Evening star., 1936-01-23
.F0RTY-H0UR WEEK
BILL FOR WOMEN
|. GOES UNOPP0SED
Chain of Indorsers Tells
Subcommittee Measure Is
Needed in District.
48-HOUR LAW CALLED
INADEQUATE STATUTE
Mrs. Kittle Says Employers Of
City Would Not Reduce Pay
for Less Work.

Anticipated opposition to a bill to
limit to 40 hours the work week of
women employed in the District
failed to develop today at public
hearing on the measure before the
Judiciary Subcommittee of the House
District Committee.
Instead, there was a continuous
chain of Endorsements by representa-
tives of women's organizations. Or
ganized labor and employees them
selves.
The bill provides that no employer
shall permit woman to work more
than six days or 40 hours in any one
week, or more than eight hours in
any one day.
Professional women and those hold
ing executive positions would be ex.
empt from the 40-hour schedule.
Inspection Planned.
The measure also would set up an
inspection bureau and a board of
three members to administer the law.
The board would be appointed by
the Commissioners and serve without
compensation. The inspection bu-
reau would consist of a chief inspec-
tor, not less than two deputy in
spectors and one stenographer, all of
whom would be women.
The parade Of witnesses indorsing
the bill was directed by Mrs. William
Kittle, president of the Voteless Dis
trict Of Columbia League of Women
Voters, who explained the reason for
the proposed legislation. She de-
clared the present 48-hour law for
women had resulted in conflicting de-
cisions and its administration is in
the Health Department, which lis not
logical place"
The proposed legislation. Mrs Kittle
argued, is designed "in the interest of
women, their development and prog
ress.'
In response to questions by Chair
man Palmisano, Mrs. Kittle said en-
ployers here are humane and, in her
opinion. would not cut the wages if
the bill is enacted into law. Right
Rev. John A Ryan of the National
Catholic Welfare Council said he
wished the proposed legislation could
be made to apply to men as we'll as
women, pointing out that 'the only
way to make dent in the large army
of unemployed is to shorten the hours
of labor"
Coleman Pledges Unions.
Frank J. Coleman. secretary Of the
Central Labor Union, told the SUBJ
committee organized labor in the Dis
trict and Maryland stands behind
the bill whole-heartedly He empha-
sized that the bill would set up bet
ter enforcement agency than exists
under the present law.
IF the provision for that agency is
retained in the measure he declared.
"The Central Labor Union will see
that it is carried out"
Miss Martha Maxim a clothing
store employe, said a 48-hour week
handicaps an employe both mentally
and physically. An employer. she de-
clared. also would benefit under q 40
hour week. because the employe would
be more alert.
Mrs. Agnes King, a member Of the
Women's Upholsterers and Seam
stresses Union. said there are many
classes of unorganized seamstresses
who feel the bill would protect them.
THE seamstress is one of the most
exploited class of women in industry"
she declared. II know of some who
have worked from so to 60 hours a
week."
Others Back Proposal.
Miss Anna Daut, an employe of tho
Yeast Co.; Miss Anna
Kady of the Christ Child Society, and
E. J. Tracy. representing an associa-
ton of stenographers, typists, book
keepers and assistants, also indorsed
the bill.
F. G. Macarow, general traffic man.
ager of the Chesapeake g. Potomac
Telephone Co.. urged that the bill be
to exclude employees engaged
in communication work. He pointed
out that the telephone company is
now or 40-hour. five-day-a-week
schedule, but that in time of emergen-
cies it is necessary to work employees
overtime.
The subcommittee promised to give
his request serious consideration.