The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-02-10
BRYSON
FOR Stand ON
POSTAL Jobs
Substitute. Clerks Declare
Three of Statements
Are Untrue.

! "A N1VlQ PlCGuIS u COIlQlOlOIlS I'LL
der which substitute clerks serve the
public in the Indianapolis postoffice
under oath of allegiance to Uncle
Sam, was presented by a group of
Government employees at a protest
meeting held Wednesday night, de-
tails of which became known today.
Desire to reply to statements by
Postmaster Robert BrySon was given
as the immediate purpose of the
gathering.
Speakers branded three Of the
postmaster statements as untrue,
and related incidents to support this
contention.
They charged that instead Of do
ing everything possible to move
them forward into regular positions,
under civil service examination and
III prolonged actual experience as
substitutes, as he stated, the post
master has retarded their progress
byS too jealous application of an
economy program"
Hit BrysOn Statement
"The postmaster's statement that
economic conditions have been
chiefly responsible for our plight is
not borne out by statistics from his
department" the first speaker said.
-Four years ago started as a sub
St1tute with assurance that eighteen
months was the least possible time
1 would have to serve before being
put on as a regular.
when the $500 increase in annual
pay for postal clerks was given three
years ago, it was the death knell of
substitutes hopes, although we
failed to realize it then.
Business has increased at the
local poStoffice, but the number of
regular clerks has not been increased
in proportion. Additional work is
done by an increased number of
substitutes at only 65 cents an hour.
instead Of an average of Sc cents
they would earn for the same work.
II they were appointed as regulars.
This has kept the operating cost
OF the Indianapolis postoffice to a
low figure, bound to excite the adj
m1rat1on Of those in favor Of an
economy program at Washington.
Still Far From Regular Job.
after four years as a substitute.
1 am just as far today, perhaps far
Their, from an opportunity to go in as
regular with the increased pay"
Each speaker attributed discon--
tent to their belief that despite loyal
service, they are being victimized by
this economy policy" which results
in Indianapolis looming before Off
cial eyes as a model poStoffice,"
which efficiently handles a large vol
ume Of business at a lower compare
tive cost of operation than others.
Figures were cited to show that
between seventy-flve and eighty
substitutes are being utilized for
regular clerks duties at an annual
saving of $689.72 a man.
"A regular serves only 2,448 hours
to earn an amount for which we
must work $3.50 hours" the speaker
continued.
| OeclareS LaDOrerS Hired
"Bryson said that in no case has
a laborer been hired for clerk duty"
another speaker quoted. "Of course
not. They aren't hired for clerks
duty, but they are used for it, at an
even lower figure than substitutes
command, so there is additional
ECONOMY.
There are men at laborer's pay
handling f1rSt-class mail, operating
the cancellation machines and per-
forming numberless other duties, be-
longing rightfully to clerks of higher
rating and higher pay"
AS for the privilege of taking on
outside work to make up the deficit
in annual income necessary to the
support Of their families, ali substi-
tutes present characterized the post
masters statement on the subject as
"trick phrase"
1--WE are under oath In the service
Of the Government, subject to call,
just as is soldier. How can we
serve two masters? How long do we
Last on an outside job, when called
away from 1t without warning, to
handle mail rush? Try it and
seel" they challenged.
Tells Of Trouble
Many stories of conflict between
outside work and duty to the Gov
eminent were related.
Another statement Of Bryson's
which drew the wrath of the substi-
tuteS in session was that all former
employees seeking reinstatement are
placed at the bottom Of the list, to
enforce seniority.
The force OF laborers has been
tripled at the postoffice in the last
four years, according to the speak,
ers, with no proportionate increase
in the regular force at higher pay.
but with an increase in volume of
work handled by the utilization of
substitutes and laborers in the reg
ularS' line of duty.