The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-03-05
BY RALPH A. BARD Assistant Secretary of Navy Written for the United Press)

Washington, March 5.-(UP)- Should some enforcihle program be worked out which would eliminate a greater part of the absenteeism problem, I recommend that an of. fort be made at the same time to set up some system in private in- dustry of short vacations every 90 dayS or four months aS @ reward to those who have @ fine record of steady working performance.
 It must be perfectly apparent that workers cannot devote them- selves efficiently to their jobs throughout the period of 0 long war without some change and relaxation which will not only help their mor- ale but will make them more eff ficient from the production stand point.
 As 1t is now, the most consclen- tious workers who are not on the absentee list suffer because of their patriotic adherence to duty. In many industries workers have had no vacation period since Pearl Har- bor. This Is not Q good thing from the standpoint of morale, health or production. Even soldiers and sail ors In the armed services are grant, ed furloughS for rest and change of environment.
 The scope and intensity of the war is increasing on all fronts. In the face of this prospect in the war zones, we find that absenteeism in war production plants in this country has been increasing. During December, 1942, approXi- mately l6,7O0,0OO man hours were lost through absenteeism in the ship yards and navy yards of the coun- try; sufficient man hours to con- struct IA additional destroyers, and approximately 0times the man hours lost due to strikes or shut downs in the ship yards of the United States for the whole year of 1942.
 These figures, however, include authorized leave, sick leave, and other legitimate causes for absen- teeism. The best available estimate Is that only about 50 per cent of this total of man hours lost through ab- senteeiSin is due to chronic or wil- full absence from work.
 It is admitted by all, management, organized labor, and the government agencies, that the problem is one that needs to be studied and a cure developed. Unfortunately, how ever, the problem is so complex that a satisfactory and fair remedy IS difficult to find and to apply. R. William Green, president of the A. F. of L. and Philip Murray, presi- dent of the CIO have come out definitely and strongly against chronic and wilful absenteeism and both of these labor organizations have started campaigns for the re- duction of ahsenteeism in the irl- dustry.
 There are quite a number of legi- timate reasons for absenteeism, in- cluding poor transportation. weather. inadequate and poorly located hous. ing facilities. necessary personal and business duties, illness and fatigue These absences must be expected and accepted. and the campaign should not be against them but against unjustifiable and wilful ab- Sences.
 The chief reasons for unjustifi- able absences are probably the de- sire for recreation and irresponsible absence over week ends, Statistics show approximately 70 per cent Of all absences occur on Saturdays and Mondays.
 Another reason advanced Is that many new industrial workers are now earning more money than ever before, and in view of the rationins and spending restrictions. theI earnings are more than sufficient for their needs so they do not feel the urge for continuous work.
 stu another cause of this absen- teeism is false optimism due to the magnifying of small local war suc- ceases into major victories and the inwarranted feeling that we are on the road 10 a quick victory ano that. therefore, an individual work CTS absence will not be missed bee cause the war will be over in a