The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1950-05-18
Unemployment
(COHfiBned From Page One)

segments of our population. AL
though it is obvious that some un-
employment will always exist, our
goal must be to achieve an econ
omy in which no qualified worker
losing his job will have to endure a
long waiting period before finding
another.
1t is not enough for US to pre-
vent employment from falling.
Rather, our economy must continu-
ally expand so that it can absorb
the many workers who each year
are entering the labor market for
the first time.
The much-discussed goal of co.
100000 jobs becomes out-of-date
as the labor force expands each
year by almost 100000 workers.
Obviously, attaining this expansion
is not an easy job. All parts of our
economy, bu siness, agriculture,
labor and government must work
together towards this objective.
In working out a specific pro-
gram for achieving a high-employ-
ment economy, not enough atten-
tion has been given to the problem
Of consumer income.
If the income of consumers in
this country can be maintained at
high level, this will go a long way
towards assuring high level Of
employment. If businessmen. are
sure of market for their products,
they will be more interested in ex-
panding their business to provide
more jobs. In our opinion, the en-
phasis in developing a high-em-
ployment economy must be placed
on maintaining a high level of con-
sumner purchasing power.
Even though the present level of
unemployment does not represent
a "crisis' or emergency" it defin-
itely does call for certain specific
action. We must make certain that
the needs Of the unemployed and
their families are being met and
that steps are taken so that our
economy can function at it's max
imum effectiveness. The following
measures are recommended:
l. The system of mployment
compensation must be thoroughly
revised to provide greater income
for longer periods Of time for those
who find themselves without a job.
2. To increase consumer income,
unions must continually strive for
higher wages. The increased pur-
chasing power which will result
from a high level of wages will
broaden the market for all types Of
goods and services as well as stim-
llating increased efficiency in bus
ness.
At the same time, the benefits of
lnionism and higher wage levels
must be extended to all of the
population. This under
ines the Importance of the drive
he AFL is now carrying out to
enroll one million new members
Turing 1850.
3. Every effort must be made to
prevent any substantial increase in
consumer prices. For example, as
ong as the housing shortage exists,
Federal rent control will be needed
o prevent exorbitant increases in
'ents. Business must recognize the
for continually lowering
prices, or face hostile reaction from
he rest of the community.
4. Local community full employ
nent committees can be helpful in
lighlighting the problems of a par
icular locality and in taking GER
ain specific measures to increase
employment. However, because
many of the forces causing unem-
,loyment are beyond the reach of
hese local committees, their opera
ions must be carefully handled in
rider to avoid duplication and
wasted efforts.
5. The various government pro-
rams affecting our economic life
nust be revised to make them more
seful in attaining a high employ
nent economy. For example, the
xisting law providing for the ad-
ance planning Of public works is
eriously inadequate. Other areas
yhich need careful review are tax
tion, antitrust program, agricul
lral policies, and resource develop
,apt