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Manual for Employees - General Electric Company Schenectady Works (1926)

[The 39-page Manual for Employees, General Electric Company Schenectady Works (GEQ-30, Old Series INT-1014) was published in Dec. 1926.]

[Cover] | [Title Page] | [Index] | [Introduction] | [5" x 9.25" Map of Schenectady Works 1x | 4x]

INDEXPAGE
Absence9
Accidents17
Addresses37
Americanization29
Applications for employment25
Apprentice courses29
Athletics26
Automobiles and motorcycles38
Band35
Bulletin boards24
Bundles and packages38
Cleanliness16
Complaints25
Continuity and length of service19
Educational courses27
Employees' service25
Employees' Store38
Fire and fire drills16
French Point Camp36
General Electric News34
Group Life Insurance21
Holidays24
Hospital17
Housing and Home Building26
Hours of work and overtime rates6
Leave of absence24
Library35
Lockers and keys12
Lost and found articles39
Method of paying off9
Mutual Benefit Association18
Pensions23
Personal mail 37
Quarter Century Club34
Recreation27
Relief and Loan Plan32
Rest rooms27
Restaurants36
Safety12
Savings and investment plan21
Suggestions30
Supplementary compensation21
Telephones37
Time cards8
Tools11
Transfer system25
Vacations23
Visitors37
Workmen's accident compensation18
Works Council30

Introduction

This booklet is issued so that you may have in concise form helpful information. It is earnestly hoped that you will co-operate with the Company by becoming thoroughly familiar with its contents. If you are in doubt as to the meaning of any of the statements made, your foreman will be glad to explain them to you.

Records have been made at the time of engagement of your previous training, experience, etc., which form the basis for your future relations with the Company.

The physical examination indicates the condition of your health so that you will not be assigned to work which you cannot safely or efficiently perform.

Industrial Service Department
General Electric Company
Schenectady Works

Manual for Employees

The General Electric Company is the largest manufacturer of electrical apparatus and supplies in the world. It was incorporated in 1892, acquiring at its foundation the capital stock of the Edison General Electric Company, the Thomson-Houston Electric Company, and the Thomson-Houston International General Electric Company. The Company designs, manufactures, and sells electrical machinery and apparatus of nearly every description, among which are:

The general office and largest works of the Company are located at Schenectady, New York. The works had its beginning in two buildings, now Shops 10 and 12, in 1886, and has grown to include over 350 buildings with floor space of over 6,500,000 sq. ft. and a ground area of 645 acres. It employs 22,000 men and women in its offices and works.

A map [1x | 4x] of the Schenectady Works, showing the location and numbers of the principal buildings, will be found in the back of this booklet.

New employees should make a careful study of this map, familiarizing themselves with the location of their building and that part of the plant in which they are interested.

Hours of Work and Overtime Rates

The regular factory working hours are:

MEN - DAY SHIFT (48-hour week)

Monday,to Friday, inclusive:
7:20 a.m. to 12:00 noon; 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday:
7:20 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

MEN - NIGHT SHIFT (50-hour week)

Monday to Friday, inclusive:
7:30 p.m. to 12:00 m; 12:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.

WOMEN - DAY SHIFT (47 1/2-hour week)

Monday to Friday, inclusive:
7:20 a.m. to 12:00 noon; 12:30 p.m. to 4:25 p.m.

Saturday:
7:20 a.m. to 11:55 a.m.

The factory whistles blow according to the following schedule. At the times indicated by an asterisk, two blasts are blown as a signal that it is time to commence work.

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

6:00 a.m.
7:15 a.m.
7:20 a.m.*
12:00 noon

12:25 p.m.
12:30 p.m.*
4:30 p.m.
7:25 p.m.
7:30 p.m.*

Saturdays:

6:00 a.m.
7:15 a.m.
7:20 a.m.*
12:00 noon

12:25 p.m.
12:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.

Watchmen, engineers, firemen, furnace tenders, and others in special cases will work according to arrangements made with them.

Employees, with certain exceptions, working on the regular night shift will be paid in addition to their regular earnings a premium of 5 per cent.

Overtime rates equivalent to time and one-half are allowed to day workers for time in excess of regular working period, either days or nights.

