seen

as a problem by many associations. Automobile repair already involves a need for metric tools, and the number of foreign cars is increasing. The train- ing of retail clerks might present a more critical problem. During the transi- tion period, clerks in retail stores would need special indoctrination so they

could assist customers in using the new metric sizes and dimensions.

Other problems expected by many of these industries include:

( 1 ) Added costs from errors during transition.

(2) Additional inventories of materials and spare parts needed for ser- vicing older equipment.

(3) Cost of converting scales and weighing machines, particularly for

computing scales.

Advantages of Metrication

Several advantages are cited that could come with metrication. The ones most often mentioned are opportunities for standardization on fewer

package sizes for food and for warehousing and increased export opportunities. Others include the replacement of cumbersome sizing systems for shoes

and clothing, the replacement of fractions by decimal values to simplify pricing and the use of computers, and the reduction of errors now encountered

in converting hundredweights, tons and gallons in export documents.

Inputs from Individual Groups

AMERICAN APPAREL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

The report is based on a survey of member firms. The replies are quite

diverse and it is not possible to summarize the industry's position. However,

the following generalizations are possible.

The apparel industry, which primarily uses the customary system, is not

likely to go metric alone — it would need close coordination with its suppliers

and customers. In the event of metrication, as the apparel manufacturing in- dustry is a highly labor-intense industry, the retraining of personnel is ex- pressed by most respondents as being of critical concern.

426-992 O - 71 - 8
106 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF MUSEUMS

The report is based on an informal survey of museums. The unanimous

feature of all the replies is that museums are heartily in favor of a change to the metric system. Without the adoption of the metric system in the United

States, the museums would be isolating themselves from the rest of the

world in terms of interchange of data and programs. The only way the U.S. can become a member of the global community in these matters is to adopt

a universal system — the metric system. If the system were adopted, there

could be established a freer exchange program with the other countries of

the world.

The primary function of the museum is to collect, preserve, interpret and

exhibit the natural and cultural artifacts of our environment. Its primary mission is to diffuse and advance knowledge in our communities. There is a general feeling that museums would play a major role in the public ac- ceptance of this system.

Museum personnel have long recognized that youth, coming within its walls, can learn anything which is taught properly. Even though conversion

to the metric system indicates change, and change is resisted, the learning

process could be gainfully exploited in the museums. Museums recognize

this and many indicate they could develop, design, and build exhibits to demonstrate the advantages of the metric system.

AMERICAN FOOTWEAR MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

A nonexpanding domestic production, excess capacity, and the lack of export opportunity could create a reluctance on the part of domestic shoe

manufacturers to promote conversion to metric system. Nevertheless, the

footwear industry would look positively on metrication, as long range

prospects would outweigh the short term economic considerations.

The primary long range benefit would be achieved if metrication along

with standardization could help in the development of automatic production

equipment. Such automation would improve the competitive position of

American shoe manufacturers in the world shoe market.

AMERICAN FROZEN FOOD INSTITUTE

The customary system is used almost exclusively by association members. Packaged foods may occasionally show a dual weight declaration in the

customary and the metric system to permit either domestic or export sales. A planned program for a change to the metric system would be more ap- propriate than a voluntary application brought about by gradual increased

use. The expense of new packaging material, labels and new equipment for determining weight compliance would be unnecessarily costly. Industry re- sistance could be expected.
CONSUMER-RELATED INDUSTRY 107

AMERICAN LEATHER CHEMISTS ASSOCIATION

The American Leather Chemists Association's members use primarily

customary units. However, the Association includes metric units for use in

its publications and standards.

AMERICAN MEAT INSTITUTE

The meat industry presently uses the customary system, including extensive use of decimal pounds. There is some confusion with sizes and weights

with these present units. Planned metrication would cause problems relating

primarily to retraining and additional inventory.

AMERICAN PAPER INSTITUTE

This report is based on a survey of member firms. Practically every company stresses that conversion to the metric system would present problems,

many major. These would include a long-time added inventory of spare

parts; conversion of all types of records and statistics; and conversion or replacement of scales, gauges, and similar equipment. Most, but not all, of

the respondents indicate that there would be long-term advantages in converting to the metric system, but in every case the disadvantage stressed was

the high cost of conversion.

Based upon the survey, it seems that certain long-term advantages could

result for the paper industry under a planned national program to adopt the

metric system. If a majority of United States industries and individuals favor

the adoption of the metric system by the United States, it seems reasonable

that this effort would receive the support of a majority, but not all, in the

paper industry.

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR QUALITY CONTROL

The report is based on a selected survey of members of the American

Society for Quality Control's divisional committees.

Metrication is going to happen since the United States is not self-sufficient and must trade with other countries. It is a waste to demand that other countries make their products in customary units for consumption by the U.S. In the future, other countries will not accept goods in customary units. The

only question is how long the U.S. is going to wait before converting to metric units. The industry with which the ASQC member is associated determines the

system of weights and measures he uses. Since nearly all industries are covered, both customary and metric units are in use. The scientific and

research laboratories normally use metric units while engineering development laboratories and production activities use customary units. The effect of metrication on product quality and reliability during the conversion period would be reflected mainly in the numerous chances for human errors resulting in poor quality and reliability.
108 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

AMERICAN TEXTILE MANUFACTURERS INSTITUTE

The consensus within the textile industry is that there is no particular reason why conversion to the metric system could not be accomplished.

However, there does not seem to be any urgency in making this change. The

textile industry could change completely to the metric system but not without certain problems, the greatest of these being educating employees

and the cost involved in changing most machinery, instruments, and records.

ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN PUBLISHERS

At present, unit usage is primarily customary, but the metric system is used where needed. Planned metrication should cause no problems since the

industry is only concerned with editorial content, not sizes. Publishers could

produce the needed books.

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

At present unit usage is primarily customary, with the majority of firms

(75%) using customary units only. The remainder use both customary and

metric units. If the country were to go metric, a program of planned metrication would be preferred.

BOOK MANUFACTURERS' INSTITUTE, INC.

There is definite opposition to increased use of the metric system in the

book manufacturing industry. Direct costs of conversion along with the confusion and other indirect costs that could occur could put this industry in an

unfavorable economic position, both domestically and internationally.

The major problems in the book manufacturing industry under planned

metrication would include retraining skilled craftsmen, operators and other

personnel (a major expense which could require consideration of a subsidation of the industry), cost of errors during conversion, increased communication difficulties, parts replacement, and duplication of inventories.

If planned metrication were to be adopted, the conversion would have to be planned jointly with book manufacturers, publishers, commercial printers, printing and binding machinery manufacturers, paper makers and

material suppliers working closely with the Department of Commerce.

COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF

NEW YORK, INC.

This report is based on a questionnaire survey of member firms, seeking answers primarily to the effects of metrication on foreign trade. The report

presents the reactions of business firms making their livelihood in selling

goods and services to buyers outside the United States. They have years of

experience with their overseas agents and distributors and are in a position

to know at first hand, often through direct personal contacts with their
CONSUMER- RELATED INDUSTRY 109

foreign counterparts, the extent to which their international trading operations may be affected by metrication.

Most of the expressions of opinion received are favorable to a move to the

metric system. The returns generally indicate that many foreign traders are unable to predict the extent to which metrication would affect their export

operations. However, only 3 percent are opposed to metrication because of

conversion costs; 28 percent anticipate increased exports under the metric

system; and 76 percent anticipate no effects on their international business,

yet they favor change.

Some firms express concern that United States exporters now supplying

replacement parts for industrial equipment, parts which can only be obtained

in the United States, would lose out to low-cost foreign producers of similar

replacement parts if the United States converts to the metric system. They

also express concern that many units of original equipment, which are now

produced only in the United States, would become available from other

countries if the U.S. goes metric. The net result, then, could be an overall

loss in United States export trade. Despite this possibility, the majority of

the firms responding to the inquiry feel that metrication would be advantageous to American business in the long run. CORDAGE INSTITUTE

Present unit usage is primarily customary in purchasing, manufacturing,

and sales. Laboratory operations are sometimes metric. Planned metrication

could be accomplished in 10 years. There should be no resistance to the

change; people readily adopt slang and jargon, so the language would not be

a problem.

EVAPORATED MILK ASSOCIATION

Present unit usage is primarily customary, but there is some dual labeling

for export purposes. Since it is not expected that metrication would lead to any changes in container sizes, there would be little impact. Problems would

include communication with consumers, and consumer reluctance to duplicate equipment for measuring, and possible weighing of food in- gredients for preparation at home.

INDEPENDENT GARAGE OWNERS OF AMERICA, INC.

The customary system of weights and measures is in common use in the

automotive repair industry in the U.S., although isolated parts are subjected to some metric use. Except for the Pierce-Arrow, which used the

metric system almost exclusively, there has been no conversion to the metric

system in the automotive service industry.

Most persons in the automotive service industry appear apathetic about

possible metrication, not because they are ignorant of the far-reaching

significance of such a transition, but because they feel others would, of

necessity, make the decisions that would affect a change.
110 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

The automobile manufacturers, for example, will decide for the industry

whether or not metrication comes and how soon. Nevertheless, if the change were made gradually and without undue cost to the small shop owner, there

should be no measurable opposition to metrication from the automotive

aftermarket. In fact, many members have expressed the opinion that it is inevitable.

THE INSTITUTE OF FOOD TECHNOLOGISTS

At the annual meeting in May 1970. the Council and governing body of

the Institute recommended by unanimous vote that the metric system be

adopted in the United States as soon as practical. Members were en- couraged to lend their effort and support to the conversion.

The advantages of converting to the metric system are obvious. For the

food scientist and technologist it would obviate the need for constant conversion from one system to another in order to compare data from different sources. Fortunately for the food scientist, measurement units used in recent in- strumentation are now metric whether the instrument is of U.S. or other

origin. It may be stated therefore, that complete conversion to the metric

system would cause few problems for the food scientists, and would lead

simply to the gradual discarding of the customary system as the industry

becomes familiar with and adopts the metric system.

MOTION PICTURE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

THE ASSOCIATION OF MOTION PICTURE AND TV

PRODUCERS

The motion picture industry uses both the customary and metric systems.

Film widths are described the world over in millimeters (70 mm, 35 mm,

etc.) and film lengths in feet in the U.S. and meters in metric countries.

It seems that the inescapable logic of the metric system would encourage

all counties to adopt it as rapidly as possible, despite the relatively unimportant inconveniences — compared to the benefits — that would accrue. Involvement with international standards organizations, which is necessitated by world markets, makes it obvious that the United States is only

postponing the inevitable. The industry's experience has demonstrated that the longer one waits, the harder it is to make a change.

NATIONAL APPLIANCE AND RADIO-TV DEALERS

ASSOCIATION

Conversion to the metric system would not create significant hardships for the nation's dealers, provided adequate notice is given. The major problem

would be in the repair segment of this industry, primarily related to parts in- ventories.
CONSUMER-RELATED INDUSTRY 111

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FOOD CHAINS

At present the customary system is used predominantly. Conversion to the metric system is favored. Planned metrication would facilitate customer

price comparisons. There should be no difficulties in the changeover if adequate time is allowed. Ten years might be a reasonable period.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WHOLESALER -DISTRIBUTORS

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors feels that metrication is inevitable and would ultimately be worthwhile.

Wholesalers work with all kinds of products, some of them measurement

sensitive but the majority not. Obviously the impact of a conversion to the

metric system would be a function of the dependence on measurement units. Problems that would be encountered include reeducation of employees

and its accompanying problems and the possibility of extra inventory

without increased sales. The second problem is quite important since in- creased inventory means increased costs, and unless this can be at least off- set by added sales, it could be quite a problem in an industry with a small

profit margin such as wholesalers generally have.

NATIONAL AUTOMATIC MERCHANDISING ASSOCIATION

The report is based on a random survey of representative member firms.

The position of the United States and of U.S. business firms in world markets is crucial to the health of the domestic economy and to our country's

role in world affairs. Competitive capabilities of other nations could threaten

the present position of American business firms in foreign trade unless all possible steps are taken to compete effectively, both through private enterprise and through Federal Government policies. An eventual change to the

metric system appears to be inevitable and highly desirable as part of these

efforts. Both manufacturing and service firms in the vending and food service

management industry would benefit from metrication since it is likely that both segments will be expanding further to foreign markets as vending ser- vices typical of the U.S. today find application throughout the industrialized

nations of the world.

For the vending and food service management industry, the required time

and investment in order to change to the metric system would affect the ser- vice company segment quite differently from the manufacturing companies.

The service companies would be required to change their repair shops, and

tool and parts inventory system. For some of the larger companies the cost could be extensive, but for the many smaller firms the total cost would not be

crucial, provided the time period is adequate.

