§ 18. Officers and employees. The officers, deputy commissioners and
employees of the department of labor in office when this section takes
effect shall continue in office subject to the power of removal or the
appointment of their successors as provided in this chapter. There shall
be in such department and the commissioner may appoint such heads of
divisions or bureaus and such inspectors, investigators, statisticians
and other assistants and employees as he shall deem necessary for the
exercise of the powers and the performance of the duties of the
department.

The commissioner may transfer officers or employees from their
positions to other positions in the department, or abolish or
consolidate such positions. The commissioner may remove from office any
officer or employee in the department. All such transfers, removal of
employees or officers and abolishment or consolidation of positions
shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the civil service
law.