Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1921-01-09
DENIAL Of BONUS
ST|RS POLICE AND
F|REMEN UNIONS
Reorganization of 0rganiza-
tions Is Discussed-Dis-
content Is Result.

A movement for the reorganization
Of the firemen's and policemen's
unions here was started at a series
of secret conferences held yesterday
between officials of the American
Federation of Labor, fremen and
policemen.
Following the meetings, it was said
that widespread discomfort evidenced
among the fire department personnel
on account of the elimination of the
1920 bonus from the District appro-
priation bill was crystailizing in the
shape of desire to test the act of
Congress of January "a. 1920, for
bidding members of the police or fire
departments from afiiliating with any
the strike as weapon.
Who attended the meetings and the
place Of meeting were kept secret 1t
was stated, however, that men in the
fire department are seeking some
measure Of relief from present con-
ditiops. and this was forming the
basis for the proposed Reorganization.
Sentiment to Test Law.
A survey of few typical fire COM
panies last night indicated that if there
is any possible manner to band with
organized labor to obtain the $240 bonus
which has been eliminated during the
past two years the sentiment is strongly
in favor Of testing the law making it
an act for dismissal from the depart
ment to join or affiliate with any or
ganized labor body.
In the police circles. persons who were
identified with the formation and organ
ization of the union a few years ago
declared that there was slight chance
for such a movements success at the
present time, since the majority were
contented with the administration of a
man from the ranks, and since many
held the hope that the bonus might be
restored through special legislation.
New regulations recently put into ef-
feet making it necessary for firemen
to take up various tasks which were
not the custom under the old regime;
the uniform regulation prohibiting men
in the department from being seen on
the street out Of uniform. even to sit
in 'front.' of the engine house, and the
rule regarding the purchase of uniforms
at an old contract price are pointed
out as being other grievances in the
minds Of the men.
Recruits Not Attracted.
On account Of existing conditions,
it was stated. men are not coming
into the fire department in the mum.
bers necessary. Signs that the Dis
trict needs firemen and policemen are
up in front of police stations and
fire houses, even though unemploy-
ment through the United States is
toward the two and a half
million figure and in spite of the IA ct
that hundreds Of unemployed in the |
District are being brought to the at
tention of charitable Organizations.
The first step in the campaign, it
was limited at the American Fedora
ton Of Labor building. would be a |
test Of the act prohibiting the fire.
men ano poA.ccA"eA AAoHu Jo!nlng. or
sanized labor. through an application |
FOR an injunction against heads Of the
.wo departments from di: -einr
men joining such an organization.
The act also forbids. under the pen
atty of a $500 fine, any conspiracy
toward a strike in the ranks
If the fire department. .....
But fremen state that a strike
would be the last thing considered.
As q matter of fact. many declare. a
condition precedent to Joining any or
yanization would be that the strike
clause be absolutely prohibited, and
IN obligation. not to go on strike de-
handed.