The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1920-01-16
GOVT EMPLOYEES
RIGHT TO ORGANIZE
IS RECOGNIZED


WASHINGTON, Jan. 3.-Presi-
dent Wilson's Industrial Conference,
in its tentative report just made
public, devotes three paragraphs to
Government employees and their
right to organize. While specifical-
lly denying their right to concert
ed cessation of work or threats
thereof" the Conference asserts
that "tho right OF Government en-
ployees to associate for mutual pro-
lection and advancement of their
interests or presentation of griev-
ances cannot be denied. Further
more, says the report, tribunals
should be established for the prompt
hearing of requests and the rem
edy Of grievances. The conference,
however, "is not now expressing any
opinion on the propriety of the af-
filiation of other classes of Govern
ment employees with organizations
which authorize the use of the
strike"
To this the National Federation
of Federal Employees, which is one
Of four organizations composed ex-
clusively of Government workers
which are affiliated with the Amer
lean Federation of Labor, replies,
through its President, Luther c.
Steward:
The report of the conference,
in so far as it refers to the ques-
tion of strikes by Government en-
ployees, has no bearing on the Ma
tional Federation of Federal EN-
ployees. We have already decided
that question of our own volition,
without any compulsion or even
suggestion from any source but the
organized employees themselves.
Our constitution contains a provi-
sion prohibiting us from striking
and from supporting any other
strike against the Government
Since we have voluntarily given
this evidence of our good faith and
constructive intentions, we have in
creased the obligation of our en-
ployer, the United States Govern
ment, to deal fairly with US, and
not to resort to oppressive measures.
Our right to affiliate with our fell
low workers we regard as an essen
tial principle of human freedom, and
cherish it accordingly"
The National Federation of Fed
eral Employees is but two years
old, but has 1874 local unions with
members in all of the As States.
The text of that part of the re-
port Of the Industrial Conference
dealing with Government employees
reads as follows:
"The Government is established
in the interests of all the people. It
can be conducted effectively only
by those who give to its service I'M
divided allegiance. The terms and
conditions of employment in the
Government service are prescribed
by law, Therefore, no interference
by any group Of Government en-
ployees, or others, with the contin-
uous operation of Government bust
ness through concerted cessation of
work, or threats thereof can be per-
mitted.
The right of Government en-
ployees to associate for mutual pro-
lection and advancement of their
interests or presentation of griev-
ances can not be denied, but no
such employees who are connected
with the administration of justice.
or the maintenance of public safety
or public order should be permitted
to join, or retain membership in
any organization which authorizes
the use of the strike, or which is
affiliated with any organization
which authorizes the strike.
The Conference is not now ex-
pressing any opinion on the proprie-
ty of the affiliation of other classes
.Of Government employees with or
CARNATIONS which authorize the use
of the strike, The principles above