The Washington times., 1935-08-22
u. 5. EMPLOYEES
N0TEYEAR'S
PROGRESS
By J. EARLE MOsER

and anxious pail floats over the
desks of thousands of Federal en-
ployes because of the pessimistic
prospects for increased leave leg
islation, a resume of the past six
months nevertheless reveals con
siderable progress on behalf OF the
rank-and-file clerk.
Early in the year came restora-
ton of full pay, marking victory
in a battle waged tirelesslJ sor
months by worker interests, both
individually and collectively. And
not long after that milestone came
effacement of the bitter pligat OF
1900 Alcohol Tax Unit workers,
originally brought about by the
same Senator, Kenneth McIkellar,
who has baked the leave meas
ures.
The new efficiency rating Sys-
tenn also has been installed by
Civil Service and much :Drmer
complaint has died down. TO the
mass of workers staggered hours
in certain offices have proved ben
eficial and administrative promo
tions are no longer prohibited.
Also, the extension of cash pay Tor
employees getting up to $1,000 is
enjoyed in those offices that have
requested the shift from checks.
On the liability side of the bal
ance sheet, however, are many
items of unfinished business" IN
addition to the leave bills. Repeal
of the maligned marriage clause"
remains to be effected and meas
ures dealing with blanketing Of
workers into Civil Service, auto
matte promotions, 30-year optional
retirement and adjustment OF
quarters and subsistence charges in
the field service will probably re-
main in statu quo until the jan
uary session on the Hill.
The Sirovich omnibus bill, now
in it's second year Of hectic life,
still must be acted upon and pr-j-
ects such as establishment OF a
central emergency transfer agency
and solution of the growing rent
problem remain hazy.
Another need upon which no
progress has been made Is the
conciliation between the two
major organization, AFGE and
NFFE. Although both have
dropped their swords, they now sit
in full armor, maintaining a
frozen attitude toward each other.
It is said that Chairman Will
liam j. Bulow Of the Civil Service
Committee would as soon see the
leave bills kept over until January.
The measures could then be given
comprehensive hearings, aired in
conference, and the way opened
to provide satisfactory off-time for
all Government workers.
Col. Charles I. Stengle, AFGE
administrative aide, is attending
the District budget hearings to
press grant Of $4,000 to provide
six more guards at the D. C. Jail.
He claims the additional staff
would relieve the necessity for
guards working seven days week
ly, giving each day off.
Although he has been spelled
down occasionally, the Capital
City Spelling Club has posted $25
to anyone who defeats Willard B.
Smith, of the Navy Department.
The group meets every Wednes-
day at the Mt. Pleasant Library.
Exactly a Year -Organiza.
ton in the Government service
won its most decisive battle when
the National Labor Relations
Board ordered John L. Donovan
reinstated in NRA. Donovan
had been discharged by Gen.
Hugh johnson on a charge of in
efficiency that Donovan'S hackers
said was too much union activity
&c. P. o. was prepping for its
picnic. Central Labor Union
Endorsed cash pay. Nell Wilson,
Treasury, had a birthday. . l.. H.
Allen, Interstate. was back from
a vacation at his home, Quincy,
Mass.
Officers and members OF the
Mechanics branch of Local No. 2,
NFFE, will meet tonight at
ITO Fourteenth st. N. w. at 8
O'Clock.
"It is no exaggeratiOn, no
Over-statement to say that never
in the past one hundred years
has the return to the Spoils era
been so complete"
LUTHER c. STEWARD,
(over radio).
Although it provides only for
maintenance of NRA standards
and is described as "Sort of COM
promise" AFGE officials are root
ing for success Of the Walsh bill,
STEAMSHIPS