Overtime rates for piece workers are calculated on the basis of 50 per cent of the rates paid constant day workers for the same classes of work, or piece workers when working temporarily on day work, as called for in the Standard Schedule of Rates.

Overtime for day workers begins at 12:30 p.m. Saturdays; other days at 4:30 p.m., when work is continuous.

An intermission of 30 minutes is allowed for supper, if desired, without pay.

Double time is allowed from 12 midnight Saturday to 7:20 a.m. Monday, and on legal holidays, except on continuous process occupations.

Overtime slips are required for work later than 4:30 on regular working days, and 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Time Cards

Employees will be assigned a clock card upon which they are required to register the time as follows:

Day Shift

  1. Before commencing work in the morning.
  2. Before recommencing work in the afternoon.
  3. When leaving work in the afternoon.
  4. Before commencing on overtime work.
  5. When leaving work.

Night Shift

  1. Before commencing work at night.
  2. Before recommencing work in the morning.
  3. When leaving work in the morning.

Employees who are obliged to leave the factory during working hours must register "Out" when leaving, and "In" when returning. This should be registered in the "Lost or Overtime" column.

If a factory employee registers in after 7:20 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., his time will begin with the next third of an hour.

Failure to register should be immediately reported to foreman.

If an employee finds that his card has been registered by someone else, he should inform the time clerk.

No changes or alterations on clock cards are permitted.

Falsifying a clock card or ringing another card will render employee subject to immediate dismissal.

Clock cards must never be carried away from the rack unless permission is obtained from the foreman.

It is a good plan to look at cards before and after registering.

Employees who have to leave the factory during working hours should register "Out" on their clock cards and present card to foreman who will issue a pass. This pass is to be deposited with gateman.

Employees whose duties require their presence in the Works at anytime other than the regular working hours, are required to obtain a pass signed by their foreman and present it to the gatekeeper when entering the Works.

Absence

Absence of employees should, if possible, be arranged for in advance; otherwise, notice should be sent immediately to the foreman or department head by telephone or fellow workman. Frequent absence without approval may be cause for dismissal.

Method of Paying Off

Pay checks are distributed on Thursday to employees on the day shift and Wednesday night to those on the night shift.

The regular pay day is Friday, at which time the piece rate employees are paid up to and including Thursday of the previous week, and day workers up to and including the previous Sunday. All women employees are paid off at 4:25 p.m., at the regular pay stations of the different departments, and form in line according to the numerical order of their check numbers. Men employees are paid in the same manner, with the exception that they form in line at 4:30 p.m.

Men employees on the night shift are paid between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the pay window in Building 41. For further information see foreman.

Persons who are out of turn at the pay window or who have not signed pay slip will be sent to the foot of the line.

All persons who do not obtain pay on Friday at the regular time should go to the Paymaster's Office in Building No. 41, after 12 noon, Saturday, or after 4:30 other working days.

No employee will be permitted to draw another's pay unless an order signed by that employee and countersigned by his foreman is presented. In case of error or loss of pay check, the department clerk should be notified immediately.

Employees who leave the employ of the Company on week days (except Saturday) will receive their pay between the hours of 11 a.m. and 12 noon, except Friday, or between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. on the day of leaving. On Saturday they will receive their final pay between the hours of 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

All "Removal from Payroll" forms must be approved by the Section Superintendent, the Tool Department, Building No. 53, for tool clearance, and the Information Bureau, Industrial Service Department, Building No. 44, before final payment can be obtained.

Tools

Workmen requiring tools will be furnished with a set of tool checks. One check will be given to the tool room clerk for each tool obtained.

Employees starting a new job should ask the foreman what tools, jigs or fixtures to use and not depend on the tool room clerk to determine the tools required.

Tools which are not in use should be promptly returned to their places.

Jigs, fixtures and small tools must be cleaned thoroughly before being returned to tool room.

All tools drawn on employees' checks will be charged to them.

Deduction will be made for all tools not returned on leaving the employ of the Company.

If a tool is broken or lost, a "broken or lost" tool slip must be obtained from the foreman to be returned with the broken tool in order to obtain tool check.

