Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-03-24

fear that a system Of this character
would lead to establishment of a privi-
legged civil service class Is no longer
entertained under existing conditions
In Germany, the report adds.
In Germany, the report explains, pro-
motion within salary group depends
primarily upon length Of service, but
that various laws sometimes provide
that q specified proportion of promo
lions may be made "by choice" among
persons who possess certain qualifica-
tions. The guiding principle Is senior
ity, but degree of fiexibility Is pro-
vided to cover cases Of particular merit
or the special needs Of the service.
In England, with few exceptions,
there are no specifications In the Brit
ish service defining strict classifications
OF positions into vocational or occupa-
tional groups similar to those found in
the United States under the classifica-
ton act Of 1923.
Reliance Is placed upon Treasury
control" says the report, "for a degree
OF Standardization consistent with fiexi-
biity In management. The absence of
specifications makes comparison with
American practices somewhat obscure. I"
An interesting phase Of the report is
that relating to the subject Of employe
representation in civil service matters In
those countries. Referring to this fea-
ture OF the English system. the report
states:
''one of the most important steps to-
ward the solution OF contentious prob
lens OF civil service MANAGEMENT in
Great Britain was taken In 1919, when
the British government, not without an
eye toward expediency, boldly gave its
~ hn cfaA
called Whitley Councils. These coun-
els now provide in spirit and in form
an official procedure whereby the civil
servants in the ranks and file can con-
FER with the representatives Of the gov
eminent and actually assist in the rem.
oering OF nnal decisions upon all mat
tiers OF personnel policy"
Has Industrial Court.
Great Britain has an industrial court
originally established In 1919 to settle
trade disputes but in 1925. the report
states, the court was authorized, on
recommendation OF the National Whitley
Council. to arbitrate certain claims aris-
ing within the civil service. The claims
must concern pay. hours Of labor, and
leave.
With regard to employee representa-
ton in the German civil service, the
report sets forth: Provisions have been
made for the adequate expression Of
the opinions and suggestions of the
German civil servant. Through q sys-
tenn Of employe representation, officers
are given the opportunity to express
any Of their grievances; to offer any
suggestions for improvement Of the
service, and to present other ideas
which they may have"
h The national constitution Of Ger
many has provided for such q system
Of employee representation. The report
remarks that although such q law has
not yet been passed, there are several
strong associations of civil servants,
recognized by various laws and ordi-
riances as the appropriate organs to
represent their membership when adj
visory committees are to be organized.
The surveys Of foreign civil service
methods represent only one limited sec
ton of the comprehensive report COM
piled by the personnel board for the
guidance OF Congress in framing flu
ture legislation. The report Is not q
final one, and is to be supplemented
before Congress Is ready to frame the
field service classification legislation.