Evening star., 1932-07-15


this principle, feeling that the Federal
Government should take the lead among
large-scale organizations CT the country
in advocating the short week.
There are indications the five-day
week will have only limited applica-
ton, sentiment generally being in favor
Of allowing the workers to accumulate
their 'payless leave" on the basis OF
the ruling by Controller General Nc
Carl providing for the deduction each
half month of one and one-quarter
days pay.
Uniformity Held Impossible.
It was recognized by the council that
the principle could not be applied uni
formly. because Of the continuous serv-
ices required in so many instances. 1t
pointed out in particular that exemp-
tions would be necessary in the Post
Office Department. and other activities
of protective. enforcement OF nstitu-
tional character.
It was announced at the Navy De-
partment today that operations there
would continue as at present, memo
randum to this effect being sent to
y
Department and Marine Corps head
quarters.
AT the same time, Secretary Adams
radioed instructions for administering
the economy act to the entire naval es-
tablishment
The field service of the Navy Depart
ment is already on the five-day week.
At the Interior Department today a
canvass Of the bureaus was started to
see what their situation would be with
regard to a five-day-week operating
basis.
The District Commissioners discussed
the five-day proposal at a meeting this
morning and asked District Auditor
Donovan for report on the matter. 1t
was said there likely would be an order
issued this afternoon, but in lieu of any
action. employees were to report for
work tomorrow as usual.
The belief was current that the short
week would be applied to the great bulk
of District workers. excluding police,
fremen, telephone operators and sani-
tary services, for example.
District per diem workers are already
on the five-day week.
Today, too, the President was ex-
pected to issue an order directing that
and above the 24-day legislative fur
Tough, be invoked where possible to
avert dismissals, but at the same time
keep within appropriations. Where
such furloughs are applied, the law re-
quires they be applied to the higher
salaried groups first.
The councils recommendation on this
point was that these furloughs be ap-
piled evenly within given activities
where there was sufficient funds for the
work, but surplus of workers.
Though holding that it is not con-
sidered practicable to lay down any
hard and fast rule regarding the legis-
lative furlough, and leaving application
and administration to the heads of the
several establishments. the President
will direct that discretion and justice be
exercised by these heads, but at the
same time. having them keep in mind
the deSirability of advancing the inter
ests of a five-day week wherever prac-
ticable.
Would Avoid Hardships.
Mr. Hoover is anxious, in applying
the shorterweek principle, that depart
ment heads should avoid imposing un-
necessary hardships upon Government
personnel in view of the withdrawal
this year of the annual leave privilege,
as the five-day week would absorb the
24-day furlough.
The policy approved by the President,
and the orders to be issued by him, ap
ply to the District government as well
as the Federal Government.
Those departments which will resort
to indeterminate payless furloughs be-
cause of reduced appropriations are
State, Justice, Interior, Commerce and
Labor.
The recommendations of the Coun-
Gil on Personnel Administration ap-
proved by the President were signed by
Thomas E. Campbell. president of the
Civil Service Commission, as chairman
of the council.
Letter to the President.
Mr.. Campbells letter to the Presi-
dent follows:
The President:
"As chairman of the Council of Per-
Sonnel Administration I have the honor
to submit to you the recommendation
of the council with respect to the pol
icy and principles that should govern
the application of the legislative fur
Tough (Sec. 101 (b), Title I, Part I'D
and the administrative furlough (Sec.
216, Title II, Part I'D provided for in
the legislative appropriation act of
June 30, 1882:
"As to the legislative furlough ap-
plicable to all departments and estab-
lishments-
81. The council indorses in principle
a five-day week for per diem employees
and its equivalent in furloughs for SAL
aried officials in the United States
Government service.
THE Federal Government should
take the lead among large-scale organ
izations in favoring a five-day work
week adapted in practical fashion to
the needs of the service. The estab-
lishment of shorter working hours gen.
orally in industry would go far toward
relieving the effects of the present de-
preston, particularly in stabilizing and
spreading employment and would con-
stitute force opposing future similar
disturbances.
90. The adaptation must differ with
varied Government activities so as not
to impair the services rendered to the
public or increase their cost
THE necessity for such variations is
evident from a consideration of those
and establishments which
are charged with the responsibility of
maintaining a continuous service for
the direct convenience of the public,
such as the postal service, or an urin-
terrupted service of a protective, law
enforcement or institutional character.
49, There is also the further consid-
Grafton of not imposing unnecessary
upon Government personnel
in view of the withdrawal this fiscal
year of the annual leave privilege.
In view of these conditions, it Is not
believed. practicable to lay down any