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

The experiences OF Great Britain and
Germany in providing for their govern
n,ent employees in such matters as re-
tirement, classification and other per-
sonnet problems will be available to the
Senate and House civil service commit
tees for their information when the new
Congress takes up for solution similar
A comprehensive study Of the civil
service systems of those two countries
has been included by the Personnel
Classification Bo3rd in the voluminouS
report it compiled just before Congress
adjourned. The report Is to be used
primarily to guide the lawmakers in set
ting up classification for the field en-
ployeS of the United States similar to
the classification already made in the
District of Columbia, but the data gath
cred on procedure in foreign countries
furnishes interesting data on civil serv-
ice matters generally in those nations.
Although many practices followed
in other countries cannot be initiated
in the United States" said the Person.
mel Board, "a study of them may be
helpful in suggesting possibilities for
changes in the Federal civil service.
Their experience with classification.
salary Standardization, administration
of personnel policies and employe repre-
sentation will be Of interest to those
who are considering the wisdom Of GER
tain changes in our Federal civil Serv-
ice."
Congress May Be Limited.
The present outlook is that the spe-
cial session of Congress next month Will
be restricted to farm relief, tariff and
reapportionment of the House, but at
the first regular session in December
number of important pieces OF legisla-
ton for Government workers viii be
taken up, including the following:
The liberalized retirement measure,
adjustment of inequalities in salary
schedules resulting from the way the
WEIGH law was interpreted plan Of
classification for the field services out
side of washington and the Brookhart
proposal to set up civil service appeals
board to hear complaints.
The survey Of the German civil serv-
ice contained in the personnel board
report was made by Frederick f.
Biachly and Miriam e. Oatman OF the
Institute of Government Research OF
Rrookinps Institution. The study Of
the British civil service was made by
Morris B. Lambie Of the University OF
Minnesota. In referring to the retire
ment and pension policy for German
government employees, the report stated:
'The pension policy Of the Reich Is
very liberal. Not only Is the oficer
entitled to q pension for lie when ne
has attained the age Of IS, but like
wise for incapacity after 10 years OIL
service If such is due to his work In
the service. An individual may be
permanently retired on pension for the
good of the service. This does not IN
clude disciplinary dismissal, but rather
a reduction of the number OF positions.
Basic Sum for Pension.
1.-THE pension consists Of basic sum
fixed according to the salary previously
received usually from 80 10 W per cenC
of the salary, according to the length
of seryice). and a location allowance.
Grants for dependent children may also
he made. In case of the death OF
civil servant, the widow Tin certain
cases the widower), and the surviving
denendent children receive pensions.
These are paid from the national treas
urv. The officer does not insure NM
self or contribute in any way to pen
sion fund, although he may, II ne
wishes. provide for further income by
Joining an annuity association OF civil
servants. which is recognized and super
vised by the Reich"
The pension system adopted by the
british government for its employees is
Summarized in the report as follows:
pensions for civil servants In the
permanently established branch amount
to approximately 1871 per cent OF tne
basic salary, with the understanding
that this allowance will not be given
unless. the civil servant serves the Iuil
length of time-normally 40 years. "A
minimum period of 10 years service
is required. The pension system Is nom
contributory, It Is financed entirely py
the government. The dominant char
acteristic Of the Superannuation polcy
is that the civil servant must remain
in the employ of the government civil
service for the entire limit Of a career.
IF the established civil servant leaves
the civil service for any reasons other
than disability caused by injury, sick
ness or mental deficiency, he loses all
pension privileges. This policy empna-
sizing permanency OF service penallzes
civil servant who once enters the gov
eminent employ and later transfers his
employment allegiance either 10 q pri-
vate business or corporation or TO his
own advantage in professional, consult
ing or other private service.
so as Retirement Age.
"a civil servant cannot retire before
60 with q pension unless excused on
grounds of Ill health, evidenced by
medical certificate and approved by the
treasury. Retirement Is compulsory on