The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1942-01-01
NoReserveWorkers
For Vital Defense
Scarcity In Most Of The
Essential Defense
Occupations

Washington, D. c. QLNS).-The
United States has VIRTUALLY no i'm
mediately available reserve of work
ers left in most of the essential de-
fense occupations" Lieut.. Col. Joseph
f. Battley, chief of the Labor Divi-
sion, Office of the Undersecretary of
War, told conference of Army and
Navy officers and OPM Labor Divi-
sion officials gathere here to discuss
problems of labor supply.
The international situation ''has
driven home the basic fact that we
must become a totally armed nation
both in men and machines" Lieut..
Col. Battley said. "We can no longer
expect to superimpose military de-
mands on peacetime needs. Both
normal peacetime production of in
dustry and normal peacetime activi-
ties of men must yield"
Emphasizing the need for employ
mcnt of persons not qualified for
military service, Battley declared
that employers and training courses
have neglected those 'over age"
those physically disqualified, and
women.
Competition for Young Decried
The active competition between the
armed forces and industry for the
young, the physically superior men
must cease-there just aren't enough
TO go around, he asserted Rigid re-
strictions to prevent pirating and
raiding between employers, prac-
tice that has already assumed seri-
Gus proportions, cannot be avoided
unless greater voluntary cooperation
can be secured, Battley continued.
The huge training programs for de-
fense workers, now in operation, must
be "supervised with a view to train
ing men for defense employment who
are not liable for military service be-
cause of physical defects and age"
the officer said.
Regardless of the extent to which
the labor force is expanded, however,
there must be increased efficiency in
its use, Battley continued. "Jobs for
which skilled, all-round workers for
merly were required must be simpli-
fed through breaking down opera
tions and provisions for specialization.
More and more efficient foremen and
supervisors must be developed" he
said.
Five Problems Cited
Arthur S. Fleming, chef of the
OPM Labor Division Labor Supply
Branch, told the meeting there are
five problems connected with labor
supply: (D labor displacement due to
! priorities or other causes, (2) labor
recruitment, (3) the most effective
use of present personnel, (4) pre-em-
ploynent training and the use Of eX-
listing training programs, and (5) the
transfer of skills for non-defense to
defense work.
Stressing the inseparability Of local
and national labor supply problems,
Fleming declared, owe have not
scratched the surface in exploring the
possibilities Of government, manage
ment and labor cooperation in attack
ing these problems"
"Well, I've learned something.
think | won't try to discourage my
grandchildren any more when they
work at their store-box dollhouse,
though they do litter the side yard
dreadfully," said the visitor, rising.
"The thing looked so crude and ugly
that tried to persuade them to throw
it away, promising to get them a real
dollhouse. But it is still standing
there. They didn't want to give it up
but said that they would, Of course,
if / insisted. But they may go back
to the cartons and boards and the rest
of their treasures since | see how in
genious this constructive play is MAX
ing your children. Thank goodness, it
Is ne, er TOO late to learn"