Lockers and Keys

Lockers are provided for employees in which they should keep their personal property, such as coats, hats, umbrellas, etc., to insure against their loss, and to prevent the unsightly condition which would otherwise prevail about the buildings. Lockers and keys are assigned employees upon request to their foremen.

Safety

For the promotion of safety and sanitation, a committee extending to every Department has been organized as follows:

MAIN SAFETY COMMITTEE

Representatives from the Workmen's Compensation, Hospital, and Safety Engineering Divisions of the Industrial Service Department, General Electric News, General Superintendent's Department and Foremen's Association.

  1. DEPARTMENT MAIN SAFETY COMMITTEES
  2. DEPARTMENT SHOP SAFETY COMMITTEES

From this group a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, and a Secretary are elected annually.

Safety Hints

Report any dangerous conditions at once to your foreman or the member of the Safety Committee from your section.

Don't fool with compressed air - it is dangerous.

Don't touch dangling electric wires to find out if they are alive. Report them to your foreman.

Don't close a switch until you are sure no one is working on the circuit or machine.

Don't leave loose nails or boards with protruding nails on the floor. Pick them up and place them where they can harm no one.

Look out for: files without handles, screw drivers with loose handles, hammers with loose heads, cold chisels with mushroom heads, tools in poor condition; they are dangerous. Have them repaired or replaced at once.

Goggles and Eye Protectors

Employees engaged in any work, such as chipping, grinding, operating metal saws, cutting concrete, etc., where flying particles may cause injury to the eyes, shall wear goggles or other eye protectors.

Employees engaged in electric arc, oxyacetylene welding, or other work where harmful light rays exist, shall use eye protectors. Goggles or other eye protectors will be furnished by the Company through application to the foreman.

Clothing

Employees whose duties require them to operate machines, or to be near them, should avoid torn or ragged clothing, and should keep their outer garments buttoned or otherwise fastened, so that they cannot become entangled in the machinery. Female employees should be especially careful to keep their clothing and hair from being drawn into gears and machines, or wound upon shafting. Caps or nets should be worn to confine the hair. Soles of shoes should in all cases be free from holes that may catch on splinters in wood floors, or that may allow the feet to be cut by stepping upon nails, broken glass, or other sharp objects. Collars, cuffs, eye shields, or cap fronts should not be made of celluloid, or similar highly inflammable material, if they are to be worn near an open flame or in a place where sparks are likely to fly about.

Machinery

Employees must not remove or make ineffective any safeguard around or attached to machinery, vats or pans while the same are in use. All such safeguards removed for making repairs must promptly be replaced.

Any person violating this provision of the Labor Law is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable for the first offense by a fine of not less than $20.00 nor more than $50.00, for subsequent offenses by increased fines or imprisonment, or by both fine and imprisonment. This is a State regulation, enforced by the State Industrial Commission through the Factory Inspector.

Gasoline and Benzol

Workmen should use great care in handling gasoline and benzol and should never smoke, or use open lights, or lighted matches, in rooms where they are being used for any purpose. Dangerous quantities of gasoline or benzol vapor often remain in barrels and cans after the liquid has been emptied from them and care should therefore be exercised in the use of open lights around such barrels and cans. Employees should constantly be on the watch for leaks in gasoline pipe line, and in tanks or containers of any kind; and if such leaks are discovered they should be brought immediately to the attention of the foreman.

Signs

Employees should pay strict attention to all warning signs that may be posted. These signs are displayed for the purpose of pointing out dangerous conditions and any instructions they may bear should be faithfully carried out.

Wood Alcohol

All persons should know that wood alcohol is an active poison, and that when swallowed in any quantity it will probably result in death, or total and permanent blindness.

Hand Trucks

Hand trucks should not be used unless they are in perfect condition. Trucks should be pulled not pushed, as the latter practice is dangerous.

When the blade of a hand truck is used as a lever in order to lift a package, the trucker should guard against the package slipping from the truck blade, or the truck flying back, because the blow might cause a serious injury.

Fire and Fire Drills

The subject of fire protection has received careful attention by the Company, and its extreme importance is fully realized. Not only have all the requirements of law been fully complied with, but the Company has adopted additional precautions and devices for the safety of the employees and the protection of property in case of fire in any of the buildings. Fire drills are held regularly in all departments. Piling of material of any kind around alarm boxes or fire exits is strictly forbidden.