The vending machine manufacturing companies would incur considerable

outlays in changing machine designs, engineering standards, tooling,

procurement of components, production of parts and stocking of customary
112 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

system components for customers while changing to the metric system over

a period of years.

All vending company service personnel would have to be retrained, since

gauges, temperature, pressure and mixing controls on food and beverages

dispensers are based on the customary system.

A considerable number of federal, state, and local laws which deal with

health, packaging and labeling regulations for products sold by vending

machines would have to be rewritten and converted to the metric system.

NATIONAL AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION

Present unit usage is primarily customary, with the exception of imported

cars which are designed to metric standards. The benefits foreseen of going

metric (e.g., more standardization) would be primarily for the manufacturer.

The major concern of the automobile dealers relates to the service aspects of

their dealerships. An average mechanic has $600 worth of tools, some of

which would have to be replaced. The training of these mechanics would

also be a problem.

NATIONAL CANNERS ASSOCIATION

At present, customary units are used in the canning industry except for laboratory research which uses metric units. There is little incentive to change to complete use of the metric system. However, once a conversion

is made, there would be a positive net gain for the industry.

During the conversion period there would be considerable costs and confusion. The greatest problems would be in the cost of changing engineering

specifications and standards, and in the maintenance and replacement of

food canning and food harvesting machinery. The burden would be particularly heavy on small and medium sized firms.

THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

It is the opinion of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

that metrication is desirable and that a nationally planned metrication pro- gram is the best means of achieving this end.

The three sports which would be affected most are football, track and

swimming. In other sports (e.g.. baseball, basketball, golf, ice hockey, skiing, soccer, and tennis) the dimensions of the competitive areas and the specifications for the equipment used in each sport could be changed without af- fecting the competition.

With one notable exception, meets, games and matches sponsored by the

NCAA and its members are conducted under rules based upon the customary system. During Olympic years and in all international competition, events

in track and field are based on metric measurements. This policy was begun

in 1 932 and has been continued during each succeeding Olympic year. International swimming competition is also conducted under the metric

system, but the customary system is used for domestic meets, even during
CONSUMER- RELATED INDUSTRY 113

Olympic years. Since American athletes compete at the metric distances in international track and swimming meets, increased competition at these

distances in domestic events would probably help our athletes achieve better

performances at international meets. Not surprisingly, the one sport which would be the most affected is football, the game most peculiarly American. An alternative to changing (e.g.. a change to first down and 10 meters or 10.94 yards) would be to make an ex- ception for football and let it remain a game of yards rather than meters.

THE NATIONAL RETAIL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION

The report is based upon a sample survey of the National Retail

Merchants Association's member firms.

There is no special or pressing need from a retail standpoint to adopt the

metric system in the United States. Retailers are not handicapped in any important way by present metric usage. There would be added economic burdens for the retailer and the consumer if the metric system were adopted.

Nevertheless, it is felt that the eventual establishment of the metric system

in this country is somehow inevitable. The shrinking world, the increase in communications, trade and travel, and the consensus that the metric system

is essentially sounder than the customary system all combine to create pres- sures pushing toward adoption.

Throughout the entire planning and implementation process a degree of

cooperation within segments and between segments of the economy would

have to be established far exceeding anything now existing. The absolute essential to all of this would be education, communicating to the entire country

what metrication is and why it is being adopted.

NATIONAL SCALE MEN'S ASSOCIATION

Present unit usage is primarily customary, with an estimated 5 percent of

scales presently manufactured and serviced being metric. The Association

feels that the U.S. should begin to convert to the metric system as quickly as

possible. It would be a mistake if there were no planned program and en- couragement by the Federal Government. Major problems foreseen include

training, increased inventory during conversion, and conflict with existing

laws.

NATIONAL SOFT DRINK ASSOCIATION

The National Soft Drink Association has not uncovered any industry

desire to use the metric system or any dissatisfaction with the customary

system, other than an expression for simplification in engineering. Members

of the association have not experienced any impact of increasing worldwide

or domestic use of the metric system, except in international divisions.

Planned metrication, following an optimum time period and changing lan- guage only, would cause no extraordinary difficulties.
114 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

One point regarding metrication must be emphasized. The impact of stan- dardizing on metric unit containers, other than on an equivalent basis would

be of such proportions as to almost preclude consideration. The industry is dependent upon billions of returnable containers "in float," i.e. in various

stages of cycling between bottler— retailer — consumer— retailer— bottler. To discard this inventory would be economically unacceptable. To commingle new. standardized metric units with present inventories is technically undesirable. To commingle new units with old in the current confusion in the

market place would appear to be unthinkable.

THE SALT INSTITUTE

Domestic salt companies feel no present impact of increasing worldwide

use of the metric system and international companies are making changes

where they can economically be made. Although all members agree that there would be many problems encountered along the way. all agree that conversion would be desirable.

The producers generally think that metrication would make calculations

simpler and choices of equipment more flexible. For example, those firms

with international operations have made some changes in anticipation of

metrication, and find that they have greater flexibility with regard to cost and

performance when including metric equipment in their purchasing considerations.

Metrication would not be without disadvantages for salt producers. The

major disadvantage would be the changes required for engineering standards

and drawings. Other problems include equipment revision and retraining of

workers.

SCALE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

The report is based on a questionnaire survey of member firms. In general

the scale industry favors conversion to the metric system. It has two

problems with respect to conversion of weighing scales to metric indication

and recordations, namely, conversion of scale design for new production and

conversion of the many millions of scales, now in use, to metric indications.

The production of new scales would cause problems not unlike those that would be encountered by the manufacturers of other types of complex

equipment. Fortunately the industry has some experience since a great many

scales produced in the U.S. are produced with weight indicators and recor- ders which reflect weight in the metric system for export to metric nations

and for sale to U.S. companies that utilize the metric system.

Probably the most serious problem of a U.S. conversion of weights to the

metric system is the adaptation of existing scales to indicate and record in metric units. There are an estimated five million scales in use today that would need to be converted to metric. The several thousand scale ser- vicemen presently operating in the nation, even if qualified to convert most

models to metric, are presumably busy at present with servicing existing
CONSUMER- RELATED INDUSTRY 115

scales and thus could not devote full time to a new program of converting

them to metric.

THE SEWING MACHINE TRADE ASSOCIATION

There would be no great advantage to the industry from conversion. If un- dertaken, however, there should be ample time provided for the conversion,

and there should be some tax credit or other means to defray the expense in- volved.

THE SOAP AND DETERGENT ASSOCIATION

The report is based on a survey of member firms.

At present, the customary system is primarily used, and about half of the

survey respondents indicate use of the metric system in certain operations

(temperature and quantity control in laboratories, in foreign trade

transactions, etc.). Planned metrication, rather than sudden conversion, is preferred. If this were accomplished over a decade or so, and allowed for accommodation and

adaptation of existing systems, the cost might be contained within the

framework of orderly change. The guiding principle would be to have the

measurement system(s) help designate what is in the marketplace but not control or hamper the normal functioning of trade and commerce.

Advantages of metrication would include the enhancement of international trade through the use of a worldwide system of standard weights and

measures; simplification of product formulation scale-up from laboratory

processing; simplification in manufacturing, packaging, and labeling operations; easier billing; and easier engineering calculations with less chance for

error. The major problems would include the high cost and time involved in re- calculating formulae, recalibrating scales and other measuring devices, converting processing equipment, reprogramming computers, retraining employees, and educating customers and suppliers.

SOCIETY OF MOTION PICTURE AND TV ENGINEERS

At present, all technical national and international motion picture stan- dards incorporate both the customary and metric systems.

Some means of eliminating the dual system that is in use is favored. Metrication would, of course, accomplish this.

THEATRE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLY MANUFACTURERS

ASSOCIATION

The metric system is used in some aspects of the theater industry. For ex- ample, light sources for projection are generally metric.

There is a moderately strong feeling against any further conversion to the

metric system. The primary reason is economics. The total production of
116 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

motion picture equipment and hardware is small and the cost of new

machine tools, new dies, etc., would be out of line with the life of such tool productivity.

Another factor in the lack of interest in conversion is the absence of what

would be considered obsolescence in any other industry. Over half of the

projection systems in use in commercial theaters were built by companies

that have been out of business for 10 or more years. There are specialty

machine shops that continue to make repair or replacement parts for this equipment, and regular maintenance keeps them running. It is estimated that

this sector of the industry is considerably larger in economic importance

than the sale of new equipment.

TOY MANUFACTURERS OF AMERICA, INC.

Many toy companies have substantial business abroad, and these firms are already using the metric system on drawings for tooling and parts manufactured abroad.

The toy industry does not see an immediate need for the further use of the

metric system, but can foresee the day when it would be advantageous to adopt the system to facilitate working with the rest of the world. In fact, it would appear that the sooner the conversion started and the more rapidly it progressed, the cheaper it would be for the country to achieve it.

It might be somewhat more costly to operate during the conversion period

because of the need for carrying double standards and employing conversion

devices. Engineering problems of a conversion should be minimal since most

engineers are already familiar with the metric system. But it is expected that conversion devices for existing machinery would become available through

American initiative and ingenuity.

VINYL FABRICS INSTITUTE

At present, the customary system is used in the vinyl fabrics industry.

Planned metrication is not favored. No national program is favored since it

is felt this would minimize confusion and reduce costs. Problems foreseen

include changes in product formulation and changes in scales and other measuring devices.
X. NATURAL RESOURCES,

TRANSPORTATION, HEALTH, SMALL

BUSINESS AND OTHERS

A SUMMARY OF INPUTS

The concluding group of reports is made by representatives of agriculture,

forestry, fisheries, mining, transportation, small business, state and local government, communication, public health, finance, and professional ser- vices. Many of these groups expect to be little affected by metrication, in sharp contrast with the manufacturing, consumer, and educational sectors of

the society.

Among the 57 groups supplying inputs, 46 groups report some amount

of present metric usage, and only 1 1 indicate there is no such use. A majority

of the associations and societies covering many diverse sectors of the

economy feel that metrication is inevitable and/or desirable. Some groups

are firmly for a change, and many of the groups see no great advantage

to conversion, but accept it as inevitable and indicate a willingness to go

along with a change for the nation's good. Twenty-nine groups express

such opinions, only one is firmly opposed, and 27 indicate that unit usage

does not matter to them.

A majority of the groups support a planned program, usually with a 10- year transition period. Only one supports conversion without such coordination. Nearly all see the need for a broad program of public education to support a planned changeover.

117
118 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Mining

Farmers expect no advantages in metrication, but expect little disruption

if adequate education precedes any change. The major impact on agriculture

would be the confusion and inconvenience of learning to think in a new

system. Aside from this learning process, changes in measuring equipment

such as scales would be the most difficult problem. Agricultural economic

reporting would be greatly simplified by conversion. Foresters expect a changeover to lead to a better system for measuring timber. Changes in land

measurement could be a problem and would need careful study. Fisheries

could change over in 10 years at little cost. Mining expects no return to off- set conversion costs.

Transportation

The technical advantages of metric usage are generally recognized by the

transportation industries, and ultimate adoption is considered inevitable.

Planned metrication could eliminate many needless container sizes, and simplify billing computations. The major concerns would be the area of the

repair of transportation vehicles, especially related to mechanic training and

parts inventories. However a 10-year transition would minimize equipment

costs.

Public Health

Metric units have been used almost exclusively in health related areas for many years, and this uniformity aids in the safety of medicine administration. Conversion to the metric system is desired and would create few

problems in the area of public health. A 10-year conversion time should be

backed up by a program of consumer education.

State and Local Government

Most officials see no savings in metrication but recognize some possible

long-range advantages. They feel the Federal Government must take the

lead. A 5-year planning period followed by a 10-year conversion program

would meet most needs.

Finance and Professional Services

Bankers, accountants, credit bureaus, and securities dealers would not

generally be affected by a change to the metric system. Lawyers would need

to change measurement language as their clients do, but this should cause no

problems.

Communications

The communications industry, since it relies heavily on electronic

technology and equipment, is already metric to some degree. The industry
NATURAL RESOURCES, ETC. 119

generally favors metrication as it would simplify present operations by

eliminating the presently necessary conversions and their inherent ineffi- ciencies.

Small Business

Small businesses have a special concern in the metrication area since they

would in general have fewer resources than larger firms to handle any

changes needed. A majority of small businessmen favor conversion but feel that it must be carried out as part of a national plan.

Inputs from Individual Groups

AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION

There is no immediate need for airlines to convert to the metric system,

but a nationwide changeover can be justified on grounds of simplicity and

keeping in step with the rest of the world. A planned program is favored.

The optimum period would be 2 to 3 years for in-flight operations; 15 to 20 years for operational support activities. The costs would be great unless

based on obsolescence. There would be concern for safety during a transi- tion period due to human error.

