The Washington times., 1933-09-12
POLICY DEBATE
DUE SOON IN
CONVENTION
Committee of A.F.G.E. at Work
On Program for Drive; Green
Takes Plea to Roosevelt
BY DUNCAN FORSYTH

ton OF pay levels and the 30-hour
week without reduction of pay, is
under consideration by the resolu-
tions committee Of the American
Federation of Government EN-
ployes for presentation to the con-
vention, now in session at the
Hamilton oHtel.
The committees report is not
yet completed, but the program it
Is debating also provides for
abolition of married persons legis-
lation so far as lower salaries are
concerned. 80 days cumulative an
nual leave, classification through
out the service. extension of the
merit system. and 30-year optional
retirement, with fu1 annuity.
Equal Work, Equal Pay"
Other projects include strength
ening of the Civil Service Com
mission through centralized per-
Sonnel administration, employe
representation in all personnel
bodies, equal pay for equal work
"a provision important in some
mechanical employments and to
women in some Federal Offices
overtime pay for Sunday and
holiday work, and reimbursement
for all expenses incident to an
employees position.
This last item has special refer
ence to uniforms, which some
employees now must purchase
from their own funds.
Free disqualification for all civil
service employees. enhanced oppor.
tunity for promotion, dismissal
wage when staffs are cut, sick
leave for all employees "a sore spot
in some Federal Offices, and an
improved efficiency rating system
are further suggestions to be con.
gidered.
Report Due Soon
The proposals also provide for
classification on duties constitut-
ing jobs, instead of qualifications
Of employees, training for promo
ton at Government expense, the
right to add to the retirement
fund, and automatic promotions
within grades.
The report of the committee,
embodying some or all of these
principles, is expected shortly.
William A. Green, president Of
the American Federation of Labor,
accompanied by a delegation of
10 members of the executive
council, called at the White
House today in connection with
the restoration of the IS per cent
cut TO Federal and District EN-.
ployes.
The committee informed Presi-
dent Roosevelt that the request
for increased pay was based on
an increased cost Of living and
IN conformity with the spirit Of
recovery.
Buying Power Cited
Mr.. Green told the President
that a restoration of wages would
help to lift the workers out of
the depression, that they have
suffered long enough, and would
likewise restore buying power.
The delegation consisted Of
Green, and the following vice
president, Matthew Woll, Joseph
N. Weber, Arthur O. Wharton,
James Wilson, Frank Duffy, r. A.
Richard, John Coefield, G.. M.
Bugaiazet, Frank Morrison, secre-
tary, and Martin F. Ryan, treas
urer.
The morning session Of the A..
F. G. E. today was devoted mainly
to constitutional questions revolv-
ing about a new Setup for the
Federation.
After spirited and extended
debate, it was finally voted to
have a fulltime president and a
tull-time secretary treasurer for
the organization, and to defer
consideration of an advisory COM
mittee until later.
Boom for BabcOck
In the course Of the debate it
was strongly urged by several
speakers that the president be
given a free hand, and it was
intirnated that one candidate
believed to be receptive would not
accept the office unless he were
given such powers.
Presumably these references
were to E. Claude Babcock,
former secretary of the organiza.
ton and of the Civil Service Com.
mission. who. before the conven.
tion, was strongly urged for the
presidency on the basis of full
time service and free hand.
John j. Manning, president of
the union label department of
the American Federation of
Labor. spoke briefly. urging un-
qualified support of the conven-
tons action.
Rap at Rival Group
Advising against any concern
as to what the rival organization,
the National Federation of Fed
eral Employees, may have in mind,
he said:
Don't be distracted by the
publicity stunts of an OrganiZa-
tion that never did you any
real good"
A policy which went along with
that of the A. F. of L., he said,
would work wonders. He added
that the whole NRA organization
was based on the A. F. of L.
philosophy of shorter work day,
q minimum wage, and an emblem
Of fair play.