National Affairs: R.I.F. Notices for Indefinites

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In the corridors and at the lunch tables in Washington last week, much of the talk was about R.I.F. notices (reduction in force), indefinites (noncareer Government employees) and F.B.I, (fired by Ike). The capital was talking about the cuts in Government personnel, and with good reason. Since Jan. 20, the federal payroll has been cut by 80,000 civilian employees, about half through dismissals and the rest through abolishing the jobs of workers who have resigned.

Many career employees have been dismissed, but now most of the R.I.F. notices are going to the indefinites. Last week's major cuts: i) the International Information Administration announced it will dismiss 2,000 and abolish 500 jobs in which there are vacancies, 2) the Veterans Administration began discharging 1,000 from its insurance division.

In the Washington trade marts, the payroll cuts are cause for concern. So far this year, retail trade in downtown Washington stores is running 4% under last year. Houses are not selling well, and apartment rentals are slow. Personal bank accounts have been rising steadily; Government employees, uncertain about where the ax will fall, are saving their money.

Last week some Washington merchants thought that the worst was over. But Civil Service Commission Chairman Philip Young promised that 10,000 more employees will be dropped by next July 1.