Masonry Magazine September 1972 Page. 32
Washington Wire
EMPLOYERS MAY FACE BIGGER CONTRIBUTIONS under workmen's compensation. A Federal commission has recommended that the state laws be reformed now. It urged the states to broaden coverage and substantially increase benefits. The commission would give the states a chance to reform their own regulations. But if they refused to act by 1975, the Federal government would take over. Workmen's compensation costs would be increased substantially in most states. The increase in employer costs would range from about 10% to more than 50%.
Here are some of the reforms to be considered by the states:
-Ending arbitrary limits on the duration or sum of benefits.
-Making coverage under state laws compulsory, not elective.
-Barring exemption of any groups, all firms will be covered.
ENERGY MAY WELL HAVE TO BE RATIONED TO INDUSTRY in the next 10 years. Consumption is simply increasing faster than this country's new supplies. The use of every form is expected to be increasing sharply by the Eighties. The Interior Department estimates a threefold increase between now and 2000. Energy demand has lately been rising faster than the Gross National Product.
THE PRODUCT-WARRANTY MEASURE IS NOW HUNG UP
in a House committee-after achieving quick approval by a very comfortable margin in the Senate. But a real controversy has arisen over changes the Senate made in the bill, alterations that would grant the FTC the power to regulate all industries including Federally regulated industries like banks, trucking and airlines. Currently, these businesses are specifically exempt from such FIC regulation.
A whole new array of opponents is battling against the bill now, in addition to the usual industries that want to deflect consumer bills. And adjournment of Congress is coming soon.
A RATIONING TREND IS ALREADY EVIDENT
in the allocation of natural gas. Some gas companies have put restrictions on supply to industries and homes. These companies may be able to handle only 85% of U.S. requirements by 1975, as tough new air pollution rules intensify the already brisk demand for gas.
Industry offers a tempting target for curtailment as the shortages develop. Companies now take over 25% of the nation's primary energy obtained from the fossil fuels.
COMPANIES DON'T HAVE TO PAY WORKERS
for time spent on safety checks. The job-safety law allows employees to accompany inspectors on plant checks. One company refused to pay employees for a walkaround during working hours. The union asked the Secretary of Labor to bring an action against the firm. He not only declined to bring suit, but also reversed an earlier decision that time spent in inspections should involve pay under the Wage-Hour law. He said a worker participating in a walk-around isn't engaged in normal work.
The courts may finally decide the legality of the Secretary's position. The union involved plans to file its own lawsuit.
A BILL TO DE-REGULATE TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES IS DYING
in Congress. A House subcommittee has just torpedoed a controversial Administration plan, yielding to persuasion from the powerful trucking and railroad industries. The plan was to cut the authority of the Interstate Commerce Commission-the agency responsible for regulating freight rates in interstate commerce. Railroads, truck, and barge lines would set their own "reasonable" charges. In addition, the restrictions on entry into these fields would be relaxed.
The death of the measure rules out reductions in rates to shippers. De-regulation would have meant more competition.
STRUGGLING SMALL COMPANIES MAY SOON FIND IT EASIER
to get bank loans. About 7,800 banks have new authority to lend to somewhat more risky firms. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. is allowing these "leeway" investments-allowing most banks to lend on less secure but socially desirable projects. In the past, bank-examination standards inhibited the making of such loans. The new policy will give banks more freedom to assist small businesses, minority-owned firms and community development.