The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-11-30
TO REv|SE:RULES
| OF CIVIL SERVICE
Federal Employees viii Urge
Congress to Make Radical
Revision Of Rules.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28.-Recon-
structlon Of the federal civil service
as a vital feature Of the after-war re-
adjustment o. industry will be urged
upon congress at the next session by
the National Federation Of Federal
Employees. Drafts Of new legislation,
radically different from the present
civil service law, are now under con-
slderation by a special committee of
the Federation, appointed in pursu-
ance of the action of the recent ma
tional convention. These laws, when
finally formulated, will be asked for
as part of the governments recon-
struction program.
Inc new measures as proposed, &C
cording to the national president of
the federation, Luther G. Steward,
will change the character and func-
tons Of the present civil service CON-
mission to include system Of employ
ment management and wage fixing, in
addition to the present function OF
mere recruiting. Civil service train
ing courses will be provided, under
the plan outlined, in all schools sub
sidized or controlled by the federal
government, and such courses will be
designed especially for soldiers and
sailors prior to rehabilitation of the
armed force and prior to any legisla-
ton looking to their preferment in
appointments TO civil service posi-
lions.
Equal Opportunity.
Complete: equality Of opportunity,
compensation, and promotion will be
guaranteed under the new legislation
proposed, on the basis Of fitness
solely, without discrimination as to
sex.
Examination, scientific selection of
eligibles, promotion, :: dem otion, and
plated through a. central organization
rather than through the separate de-
partments as at present-in other
words, the application of the princi-
pies of scientific employment manage
ment to the operations of the federal
civil service. Furthermore, all posi-
tions, up to and including the assist
ant secretaries of departments, are to
be included, under this plan, IN the
permanent classified service, thus in
surfing the selection of competent
trained executives instead Of political
appointees in the higher administfa-
tive positives, and offering an incen-
tive to the best material in the lower
positions to undertake government
service as life career.
The federation proposes that ali
statutory salaries be abolished, and
appropriations made in lump sums
Working conditions, including sala-
ries, should be fixed, it is contended
by a representative board, the mem
bership of which should consist OF
representatives of the employees, of Tho
administrative officials and of tao
public at large.
Would Abolish Spells.
"These are some of the principles
we think should be applied in the
much needed reconstruction of tho
federal civil SERVICE" says President
Steward, "a need that is the greater
in view of the rapidly expanding
functions of the government as &, re-
suit Of the war. The original civil
service act merely provides negatively
against the spells system of dismis'
sails, and requires some educationa
test for the minor positions. One great
need is for trained public servants
and the application of business meth
DDS in administration. Another is TO-
Justice to the employees and the main
Ia hoe =
two ends we need administrative ma
chinery which combines the factors
of expert judgment, executive powers
and full responsibility, and at th<
same time establishes collective bar
gaining between the employe and tn
employer"