The voice of labor. (Cumberland, Md.) 1938-1942, 1940-08-01

to survey the State Industrial Accident Com
mission is masterpiece and a monument TO
the zeal and energy which the State Clio head
applies himself tc problems OF his Office.
Governor OConor named President John
7. Jones to the investigating body in June.
1859 and the majority of the group returned
their report two months ago. The conclusions
were not in accord with the beliefs OF the labor
movement, and finding himself in a minority,
Jones proceeded to the huge task which has
resulted in the document now under discussion.
The contents of the report constitute chal-
lcnge to the Governor, the Legislature and to
people who believe that social legislation for
those who toll need to be extended
The report minces no words in its findings,
criticisms and conclusions.
Jones says plainly that it is time for the
Governors Of Maryland to end the practice of
making appointments to the State Industrial
accident Commission a matter of political
pcdicncy and that it is long overdue for such
men to be named from a standpoint OF public
fitness to aid the victims OF industry who are
milton OF the right Of labor to be represented
directly on the Commission BY this. let US
remark, he does not mean that political labor
hack should be given sinecure. hold other
Jobs and sell out the interests of the workers.
but the appointment of we'll qualified labor
representative Of principle and knowledge who
will perform the task for which the taxpayers
provide the salary.
The report hits out at the unsound sugges-
ton of adopting merit system which will
make it cheaper for employers with low acct
dent figures to obtain coverage on the ground
that unscrupulous employers go to grea,
lengths to keep legitimate claims and injuries
uncompensated in order to qualify.
An exclusive State Fund is recommended
and figures quoted to show that the net pre-
MUM costs are Is per cent to 80 per cent
cheaper to employers than when private stock
companies given the business.
Stern criticism. though, is made of the per-
sonnet of the existing State fund in Maryland
Jones charges that the executives of the State
fund are derect in their real duties" and
show a dull regard for the purposes of the
fund" In fact, it is limited that the purpose
OF the shoddy manner Of conducting the State
fund is for the purpose of increasing the bust
ness OF the private insurance companies which
are known to have highly placed friends in the
State government as was shown during the
hearings on the Occupational Diseases Bill
The minority report declares that proper
wages and working conditions should be fur
nished the employees of the Commission and
that an investigation be made OF the Merit
System Of employment in Maryland for the
purpose Of eliminating political pre;crmen, in
providing commission jobs. 1t also recon-
nends that the salaries Of the Commissions be
boosted to $500 per year in order to attract
competent, non political persons to the posts.
1t is impossible in our small space to review
the findings on lump sum settlements, lawyer
fees. doctors selection establishment Of a
clinic by the State fund, more frequent hear
ings in the Counties. and numerous other mat
ters of administration We intend to devote
space in each succeeding issue to deal with
specific issues of the report In proposing leg
isatve changes Jones asserts. Unless many
= these changes are made. serious abuses and
is in administration of the Act will continue
chnitely." There is a wealth Of wisdom in
assertion.
te VOICE OF LABOR says that the
Of the entire labor movement are due to
u /. Jones for his work on the Committee
I'd the splendid character Of the report Here
document. which if properly treated by
those in power, can mean immense gains to
the workers who are hurt and manned while
earning their livelihood. There is no differ
ence whether the workers are organized or un-
organized, whether they are AFL or Clio mem
bers. the Act needs changing and we should
keep on the necks of the politicians unit. they
produce.