In case of fire, do not get excited.

More people are injured as a result of panic following an alarm of fire than from the fire itself. If the fire alarm sounds, employees should leave the buildings quickly and in an orderly manner, following the instructions of the Works Fire Department.

Cleanliness

The Company asks the co-operation of all employees in maintaining healthful and sanitary conditions.

Papers, rags, oily waste, fruit skins, or other refuse, must be deposited in the waste can provided for such purpose.

Machines, work benches, and tools should be kept clean and in order.

Hospital

The General Electric Hospital Building No. 45, telephone 2303, is under the supervision of the Works physician. It is equipped and ready to furnish complete treatment in all cases of accident and relief in case of illness. Physicians and nurses are in attendance and ambulance service is furnished when necessary. All surgical and medical service rendered by the Hospital is free of charge to employees.

Dispensaries are located in Building No. 84, telephone 3650, and Building No. 2, telephone 2539 for the convenience of employees working in those vicinities. The Dispensary in Building No. 2 is in charge of a woman physician.

Accidents

If you are injured in any way whatever, no matter how slightly, go at once to the Hospital in Building No. 45, or the Dispensaries in Buildings No. 84 and No. 2. A slight cut or scratch, if neglected, may result in a serious case of blood poisoning.

In case of serious accident, telephone the Hospital at once and give full particulars in regard to the case. It is vital to furnish this information at once, as special apparatus may be required.

If a person is injured seriously those who are in the immediate vicinity of the accident should lend themselves promptly to the emergency. If it is found that the injured person is in a serious condition, make him as comfortable as possible, but do not move him until some of the first-aid men arrive, as it may be necessary to apply tourniquet, splints, etc., before moving the patient or even placing him on a stretcher. The importance of proper care at this point should be realized by everyone.

If on leaving the Hospital or Dispensary you are given a card instructing you to return for further treatment, be sure to carefully follow the instructions contained on the card. This may prevent serious complications, and also save you, as well as your foreman and the Hospital Staff, considerable annoyance.

Workmen's Accident Compensation

Employees will receive remuneration for injuries in accordance with the provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Act. To protect your rights under this Act, it is necessary that your employer have notice of your injury within thirty days. This can be done by immediately notifying your foreman or writing a letter to the Accident Compensation Division, Industrial Service Department, Building No. 23, Room 201.

Mutual Benefit Association

Every employee is urged to join the G-E Mutual Benefit Association for protection against loss of wages due to sickness or accident. Employees over 16 years of age are eligible after one month's employment.

Disability benefits per week, after first week:

Continuing for a maximum of 14 weeks in any 12 months.

Supplementary death benefit payments are made by the General Electric Company in amounts equal to the benefits paid by the Association to the beneficiaries of members who are not included in the Group Insurance Plan.

Information regarding membership may be obtained from the foreman's office, or following divisions of the Industrial Service Department. Information Bureau Building 44 or Welfare Division, located in rooms No. 238 and 240 on the second floor of Building No. 41.

Continuity and Length of Service

An employee's participation in the Pension Plan, Group Life Insurance, Supplementary Compensation, Vacations and the Extra Two per Cent Payments on G. E. Employees Securities Corporation Bonds depends upon the continuity and length of his service, and these are determined by the following rules:

  1. Temporary absence on account of illness or temporary lay off because of reduction in force will not be considered as a break in the continuity of service, but when such absence exceeds six consecutive months the period in excess of six months will be deducted in computing length of service.
  2. If any employee, after leaving the service of the Company, shall be reemployed, he shall be considered as a new employee.

    "Leaving the service" is defined as follows:

    1. When an employee leaves voluntarily or is discharged.
    2. When an employee absents himself from duty for two consecutive weeks or longer, without satisfactory or adequate explanation.
    3. When an employee is laid off because of reduction in force (1) either is not re-employed within one year from date of layoff or (2) after being notified within such one year period, fails to return within two weeks of date of such notice without satisfactory explanation of such failure.
    4. When an employee, absent because of illness, fails to keep his department head informed monthly.
  3. These rules also apply to the payment of the extra 2% on G. E. Employees Security Corporation Bonds, but in no case shall payment continue more than 12 months from the beginning of absence.