AIRPORT OPERATORS COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL

The consensus of airport operators is that use of the metric system would

be of minimal consequence. The United States has for many years been a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization therefore many

segments of the aviation industry have been two-system oriented for years. The biggest impact within the membership would be suffered by the large

hub airports that have an in-house engineering capability. The medium and

smaller hubs in most instances contract their work to outside consultants,

thus the problem is transferred to other industries, primarily the architectural and engineering professions.

In general, conversion to the metric system would be an inconvenience.

However, once the habit were acquired to think and plan in terms of the metric system, the inconvenience would be quickly minimized. If it is the decision of the U.S. Congress to convert to the metric system in the United

States, the Airport Operators would be prepared to adjust accordingly.

AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIC ASSOCIATION

The metric system is used by agricultural economists in connection with

data on foreign agriculture and international trade and for studies of food

consumption and diets; otherwise, English units are used. Growing interest

in foreign agriculture and international trade has caused expansion in the use

of metric units. Dual measurement units cause confusion to many

economists.
120 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

If the United States converts to the metric system, there would be substantial costs during the transition, but the gains would soon outweigh the

costs. If adoption of the metric system could achieve a uniform system of

measurements throughout the U.S. market for agricultural commodities, it would be very beneficial. AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PORT AUTHORITIES

Port authorities would not encounter any difficulties in converting to the

metric system. At present both systems are used in the manifesting of cargo. Present efforts are being made to standardize internationally such items as

ships' capacity measurement.

AMERICAN BANKERS ASSOCIATION

The banking industry is not and would not be affected by any unit usage,

except as consumers of other industries' products. There may be some impact in trust departments where commodities must be defined, and in records for mortgage loans. This would involve the reeducation of employees in these departments.

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION

The legal profession utilizes the customary system almost exclusively.

Legal instruments may be drawn in the metric system when the matters covered relate to scientific or technical questions.

If there were no national program to convert to the metric system, lawyers

would continue to adapt to changed usage in client industries. Under

planned metrication, the principal effect would be changed language in transactions.

Concerning the modernization of state statutes and regulations, a temporary arrangement could be made to accommodate to metrication. In the long run the state statutes and regulations requiring change would have to be

identified. All state statutes are computerized, which would facilitate the

identification task. By putting state regulations on a computer, as is being

done in some jurisdictions, the modernization of these regulations would be

similarly facilitated.

AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION

At present, metric measurements are used extensively. A recommendation has been made to the ADA that the metric system be used exclusively

in the journals published by the Association.

AMERICAN DENTAL TRADE ASSOCIATION

There is little need for metrication and the costs would be substantial.

Training during the changeover period would result in inefficiencies. For
NATURAL RESOURCES, ETC. 121

equipment, obsolescence would take 20 to 30 years; for materials, there

would be no problem. The industry would prefer no change, but it will have

to follow the machine tool industry.

THE AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION

A confused mixture of customary and metric units now exists, but additional changes from the customary to the metric system are in progress in a number of areas. Adoption of the metric system as soon as possible is favored. Planned

metrication would be definitely superior. A time period shorter than 1 0 years

would be preferred.

AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

At present the customary system is used almost exclusively and increased

metric usage has had little impact.

Farmers have relatively little to gain from metrication, but they are in- creasingly aware of the importance of international considerations, and

could be expected to adapt successfully. Under planned metrication intensive educational programs would be necessary and scales would have to be

converted or replaced. A minor benefit would be the simplification of record

keeping.

AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY

The American Fisheries Society has considered the use of the metric

system for a number of years. Since 1965, the AFS has had a Metric System

Study Committee. The Committee recently recommended that the

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society for 1 97 1 use metric units in

all papers. In 1 970. the Executive Committee of the Society voted that start- ing in 1 974 only metric units are to be printed in the Transactions.

AMERICAN GAS ASSOCIATION

The American Gas Association feels that the benefits of a single measuring system are so significant that conversion to the metric system is inevitable, and further that it should be carried out following a carefully planned

program.

At present the U.S. gas industry uses the customary system of weights

and measures with minor exceptions, these being primarily in dealings with

foreign affiliates or in foreign transactions.

The impact of metrication on the gas industry would be felt in several areas of its operations, for example, in its production, transmission, distribution, utilization, hardware, international, regulations, and software operations. Some of these elements of the gas industry could lend themselves to adoption of the metric system without major disruptions or incurring a high

degree of added costs. However, because of the magnitude and different

426-992 O - 71 - 9
122 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

types of equipment involved in the operation and servicing of gas transmission and distribution lines and customer-related equipment which uses gas.

it is impossible to estimate the immediate or long-term economic impact

which would be caused by converting to the metric system.

AMERICAN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION

Hospitals, at present, use both metric and customary units. Conversion

would cause no real problems since all medical personnel are familiar with

the metric system.

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Accountants are involved with systems of weights and measures in connection with inventory evaluations, production statistics, etc. Accountants

are concerned that one system of weights and measures be used consistently; the choice of the system is of no particular interest to them. Accountants would be ready to assist their clients in any problems that might

arise during a conversion, and they would not need any significant amount of

education in order to prepare themselves.

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF MERCHANT SHIPPING

The customary system is used in U.S. operations, but foreign-flag affiliates of U.S. companies use metric units. Recently, dual measurements

have been used for cargo containers. Foreign operations are increasingly

metric. Companies agree that it would be simpler and more economical to have one system of measurement in the world. Without a national program,

conversion would not be accomplished.

AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

At present a mixture of systems is used: metric is used in medical

research; in offices and hospitals, drugs are metric, but the patient's height

and weight are generally given in customary units. Since 1878 the AMA has

been recommending the use of the metric weights and measures. Under

planned metrication, physicians could adapt easily. The public would have

to be educated so that they could follow the physician's instructions.

AMERICAN MINING CONGRESS

The customary system of measurement is used in the mining industry,

with the metric system used only in foreign operations, the domestic use of

foreign-made equipment, sales outside the United States, laboratory work

and scientific research.

Total conversion to the metric system would have to be carefully planned.

Many mining leaders see no advantage to their industry, while others can

foresee some benefit. Retooling and additional inventory problems related

to the processing and manufacturing operations subsequent to mining, would
NATURAL RESOURCES, ETC. 123

add to the costs. Errors would contribute to increased costs, and changed

work methods would introduce new accident hazards. The retraining of per- sonnel could be burdensome and costly, and legal work would be expensive.

AMERICAN NATIONAL CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION

The beef cattle industry uses customary weights and measures exclusively.

The industry has a lot of time, effort and money invested in records and

merchandising systems based on customary weights and measures. Conversion to the metric system would necessitate the changing of all cattle records since they are used to analyze calf corps. There is presently a

large investment in scales, formulas, management systems, selection

systems, etc.. in customary measurement units. AMERICAN NURSES ASSOCIATION

Nurses would welcome a uniform measurement system. Present unit usage is a mixture of metric, apothecary, and customary units, with metric

usage slowly increasing.

Under planned metrication, nursing education would not need to be

modified appreciably; the greater need would be for the education of inser- vice practitioners who have not used metric units for a long time. There is a need for the development of a uniform code for the identification of drugs

and drug sources and of standards for the uniform packaging and labeling of

drugs. Conversion could aid in this process. Furthermore, using one uniform

system would contribute to safety in drug administration.

AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION

Present unit usage is largely metric except for those areas controlled by

suppliers; e.g.. screw threads and temple lengths of frames. A complete conversion to the metric system would be a benefit to optometry and would

cause no serious problems in the transition period.

AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION

Within the pharmaceutical profession the metric system is used exclusively. This has been achieved by an evolutionary method over a period of 75

years. The benefits gained by the profession of pharmacy from early adoption and continued use of the metric system include worldwide standardization and consistency within the profession. The American Pharmaceutical

Association feels that a full and complete transition to the metric system is highly desirable for the United States. A planned program of conversion

with a fixed time period is favored.

AMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION

The use of the metric system is strongly endorsed by the American Public

Health Association. The metric system has been employed, almost without
124 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

exception, in all publications on standard methods or recommended

procedures for the examination of water, milk. food, waste water, air. for the

microbiologic diagnosis of infectious diseases, and in the books on laboratory methods published by the APHA.

AMERICAN TRANSIT ASSOCIATION

Present unit usage is almost exclusively customary, but Canadian and European usage is increasingly more metric. There are advantages to worldwide uniform metric standards, both to the transit industry members at inter- national meetings and regarding the compatibility of mechanical components

and equipment.

The necessity for U.S. science and technology to be compatible with

science and technology throughout the world makes it imperative that the

U.S. adopt the metric system as soon as possible. It must be a planned,

federally coordinated conversion.

Careful national coordination is necessary. Buses have an expected life of

15 to 20 years and subway vehicles have an expected life of 20 to 40 years;

dual inventories would be a long lasting concern. AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

Present unit usage is primarily customary with some foreign-built metric

engines in use. There is a great need for standardization in trucks and parts.

Conversion is regarded as inevitable. It would provide an opportunity to simplify and cut down on the proliferation of sizes of fittings, etc. There

would be a problem in the retraining of mechanics, but tool kits might contain fewer tools and be less expensive if the number of items were reduced

by standardization. There may be anti-trust problems in trying to get

uniformity.

AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Conversion is favored. At present, metric units are used except for dimensions, fever thermometers, and weights of animals and feedstuffs. Veterinarians are familiar with the metric system and periodicals of AVMA

have used metric units since 1 966.

AMERICAN WAREHOUSEMEN'S ASSOCIATION

Metrication is considered inevitable and would offer a good opportunity

to standardize transportation and materials handling equipment such as cargo containers, pallets, etc. Since public warehousing and transportation

are closely related in fulfilling the nation's materials storage and distribution

requirements, their metrication plans should be coordinated.

A planned program by all industries would minimize the impact of metrication on public warehousing and transportation. Public warehouse operations are inherently flexible and changes would primarily involve measure-
NATURAL RESOURCES, ETC. 125

ment units in documentation and modification of scales. A mandatory and

fixed time period of 10 years or less is favored. The costs of metrication in the public warehousing industry may be less than $ 1 million. ASSOCIATED CREDIT BUREAUS, INC.

Credit bureaus are not affected by measurement units and thus there is and would be no impact due to any change in measurement system usage. ASSOCIATION OF OIL PIPELINES

The metric system is not now used by the oil pipeline industry. Although

oil pipelines are common carriers which do not buy or sell petroleum or petroleum products but merely transport these commodities in accordance

with tariffs on file with the ICC. their "shipping public" is limited to producers and refiners of petroleum. Because of this close connection with the

petroleum industry, the position of the oil pipeline companies regarding the

adoption of the metric system is consistent with the position taken by the

petroleum industry on this subject.

The position of the petroleum industry is that while it is recognized that being the only country in the world to use customary units would eventually

erode the United States' position in international commerce, or. in the alter- native, force the continuing use of an increasingly complex dual system,

planned metrication would not be carried out in the petroleum industry unless a national plan were implemented by virtually all industrial sectors. Any

program for such nationally planned metrication should be based on additional cost-time studies to arrive at optimum periods for a national changeover.

COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS

NATIONAL GOVERNORS CONFERENCE

Seven of the 16 state-wide administrative areas in the two states surveyed

use the metric system in some phase of their operation: the Divisions of

Weights and Measures in the Department of Agriculture, the Purchasing Offices, the Departments of Health and Mental Health, the Department of

Corrections, the Department of Highways, the Water Resources Department, and the universities. Scientific activities are completely metric. The

National Association of State Highway Officials publishes its recom- mended tests and standards for highway materials in both metric and cus- tomary units. The only desirable way to accomplish metrication would be on a planned

basis as directed by federal policy. Impacts would include changing highway

signs and changing necessary laws and statutes. The Federal Government

should bear the brunt of the expenses incurred, as any change of this nature would be most beneficial to it. Despite objections, state officials as a whole are very positive about metrication and see many advantages, in the long run, although no particular

savings are expected from going metric.
126 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

EDISON ELECTRIC INSTITUTE

The situation regarding the use of the metric system in the United States has been reviewed by the Edison Electric Institute which represents in- vestor-owned power companies, and it concurs in the long range benefits to be achieved by ultimately converting to the metric system. However, it recommends that the present trend toward the metric system be allowed to continue at a moderate pace to avoid the excessive disruption which would

occur during a specified conversion period as short as 10 years. The investment of the investor-owned electric light and power companies

in generating plants, substations and transmission and distribution systems

is great. Regardless of any shift to the use of the metric system for new

equipment, the thousands of elements of this tremendous amount of existing

plant still will have to be maintained, repaired and replaced over a period of

up to 40 years or more. The problems of maintaining the existing systems in the years following the end of a specified conversion period would be severe. For these reasons the Edison Electric Institute does not favor action which

would accelerate the gradual pace of conversion to the metric system in the

United States.

