Douglas Island news., 1918-02-08
SKILLED LABOR
 NOW REQUIRED
Explanation of Present Active Cam. paign to Enlist Experienced
 Shipbuilders

 by Che Department of Labor cooper otug with Che Shipping Board and Che Council Of National Defense:
 The Department of Labor began last week to enroll in the United States public service reserve, which Is division of tho United States employment service, all men thru out the country who arc willing and have tho skin Co work iu ship yards.
 Chairman Hurley. of the ship ping Board. and the Council Of Ma tionaI Defense have joined with the Department of Labor in urging tho state Councils of Defense Co com plcte ut once thc organization of che reserve in every State. Enroll mcnt agents are to be appointed in every county The four-minute men began on January 2S fort nights campaign to interest Che country In Che labor needs of tbo shipyurds and Co encourage enroll mcnt iu the reserve.
 National Registration Week
 The Public Service Reserve will culminate its efforts In national shipbuIdcrs registration week, be- ginning February II. States which have already organized, and which have received enrolment and rec ord cards. win, however. begin en- rolling men at once. Enrolment win continue tn each State until its quota of members available as a shipbuildcrs' reserve Is complete.
 Much confusion and suffering has been caused by careless state- mcuts as Co shipyard needs. Pub Ishcd estimates Of the numbers of men who will be wanted, have been misintcrprctcd as meaning that great numbers are wanted now, whereas they are wanted only in limited quantities and Of particular types at any one time.
 System to Prevent Confusion
 That men shall stick to the jobs where they are until thc Depart mont Of Labor tells them that there is shipbuilding position waiting. where it is. and what are Che wages, housing conditions. and transporta- ton arrangements, is absolutely nee sssary Co any sound and orderly soc Iuuou of the couutry's labor prob lym. By registering in the Public Service Reserve men can be assured chat hcy will be told when they are wanted. and the present evils due Co thc rush of workmen to places where they arc not needed and Go jobs for which they are not G,ttcd, and which they can not hold. win be avoided.
 Examiners to Visit Applicants
 The United States Employment Service win send out host of tray cling examiners throughout the country Co see and talk with those who enroll in Che reserve, 80 as to get accurate Grst-hand information as Co Che work they are best fitted Ior As the shipyards needs men they win notify the United States Employment Service, which will an the needs first from its lists Of the unemployed and second by calling on members of the reserve. De- tailed information as Co an condi- tions will be given at the time of such call. and no member is under obligation Co accept if the particu- lar job Is not satisfactory.
 An branches of the government are uniting in using the Department recruiting men. The public scrv- of Labor as the common organ for ice reserve is now listing men who are willing to serve on railroads, in muniuon plants, and In the div Isious of the army which require skilled mechanics. Anyone who en- rolls may indicate on his card what kind of work he prefers
 Help to Employers of Labor
 Employers of labor. even in so- called unessential industries. will be helped by the success Of the pub lie service reserve. because a large registration will make it possible for the Department of Labor to make a fair distribution Of an calls for mon. and to minimize and equal izc Che drain on industry which re- suits from uurerulated competition for men between war industries and different branches of the govern mcut Labor is in entire sympathy with the purpose of the department iu creating this reserve, because it win help prevent the great hard ships which fall upon working men by having no certain way Of know ing whether or where there may be