Executive Order 2554

In order to enable the Navy Department to meet the requirements of law to secure the more expeditious construction of ships and procurement of munitions authorized, and by virtue of the authority vested in me by the provisions of the Act of Congress approved March 4, 1917, entitled "An Act making appropriations for the naval service for the fiscal year ending June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and eighteen, 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 eight 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 day rate of eight hours work, with overtime rates to be paid for at not less than time and one-half for all hours worked in excess of eight hours," I do hereby authorize the suspension of the provisions of law prohibiting more than eight hours of labor in any one day of persons engaged in such work under contract with the Navy Department in all navy yards and private establishments where such suspension of the provisions of the law will result in hastening preparation to meet present emergency conditions.

This order shall take effect from and after this date.

Woodrow Wilson.

The White House,

22 March, 1917.