HUMAN FACTORS SOCIETY

Human factors specialists have an extremely difficult problem now

because of the variety of disciplines with which they interact. Any simplification through a common system of definitions would relieve effort, error, and time, with the eventual result being a more cost-effective output.

INSTITUTE OF TRAFFIC ENGINEERS

Present unit usage is customary except that standards and tabulated data

of some organizations are published in both customary and metric units. Planned metrication must be directed by the Federal Government. A changeover date with 5 years of lead time would be desirable. There is presently

considerable interest in international standardization, such as in sign

messages and symbols, and this interest should make any metrication activi- ty more readily accepted.

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF

CHIEFS OF POLICE, INC.

Present unit usage is customary except that scientific crime laboratories use the metric system. There is little advantage to conversion but there

would be no particular problems foreseen in law enforcement. Police would

act only after laws have been changed and the public educated. Police themselves would need intense education to adapt.
NATURAL RESOURCES, ETC. 127

INTERNATIONAL CITY MANAGEMENT

ASSOCIATION, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES,

U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS

The report is based on a study of five typical cities. At present, the custo- mary system is primarily used. Limited metric usage is found in the following

activities: foreign vehicle replacement parts and tools, hydraulic theory in

fire protection, pharmaceuticals, zoological gardens, materials testing

laboratories, and swimming pool measurements.

The consensus of those contacted is that it would be difficult to identify

benefits of metrication for cities. The usual general advantages are cited and some seem to think the change would call for ingenuity and be interesting.

Under planned metrication, advantages foreseen are simplicity, stan- dardization, ready sources of products, increased competition, and lower

prices. Major areas of impact are in police and fire protection and public

works areas. Activities in the police areas that would be affected by conversion to the metric system include traffic laws, traffic investigation reports,

crime scene reports, record systems, physical identification, and computer

files. Major disadvantages would be the need to revise all ordinances and re- porting forms and to retrain personnel. Fire protection activities affected by

conversion include specifications for fire equipment, fire codes, vehicle

maintenance, investigation, and hydraulics. Two sets of tools would be

required due to the long life of fire equipment.

In public works, changes would take place in the design of water sewers and pavements. All surveys and plans would be affected. A tremendous

volume of maps, plans and other records might have to be revised. All in- spection and code enforcement activities would be affected by metrication.

Dimensions and measurements affecting plan checking, inspection, fee computation, etc., would be changed.

METRIC ASSOCIATION, INC.

The Association was founded in 1916 to promote the use of metric units

of measure in the United States' schools, commerce and industry. It has

published several pamphlets, including Metric Units of Measure; a workbook, the Metric Supplement to Mathematics; the Bibliography of the Metric System; and the Metric Association Newsletter.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS

The industry's business is electronics, and is already mostly metric.

Therefore, any future conversion would have no impact.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES

The report is based on a survey of two typical urban counties. The custo- mary system is primarily used at present. If metrication were to be brought

about, the coordinated approach would be favored.
128 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

There is a belief that metric conversion is going to become a reality and

that the Federal Government is currently gearing up to make the change.

County officials are prepared to cooperate but not to innovate. They view

themselves as consumers, not producers.

Under planned metrication, impacts similar to those cited for cities were

noted. The major problems were viewed as real but not insurmountable.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE BOARDS

The subject of increasing metric usage has been reviewed by the various

Institutes which make up the Association. Their opinions are as follows:

National Institute of Farm and Land Brokers: this Institute accepts the

recommendation of their Agriculture, Urban Land and Legislative Committees that the group endorse the adoption of the metric system in the United

States and support the pending legislation calling for a study of the adoption

of the system in the U.S. Since the metric system operates on units or multiples of 10 it is thought that once the conversion is made, it would make land

description and land measurement more exact. Women's Council of the National Association of Real Estate Boards: a committee of the Women's Council looks favorably toward U.S. adoption of

the metric system.

National Institute of Real Estate Brokers: the general sales brokerage

group feels no great concern pro or con. The remaining Institutes either took no action or deferred the matter for

later consideration. These include the Executive Officers Council, the

American Society of Real Estate Counselors, the American Institute of Real

Estate Appraisers and the Institute of Real Estate Management.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RETAIL DRUGGISTS

At present, metric units are used almost exclusively with prescription

drugs except that instructions to the patient are mostly in customary units. Over-the-counter drugs (without a prescription, for self-medication) are sold

mostly in customary units. The National Association of Retail Druggists supports increased use of

the metric system. A coordinated program is favored. During any transi- tional period, drugs and nondrug items should be labeled in both metric and

customary units.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECURITIES DEALERS

Securities dealers are not affected directly by physical measurement

system usage and thus there is and would be no impact due to any change in such usage.
NATURAL RESOURCES, ETC. 129

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN

ASSOCIATIONS

At present, the customary system is used in facilities except that the

height of diving boards in swimming pools is measured in metric units. In

training for Olympic events, the use of metric-sized swimming pools is favored. The National Council has no official position but it believes that with the growing ease of communication and travel, the desire for conversion will increase. A planned program would be preferred.

NATIONAL CRUSHED STONE ASSOCIATION

At present the customary system is used exclusively. Future impacts of

metrication would be little except on heavy machinery and equipment.

NATIONAL FARMERS UNION

The membership takes no formal position on the merits of the metric

system. Any program of metrication should be carried out in such a way as

to cause the least possible disruption and anxiety to farmers and rural people. Dual units should be used for some time, and educational programs conducted.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS

The report is based on a survey of members. The results indicate that less than one firm in 10 uses metric units. Professional firms report the greatest

proportion of present metric usage; transportation firms report the greatest

proportion of recent change to metric units. Manufacturing firms report the

greatest proportion indicating plans for a future increase in metric usage. Concerning possible conversion, 54 percent of the respondents are against

it; 41 percent of respondents are for it. There is a consensus of 2 to 1 that any changeover must be part of a national plan involving an intensive educational effort. Though some small business firms are concerned about costs, none of the businesses appear to feel threatened by a possible changeover to metric; the majority seems to feel that it is largely an educational problem.

NATIONAL FISHERIES INSTITUTE

Unit usage is presently primarily customary. Exceptions are metric usage

in purchasing raw and processed fish from foreign countries and in quality

control work. Exported products are labeled with both systems. A planned

program of conversion would be preferred. Under such a program, unit costs would be much more easily calculated by consumers. There is no reason why an orderly changeover in packaging and labeling could not be made

within a 10-year period since most machinery and equipment has a 10-year

life or less.
130 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

NATIONAL FLEXIBLE PACKAGING ASSOCIATION

At present the metric system is used in specific applications in about 50

percent of the firms for laboratory testing, foreign orders, etc. A majority of

the firms favor conversion, notwithstanding the inherent problems.

NATIONAL LIMESTONE INSTITUTE, INC.

Presently the customary system is used exclusively. Increased use of the

metric system under a nationally planned program is favored. Impacts would

be relatively slight. Some alterations may be required to machinery and

equipment.

NATIONAL LP-GAS ASSOCIATION

Present unit usage is customary except that firms marketing equipment

overseas use metric units. There is no urgent need for conversion, and it would be difficult to justify for domestic marketing. If metrication were to come, planned metrication would be favored. Because of expensive existing

equipment, it would have to be phased in at varying rates.

NATIONAL SAND AND GRAVEL ASSOCIATION

NATIONAL READY MIXED CONCRETE ASSOCIATION

Conversion to the metric system does not appear to offer any significant,

specific, or special advantages for these industries other than the general

benefit which accrues to nations as a whole or as a member of the overall

construction industry.

At present, customary units are used except that in the sand and gravel in- dustry sieve and screen sizes are stated in metric units as well as customary

units. A changeover to the metric system would be highly desirable, but

would require a considerable period of transition. Conversion in the sand

and gravel industry would necessitate minor adjustments. Weighing equipment would have to be modified and prices adjusted. Aggregate sizes and

gradations would have to be restated; producers would probably have to modify sizing equipment.

Conversion in the ready mixed concrete industry would be more involved

and expensive. Equipment and rating of truck mixers would have to be

modified. Measuring and metering systems in batching plants would have to be modified. An efficient means would have to be devised to use existing

equipment without violating established engineering principles.

Both industries use heavy industrial and construction equipment and,

therefore, the most serious problems would be in maintenance operations

and establishing compatibility of long lived equipment with new replacement

components.
NATURAL RESOURCES, ETC. 131

NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

The Association has taken no official stand regarding metric usage. The

National Small Business Association's Executive Committee has approved

formation of a special ad hoc committee on U.S. metrication to study the is- sue.The Association representative, as president of a typical small company

which designs, manufactures and markets worldwide various kinds of capital

equipment for the converting and packaging industries, offered the following

thoughts: there is a growing trend toward internationalism; 17,000 small

manufacturers are exporters. Metrication in the United States is inevitable.

It would be a major cost for small business. An advantage of the metric

system would be that when the consumer understands it, its simplicity would

enhance the marketability of goods. Conversion would afford an opportunity to simplify and strengthen standards on fasteners, etc. Since metrication is inevitable, it should begin now. PACKAGING MACHINERY MANUFACTURERS INSTITUTE

At present, about 76 percent of the companies use customary units only,

while 24 percent use both customary and metric units. The metric system is used where necessary in foreign operations.

A changeover is generally acknowledged as inevitable. Metric education

should be increased now and a U.S. goal should be announced. Industries

should establish standing committees available for inter-industry liaison (PMMI has established such a committee). Federal assistance would be

desirable, possibly including coordination and consultation services and tax

relief.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FORESTERS

Timber and logs are measured in units derived from customary units but

the system is cumbersome and confusing. A large group in the Society believes that both timber and log measurement systems must be modernized as well as the standards based upon them. Metrication would provide the opportunity to do this. A change to the metric system in land measurements would not be appealing since it would be highly complicated and very susceptible to error. Forest products, lumber and paper trades are intricately meshed with

those in Canada. Changes in England and Canada will make change in the

United States inevitable.

THE TELEPHONE GROUP OF ANSI

Present unit usage can be divided into two categories: electrical which

uses metric units, and nonelectrical which uses customary units. Under a program of planned metrication, nonelectrical areas could convert within a 10-year period. Training personnel to "think metric" would be a problem.
132 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

but not severe. Maintenance of existing facilities could impose a dual inventory situation which might last 30 to 40 years. WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FEDERATION

The Federation enthusiastically supports conversion by the United States

to the metric system over a reasonable transition period. In 1 963 the Federation's Executive Board voted to encourage U.S. conversion to metric units. Since 1963 all papers published in the Federation's journal have included

metric equivalents following any figure stated in English units. The same

practice has been followed in all Federation manuals.

The chemistry and biology oriented personnel in research and water quality analysis, and in treatment plant laboratories, have already adopted the

metric system. Facilities and equipment remain in the customary system.
Appendix 1

Public Law 90-472 2tll 2Ut 8 2 stat, 693 To authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make a study to determine the advantages and disadvantages of increased use of the metric system in the United

States. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of Metric system. Commerce is hereby authorized to conduct a program of investigation, Study, research, and survey to determine the impact of increasing worldwide

use of the metric system on the United States; to appraise the desir- ability and practicability of increasing the use of metric weights and

measures in the United States; to study the feasibility of retaining and promoting by international use of dimensional and other engi- neering standards based on the customary measurement units of the United States; and to evaluate the costs and benefits of alternative courses of action which may be feasible for the United States. Sec. 2. In carrying out the program described in the first section of Investigation

this Act, the Secretary, among other things, shall— and appraisal

(1) investigate and appraise the advantages and disadvantages requirements,

to the United States in international trade and commerce, and in military and other areas of international relations, of the increased use of an internationally standardized system of weights and

measures

;

(2) appraise economic and military advantages and disad- vantages of the increased use of the metric system in the United

States or of the increased use of such system in specific fields and

the impact of such increased use upon those affected

;

(3) conduct extensive comparative studies of the systems of weights and measures used in educational, engineering, manufacturing, commercial, public, and scientific areas, and the rela- tive advantages and disadvantages, and degree of standardization

if each in its respective field; (4) investigate and appraise the possible practical difficulties which might De encountered in accomplishing the increased use of the metric system of weights and measures generally or in

specific fields or areas in the United States;

(5) permit appropriate participation by representatives of United States industry, science, engineering, and labor, and their

associations, in the planning and conduct of the program authorized by the first section of this Act, and in the evaluation of the information secured under such program; and

(6) consult and cooperate with other government agencies, Federal, State, and local, and, to the extent practicable, w ith foreign governments and international organizations. Sec. 3. In conducting the studies and developing the recommenda- Results of tions required in this Act, the Secretary shall give full consideration to changes in the advantages, disadvantages, and problems associated with possible measurement changes in either the system of measurement units or the related di- sy^e"1 ' mensional and engineering standards currently used in the United

States, and specifically shall

(1) investigate the extent to which substantial changes in the

size, shape, and design of important industrial products would be

necessary to realize the benefits which might result from general

use of metric units of measurement in the United States;

(2) investigate the extent to which uniform and accepted engi- neering standards based on the metric system of measurement

uirts are in use in each of the fields under study and compare the extent to such use and the utility and degree of sophistication of such metric standards with those in use in the United States; and

(3) recommend specific means of meeting the practical diffi- culties and costs in those areas of the economy where any recom- mended change in the system of measurement units and related dimensional and engineering standards would raise significant practical difficulties or entail significant costs of conversion. Sec. 4. The Secretary shall submit, to the Congress such interim Report to reports as he deems desirable, and within three years after the date of Congress, the enactment of this Act, a full and complete report of the findings made under the program authorized by this Act; together with such recommendations as he considers to be appropriate and in the best interests of the United States. Sec. 5. From funds previously appropriated to the Department of Funds. Commerce, the Secretary is authorized to utilize such appropriated sums as are necessary, but not to exceed $500,000, to carry out the purposes of this Act for the first year of the program.

