This is your GEFON Official Organ of Local 713 UNION PAPER UPW CIO SUPPORT IT!
Non political Vol No. 16 PANAMA, DECEMBER 21, 1948.
FREE Local Mightiest Convention Adopts Strong Program Nine Out Of Ten Favor Semi Unily and Full Sleam Akead Monthly Pay On Employee Poll Keynotes Third Convention ADMINISTRATION URGED AGAIN TO PUT SYSTEM INTO EFFECT The overwhelming number were included in the the recf Panama Canal Railroad em sults. Diligent action by the ployees have voted on the Local more than 500 hundUnion poll in favor of two red stewards made the huge pay periods per month to project a successful operation gether with discontinuance of The Unicn has already concommissary book deductions. veyed the results to the ACThe poll conducted by the ministration and pressed again Union, indicated that 88. of for the institution of semiall the employees surveyed, monthly pay.
nearly nine out of every ten, number of the employees were in favor of the propos who objected to the proposed ed change. Over 10, 000 of the change did so in the fear the Canal. Railroad employees they would have to spend too were covered by the poll. much time waiting in line at Every division and virtually commissaries for books, if the every area on the Canal Zone (Cont. on Page 4) midst an atmosphere of grim determination to continue waging an all out battle for the improvement of conditions for the under privileged employ es in the Canal Zone, Local 713, UPW CIO, held its Third Annual Isthmian Convention at the assembly hall of the La Boca Clubhouse on Saturday and Sunday, November 20 and 21.
The two day Convention opend with the playing of the national anthems of the Republic of Panama and the United States, after which Rev. Lemuel Shirley delivercd the Invocation.
Many Messages Received through the visit of his PrivMessages of good wishes ate Sucretary. Joaquin Franco were received from many pro Jr. sent words of greetings to minent figures as well as sister the Convention.
UPW unions in the States. Personal messages were deThe President of Panama, livered by the Hon. Jorge Illue Don Domingo Diaz Arosemena. Cont. on Page 4)
Joaquni 100, Jr. Private Secretary to President Domingo Diaz Arosemena of the Republic of Panama, delivering the President message to the delegates.
Richardson Sends Protest To Civil Service Commission Union Protests Delay In Civil Service Appointments UPW PINS TO BE HERE SOON Handsome looking Union pins appropriate for wear on suit or dress will be available for members ol Local 713 soon.
The new pins contain the emblem of UPW CIO and come in two styles one for men and one for women.
They can be purchased for 50. shipment of several hundred should be received by the Union around the first of January, those who come first 111 be served first.
ACCION presents the text of the letter sent by Thomas Richardson to the Civil Service Commission in response to the request of Region 14, UPW CIO: Honorable Harry Mitchell in The Panama Canal Zone President were opened to citizens of the Civil Service Republic of Panama. As you Commission know, this action was taken in Washington 25.
compliance with (1) the Treaty Dear Mr. Mitchell: of 1936 between the United In the Spring of 1947 exami States and the Republic of Panations for civil service jobs (Cont. on Page 4)
3rd Annual Isthman Conve LOCAL 713 ПРw The LETTER FROM BRODSKY TO RICHARDSON CALLS FOR ACTION WITH CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Max Brodsky, Regional Director, has called upon Thomas Richardson, UPW Anti Discrimination Commission Chairman, to protest immediately to the Civil Service Commission in Wash.
ington the latest postponem:nt of Civil Service appointments.
Brodsky pointed out in his letter that many Union members took and passed the examination. He stated that the many postpon? ments are leading people to think that the right of Panamanian citizens to hold Civil Service positions is being evaded.
The full test of the letter follows: Mr. Thomas Richardson, Chairman Anti Discrimination Commission UPW CIO 930 CT.
Washington 4, Dear Brother Richardson: After months of postponement, the Civil Service Commission in Washington has apparently again postoponed th: probational appointment of eligibles on the Civil Service registers to positions in the Panama Canal and Panama Railroad held by temporary and War Servic appointees.
As you know many of our members took Civil Service examinations during 1947 and qualfied in large numbers on the typist, stenographier, and clerk, regsit rs. Since that time many postponemerts have occurred in the appointment of these qualified eligibl to positions held by non permanent employees.
Because of these delays, it is being regarded by many that last year Civil Service Commission ruling that Panamanian citizens be permitted to take Civil Service examinations and fill such positions is being evaded.
Therefore, am requesting that you lodge an immediate protest with the Civil Servic: Commission against any further postponement of the appointment of eligible applicants to positions held by, non qualified employees.
Frat:rnally yours, MAX BRODSKY, Director Panama Region, UPW CIO.
Union Asks Raise for Street Cleaners and Relief Employees Union appeals last werk asked that Panama Canal Street Cleaners and employees assigned to relief duty be increased from the present grades.
The Union pointed out that Street Cleaners perform most of their work in streets and gutters and thus are constantly exposed to injury from passing vehicles. Also these employees have to work in moderate rains and can take to shelter only if the rain is heavy and prolonged. In addition, it was pointed out that since they are required to handle dirt, filth, refuse and garbage, the Street Cleaners (Cent. on Page 4)
The newly elected Local Executive Board for the 1948 1949 term. Seated, left to right, are: Fost Bournes, Recording Corresponding Secretary, Alfonso Alexis, Trustee; Graham Lewis, First Vice President; Pascual Ampudia, President; David Alexis, Second Vice President; Vernon Harper, Trustee; Cecil Hall, Financial Secretary Treasurer; Medora Sangster, Trustee.
The Chapter Representatives are, standing, left to right: Charles Davis, Paraiso. Chris Harewood, Red Tank; Barnabas York, Gamboa; Jose Tuñon, Balboa; Edward Green, Gatun; Edith Harper, Balboa, Harold Joseph, achers; Erald Durant, LeRoy Inniss, and Santiago Agnew of Cristobal. Season Greetings ACCION extends, to Local 713 members and their families, best wishes for a Merry Xmas and a New Year with a fuller and more abundant life for all. BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL ERNESTO CASTILLEROR