Executive Order 2918

by President of the United States

In order to secure the more expeditious construction, etc., of the projects contemplated by the act of Congress entitled "An act to authorize the President to provide housing for war needs," approved May 16, 1918, and by the act of Congress entitled "An act making appropriations to supply additional urgent deficiencies in appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1918, on account of war expenses and for other purposes," approved June 4, 1918, in so far as the same relates to "Housing for war needs," by virtue of the authority vested in me by the provisions of the act of Congress approved March 4, 1917 (39 Stat., 1192), entitled "An act making provisions for the naval service for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1918, and for other purposes," whereby it is provided—

"That in case of national emergency the President is authorized to suspend provisions of law prohibiting more than 8 hours' labor in any one day of persons engaged upon work covered by contracts with the United States: Provided further, That the wages of persons employed upon such contracts shall be computed on a basic rate of 8 hours' work, with overtime rates to be paid at not less than time and one-half for all hours worked in excess of 8 hours."

I do hereby suspend during the present national emergency the provisions of law prohibiting more than 8 hours of labor in any one day by persons engaged in or on any and all work to be done in connection with or under contracts for the construction, equipment, management, maintenance, alteration, repair, improvement, or suitable arrangement for living purposes of houses, buildings, improvements or any parts thereof, in providing housing and facilities related thereto for industrial and other war needs. This order will take effect from and after this date.

Woodrow Wilson 

The White House,

July 18, 1918.