Sec. 6. This Act shall expire thirty days after the submission of the Expiration

final report pursuant to sect ion 3. date. Approved August 9, 1968.

133
Appendix 2

GLOSSARY

1. Customary System: the system of measurement units (yard, pound,

second, degree Fahrenheit, and units derived from these) most commonly

used in the United States. Often referred to as the "English system" or the

"U.S. system." Our customary system is derived from, but not identical

to, the "Imperial system"; the latter has been used in the United Kingdom

and other English-speaking countries, but is being abandoned in favor of the

metric system.

. 2. Metric System: the measurement system that commonly uses the meter

for length, the kilogram for mass, the second for time, the degree Celsius

(same as "Centigrade") for temperature, and units derived from these. This

system has evolved over the years and the modernized version today is identified as the "International System of Units." which is abbreviated "SI."

3. International System of Units (SI): popularly known as the

modernized metric system, it is the coherent system of units based upon and

including the meter (length), kilogram (mass), second (time), kelvin (temperature), ampere (electric current), and candela (luminous intensity), as established by the General Conference on Weights and Measures in 1960.

under the Treaty of the Meter. A seventh unit, the mole (for amount of substance) is being considered as another SI base unit. The radian (plane angle)

and the steradian (solid angle) are supplemental units of the system.

4. Metrication: any act tending to increase the use of the metric system

(SI), whether it be increased use of metric units or of engineering standards

that are based on such units.

5. Planned Metrication: metrication following a coordinated national plan

to bring about the increased use of the metric system in appropriate areas of

the economy and at appropriate times. The inherent aim of such a plan

would be to change a nation's measurement system and practices from

primarily customary to primarily metric.

6. Cost of Metrication: that increment of cost, monetary or otherwise,

directly attributable to metrication over and above any costs that would have

been incurred without metrication.

7. Benefits of Metrication: monetary and other advantages accruing as a

result of increased use of the metric system.

8. Measurement Standard: a device or physical phenomenon that is used

to define or determine a characteristic of a thing in terms of a unit of measurement established by authority. Examples are gage blocks, weights, ther- mometers, and mean solar day.

9. Engineering Standard: a practice established by authority or mutual

agreement and described in a document to assure dimensional compatibility,

quality of product, uniformity of evaluation procedure, or uniformity of en- gineering language. Examples are documents prescribing screw thread

134
APPENDIX 2 135

dimensions, chemical composition and mechanical properties of steel, dress

sizes, safety standards for motor vehicles, methods of test for sulphur in oil. and codes for highway signs. Engineering standards are often designated in terms of the level of coordination by which they were established (e.g.. company standards, industry standards, national standards).
Appendix 3

CONFERENCE PROGRAMS

This appendix contains the agenda for the seven National Metric Study

Conferences held between August and November 1970.

(1) Engineering-Related Industry — August 17-21.1970.

(2) Consumer-Related Industry — September 21-25. 1970.

(3) Construction Industry — October 5-6. 1970.

(4) Consumer Affairs -October 12-13. 1970.

(5) Education- October 14-15. 1970.

(6) Labor-October 27. 1970.

(7) Natural Resources. Transportation. Health. Small Business

and Others-November 16-19. 1970.

136
APPENDIX 3 137

ENGINEERING-RELATED INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

Co-Sponsored by the

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards,

and the Engineering Foundation, Deerfield, Massachusetts

August 17-21, 1970

Monday, August 17

9:00 10:15 Opening Session: Chairman, Francis L. LaQue, President, American

National Standards Institute "The U.S.A. Metric Study", Lewis M. Branscomb, Director, National Bureau of Standards "Mission of the National Metric Advisory Panel", Louis F. Polk,

Chairman, National Metric Advisory Panel

10:30-12:00 Session One: Petroleum Refining and Related Industries, Chemicals

and Allied Products and Plastics Session Chairman: Roy P. Trowbridge

Participants: American Institute of Chemical Engineers

American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and

Petroleum Engineers

American Petroleum Institute Manufacturing Chemists Association

Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc.

2:00- 4:00 Session Two: Primary Metal Industries; Rubber and Miscellaneous

Plastic Products; Concrete Products

Session Chairman: William K. Burton

Participants: Aluminum Association American Concrete Institute American Iron and Steel Institute Copper Development Association Rubber Manufacturers Association

4:00- 5:00 Session Three: National Engineering and Standards Societies Session Chairman: William K. Burton

Participants: American National Standards Institute American Society for Engineering Education

American Society for Testing and Materials

7:00- 8:00 Evening Session: Activities of ISO Technical Committee 12 (Quantities, units, symbols, conversion factors and conversion tables) and Its Plans for the Development of Appropriate Engineering

Conventions for Use of SI and Related Units Guest Speaker: Mrs. Vibeke Simonsgaard, Deputy Director, Danish

Standards Institute, Hellerup, Denmark

Tuesday, August 18

9:00-11:00 Session Four: Fabricated Metal Products

Session Chairman: Francis L. LaQue

Participants: Can Manufacturers Institute, Inc. Industrial Fasteners Institute National Screw Machine Products Association

U.S. Machine, Tapping, Wood, and Cap Screw Bureaus

426-992 O - 71 - 10
138 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

11:00-12:00 Session Five: Mechanical and Manufacturing Societies Session Chairman: Francis L. LaQue

Participants: American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Society of Manufacturing Engineers

7:00- 9:00 Sessions Six and Seven: Professional, Scientific, and Controlling Instruments

Session Chairman: Jeffrey V. Odom

Participants: Instrument Society of America

Scientific Apparatus Makers Associations

Wednesday, August 19

9:00-12:00 Session Eight: Machinery (except Electrical) Session Chairman: Roy P. Trowbridge

Participants: American Society of Agricultural Engineers

American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air- Conditioning Engineers, Inc. Anti-Friction Bearing Manufacturers Association, Inc. Farm and Industrial Equipment Institute National Fluid Power Association National Machine Tool Builders Association

2:00- 5:00 Session Nine: Electrical Machinery

Session Chairman: William K. Burton

Participants: Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers

Business Equipment Manufacturers Association, Inc. Electronic Industries Association

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. National Electrical Manufacturers Association

7:00- 8:00 Evening Session: The Degree of Acceptance of SI Units by European

Industry as the Basis for Current and Future Engineering Standards and Practices Guest Speaker: Nikolaus Ludwig, Director, Deutscher Normenausschuss (German Standards Institute), Berlin, Germany

Thursday, August 20

9:00-12:00 Session Ten: Transportation Equipment

Session Chairman: Jeffrey V. Odom

Participants: American Bureau of Shipping

American Railway Car Institute Automobile Manufacturers Association

Shipbuilders Council of America

Society of Automotive Engineers

Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers

Friday, August 21

9:00-12:00 Closing Session: "The Significance of the Metric Study Conferences

in the Total Study Program"—Daniel V. De Simone, Director, U.S. Metric Study, National Bureau of Standards Conference Summary: Roy P. Trowbridge

Individual Statements by Attendees

Closing Remarks: William K. Burton and Jeffrey V. Odom
APPENDIX 3 139

CONSUMER-RELATED INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

Sponsored by the

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards,

Washington, D.C., September 21-25, 1970

Monday, September 21

9:30 10:30 Opening Session: Chairman, Daniel V. DeSimone, Director, U.S. Metric Study

Welcome—Maurice H. Stans, Secretary of Commerce

"The National Bureau of Standards and Its Responsibilities Under

the Metric Study Act"—Lawrence M. Kushner, Deputy Director, National Bureau of Standards "The National Metric Advisory Panel as a Participant in the U.S. Metric Study"—Louis F. Polk, Chairman of the Advisory Panel

10:45-12:00 Session One: Wholesale Trade, General Retail Trade

Participants: National Association of Wholesalers

National Retail Merchants Association

1:30- 3:00 Session Two: Automatic Merchandising, Appliance Sales and

Service, Toy Manufacturing

Participants: Toy Manufacturers of America

National Automatic Merchandising Association National Appliance and Radio-TV Dealers Association

Tuesday, September 22

9:30-12:00 Session Three: Publishing and Book Manufacturing, Quality Control

Participants: Association of American Publishers Book Manufacturers Institute American Society for Quality Control

Wednesday, September 23

9:30-12:00 Session Four: Food Processing

Participants: Institute of Food Technologists National Soft Drink Association American Meat Institute American Frozen Food Institute National Canners Association Milk Industry Foundation

The Salt Institute

1:30- 3:30 Session Five: Food Sales, Scale Manufacturing, Paper Manufacturing

Participants: National Association of Food Chains

Scale Manufacturers Association American Paper Institute
140 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

Thursday, September 24

9:30-12:00 Session Six: Amusements, Motels

Participants: National Collegiate Athletic Association American Association of Museums

Motion Picture Association of America

Theatre Equipment Supply Manufacturers Association

Society of Motion Picture & TV Engineers

1:30- 3:30 Session Seven: Textile Mill Products, Apparel Manufacturing

Participants: American Textile Manufacturers Institute American Apparel Manufacturers Association American Footwear Manufacturers Association

Friday, September 25

9:30-12:00 Session Eight: Automobile Sales and Service, Special Foreign Trade

Report

Participants: National Automobile Dealers Association Independent Garage Owners of America

Commerce and Industry Association of New York
APPENDIX 3 141

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

Sponsored by the

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards,

Gaithersburg, Maryland, October 5-6, 1970

Monday, October 5

9:30-10:15 Opening Session: Chairman Daniel V. DeSimone, Director, U.S. Metric Study

Welcome—"The National Bureau of Standards and Its Responsibilities Under the Metric Study Act"—Lawrence M. Kushner,

Deputy Director, National Bureau of Standards "The Construction Industry and the Metric System"—Douglas Whitlock; Whitlock, Markey & Tait: member, Metric System Study

Advisory Panel

10:30-12:30 Session One: Building Design, Codes, and Standards

Participants: American Institute of Architects Consulting Engineers Council of the U.S.A.

Building Officials Conference of America, Inc.

