The Oregon state employee. (Salem, Oregon.) 1944-195?, October 01, 1948, Page 12, Image 12

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served the State for many years5 and who need of paint. They compare unfavor­
has faith that in his chosen career “and ably.
dedicated service he will not be too
Rest periods and facilities— some, not
shabbily treated or* unduly oppressed.-4. all, State employees are permitted a
Those who remain,§jn hope that public short rest period from their confining
service will offer a life career at a de­ work. The facilities are inadequate in
cent wage. 5. Those who remain only general and those in use become the
while looking around for a better pay-, ^subject of much criticism from the pub-
ing job. 6. Those who want only tem ­ lic when in use.
porary work.
Health and sanitation programs-r-
There should be only one class o f em­ many private concerns furnish home
ployee in public service^ namely, one 'visitation to ailing employees. The State
who finds the service adequately paid, lacks building^service equipment and
who is happy in the work he is doing facilities, has inadequate nursing ser­
of who can rightfully expect merited vice and permits sick employees to work
advancement, and who looks forward to when they should be home and not en­
ultimate retirement with an adequate dangering the health of others. There is
pension after a career of efficient ser-, no State program of health and sanità--
vice, honestly rendered.
tion for its employees.
What Working Conditions Are Necessary?
Insurance— thanks to the State In­
The solving of a wage problem is dustrial Accident Commission, all State
usually tied in with other matters which employees have a degree of protection
also are a part of an employees wages. against accidents during working hours.
Industrial management recognizes the This is a commendable, feature, com­
following, among others, as" a part of mon to all States. Only the Highway
an employee’s compensation: Pleasant Department has contracted for Group
and safe working surroundings, rest Life and Sickness Insurance whereby its
periods and facilities, health and sanita- employees can buy full protection for
i g >n programs,^recognition and reward themselves at a reasonable rate. There
for employee ideas.of value to the em- is nò State policy along this line, only
ployer, life and accident insurant s bene- the OSEA can and does offer a low-cost
fits, retirement benefits, vacations, bon­ plan to the State employees.
Retirement— thanks to the OSEA,
us payments, overtime pay, etc.
When it is realized that industry there is in effect a retirement plan for
functions primarily on a profit-making nearly all State employees. It differs
basis, one wonders if an employer who from those generally in effect in pro­
does less for his employees|,than does in­ vate industry in one major respect: The
employee pays a higher percentage of
dustry knows his business!
the total cost and the total pension is
What Working Conditions Does
also smaller.
Oregon Provide?
Bonuses, vacations and overtime pay
As an employer of over 10,000 peo- — compared to the general practices of
pie, Oregon ranks as a major employer. private industry, Oregon cannot be
The public service of the State is big proud of its present policies. No State
business! The public" expectsguts man­ employee ever heard of a bonus being
agement to be wise and eOfcient. Let us paid by the State for exceptional pro­
take a; look at the "management” and duction! Vacations are now fairly de­
see how -it c o m p o s with the practices cent, thanks to efforts of the OSEA,
of industry.
although many employees pay out six
Working surroundings—most state of their earned vacation days for a five
offices .are overcrowded, poorly ventil­ workingday vacation, due to a peculiar
ated, inadequately lighted and badly in ruling from the Civil Service Commis-