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Conversation 252-044

TapeTape 252StartWednesday, May 5, 1971 at 1:16 PMEndWednesday, May 5, 1971 at 3:00 PMTape start time02:03:29Tape end time02:04:57ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  White House operator;  Griner, John F.Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon met with American Federation of Government Employees president John F. Griner to express gratitude for the union's support regarding administration welfare reform initiatives. Nixon emphasized the necessity of strict work requirements, insisting that able-bodied recipients perform manual labor to transition off welfare rolls. The discussion served to solidify the alliance between the administration and the union leadership on these policy goals despite potential internal political friction.

Welfare reformLabor unionsWork requirementsJohn F. GrinerPublic policy
AudioNARA Description

On May 5, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and John F. Griner met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:16 pm and 3:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 252-044 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 252-44

Date: May 5, 1971
Time: Unknown between 1:16 pm and 3:00 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

The White House operator talked with the President

[See Conversation No. 42-99]

The President talked with John F. Griner at an unknown time between 1:16 pm and 3:00 pm

[Conversation No. 252-44A]

[See Conversation No. 42-99A]
Transcript (AI-Generated)

This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.

I just wanted to tell you that all of our employees here have been most grateful for your help on our welfare reform and some of our other initiatives.
And I know that it may cause you some problems with some of your members, but if you would know that I've been hitting hard on the work requirements that have been mentioned.
And because after all, the purpose of our purpose is to get people off of welfare, not off.
And I think that they understand that in the message.
Even though we've strengthened it a great deal, the work required nothing, because I did nothing.
You probably know this, and I spoke with governors.
I said welfare workers, wealthy people on welfare would have to take any kind of work, including so-called labor work, and that gets home.
I believe if a person is able to work, you ought to do anything to stay on the job as well.
Anyway, we appreciate it, and we hope that everything goes well.
All right.
Good.
Yes, sir.
Okay.
Bye.
Bye.
Bye.
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