International Conference of Building Officials 1:30- 4:30 Session Two: Building Materials, Production and Sales Participants: American Concrete Institute National Concrete Masonry Association

Structural Clay Products Institute National Forest Products Association

California Redwood Association American Plywood Association

Tuesday, October 6

9:30-11:15 Session Three: General Contractors and Subcontractors

Participants: Associated General Contractors of America

National Constructors Association Gypsum Drywall Contractors International International Association of Wall and Ceiling Contractors

11:15-12:00 Session Four: Building Services

Participants: National Electrical Contractors Association. Inc. Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute

1:00- 2:00 Session Five: Home Builders and Home Manufacturers

Participants: National Association of Home Builders Mobile Home Manufacturers Association

2:15- 4:30 Session Six: Land Services and Heavy Construction

Participants: American Land Title Association American Society of Civil Engineers

American Road Builders Association
142 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

NATIONAL METRIC STUDY CONFERENCECONSUMER AFFAIRS

Sponsored by the

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards,

In Cooperation With The American Home Economics Association

Gaithersburg, Maryland, October 12-13, 1970

October 12

9:00-10:15 Welcome Session: Chairman: Daniel V. DeSimone, Director, U.S. Metric Study, National Bureau of Standards "Goals of the U.S. Metric Study": Lewis M. Branscomb, Director, National Bureau of Standards Keynote Address: "The Consumer's Interest in Metrication" The

Honorable Virginia Knauer, Special Assistant to the President on Consumer Affairs "Home Economics and the Metric Issues": Mercedes Bates, Presi- dent, American Home Economics Association, Director of Betty Crocker Kitchens and Vice President of General Mills, Inc. 10:30-12:30 Clothing: Presiding—Mattie Waymer, Head, Home Economics Department, Morris Brown College

Purchasing Women's Ready-to-Wear: Margaret Warning, Professor and Head, Textiles and Clothing, College of Home Economics, Iowa State University

Purchasing Children's Clothing: Elsie Williams, Assistant Professor,

Textiles and Clothing, College of Home Economics, Iowa State University

Purchasing Men's Clothing: Margaret Boyle, Professor and Head,

Textiles and Clothing, School of Home Economics, Purdue

University

Home Sewing, Yard Goods and Patterns: Mildred G. Ryan, Vice

President, The McCall Pattern Company

12:30- 2:00 Lunch: NBS Cafeteria 2:00- 3:30 Food: Presiding—Charles Cavagnaro, Director of Field Operations,

President's Committee on Consumer Interests Purchasing Processed Food: Jean Phillips, Associate Professor, Department of Human Nutrition and Foods, College of Home

Economics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Purchasing Fresh Foods: Marjorie M. Merchant, Associate Professor, Extension Management and Family Economics, University of Massachusetts 3:45- 5:00 Presiding: Betty Lou Johnson, Chairman, Home Economics in Homemaking Section, American Home Economics Association Food Preparation: Recipes and Their Conversion Fern Hunt. Associate Professor, Department of Home Economics,

The Ohio State University. Eloise Green, Professor of Food and

Nutrition, School of Home Economics, The Ohio State University Kitchen Equipment: Helen Goetz, Chairman, Department of Home

Management, Consumer Economics and Equipment, School of Home Economics, University of Alabama
APPENDIX 3 143

October 13

9:00-10:00 England's Experience in Converting to Metric: Presiding—Jeffrey V. Odom, Manager, National Metric Study Conference Program,

National Bureau of Standards

Faith Prior, Extension Family Economist and Assistant Professor, University of Vermont

John Buchanan, Research Officer, The Consumer Council, 3 Cornwall Terrace, London, NW. 1, England

10:30-12:30 The Home: Presiding—Richard L. D. Morse, Head, Family Economics, Kansas State University Purchase and Use of Household Equipment: Mary Purchase, Associate Professor, Home Economics and Management, New York

State College of Human Ecology, Cornell University Purchase and Use of Household Furnishings: Stanley Slom, Editor,

Home Furnishings Daily

Home Repairs and Services: Henry N. Ostborg, Manager, Electro- Mechanical Division, Merchandising, Testing and Development

Laboratories; Sears, Roebuck & Co. Home Health and Safety: Wallace Janssen, Information Officer, Food and Drug Administration

12:30- 2:00 Lunch

2:00- 3:00 Transportation: Presiding—Louise Young, Former President, American Council on Consumer Interests, Extension Specialist in Family Economics, School of Family Resources, University of Wisconsin

Automobile Purchasing and Use: Harry Murphy, Chairman, Department of Marketing, University of Dayton

Automobile Repairs and Servicing: Herbert Ellinger, Associate

Professor, Transportation Technology, Western Michigan University

3:00- 4:00 Consumer Attitudes: Presiding—Louise Young, Former President,

American Council on Consumer Interests, Extension Specialist in Family Economics, School of Family Resources, University of Wisconsin

Theodore Dunn, Consumer Attitudes and Education, Vice President and Director of Research, Benton and Bowles

Margaret Dana, Consultant on Consumer Attitudes and Opinions, Research Center, Doylestown, Pennsylvania

4:00- 5:00 Summary and Evaluation: Presiding—Louise Young, Former Presi- dent, American Council on Consumer Interests, Extension Specialist in Family Economics, School of Family Resources, University

of Wisconsin Robert L. Smith, Assistant Director, Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. Doris Hanson, National Metric Advisory Panel and Executive Director, American Home Economics Association
144 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

NATIONAL METRIC STUDY CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION

Sponsored by the

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards,

Gaithersburg, Maryland, October 14-15, 1970

Wednesday, October 14

9:30 Opening Session Chairman: Daniel V. DeSimone, Director, U.S. Metric Study, National Bureau of Standards "Goals of the U.S. Metric Study"—Lewis M. Branscomb, Director, National Bureau of Standards

10:00 Curriculum Development

Intermediate Science Curriculum Study: Ernest Burkman

Education Development Center: Judson B. Cross American Association for the Advancement of Science: Arthur Livermore

Project QPS: Sherwood Githens, Jr.

12:00 Lunch—NBS Cafeteria

1:00 Special Session "Metrication and Education", Professor Jerrold R. Zacharias, Institute Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

1:30 Higher Education

American Society for Engineering Education: Cornelius Wandmacher

American Chemical Society: Stephen J. Quigley

American Institute of Physics: Lewis Slack Mathematical Association of America: Alfred B. Willcox American Institute of Biological Sciences: Dr. John W. Thornton

American Geological Institute: F. D. Holland, Jr.

4:00 Support Activities American Library Association: Don S. Culbertson NEA Division of Adult Education Service: Richard W. Cortright Association of American Publishers: Paul Millane

Thursday, October 15

9:30 Elementary and Secondary Education

National Education Association: Allan West and I. A. Booker

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: Charles Hucka

National Science Teachers Association: Bobby J. Woodruff

American Industrial Arts Association: Edward Kabakjian

Association for Educational Communications and Technology:

Richard G. Nibeck

Council for Exceptional Children: Carol Fineblum

National Association of Secondary School Principals: John F. Kourmadas
APPENDIX 3 145

12:15 Lunch

1 : 30 Vocational and Technical Education

American Vocational Association:

Agricultural Education: C. M. Lawrence

Business Education: Harry Huffman

Distributive Education: Neal Vivian Guidance Education: Charles G. Foster Health Occupations: Dale F. Petersen Home Economics Education: Alleene Cross

Industrial Arts Education: Orville Nelson New & Related Services: Donna Seay

Technical Education: Frank Juszli Trade & Vocational Education: Lee W. Ralston

4:00 Summary and Evaluation

Berol Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, Education Research Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
146 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

NATIONAL METRIC STUDY CONFERENCE ON LABOR

Sponsored by the

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards,

In Cooperation with the American Federation of LaborCongress of Industrial Organizations

Gaithersburg, Maryland, October 27, 1970

9:30 Opening Session: Chairman: Daniel V. DeSimone, Director U.S. Metric

Study, National Bureau of Standards "Goals of the U.S. Metric Study"—Lewis M. Branscomb, Director, National Bureau of Standards

"Labor's Interest in Metrication"—Nathaniel Goldfinger, Director of Research, American Federation of Labor—Congress of Industrial Organizations

10:45-12:15 Session One:

Chemical, Oil, Mining, Pharmaceutical: Chic St. Croix, Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union

United Mine Workers, Graham N. McKelvey

Construction: Thomas Hannigan, International Brotherhood of

Electrical Workers

Textile, Garment: John B. Weiser, Textile Workers Union of America

12:15 Lunch—NBS Cafeteria

1:30- 4:30 Session Two:

Transportation, Maritime: Bert Gottlieb and Robert Franco, Transportation Institute Air Line Pilots Association: William B. Cotton

Arts-Engineering, Printing: Howard Sullivan Metals: Albert Epstein, International Association of Machinists and

Aerospace Workers

Service: Tony Weinlein, Service Employee's International Union

Glass, Ceramic and Other: Raymond McDonald, Allied Industrial Workers of America, International Union
APPENDIX 3 147

NATIONAL METRIC STUDY CONFERENCE ON NATURAL

RESOURCES, TRANSPORTATION, HEALTH,

SMALL BUSINESS AND OTHERS

Sponsored by the

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards,

Gaithersburg, Maryland, November 16-19, 1970

Monday, November 16

9:30-10:45 Opening Session: Chairman, Daniel V. DeSimone, Director, U.S. Metric Study, National Bureau of Standards "The United States in a Metric World", Richard O. Simpson,

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Product Standards

"Metrication: What Would it Mean for America?", Lewis M. Brans- comb, Director, National Bureau of Standards "Going Metric in the United Kingdom", Gordon Bowen, Director,

British Metrication Board

11:00-11:15 Special Session: "Metrication and the National Metric Advisory

Panel", Louis M. Polk, Chairman, National Metric Advisory Panel

11:15-12:30 Session One: Legal Services, Communications

Participants: American Bar Association Telephone Group—ANSI

National Association of Broadcasters

1:30- 4:30 Session Two: Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Mining

Participants: American Farm Bureau Federation National Farmers Union

American Agricultural Economic Association

Society of American Foresters National Fisheries Institute American Mining Congress

Tuesday, November 17

9:30- 3:00 Session Three: State and Local Government

Participants: Council of State Governments

National Governors Conference

International City Management

Association—National League

of Cities—U.S. Conference of Mayors

National Association of Counties

1:30- 2:30 Session Four: Finance

Participants: National Association of Securities Dealers

Associated Credit Bureaus of America

2:30- 3:00 Special Session: Metric Association. Inc.

3:00- 4:30 Session Five: Small Business

Participants: National Federation of Independent Business National Small Business Association
148 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

Wednesday, November 18

9:30-12:00 Session Six: Transportation and Related Services

Participants: American Warehousemen's Association American Trucking Association American Transit Association

Institute of Traffic Engineers

Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute American Institute of Merchant Shipping Air Transport Association

Association of Oil Pipelines

Thursday, November 19

9:30-10:00 Special Session: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

10:15-12:30 Session Seven: Medical Services

Participants: American Medical Association American Dental Association American Public Health Association American Optometric Association American Nurses Association American Hospital Association American Pharmaceutical Association National Association of Retail Druggists
Appendix 4

MEMBERS OF THE METRIC SYSTEM STUDY ADVISORY PANEL WHO

SERVED ON DISCUSSION PANELS

CONSUMER-RELATED INDUSTRY

CONFERENCE

Harold Berryhill, Principal. Central City High

School, Central City. Iowa

John F. Clark, President and General Manager.

Sunbeam Appliance Service Company

Jackson K. Emery, President. Accumet Engineering Corporation

Gordon A. Goodrich, Director of Production Engineering. General Foods Corporation

James A. Graham, Vice President, Corporate

Planning & Development. Standard Pressed

Steel Company

Thomas Hannigan, Director of Research and

Education. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Doris Hanson, Executive Director. American

Home Economics Association

William J. Harris, Jr., Vice President. Association Research and Test Department. Association of American Railroads

O. Dean Hubbard, Vice President and Assistant

to the President. Kimbell. Inc. Herbert B. McKean, Vice President. Research

and Development. Potlatch Forests. Inc. William D. Rinehart, Assistant General Manager.

American Newspaper Publishers Association.

Research Institute. Inc. Elton E. Staples

Also: William K. Burton, Metric System

Development Manager. Engineering Staff,

Ford Motor Company

CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE

Sheldon I. Euler, President. Information Records

Division. IBM Corporation

Thomas Hannigan, Director of Research and

Education. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Charles C. Neas, Union Carbide Corporation

Ivan A. Peters, Vice President. Title Insurance &

Trust Company

Douglas Whitlock, Partner. Reed. Smith. Shaw &

McClay

Also: William K. Burton, Metric System

Development Manager. Engineering Staff. Ford Motor Company

CONSUMER AFFAIRS CONFERENCE

Harold Berryhill, Principal, Central City High

School. Central City. Iowa

Philip T. Bodell

John Clark, President and General Manager.

Sunbeam Appliance Service Company

Gordon A. Goodrich, Director of Production Engineering, General Foods Corporation

Ethel Langtry, Ethel Langtry Consultants, Inc.

EDUCATION CONFERENCE

Harold Berryhill, Principal, Central City High

School, Central City. Iowa

Thomas Hannigan, Director of Research and

Education, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Robert W. Sullivan, Executive Vice President.

