On this day in Labor History the year was 1993.
That was the day that President Bill Clinton signed into law reforms to the Hatch Act.
The Hatch Act was passed in 1939.
It limited the political activity of federal employees.
The act was passed due to accusations of alleged political cronyism by Democrats on New Deal projects.
Half a century later, Congress loosened the restrictions.
In his speech signing the reform, President Clinton explained the changes, “The Federal Employees Political Activities Act, which I'm about to sign, will permit Federal employees and postal workers on their own time to manage campaigns, raise funds, to hold positions within political parties. Still, there will be some reasonable restrictions. They wouldn't be able to run for partisan political office themselves, for example.”
President Clinton described the importance of the changes, “We've been supporting democracy throughout the world…But here in our own country, millions of our own citizens have been denied one of the most basic democratic rights, the right to participate in the political process.”
He ended his remarks by saying, “I look forward to the infusion and Federal and postal employee energy, expertise, and dedication into our political system that this bill makes possible.”
Today under the regulations of the act, most employees can assist in voter registration drives, attend fundraisers, contribute money, and distribute campaign literature.
They can even run for office in non-partisan elections.
They cannot use their jobs to influence elections or engage in political activity while on the clock.
Today there remains a balancing act between protecting the free speech of federal employees, and keeping the government politically neutral.
June 8 - Tragedy in the Butte Mines
June 7 - Boston Carmen Organize
June 6 - Raid at Rocky Flats
June 5 - The Big One
June 4 - Union Busting Thugs Assault Local Leaders
June 3 - Victory at Auto-Lite Paves the Way
June 2 - Wartime Strike Defies Presidential Seizure
June 1 - Standing Up by Sitting Down
May 31 - The 1921 Tulsa Race Riot
May 30 - The Memorial Day Massacre
May 29 - The Little Steel Strike Revs Up
May 28 - The 54th Massachusetts
May 27 - Rubber Workers Push Back Against War Profiteering
May 26 - SWOC Strikes Little Steel
May 25 - Striking Teamsters Triumph
May 24 - Operation Humanity Marching for Dignity
May 23 - The Battle of Toledo
May 22 - The Battle of Deputies’ Run
May 21 - Striking to Save Their Union
May 20 - Relief Workers Sit Down in Vancouver
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