Savings and Investment Plan

From time to time employees have had the opportunity of purchasing Company stocks and bonds, payments being made by deductions from the payroll or payment in full.

At the present time investment may be made, after an employee has been six months with the Company, in bonds of the G. E. Employees Securities Corporation, to an amount not exceeding $500.00 per year, details of which can be obtained from the Bond Office, Building No. 2, or the Pay Roll Department, Building No. 41.

Supplementary Compensation

Each employee receiving compensation of $4000.00 or less per year who has completed five years or more of continuous service at January 1st and July 1st of each year, and is still in the Company's employ at the date of distribution, will receive a payment equal to 5% of previous six months' earnings. This payment is made semi-annually on or about February 1st and August 1st of each year, in cash, or in securities redeemable in cash upon presentation by the employee.

Group Life Insurance

When an employee has worked for the Company one year, he becomes eligible for group insurance. The employee may subscribe for an amount of insurance dependent upon his annual wage, and the Company will deduct the premium from his earnings in monthly installments.

The amount of insurance offered and cost are:

    Annual        Amt. of       Monthly
    Wages        Insurance       Cost

 Up to $1200      $ 500         $0.30
$1201 to 1800      1000          0.75
 1801 to 4000      2000          1.70

If the employee makes application for this insurance within thirty-one days after becoming eligible for it, no medical examination will be required. If the employee passes into a higher class because of increase in wages, the amount of insurance and cost will increase in accordance with table above on the first day of June or December following the date of increase in wages.

As soon as each employee becomes eligible for this insurance an application form together with complete information will be sent to him.

All employees who subscribe for the foregoing insurance and who have dependents will also receive free group insurance from the Company in accordance with the table below. Those who do not take this insurance will not receive the free group insurance.

Years Service   Amt. Free
  with Co.      Insurance

     1            $ 500
     2              750
     3             1000
     4             1250
     5             1500 (maximum)

In the case of employees having no dependents the amount of this free insurance is $150 after one year's service and does not increase with additional service.

Employees who become totally and permanently incapacitated before reaching the age of 60 and who have subscribed to this group insurance are eligible to receive disability benefits beginning 6 months after filing proof of disability.

Vacations

Factory employees with ten years' continuous service are granted each year one week's vacation with pay. Those having twenty-five years' continuous service are granted two weeks' vacation with pay.

Pensions

When an employee has worked continuously twenty or more years for the Company and has reached the age of retirement, he becomes eligible to receive a pension.

The age of retirement is seventy years for men and sixty for women, but an employee who has been twenty years or more in the service, and who becomes permanently incapacitated for further work, may, at the discretion of the Pension Board, be granted a pension.

The formulae for computing the amount of the pension is as follows:

The annual amount of such pension shall equal 1 1/2 per cent of the average yearly wage for the ten years prior to retirement times the number of years employed. For example, if the employee's average annual wage for ten years is $1000 and he has been in the service thirty years he would receive 1 1/2% x $1000 x 30 yrs. = $450 per year or $37.50 per month.

An employee does not acquire an increase of the rate of his pension by continuing in the service after he has reached the age of retirement. Applications for pension should be made to the Welfare Division Industrial Service Department, Building No. 41.

Leave of Absence

Leave of absence without pay not exceeding three months may be granted at the discretion of the manager or department heads, but in every case it must be arranged in advance and notice sent to the Payroll Department. Leave of absence for a period in excess of three months must be submitted for approval, in advance, to the Committee on Eligibility.

Holidays

The regular shop holidays are: New Year's Day, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Presidential Election Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Notification of other holidays or changes in the above will be posted on the gate bulletin boards.

Bulletin Boards

The Bulletin Board is a means of official communication with employees. Employees should, therefore, consult such boards frequently.

Applications for Employment

Applications for employment should be addressed to the Industrial Service Department, where all help is engaged.

Employees recommending applicants for employment should use Recommendation Form SW-2621, which may be obtained from foremen or department heads.

The Industrial Service Department is available for those who wish to obtain information regarding questions of advancement or industrial status.

Transfer System

A system of transfer is in effect under the direction of the Industrial Service Department, Building No. 1, whereby employees, under certain conditions, may be transferred to positions offering opportunities for their particular skill and qualifications.