The Valve Manufacturers Association

Samuel H. Watson, Jr., Manager of Standardizing. Radio Corporation of America

Also: William K. Burton, Metric System

Development Manager, Engineering Staff. Ford Motor Company

LABOR CONFERENCE

Harold Berryhill, Principal. Central City High

School. Central City. Iowa

Clay Buckhout

149
150 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

Thomas Hannigan, Director of Research and

Education. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Roy P. Trowbridge, Director, Engineering Stan- dards Section. General Motors Corporation

NATURAL RESOURCES, TRANSPORTATION,

HEALTH, SMALL BUSINESS AND OTHERS

Harold Berryhill, Principal. Central City High

School. Central City. Iowa

Clay Buckhout

Robert J. Friedrich, Manager. Metallurgical

Sales. Consolidation Coal Company

W. Eugene Hamilton, American Farm Bureau

Federation

Harold F. Hammond, President. Transportation

Association of America

William A. McAdams, Manager. Industry Stan- dards. General Electric Company

Douglas C. Strain, President. Electro-Scientific

Industries. Inc. Liston A. Witherill, Chief Deputy Director. Los

Angeles County Department of Hospitals

Also: William K. Burton, Metric System

Development Manager. Engineering Staff. Ford Motor Company
Appendix 5

FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE

Federal Register Volume 35, Number 99, Pages 7827-8, Thursday,

May 21, 1970

REQUEST FOR INPUTS TO THE NATIONAL METRIC STUDY

Under the provisions of Public Law 90-472. the Secretary of Commerce

is directed to make a report, together with such recommendations as he

deems appropriate, to the Congress concerning what action, if any. should

be taken in the United States with respect to the increasing worldwide and

domestic use of the metric system.

The U.S. Metric Study, at the National Bureau of Standards, in response

to this directive, is seeking answers from all sectors of the economy to the

following key questions: (1) What is the present impact within the United

States of increasing worldwide and domestic use of the metric system? (2) What would this impact be in the future, assuming the use of the metric

system continues to increase with no coordination among the various sectors of the society? (3) What would be the effect of a coordinated national pro- gram to increase the use of the metric system?

Prior to the submission of the final report to the Congress in August 1 97 1

.

it is essential to insure that proper consideration be given the viewpoints of

all sectors of the economy regarding these key questions. The purpose of

this notice is to solicit such viewpoints from trade associations, labor or- ganizations, professional, scientific and engineering societies, and other

similar organizations. This information will be considered along with the re- ports of the National Metric Study Conferences which will be conducted

during the summer and fall of 1 970.

To receive proper consideration, all submittals must be received by September 30. 1970. Interested parties should direct inquiries about submittals

or the Conference program to the Manager. National Conferences Program.

U.S. Metric Study. Washington. DC. 20234.

Lewis M. Branscomb. Director

May 5. 1970

151
Appendix 6

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMITTALS TO THE U.S. METRIC

STUDY

1. General Guidelines

2. Labor Guidelines

3. Consumer Guidelines

4. Education Guidelines

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR PREPARATION OF REPORTS

FOR SUBMITTAL TO THE NATIONAL METRIC STUDY

CONFERENCES

INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Metric Study is being conducted at the National Bureau of Stan- dards to determine what action, if any. should be taken in the United States with respect to the increasing worldwide and domestic use of the metric

system. The study is being conducted on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to Public Law 90-472. In this connection, the Bureau is holding a series of National Metric Study Conferences at which your or- ganization has agreed to participate. This participation will involve the

preparation of a written document as described below and a verbal summary

of this document at one of the conferences. The speaker at the conference

should also be prepared to respond on behalf of your organization to any

questions that may be raised. The following guidelines for the written submittals are presented only for the purposes of achieving substantial uniformity and completeness among

the large number of responses to be received. The guidelines are not meant

to be exclusive, and your organization is free to submit any additional infor- mation within the scope of the study as may appear appropriate to you. It is hoped that you will give consideration to all the information given below,

since your input will be the major source of industry-level information to the

U.S. Metric Study for your industry. Associations, whenever feasible and

possible, should poll their memberships in order to develop a consensus as

to the appropriate answers for the entire industry.

I. General Information

1 . Name and address of organization preparing submittal.

2. Name, title, and address of the representative of the organization

responsible for the contents of this submittal.

3. Name, title, and address of the person, if different from the representative identified above, who will appear at the National Conferences.

4. A brief description of the nature of the organization, including a description of its membership (attach a list if possible).

152
APPENDIX 6 153

5. Indicate the percentage of membership, if any. consulted in the preparation of the answers in this submittal.

II. Present Status

The following information will enable the Study Group to determine the present status of your industry regarding measurement system usage.

A. Measurement System Usage

1. Describe the systems of weights and measures in use in your industry

(customary or metric). If more than one system is in use explain where each

is in use and why. Be sure to describe what system of units is used in your

engineering standards, if applicable.

2. State whether there have been any recent changes in usage in your in- dustry. Explain where and why.

3. State whether or not there are any planned changes in unit usage in your industry. Is there any desire to change? Explain where and why.

B. Prior Conversion

If any of the firms in your industry' have increased their use of the metric

system (either metric units or standards), please supply the following infor- mation if it is available.

( 1 ) Describe the factors that were instrumental in their decision to in- crease the use of the metric system.

( 2 ) Describe the advantages that were experienced.

( 3 ) Describe the difficulties that were experienced.

(4) If the Metric Study Group can contact any such firms for more

detailed information concerning their experiences, please list their name, address, and the name of an appropriate person to contact.

C. Experiences with other Countries

If your association or any of its member firms have any information con- cerning metrication plans or experience of other countries especially as it re- lates to your industry, please summarize this information and. if possible, at- tach copies.

D. Present and Past Effects of Increasing Metric Usage

The use of the metric system is and has been increasing both around the

world and within the United States. Please discuss any effects such increasing usage (units and/or standards) has had or may be having on y our industry.

III. Possible Future Effects Assuming Alternative Courses of Action

A. Evolutionary Metrication

Please describe what effects the continued increasing worldwide and

domestic use of the metric system (units and/or standards) in the future

426-992 0 - 71 - 11
154 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

might have on your industry, assuming that there is no program ofcoordination or encouragement by the Federal Government.

B. Planned Metrication

Please describe what the effects of a planned program to increase the use

of the metric system would be on your industry. Consider two separate

periods of time for the planned program: a variable time period and a fixed

time period. The variable time period is defined as that period of time in which a change to predominant usage of metric units and engineering stan- dards based on such units can be accomplished at minimum cost and disruption for your industry. This is called the "optimum time period." The fixed

time period for this study has been set at 10 years. Please describe the probable effects of planned metrication on your industry for both the "optimum"

period and the assumed 10-year period, and summarize any differences.

In describing the effects, please consider: ( I ) A change in units (language)

only (see assumption 5 below), and (2) a change in language and standards

(see assumptions 5 and 6 below). In your consideration of the effects of a change in standard sizes, please describe:

(a) the effects of unspecified changes in standard size(s) to standard

size(s) based on the metric system.

(b) any recommendations you might have as to the optimum new stan- dard size(s) based on the metric system.

In answering question B, the following assumptions regarding the program

of planned metrication should be used:

(1) At the inception of the program all major countries except the

United States are metric or are on the way to becoming metric.

(2) Ample time is available for planning changes.

(3) All goods and services will be available as needed at no additional

cost.

(4) The metric system will be taught in all U.S. schools during the

transition period and the general public will concurrently be gaining

familiarity with this system of measurement.

(5) Language Changes

a. Under the optimum time period, language changes are made on

printed material (e.g. catalogs, deeds, labels) only as it is being

revised.

b. Under the fixed time period of 10 years the same changes are made as under the optimum time period but are considered to be

accomplished in 10 years.

(6) Engineering Standards Changes

a. Under the optimum time period, only new or redesigned parts

and products will be changed to comply with engineering stan- dards based on the metric system, unless there are distinct advantages in changing existing items.

b. Under the fixed time period of 10 years, the same changes are
APPENDIX 6 155

made as under the optimum time period but are considered to be

accomplished in 10 years.

IV. Your Opinions

A. Please give any opinions your association may have concerning the

possibility of or need for increased use of the metric system in your industry

and in the United States. B. Please give any opinions or suggestions your association may have re- garding possible methods of carrying out a program of planned metrication

in your industry and in the United States. C. Please describe any opinions your association may have as to methods

of alleviating the present impact of increasing worldwide and domestic use

of the metric system.

D. Please describe any opinions your association may have with regard

to the major problems that would be involved in metrication.

E. Please give any other opinions or suggestions that your association

would like the Study Group and the Secretary of Commerce to consider as they determine what appropriate action the United States should follow with

respect to the metric issue.
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR PREPARATION OF REPORTS

FOR SUBMITTAL TO THE LABOR CONFERENCE

INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Metric Study is being conducted at the National Bureau of Stan- dards to determine what action, if any, should be taken in the United States with respect to the increasing worldwide and domestic use of the metric

system. The Study is being conducted on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to Public Law 90-472. In this connection, the National Bureau of Standards is holding a Labor Conference in cooperation with the

AFL-CIO on October 27 of this year. Your participation will involve the

preparation of a written report as requested below to be submitted to the

U.S. Metric Study for inclusion in the final report to Congress. In addition,

your organization is invited to send a representative to the Labor Conference.

To eliminate the possibility of unnecessary repetition by having each labor

union or worker group present its own paper at the conference, unions and

worker groups have been grouped into trades or industries. For each trade an individual has been invited to summarize the reports prepared by the

unions and groups identified with the particular trade. The invitee is requested to present his summary at the Labor Conference and be available

for any discussion from the floor. This arrangement has been worked out with the AFL-CIO.

The following guidelines for written submittals are presented in order to achieve a substantial degree of uniformity and completeness among the large

number of responses to be received. The guidelines are not meant to be exclusive and you are free to submit any additional information within the

scope of the study as may appear appropriate to you. It is hoped that your

organization will give consideration to all the information given below, since

your input will be a major source of information to the U.S. Metric Study for your particular trade. Please read the entire guidelines before beginning your

response.

I. Past Experience of Conversion to the Metric System

If any of the workers in your union or trade have converted to or increased

their use of the metric system, please supply the following information:

(1) Describe the situation which led to conversion or the increased use of the metric system.

(2) Describe the advantages and difficulties that were experienced.

(3) Indicate what worker-owned tools and equipment became obsolete

156
APPENDIX 6 157

in the conversion, and if possible, approximate the cost to the

worker in replacing such tools.

(4) If a training program was established, indicate the length of such

program and its effectiveness.

(5) Indicate if any problems occurred in the recruitment of workers,

and also the promotion of workers.

(6) Indicate whether the conversion to the metric system had any significant effects on the nature of the jobs for any types of workers.

(7) If the U.S. Metric Study Group can contact any such workers for more detailed information concerning their experience, please list the appropriate person(s) to contact, and his address.

II. Your Opinions Concerning a Possible Change to the Metric

System

A. If members within your organization have not experienced conversion

to the metric system, we would nonetheless appreciate your speculating as

to the probable impact to them in the various industries in which you are represented. For this purpose, assume that there is a nationally planned pro- gram of 10 years to change to the metric system. This is only an assumption

and does not imply that this or any other program will be adopted in this country. In answering this request, we would suggest that you consider each

of the following:

( 1 ) The advantages and disadvantages that would result from such a change.

(2) What worker-owned tools and equipment might become obsolete in a conversion, and if possible, the approximate cost to the worker in replacing such tools.

(3) What training program would need to be established and the length

of such a program.

(4) Any other items listed in section I above that are applicable.

B. Please give any other opinions or suggestions that your union would

like the Study Group and the Secretary of Commerce to consider as they

determine what appropriate action the United States should follow with

respect to the metric issue.
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR PREPARATION OF REPORTS

FOR SUBMITTAL TO THE CONSUMER CONFERENCE

INTRODUCTION

The United States Metric Study is being conducted at the National Bureau of Standards to determine what action, if any, should be taken in the

United States with respect to the increasing worldwide and domestic use of

the metric system. The study is being conducted on behalf of the Secretary

of Commerce pursuant to Public Law 90-472. In this connection, you (your

organization) have been invited to prepare a paper answering the key

questions of the U.S. Metric Study as outlined below and as related to selected areas of consumer concern. Measurement language and units enter into areas of consumer concern to varying degrees. Consequently, to determine in a systematic way how the in- creasing worldwide and domestic use of the metric system currently affects the consumer and how the consumer might be affected if there were a planned program to increase the use of the metric system in the United

States, separate activites in which the consumer is engaged that make use of

measurement language or units have been classified for detailed study.

The following guidelines for the written submittals are presented in order

to achieve a substantial degree of uniformity and completeness among the

responses to be received. The guidelines are not meant to be exclusive, and

you are free to submit any additional information within the scope of the

study as may appear appropriate to you. It is hoped that you will give consideration to all the information requested below as it relates to the activity

(activites) considered since this input will be a major source of information

to the U.S. Metric Study.

I. General Information

1 . Name, title, and address of individual preparing submittal.

2. A brief description of the nature of the organization or background of

individual preparing submittal.

3. A brief description of the activity covered and extent.

4. Indicate briefly methods used to obtain information (e.g., own ex- perience, knowledge, and analysis; interviews; questionnaires).

Each of the following should be applied to the particular consumer activity

that you are investigating.

II. Present Impact

The following information will enable the Study Group to determine the

present impact of increasing metric usage.

