Evening star., 1928-06-13
WEEK
|. FOR j. S. EMPLOYEES
Az. of [. Approves Plank for
Inclusion in G. O. P.
Platform.
py a s.an Corresponden. Of The star.

By a STAFF Correspondents OF The Star.
KANSAS CITY, June 13.--Adoption
OF ive-day week for Government EN-
pIoyes as an example by Uncle Sam OF
what humane employer should do was
one OF the recommendation made by
Frank w. Morrison of the American
Federation Of Labor, approved by the
executive council Of that organization,
to be included in the party platform.
Luther G. Steward, president Of the
National Federation Of Federal En-
pIoyes, indorsed the entire program OF
the Federation Of Labor In behalf OF
Government workers, and offered a
plank declaring for systematic classi-
fcation Of duties and salaries based on
work performed" He caiied the atten-
ton of the platform committee, headed
by Senator Smoot, TO the action OF Con-
gress in passing the Smoot-Welch bill,
providing for reclassification. Such a
reclassifcation must do adequate Justice
TO many thousands Of Government eIl1-
pIoyes and provides for real efficiency
In the Government service, he said.
Thomas r. Flaherty, eecretary-treaS-
urer Of the National Federation Of Post
once Clerks: Edward J. Gainor, repre-
genting the National Association OF Let
ter Carriers, and Mr.. Steward united
In presenting the following civil service
retirement plank:
''The Republican party has always
shown a deep concern in the principle
OF civil service and in the welfare OF
civil service employees. The original
civil service retirement law was en-
acted by Republican Congress In 1920
and has subsequently been liberalized
by Republican Congresses TO provide
higher annuities for aged Government
employees.
Reaifirm Retirement.
we reafiirm our belief In the efficacy
Of the civil service retirement principle,
both from the standpoint OF the Gov
eminent and its employees; and we
therefore propose 10 improve the law,
with special reference TO increasing the
aFlnuitieg."
In advocating the nye-day work week
for Government employees, Mr.. Morrison
recalled that:
''TIhe American Federation OF Labor
is committed 10 the Inauguration OF this
sociaI and economic exchange as rap
idly AZ economic and industrial con-
dlti0ns will permit. Already many
thousands OF workers enjoy the five-
day work week. The productivity Of
the workers, the development OF me-
chanicaI processes and the extended use
of power lg making this change possible.
I'm line with the progress which II
taking place in the substitution OF the
fiye-day week and because we believe
that the Government should lead In
the Inauguration OF social and economic
reforms. and because IL should be an
example, as a humane employer. we re-
nuest that your platform declare In
favor Of the principle Of the five~day
work week and OF It's application To
Government employees as rapidly and
constructiyeIy as conditions will war
rant aud permit"
Wages Held Inadequate.
In urging the Republican convention
10 declare o policy 10 protect Federal
employees. Mr.. Morrison called attention
that the salary and wages Of civilian
employees Of the Government services are
Inadequate for them " maintain q
standard 0f living providing for COM
forts and necessities 0f life. The earn
ingg Of many thousands Of civilian Gov
eminent employees are very low, he told
the committee. "It is common knowI-
edge that they are far below the wage
standards which we regard aS neceA-
saEy for the maintenance VI decent
American standard Ot living.
we are here 10 declare In favor OF
an increase IN the salaries and wages
of civilian Government employees, and,
furthermore, that said civilian Govern
Inent employees be equitably and satis~
faetoTiIy classified"
The labor program taken under con-
stderation by the platform committee
calls for iiberaIizing the law, TehAhiii-
tstion Of inferred service men, more
adequate accident compensation, and
declaration that prevailing rates ~ pay
IN outside employment must he ap~
piled Wfefe contracts are Let for n0y~
eminent buildings on any kind of public
work, In order that the lowest bidder
provision may not prompt reduction
In wages 10 meet keen competition. Mr..
Morrison said:
"'Ths retirement Law for employees In
the claAsIfisd service f9T the Govern
tCOntinued on Paga 4, Column 81