Complaints

Personal complaints should be made to foremen. If satisfaction is not obtained employees are privileged to refer the matter to their Section Superintendent, or, General Superintendent. In some cases the Industrial Service Department may be of assistance.

Employees' Service

For the convenience of employees the Industrial Service Department maintains an Information Bureau in Building No. 44, Room No. 209, telephone 532. Employees are advised to consult this office for advice, assistance or information regarding working conditions, educational facilities, service benefits, insurance, legal questions, athletics, home ownership and similar subjects. The services of a Notary Public are available in this office without charge to employees.

A branch of the Main Library, containing books on technical and factory subjects of interest particularly to the factory employees, is located in the bureau. These books are loaned to employees upon their request. Call at Building No. 44 and read the books relating to your special work.

Housing and Home Building

Employees desiring advice and information relating to the purchase or building of homes may apply to the Information Bureau, Industrial Service Department, Building No. 44. This office is prepared to loan plan-books and sample specifications, give advice regarding financing and explain the Company plan of home ownership.

Athletics

To encourage and develop wholesome amateur sport, the Company maintains an athletic field, equipped with a 1/4-mile running track, baseball diamonds, soccer field and tennis courts. A field house with showers, lockers and dressing rooms is also maintained for the use of players. Inter-departmental baseball, basketball and bowling leagues are formed under the supervision of the Works Athletic Committee. Information regarding athletic activities may be obtained from the Information Bureau, Industrial Service Department, Building No. 44.

Recreation

The Company is in sympathy with and encourages efforts on the part of the employees as individuals or in department groups to develop wholesome recreation and clean sport.

The major athletic activities are baseball, basket ball, and bowling and many leagues are formed representing the various departments of the Company.

Rest Rooms

Rest rooms for women are provided in all departments where women are employed. These rooms are under the supervision of matrons.

Educational Courses

The Company, in co-operation with the various educational institutions in the city, provides opportunities for instruction for those who wish to continue their training.

The Evening Vocational School conducts classes at the Works immediately after the close of the working day.

The classes offered include:

For those who desire other or more advanced instruction, a large number of courses are offered at Union College and the Schenectady High School.

Union College Extension Courses include:

Courses at the High School include:

The Industrial Service Department maintains a Bureau of Instruction at the Works, where stenographers and typists before engagement are taught the terms and forms used by the Company. The length of this period of intensive training depends upon the education and previous training of the individual.

A Student Engineering Training Course is conducted which furnishes practical engineering experience for technical graduates in mechanical or electrical engineering. From those employees who complete this course are developed the designing, manufacturing, construction, research and commercial engineers for the various departments of the Company.

An Electrical Training Course is also conducted for High School graduates, which offers practical experience in the Testing Department and General Engineering Laboratory. This training includes evening class work in physics, mathematics, and electrical theory, thermodynamics, business economics, etc.

Information in regard to educational activities may be obtained from the Industrial Service Department, Building No. 1.

Apprentice Courses

Young men between the ages of 16 and 18 years, with the necessary qualifications, are accepted as apprentices.

Booklets describing the courses and the requirements for entrance may be obtained from the Industrial Service Department, Building No. 1.

Americanization

Americanization classes are held in the Works immediately after working hours, in which foreign-born employees are given instruction in English and civics. Classes are arranged for those employees who have no knowledge of English as well as those who have a limited knowledge. Civics classes are conducted for those who are preparing to obtain citizenship papers.

In addition to the instruction, assistance is afforded employees in filing their petitions for naturalization and in securing their complete citizenship from the Naturalization Court.

Further information may be obtained from the Americanization Secretary, Industrial Service Department, Building No. 44.

Suggestions

Suggestions for the improvement of working conditions in the plant, greater safety or economy of manufacture by changes in machinery, design or processes are welcomed by the Management and will be given careful consideration. Awards will be made to employees for suggestions which are adopted.

Suggestion blanks will be found at boxes located near bulletin boards, and any further details of the system desired can be obtained from the foremen or Secretary of the Suggestion Committee, Building No. 44.

Works Council

Following is the constitution of the Schenectady Works Council as revised April 16, 1924.

