The Daily Alaska empire., 1951-07-20

record unanimously opposing Section 4ot or tie 1852 Department of Agriculture appropriation Dill which has passed the House It is grossly unialr legislation and contrary to American fair labor stan- dards No business could hope to continue to operate if he were to resort to such discrimination among the persons he employs.
 We vehemeutly protest the inference that Alaskans are second class citizens entitled to the same Stan dard of living as people imported from the States. There-is no difference between Federal employees hired in Alaska and those brought from continental United States to work for the Government Both groups live in the type of homes, buy at the same stores engage in the kinds of recreation educate their children in the schools, and are subject to the same envronmental conditions. All residents both permanent and transitory Federal taxes the selfsame rate-the rate paid ln contn- enal United States It is utterly ridiculous to assume that because employee was hired in Alaska he can live more cheapy than someone who was brought here to work for the Government
 There is no question that the 25 percent cost of living allowance paid heretofore to Federal employees in the Territory is amply justified The Department of Agriculture has recognized this by paying dffe- rental since 1924 Cost of living have repeat edly demonstrated that living costs at least 25 percent higher the of Alaska where expenses are lowest. and tl1e most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics survey shows that the interior they are AT percent higher than Seattle Private industry takes cognzance of this by paying higher salaries than those prevailing in the States. These are based upon the work performed not the place where an em- ployee hired.
 The US Army Enginers state that using Seattle as base costs of construction in southeastern Alaska are 30 percent over Seattle, and much as 28O percent greater on the Alaska Highway.
 Congress has granted to the Federal Housing Authority a differential of 331b percent cont- mental United States building costs. This means that Federal employees have to pay one-thrd more for housing in Alaska
 Aside from the injustice of such policy, eco- nomicar and efncient administration under this pro posal will be impossble Certainly resident Alaskans should not be expected to work side by side with imported employees who are receiving greater com- pensation for the same work or in many instances, ficatons Furthermore, in spite of loyalty to the public service many valuable experienced employees, faced by economic necessity will be compelled to seek other employment. The result will be replacements imported at Government expense from the States at marked increase recruitment and training costs and less efficient operation With the present 25 cent allowance Government agencies have great diff ficulty recruiting and retaining competent employees
 We urge your Committee insist upon elimination of Section 4O7 and take action to defeat any additional proposals designed to achieve the same end. Such egislaton cannot be defended upon any reasonable or equitable basis
 Sincerely yours,
 Ses,egs@~Yg HI S.. ROWLAND, President
 ~ ,J,Ineau Chamber of Commerce