Chapter III: Part 3

A department devoted to the training of the employees engaged in this work is known as the "Examination Section," and is under the supervision of Mr. H. S. McLean. As soon as a substitute is appointed he is sent to this section, where he is drilled in the fundamentals, in the rules and regulations, and in proper methods of performing the duties ordinarily performed by new employees. Later the employees are graduated to practical work, and are assigned certain schemes to study on which they are examined from time to time and required to attain a certain standard of proficiency to justify their retention and advancement in the service. In the examinations, which continue as long as the employees are engaged in the distribution of mail, they are tested not only as to accuracy but as to speed, and if an employee fails to maintain the required efficiency, demotion follows.

A feature of the work is the endeavor to impress upon the employee the importance of his employment, the necessity for devoting to it his best efforts and of not only maintaining but improving the standard.

The following statistics in a way show the extent of this work:

Number of regular clerks subject to examination 5,956
Approximate number of substitute clerks
subject to examinations 2,000
--------
Total 7,956

Number of examination schemes issued to regular
clerks subject to examination 10,051
Approximate number of examination schemes issued to
substitute clerks subject to examinations 2,000
-------
Total 12,051

Number of examinations conducted
July 1, 1921, to June 30, 1922 15,140
Number of cards handled in conducting
case examinations 12,334,812
Average case examinations, daily 50
Number of clerks instructed in post-office duties
July 1, 1921, to June 30, 1922 4,636
Average instructions, daily 16

Number of study schemes in use in Examination Section 119
which are divided into examination sections 140

Mail schedule 4
divided into examination sections 26

Number of schemes examined
July 1, 1921, to June 30, 1922 564

_Welfare Work in New York_

In the New York post-office there is a Welfare Council, which consists of representatives elected by the clerks, carriers, laborers, motor-vehicle employees, and supervisors. This council considers all matters pertaining to the welfare of the employees and makes recommendations in regard to them to the postmaster.

At the General Post-office there has been established a clinic of the Government Health Service. This clinic is equipped with an operating table, surgical instruments and supplies, two cots, and the other appurtenances of a first-class dispensary. Three doctors and three nurses are in attendance. The clinic is open throughout the twenty-four hours with the exception of a short interval at night. Approximately fifty patients are treated each day and without charge.

The employees also own and operate a coöperative store and cafeteria in the general office, and among the terminals and stations there are numerous other similar undertakings.

The employees also maintain numerous associations formed to better their conditions. Several of these include sick benefits, insurance features, etc. Some of these organizations are of national extent, others are local; every station and department has its own association or associations in addition to the major organizations of large membership.

At the newer stations well-equipped and well-lighted "swing rooms" are provided. These are utilized by the men during their lunch periods and by the employees who are awaiting the time to go on duty.

The Manufacturers Trust Company

Cordially invites the officials and employees of the United States Postal System, wherever located, to make use of its facilities and services, whenever their interests may thus be advanced.

This Company conducts eight banking offices, at convenient locations throughout the City of New York, and at each of these offices it cares for the needs of its customers in every department of commercial, investment, and thrift banking.

Our officers welcome opportunities to be of service, or to advise with you regarding your banking needs.

NATHAN S. JONAS,
_President_.