The Council will consist of elected employees (Councilmen) from various districts to be designated, together with the Works Manager, Assistant Manager, General Superintendent and Assistant to the Manager.

Scope of Council

Any subject of general interest to all workers in the plant will be considered proper for discussion in the Council meetings. Five Councilmen elected by the Council will act as a committee on questions to come before the Council.

Election of Councilmen

Councilmen will be elected by ballot, the candidates whose names appear on the ballot having been selected in a primary election. The primary election of candidates will be held on the date to be announced by notice in the General Electric News not less than a week in advance.

Primary Vote

A day in advance of the primary vote each employee entitled to a vote will be handed a primary ballot designating his district and the number of Councilmen who will represent that district. In the blank spaces provided for the purpose the employee will fill out the name or names of the designated number of candidates from his district for whom he desires to vote. These primary ballots will be collected in boxes provided for the purpose. Two employee tellers will be responsible for sealing the ballot boxes and subsequently counting the ballots. The tellers will list the candidates, the names appearing in the order of the votes received, and from the top of this list three times the number of names that there will be Councilmen in each district will be printed on ballots for election of Councilmen (that is, for a district having one Councilman three names, a district having two Councilmen, six names, etc.).

Election

In each district ballots with the printed names of candidates will be distributed. The election procedure will be as in the primary balloting but the tellers for the final election will be a department clerk and the man whose name is next in order of votes in the primary below those nominated as candidates on the final ballot. These tellers will be responsible for sealing the ballot boxes and subsequently counting and recording the ballots of the final election.

Voters

Any employee in a section, except superintendents, general foremen, foremen, assistant foremen, sub-foremen and clerks, is entitled to vote.

Term of Office

Councilmen will serve for one year and will be eligible for re-election.

Meetings

Meetings of the Council will be announced two days in advance and will take place at 3:30 p.m. in the Fire Station, Building No. 45.

Relief and Loan Plan

A Relief and Loan Plan has been adopted for the Schenectady Works. Each member of the plan contributes to a relief and loan fund and for every dollar so contributed the General Electric Company contributes an equal amount.

Following are some details of the plan:

  1. Employee, after one year's service, may become a member. Employee will not be entitled to a loan until after he has been a member for six months.
  2. 50 cents per month to be deducted from employee's salary or wages. 10 per cent of this amount to be used as a relief fund and 45 cents to be used as unemployment loan fund.
  3. Members who leave the employ of the Company after one year's membership will be refunded the amount deducted from their wages, less the amount of their contribution toward the supplementary relief fund. No refund will be made to any one having been a member less than one year.
  4. After two weeks of unemployment, a member, subject to the approval of the committee, may be loaned an amount not to exceed $20 per week. A member earning less than half of his normal week's wages for a period of four weeks may be loaned, upon approval of the committee, an amount not to exceed the amount equal to the difference between his earnings and $20 per week.
  5. Amount of loan not to be more than $200, and without interest.
  6. Member retired either on a pension or disability relief will be paid full amount deducted from his wages plus interest at 5 per cent per annum for average time.
  7. The General Electric Company will act as custodian of the fund, and will allow 5 per cent interest thereon. Loans and disbursements will be administered by a committee of which an equal number shall be elected by the contributors and appointed by the management.
  8. When the contributions to the unemployment fund reach the amount of $500,000, the deductions from payroll for all members will be reduced to 25 cents per month: 5 cents to be used as a relief fund, and 20 cents to be used as unemployment loan fund. Members joining during the period of reduced rates shall pay 50 cents per month for one year.
  9. When the unemployment fund is reduced to $300,000, the deductions from payroll will be increased to 50 cents per month.
  10. Loans for relief: sickness or death in family; emergency in case of fire, or other disaster, subject to approval of committee. Amount of loan not to be more than $200, and without interest.
  11. Payments of loans to be by deductions from payroll. Deductions to begin when member is given full time work and by deductions from payroll in installments of 10 per cent of his weekly pay or terms of repayment of relief loan to be left to the discretion of the committee.
  12. Employees who have been retired either on pension or disability relief and are, after investigation by the Industrial Service Department, reported as needy cases will be donated such amounts as approved by the committee in conjunction with the councilman concerned with the particular case.

