The Washington times., 1925-04-01
Will the President Investigate
Civil Service Working
Conditions?
Conditions!
By BILL PRICE.

The President NAV not yet be aware deep dis
content and unrest among the majority OF civil service en-
poyes in Washington unsatisfactory working conditions
and an increasing display of bureaucracy which, writer
to newspaper puts it. would do credit to the sovles
or to old Russian government
Large numbers this newspaper rece the diff
cus which employees of the Government must now
labor The njustces Of reclassifcation followed by
efficiency ratings that unsatisfactory to the majority and
the Of many workers and veterans OF our wars long
in the Government service have multiplied existing grievances
which constitute long and growing list.
When President COOLIDGE asked departmental heads to
bring about in the Government service here he
naturally that all departments and bureaus should get
rid Of unnecessary and unworthy employees which just
what any good business establishment would do The Pres
dents ORDERS though have been construed by petty
narnets slave drivers authority to them
to do things not tolerated in fair business
concern These surround their workers with string
of local regulations that positively ntolerabe
added speed-up orders which require
minimum of That is the output must not fall below
certain number of examined letters written or
printing done.
There the incentive these of promotion to
higher places They do what methods they employ
harassng others They simply want to make regulations
for themselves.
Threats Of reduction pay furougng other penalties
is charged by writers Of communications used to
outputs beyond the normal capacity has the
flavor of sweat shop methods and brings about sense Of In
security part of Government workers that interferes
with good work Nervous men and women are made i'll by
threats, coercion and continued naggnga
President COOLIDGE evidenced his interest and sympathy
In the Government workers plight in his acts regarding the
rental situation in the District TO 60 into working conditions
here would be hard task heretofore avoided by other Pres
DENTS but the situation calls for Investigation Of sort
that the President through Others may learn facts
bearing alleged unjust treatment Of Government work
and greater efficiency for the Government There strong
for the belief that nuces Of the meanest sort have
taken place and taking place under mnterpretaon and
misappication Of the Presidents economy program.
The President has unparalleled opportunity that WILL
The Times says distinguish him from his pre-
decessors and make his administration stand out he will only
devote time to the formation and execution Of just
equitable political bureaucratic and centralized per-
sonnet policy obvious that satisfied and less suspicious
personnel viii be than effective aid to the carrying
out of any economy program"
centralized personnel policy already pointed out in
this column could be brought about by the President himself
through the issuance Of executive order creating board
70 be known the Personnel Board composed Of repre-
sentative from each executive establishment The duties Of
the board would be to formulate policies and plans putting the
personnel administration Of the Government abreast Of the
best practices in private enterprise The board could stand
ardize many questions relating to disissal reductions
inatement leaves Of absence service records and statistics
retirement etc."
Such board President DEFINING of Civil Service
Commission says should interfere with the rights Of heads
Of departments bureaus to control appointments promo
TONS demoos discharges rewards for good service
fact all matters pertaining to employment management but
general policies should be adopted that will bring about
foriies In the treatment Of workers. thereby eliminating
arnets and petty bosses not fitted for their
positions.