Evening star., 1949-10-20
AbsenteeismPr ProbIem,
Job Jumping Plague
Russian Satellites
By the Associcted Press

BY the Associated Press
PRAGUE, Oct. 20.-The ghosts
Of idle machines, empty work
benches and a ruined economy are
haunting the leaders of the "peo-
pies democracies" behind the Iron
Curtain.
Communist bosses sum it up in
four words-absenteeism and job
jumping.
Roared Antonin Zapotocky,
Czech Premier and trade union
chieftain, in a recent speech:
"Absenteeism is the shame of
every union. region, district, party
functionary and worker
Echoed Alexander Osipov. head
of the Soviet delegation to the
Czech Trades Union Council:
I'VE have the problems of
absenteeism and jumping from
one job to another in the Soviet
Union"
Above Prewar Rate.
Dittoed Matyas Rakosi, Hun
gary's Vice Premier and Commu-
mist chief:
There are factories where the
number Of sick is twice or three
times higher than in prewar
times. There is no doubt that part
Of this is due to slackening of
discipline and part to political
mischief"
Discipline among workers is
lax" Rakosi said. "Absenteeism is
too high. Workers change their
Jobs too frequently"
The twin problems of absen-
teeism and job jumping are caus-
ing the most concern, however, in
Observation-Disclosures most indus
trialized of the Russian -domi-
mated satellite nations.
Here where officials are tight
Tipped on every other phase of
Czech life. Communist leaders
have been outspoken in expressing
their fears.
They have admitted publicly
that the average of absenteeism
has jumped alarmingly since they
came. into power in February,
1s48. According to Zaptocky him
self, "absenteeism is 37.3 per cent
higher in 1949 than it was in
1947."
Little Can Be Done.
What is most discouraging is
that this absenteeism is occurring
where industrialized Czechoslo-
vakia can least afford it-in the
mining and heavy metals indus
tries. already plagued by a short
age Of workers.
Western observers point out
that there is very little the Com
munist leaders can do in reprisal.
They can't fire the chronic
absentees because they need them
too badly" these observers said.
Its like it was in the United
States during the war;"
To wipe out absenteeism and
to get more workers in the man
short industries, Czech govern
ment officials are trying two
dtvergently opposed methods.
Mobilization Authorized,
The first Is by trying to lure
workers into the mines and fac
taories by establishing special
bonus plans for miners, making
them honored members of the
new society through the bestowal
Of awards, giving or promising
them new and better housing de-
velopments and giving them extra
rations and other privileges.
On the other hand, the gov
eminent has threatened reprisals
against workers If absenteeism-
especially in the mines and heavy
Observation-Disclosures to soar.
The Communists have not used
their heaviest weapon, a work
mobilizat ton law authorizing the
government virtually to draft
men into industries where they
are most needed.
Looking the whole situation
over, Western observers are in
clined to discount any idea that
there is widespread attempt
to sabotage the national econ
omy through absenteeism.
There was absenteeism before
the Communist came to power,
Western sources said, "and there
will be absenteeism for many
NAorc f4 nnv,oe