General Electric News

The General Electric News, a magazine published semi-monthly in the interests of the employees of the Schenectady Works, is distributed free at all pay stations. General items of interest are solicited from all employees.

Quarter Century Club

This organization is composed of those employees who have twenty-five or more years of continuous service, and has for its purpose the furnishing of social and recreational facilities for its members. Members are granted an additional week's vacation over the usual vacation of one week for service of ten years.

Band

A concert band of approximately 45 pieces is maintained in the Works, under capable leadership. The band rehearses every Monday afternoon and plays a concert each Wednesday noon in the various shop departments during the winter and on the bandstand near Building No. 49 during the summer. Employees desiring to secure positions in the band or additional information regarding the band should apply at the Information Bureau, Industrial Service Department, Building No. 44.

Library

The Main Library of the General Electric Company, located in the basement of Building No. 2, contains books on many subjects relating to engineering, machinery, business practice, and allied fields.

Most of these books, as well as current magazines, are available to employees of the Company.

A competent library staff is maintained which will gladly assist in the selection of magazine articles or books and other information pertaining to technical subjects, or any other matters of interest to employees.

For those whose work requires that they be kept posted on latest engineering and business development an internal publication, "Library Service," is issued. Arrangement for receiving this regularly should be made with the librarian.

This library works in conjunction with the branch library maintained in Building No. 44 and which is mentioned under "Employees' Service."

The Main Library is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except Saturdays, when the hours are from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Restaurants

The Company maintains three restaurants for the benefit of its employees, one in Building No. 48, one in Building No. 96, and the other in the basement of Building No. 2.

French Point Camp

The Company maintains during the summer months a Camp, at French Point on Lake George, for women employees. This Camp offering vacation opportunities under ideal conditions is located on the west shore of Lake George, six miles from Bolton Landing, opposite Paradise Bay, and on one of the most delightful sites on the lake. It commands beautiful views up and down the lake for a distance of fifteen or more miles.

On the Camp site there are two main buildings, the dining hall and recreation hall, and twenty-five comfortable rain and mosquito proof tent houses, each tent accommodating two girls.

Tennis, swimming, rowing, hiking, and many phases of nature study are a part of the program for those who wish to participate.

Further information about the Camp may be obtained from the Industrial Service Department, Building No. 1, or by calling telephone No. 2254.

Visitors

Guide service has been provided for those who wish to visit the Plant. Regular trips are made at stated intervals and those who wish to visit the Works should apply for admission and guide service at the information room, main gate in front of Building No. 2.

Telephones

Because of the heavy demand on telephone service, employees are requested not to use telephones for personal business except in cases of emergency.

Personal Mail

All employees should have their personal mail and packages addressed to their homes, and not to the Works of the Company.

Addresses

Since correct addresses are necessary in cases of sickness or other emergency, employees are requested to notify their foremen promptly of changes. The foremen should notify the Industrial Service Department, Building No. 1, using Form SW-3266.

Employees' Store

The Employees' Store, located in Bldg. No. 52, is open daily to employees from 12:00 to 1:00 and from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., with the exception of Saturdays, when it is open from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In this store employees may purchase electrical appliances, wiring devices, wire, cable, Mazda lamps, automobile lamps, tungar rectifiers, radio equipment, and other articles which are announced by bulletins and in the General Electric News.

For the convenience of employees, there are over twenty stations located in different parts of the Plant where employees may place orders and pay authorized clerks, who in turn will send the orders to Building No. 52, where they are filled and the material delivered to the stations.

Bundles and Packages

When it is necessary to take a package out of the factory, a pass must be obtained from an authorized individual in each department and presented to gateman. Packages taken out of the Works are subject to inspection by gateman.

Automobiles and Motorcycles

Parking space has been provided for automobiles and motorcycles. This space is located so that cars may be parked in the vicinity of the gate through which the employees wish to enter.

Lost and Found Articles

All lost or found articles should be reported immediately to the Information Bureau, Industrial Service Department, Building No. 44, telephone 532.

A list of the lost and found articles will be published in each issue of the General Electric News.

Map of the General Electric Company Schenectady Works

After five "Memoranda" pages, the personnel manual ends with a 5" x 9.25" map [1x | 4x]

General Electric
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