Voice of action. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1933-1936, 1934-12-14

An unemployment and social insurance sys-
tenn must be designed to ensure the masses
against any lowering of their living standards.
1t must serve to increase purchasing power,
stimulate productivity in the interest of
higher living standard and lead to necessary
redistribution of wealth that is withheld from
circulation.
In recognition that this type of insurance
can be enacted in the state of Washington,
pending the enactment of like measure by
the Federal government, the Workers Unem-
ployment and Social Insurance Bill HR 1898,
is being put forward in this state in the form
of Initiative to the State Legislature This in
itiative is now being circulated to secure the
required $4,000 signatures. For those who are
willing to engage in socially constructive work,
but are being denied that opportunity through
no fault of their own, we must demand a COM
pensation equal to the average wages which
workers could earn if permitted to work at
their normal occupation and localities, as set
forth in the Workers Unemployment and Social
Insurance Bill
In no case shall compensation be less than
$1,000 weekly for each adult worker and $500
weekly for each dependent.
The full funds for unemployment insurance
shall be raised from funds now set aside for the
state militia and other military purposes and by
taxation upon incomes over $1,000 year. In no
instance shall there be any contributions lev
led upon the workers in any form whatsoever
for this insurance.
All workers, regardless of age, occupation,
color, SEX nationality, citizenship, religious
or political belief must be assured such COM
pensation for all time lost because of involun-
tary unemployment, old age, industrial acct
dent or sickness and maternity.
Representatives directly elected by the
workers should administer the social insurance
system so that it would be operated in accord
ance with their conditions, interests and needs.
These principles, embodied in HR 1898, were
introduced in the 73rd Congress of the United
States by Representative Lundeen of Mime
Sofa More than 2,4OO locals and the regular
conventions of five international and six state
bodies of the American Federation of Labor,
have endorsed this measure. Also the unions
of the Trade Union Unity League, the indie
pendent unions, practically every known unem-
plOyed organization, farmers and professionals
and individuals of all classifications.
Reaffirming our endorsement of these prin-
ciples we also declare our opposition to the
many proposals and measures, such as the
WagnerLewis Bill and the Townsend plan which
failed to embody the necessary principles for
real protection of all concerned. AS against the
forces that oppose and seek to mislead, confuse
and divide the growing movement for social
security. we place our united effort toward the
calling of a State Congress for Unemployment
and Social Insurance, to be held in Olympia in
January.
This Congress shall meet to exert pressure
on the Legislature to act without delay upon
such a program as formulated. We cordially
and earnestly invite all who need and all who
desire to help advance a program of adequate
protection for all persons to participate in this
Congress.