158
APPENDIX 6 159

(a) Describe the present impact that the increasing worldwide and

domestic use of the metric system is having on the consumer en- gaged in the particular activity.

(b) Indicate where there is any general use of metric units or items

made to metric engineering standards. (This would include foreignmade merchandise such as automobiles.) Indicate what problems or inconveniences the consumer has experienced and any advantages

directly attributable to the units, or language, or standards used.

III. Present Status

The following information will enable the Study Group to determine the

present status within the particular consumer activity regarding measure- ment system usage.

(a) For the particular activity indicate what system of units (either

customary or metric) is used and where possible what specific units or sizes are used.

(b) Describe in each case what advantages and disadvantages exist to the consumer from using the specific units or sizes.

(c) Determine, where possible, to what extent individuals know, un- derstand, and use the measurement system, units or sizes in use in the activity. Also, to what extent does the individual know, un- derstand and use the metric system.

IV. Possible Future Effects Assuming Alternative Courses of Action

A. No National Program

The following information will assist the Study Group in determining what

impact no national program would have on the consumer.

(1) Describe any current trends (e.g., increasing metric system usage)

that exist concerning measurement language usage.

(2) Assuming that there is no program of coordination or encouragement by the Federal Government to increase the use of the metric

system, describe what effects the continued increasing worldwide

and domestic use of the metric system will have on the consumer en- gaged in the particular activity. If you can definitely foresee a change in measurement units, language, or standards, please indicate

how you arrived at this fact.

B. Planned Metrication

The following information will assist the Study Group in determining what

impact a planned change to the metric system would have on the consumer.

( 1 ) If the United States were to change to predominant use of the metric system, please try to determine and describe what language, unit,

and size changes would accompany such a change in the particular consumer activity. Please be as specific as possible.
160 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

(2) Please describe what effect these changes would have on the particular activity of the consumer. Please describe:

(a) How the individual would react and be affected by the specified

changes in units.

(b) What advantages and disadvantages would accompany such a change.

(3) Try to determine if any of the advantages obtained by changing to the metric system could be achieved by changes within the customary system.

(4) If any changes were made to the use of the metric system please in- dicate what type of education would be helpful and necessary for the consumer. Also, indicate where and what types of conversion charts

could be used.

(5) Indicate what items the individual might have to replace and the

average cost. Indicate why you think these items would be replaced.

In answering the above under Planned Metrication if you have any infor- mation concerning metrication plans or experience of other countries as it relates to this particular consumer activity, please summarize this information, and if possible, attach copies.

V. Your Opinions

Please give any opinions or suggestions that you would like the Study

Group and the Secretary of Commerce to consider as they determine what

appropriate action the United States should follow with respect to the metric

issue.
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR PREPARATION OF REPORTS

FOR SUBMITTAL TO THE EDUCATION CONFERENCE

INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Metric Study is being conducted by the National Bureau of

Standards to determine what action, if any, should be taken in the United

States with respect to the increasing worldwide and domestic use of the metric system. The study is being conducted on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to Public Law 90-472. In this connection, your association

is requested to prepare a document answering the key questions of the metric study as outlined below as they relate to the area of education with which

you are concerned.

The following guidelines for the written submittals are presented in order

to achieve a substantial degree of uniformity and completeness among the

responses to be received. The information requested in these guidelines

should be interpreted as being limited to that area of education that you

represent, unless you care to submit additional information or opinions.

There are two sections to these guidelines. Section I relates to the classroom

activities, teachers, students, textbooks, teaching aids, and other items

directly involved in the classroom instructional procedures. Section II deals

with the related support activities of the educational institution such as record keeping, office procedures and management, support staff, catalogues, and any other factors generally related to the business activities of education. It is suggested that you consider either or both sections as they

are appropriate to your association's or society's concern. These guidelines should not be considered a questionnaire, but are an outline of the information that is sought by the U.S. Metric Study. Nor are the

guidelines meant to be exclusive; you are free to submit any additional infor- mation within the scope of the study as may appear appropriate to you. It is hoped that you will give consideration to all the information outlined below,

since your input will be a major source of information to the U.S. Metric

Study for your particular area of education. The same guidelines are being

used by all areas of education. It is realized that some of the topics below

may not be relevant to your particular area or that you cannot supply some

of the details requested. In such cases we would appreciate receiving a simple statement of this fact. GENERAL INFORMATION

1 . Name and address of person or organization preparing submittal.

2. Name, title, and address of the representative of the organization

responsible for the contents of this submittal (if applicable).

161
162 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

3. A brief description of the nature of the organization, including a description of its membership (if applicable).

4. Indicate the percentage of membership, if any, consulted in the

preparation of the answers in this submittal (if applicable).

Section I: Classroom Activities and Instructional Procedures

Section I is concerned with those individuals (teachers and students),

classroom activities, and items directly involved in the educational process. Included are textbooks, instructional material and teaching aids, shop and

laboratory equipment.

A. Present Status The following information will enable the Study Group to determine the

present status within education regarding measurement system usage and

the advantages and disadvantages resulting from the use of a particular

system or systems:

(1) Indicate generally by grade and course or by subject where measurement units are used or taught. Indicate in which courses the

metric system is used or taught and what percent of the time is spent

using the metric system compared to the total time spent using measurement units. Where the metric system is being used explain how

it is being used (e.g.. problem solving, actual physical measurements,

in shop design and fabrication, geographical data like distance, area,

elevation). If possible, cite the reasons for using or teaching the metric system.

(2) State generally whether the trend in the past few years has been to decrease, remain about the same, or increase the use of the metric

system. Indicate what, in your opinion, will be the trend in the next few years.

(3) Explain what advantages and disadvantages, if any. have been ex- perienced from teaching or using the metric system. Please describe

any problems that students experience in learning or using the metric system. Describe, in your opinion, the chief sources of these dif- ficulties. Explain any difficulties teachers have experienced in teaching or using the metric system and what you think could be

done to overcome them. Explain what you see as the advantages of

the metric system. Give your opinion on or discuss the results of any

studies on the issue of whether or not the metric system is easier to learn and use than the customary system and whether or not time can be saved in teaching measurement concepts and working with

measurement units through use of the metric system. Describe any

factors outside the educational institution affecting the ability of the

students to grasp measurement units taught in school. Discuss the

advantages and disadvantages of using more than one measurement

system. Describe any difficulties experienced by students in using more than one system. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of

using only one measurement system.
APPENDIX 6 163

B. Possible Future Effects Assuming Alternative Courses of Action

Assuming that there is no national program to increase the use of the metric system in the United States, describe what effects the continued increasing worldwide and domestic use of the metric system would have on your

area of education. Discuss any trends or changes that you foresee in use of

measurement systems and what effects would result, such as changes in cur- riculum, textbooks, and time spent working with measurement units. In- dicate why any changes are being made or anticipated.

The following information will assist the Study Group in determining what

impact a nationally planned program to change to the metric system would

have on education.

(1) Describe the disadvantages, costs, practical difficulties, and

problems of such a planned change. Discuss whether teachers would

need any training, what type, and how many hours would be necessary. If training is necessary, to what degree can this be accomplished with the teachers present schedule with minimum effort? Describe what textbooks, teaching aids, shop and laboratory equipment, and materials would have to be replaced or added above those

that normally would be replaced in a 1 0-year period and could not be

phased in on the normal replacement schedule. Where possible.

indicate the costs involved, including training. Discuss any major

changes in curriculum that would be necessary if the metric system w ere the main measurement system taught and used.

(2) Describe any advantages and savings that would result in education

from a change to predominant use of the metric system. Discuss if any time could be saved by teaching and using the metric system as the primary measurement system.

(3) Describe what you consider is the best plan for education to change

to predominant use of the metric system, how long it should take and

what coordination would be necessary. Indicate what role county

and state boards of education, federal and state governments should

play in coordinating and directing any planned change.

(4) If you or your association have any information concerning metrication plans or experiences of other countries as it relates to education,

please summarize this information and. if possible, attach copies.

C. Your Opinions

Please give your opinions or your association's official position concerning the possibility of or need for increased use of the metric system in education and in the United States. Please give any other opinions or suggestions that you or your association or society would like the Study Group and the Secretary of Commerce to consider as they determine what appropriate action the United States should

follow w ith respect to the metric issue.
164 TESTIMONY OF NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS

Section II: Institutional and Business Activities of Education

Section II is concerned with those individuals (principals, deans, secretaries, support staff, etc.) and activities (office, cafeteria, health, record keeping, etc.) that are not directly involved in the classroom and educational

process. These are the support activities generally related to the business

side of education.

A. Present Status The following information will enable the Study Group to determine the

present status within the operations of the institutions and school systems

regarding measurement system usage.

/. Measurement System Usage

a. Describe the systems of weights and measures in use (customary or

metric). If more than one system is in use explain where each is in use and

why.

b. State whether or not there have been any recent changes in usage. Explain where and why.

c. State whether or not there are any planned changes in unit usage. Is there any desire to change? Explain where and why.

2. Prior Conversion

If any institutions or school districts have increased their use of the metric

system, please supply the following information if it is available.

(a) Describe the factors that were instrumental in their decision to in- crease the use of the metric system.

(b) Describe the advantages that were experienced.

(c) Describe the difficulties that were experienced.

(d) If the Metric Study Group can contact any schools or school

systems for more detailed information concerning their experiences,

please list their name, address, and the name of an appropriate per- son to contact.

3. Present and Past Effects ofIncreasing Metric Usage

The use of the metric system is and has been increasing both around the

world and within the United States. Please discuss any effects such increasing usage has had or may be having on educational institutions and support

activities.

B. Possible Future Effects Assuming Alternative Courses of Action

/. Evolutionary Metrication

Please describe what effects the continued increasing worldwide and

domestic use of the metric system in the future might have on institutions as- suming that there is no program of coordination or encouragement by the

Federal Government.
APPENDIX 6 165

2. Planned Metrication

Please describe what the effects of a planned program to increase the use

of the metric system would he on institutions. Consider two separate periods

of time for the planned program: a variable time period and a fixed time

period. The variable time period is defined as that period of time in which a change to predominant usage of metric units and engineering standards

based on such units can be accomplished in educational institutions at minimum cost and disruption. This is called the "optimum time period." The

fixed time period for this study has been set at 10 years. Please describe the

probable effects of planned metrication for both the "optimum" period and

the assumed 10-year period, and summarize any differences. In answering

question 2. the following assumptions regarding the program of planned metrication should be used:

(a) At the inception of the program all major countries except the

United States are metric or are on the way to becoming metric.

(b) Ample time is available for planning changes.

(c) All goods and services will be available as needed at no additional

cost.

(d) Language Changes

1. Under the optimum time period, language changes are made on

printed material (e.g. catalogs, deeds, labels) only as it is being

revised.

2. Under the fixed time period of 10 years the same changes are made as under the optimum time period but are considered to be

accomplished in 10 years.

(e) Engineering Standards Changes

1. Under the optimum time period, only new or redesigned parts

and products will be changed to comply to engineering standards

based on the metric system, unless there are distinct advantages

in changing existing items.

2. Under the fixed time period of 10 years, the same changes are made as under the optimum time period but are considered to be

accomplished in 10 years.

FORM NBS-I14A (1-71) U.S. DEPT. OF comm. 1. PUBLICATION OR REPORT NO. 2. Gov't Accession BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA No- SHEET

3. Recipient's Accession No.

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Testimony of Nationally Representative Groups

5. Publication Date July 1971

6. Performing Organization Code

7. AUTHOR(S)

Editor: Jeffrey V. Odom

8. Performing Organization

9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20234

10. Project/Task/Work Unit No. 4063129

11. Contract/Grant No.

12. Sponsoring Organization Name and Address 13. Type of Report & Period Covered

14. Sponsoring Agency Code

15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

16. ABSTRACT (A 200-word or less factual summary of most significant information. If document includes a significant bibliography or literature survey, mention it here.)

This publication, a part of the U.S. Metric Study series, summarizes

the inputs received from the more than 700 associations, societies,

unions and other groups which were invited to submit their opinions

and viewpoints on the issues raised by the U.S. Metric Study Act. Most of these submissions were publicly presented at hearings held

during the course of the Study.

17. key words (Alphabetical order, separated by semicolons)International System of Units; metric conversion; metric system; metric usage; metrication; metrication, attitudes toward; metrication, costs and benefits of; metrication, impact of; National Metric Study Conferences;

18. 'availability statement 19. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS REPORT)

21. NO. OF PAGES

[yl UNLIMITED. UNCL ASSIFIED 180

I | FOR OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTION. DO NOT RELEASE

TO NTIS.

20. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS PAGE)

UNCLASSIFIED

22. Price

$1.50

USCOMM-DC 66244-P71

U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1971 O - 426-992



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