The Washington times., 1920-05-25


new wage law will put $4,000. 900 more
annually In money into the pocket
books OF Government workers in this
city. the groups chiefly affected being
District government employees, library
workers. Bureau OF Engraving and
Printing employees, ST. Ellzabeth's
Hospital, and other institution en-
ployes, as well as the custodla serv-
Ice, customs lsborers. and Indian
schools throughout the country in
general.
Misinum Of 81 = Day.
The bill provides for a minimum OF
50 per day, $50 per month. or 81, $50 a
year. For part time employees a mini
mum OF 3Ih cents per hour Is set.
The passage OF the Johnson Nolan
bill by the Senate, after twice passing
the House, Is generally regarded as a
pronounced victory for the lower paid
enploye. The recognition by the Gov
ernment OF the principle OF minimum
wage and the fact that the basic line
created must ultimately work up
ward to benefit In proportion the
higher compensated Government en-
ployes are held as the two important
features OF this legislation.
The enactment OF the Johnson
Nolan bill further brings TO a victori-
Gus conclusion the untiring campaign
of the National Federation OF Federal
Employees for a minimum living wage
for Government employees.
This night dates bacck to 1913 when
the San Francisco Local No. OF the
federation drafted the first minimum
wage bill and urged its introduction
In Congress. Ever since the bill has
been an item OF first Importance on
the legislative program of the feder-
alton.
E. ~ Not Fair Today.
Although the minimum wage bill
will mean much to the sub-standard
paid employe it's provisions are not
deemed ts sufficiently remunerating
such employees in view of the incresed
cost OF living. 1t was pointed out
today that IL SO per day was regarded
as a fair minimum about seven years
ago, when the measure was drafted,
such an amount could not be held as
equitable today with living costs
about So per cent greater.
Two Basic Laws New.
In the face OF the instence OF Sena-
tors johnson and Kenyon. combined
with the persistent efforts Of the Ma
tional Federation OF Federal Employees
10 secure tne Sendtes attentioH "
this question, the opposition to the
bill apparently melted away. 1t was
reached and passed on the unanimous
consent calendar yesterday without a
word of debate or objection.
This Congress has given US two
basic measures upon which to proceed
to reclassification of the civil service.
IL was pointed out today by Luther c.
Steward, president Of the National
Federation OF Federal Employees.
with the lowest paid workers pro-
vided for, and the superannuated en-
sbled to retire upon an annuity. IL
will now be readily possible to put the
Government service upon a business
like basis. with an employment policy
which will value the trained workers
according to their training and skill.
as contemplated by the reclassihca-
tion copmission."
The Johnson-Noian bill has been on
the calendar of the Senate since jan
uary IS, but no sign of action appear
ed until Senator Johnson OF Califor-
MIA. sponsor flor the bill. and Senator
Kenyon of Iowa, chairman of the
committee which reported it to the
Senate. began a vigorous fight on the
steering committee to secure its pas
sage.
On the floor OF the Senate last week
Senator Johnson charged that this