The Daily Alaska empire., 1944-04-10
REDS CAPTURE GREAT BLACK SEA PORT
CONFERENCE HELD
 ON EMPLOYMENT
 OF 4. J. MINERS

A NOiAAOANAASC to tethS ssPRAOnAAAA0eN' measures to meet the situation caus- led by the sudden closing of the Alaska Juneau Mine was held in the Governors Office today. Present were Hugh J. Wade, Territorial Di- rector of the Social Security Board; Arthur A. Hedges, Alaska Manpower Director, and Robert E. Sheldon, Ex- ecutive Director of the Alaska Un- employment Commission, and Gov. Gruening. The object of the meet ing was to set machinery in motion immediately to secure employment at the earliest possible moment for the men released, to make provision for unemployment compensation, and to prepare whatever emergency measures might prove necessary to assist these men and their families should suitable employment not be immediately available.
 Delays in Employment
 It is appreciated that the men now unemployed because of the close down want jobs in war or defense agencies if they are qualified. Be- cause the number of jobs in Juneau is limited many of the men will have to be placed in other towns in the Territory or in the States. Fortunately, many jobs are avail able but it is not always easy to put the right man in the right job. Consequently, there will be delays in placing some of the unemployed. Transportation problems alone will result in some delay in placing a larger percentage of these men.
 Unemployment Insurance
 In the meantime, it should be pointed out that if a man goes to the U. S. Employment office, reg isters for work and holds himself available for work and cannot be immediately placed, he may file his claim for unempoyment insurance and, after the legal waiting period has been put in, he becomes eligible for unemployment insurance bene- fits.
 It was emphasized by the Ex- ecutive Director of the Unemploy- 4ment Compensation Commission that benefits are payable only to those individuals who are truly un- employed and actively seeking em- ployment. The Unemployment In- surance Law was enacted for just this sort of situation. It is designed to provide purchasing power in a community, pending the readjust- ment of individuals into new jobs It means that man can buy the necessities of life for his family while, when for some reason beyond his control, no suitable work is im- mediately available or no job can be had by him where he can use his highest skill.
 Register Immediately
 All men are therefore urged to apply immediately at the local of flee of the U. s. Employment Serv- ice located in the Sommers Building in Juneau where it is possible to learn where job openings are To- cated.
 A. A. Hedges, War Manpower Di- rector, warns men not to depend on idle rumors and general reports regarding job openings in other To- calities. The U. S. Employment Service in Juneau knows the labor market, not only in Juneau, but all over Alaska and can find out for an individual just what job opportun- tiles exist in any State in the Union. The individual seeking employment can depend upon this information. in fact, it is possible for the local U. s. Employment Service actually to find an individual job any place in the United States before the individual leaves Juneau. It is, therefore, urged that all persons use this service.
 Interviewing
 It was pointed out that because a considerable number of men is involved, there will be problem of interviewing all of the persons affected by the shutdown. There fore, the U. s. Employment Serv- ice, together with the Unemploy- ment Compensation Commission, re- quest the individuals whom they serve to appreciate this unusual condition and keep in constant touch with the local office, so that when the right job shows up they will be available.
 Family Men for Jobs
 It was pointed out that Juneau employers should grasp this oppor- tunity to secure qualified resident workers to staff adequately their establishments Particularly should consideration be given to men with families so these may if possible not be broken up. In the past year the local U. S. Employment Service of- flee has not been in a position to supply the demands of local employ CTS but with this new supply of labor all local firms needing men should
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