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VoL V—No. 22
TOM AOV HIT HIM BNT IN TM« JMMU M A
CHARLOTTE, N. C„ THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1935
TO PROMOTE WELFARE OF WORKERS
ORGANIZATION IS NECESSARY SAYS
A. F. OF L EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Atlantic City, N. J.—The Executive Council of the American
Federation of Labor, in their report to the Federation’s annual
convention here urged the affiliated unions to inaugurate an early
nation-wide drive to enroll in trade unions the large numbers of
workers who unless they are organized will be unable to protect
themselves during the industrial transformation in which America
is now struggling. ' ' „ . „
“Clearly, the United States, like all other industrial nations, the Coun
cil said, iB passing through a period of fundamental changes in economic insti
tutions and practices. ......
“Wage earners must be alert and prepared to take advantage of this
change to secure recognition of their rights and increasingly adequate ac
ceptance of them in the habits and practices of business. There is Just one
way by which wage earners can do this—organisation in unions. Organized
workers have new power and a medium through which they can undertake
the promotion of their own best interests. ,
“Every other element in business is organized to take care of itself, and
unless workers follow the same policy what they have is taken from them
and what they ought to have goes unnoticed.
“Wage earners must be organized to have rights and promote their
own welfare whether the method is collective bargaining with employers or
the administration of law. . . .. .. .
“With organization labor is all-powerful; without organization it does
not have power, authority or rights.
“Upon those who believe in organization devolves the responsibility of
extending organization and helping others to understand the spirit of union
ism and the practice of collective bargaining.
“Your Executive Council urges every central labor union to plan and
initiate, not later than December 1, a labor-forward program for the purpose
of extending unionism to all the wage earners of its vicinity.
“We urge that this be your major activity during the coming winter and
that your plan for a sustained undertaking. The officers of the American
Federation of Labor will be charged with the responsibility for coordinating
this nation-wide campaign and for helping in every way possible."
U. S. WILL STAY OUT OF WAR
SAYS A F. OF L. PRESIDENT;
DICTORIAL GOV’T IS BLAMED
ATLANTIC CITY, N. J., Oct. 8—European dictatorships and
asserted Communist attempts to gain control of the American La
bor movement were assailed by William Green, president of the
American Federation of Labor, in opening the Federation’s 55th
annual convention. . ,
Green drew resounding applause from the 600 delegates when
he blamed the Ethiopian war on dictatorial government, and said
American labor would not permit this country to become involved.
Another outburst of applause fol
lowed his statement that no Commun
,ist organization could tell the Feder
ation what it should or should not do.
Green bc.at.i-thr ‘hw~» irw-n
nection with his discussion of senti
ment within the Federation for organ
ization of an independent political
party. " . „ ,
“The American Federation of La
bor will, in my judgment, declare it
self in favor of independent political
action in the formation of an inde
pendent political party when the crys
IJIHI I-|-- - - " ""
w iMieww > »■ «i '
COMPERS COMMENDS
THE LABOR PRESS
Were it not for the labor
press the labor movement
would not be what it is to
day, and any man who tries
to injure a labor paper is a
traitor to the cause.—Presi
!; dent Gompers. '
' Central Labor
: Union 1
Vice-President Kiser, of the Plumb
ers and Steamfitters local, presided
over the deliberations of Central La
bor Union at its weekly meeting Tues
day night in the absence of President
Frank Barr, who is out of the city.
The regular routine was gone through
with, the reports of locals being above
the average, though the attendance
was not what it -should have been.
The Airport came up for discussion,
and while the proposition was favor-!
ed, the matter arose as to the pay of j
skilled worker? on the project, should!
it be put over, and a committee was
apoipnted to handle this end of the
proposition.
First Vice-President Fullerton, of
the State Federation of Labor, and a
member of the Teamsters and Chauf
fers local of Charlotte made an inter
esting report on the meeting last
week in Asheville of the second Na
tional Conference on Labor Legisla
tion, which was also attended by Pres
ident Lawrence, of the State body. I
Miss Francis Perkins was also pres
ent and held several conferences with
Labor leaders on conditions in North
Carolina, which promises to bear
good fruit.
Other business of private and rou
tine nature was gone through with,
the meting adjourning around 10 P.M.
Utilized opinion OI me wwrieis uiui
cates that they believe their interests
can be better served through such ac
tion rather then through the pursuit
of » political party,” he
said.
“The American Federation of La
bor will not be coerced into taking
that action. It will not take that ac
tion because some order comes from
some gathering in a foreign country
directing the workers of the nation
to form an independent labor party.
“We face all these issues bravely.
There is no attempt to evade them.
We want to do that very thing that
will best provide the social, economic
and industrial interests of the work
ers and our great movement will take
advanced positions from time to time
as we feel the circumstances and the
realities of a situation and the facts
indisputably warrant.
“But no government in a foreign
land, no camouflaged organization
meeting on foreign soil can tell the
Federation of Labor what it should
or should not do.”
American labor, Green said, was
saddened by the beats of war drums
in Europe “because we hoped and be
lieved that when the great World war
ended we had truly made America
and the world safe for Democracy.”
“Selfishness,” he said, “must be re
sponsible for the conflict.”
“It is very significant indeed that
when dictators are enthroned, when
they are established in any nation,
they soon tire of a consideration of
domestic problems and seek new
worlds to conquer.”
Green continued, “the people in
Democratic countries abhor war and
it is that Democratic sentiment that
steadies the leaders of a nation.”
“But behold the development of war
manifestation and war equipment in
the nations where people are ruled by
dictators. .
“Naturally, labor is concerned m
this terrible threat to the world’s
peace. We are concerned about it,
but I know I but give expression to
the hearts and minds and judgment
of the working men and women of the
nation when I say that labor—labor as
represented through the American
Federation of Labor—will say to our
own government ‘under no circum
stances whatever must we be drawn
into this European war.’
“We have not forgotten the tragic
lesson learned in the World War and
the disappointments that have come
as a result of the termination of that
great conflict. They are still with
in our hearts and our minds. We
shall urge our government to exer
cise its good influence, its good of
fices, to mediate, to extend a helping
hand, to do all that lies within its
power to promote a settlement of the
conflict and to promote peace.
“But when our government has
discharged its duty in that respect we
feel that it has served fully and
completely in the discharge of its ob
ligations.”
TO ADVERTISERS
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LABOR PAPER. It
the territory thoroughly of those who buy your wares and
make a local labor paper possible for the workers. THEY
READ IT, ENDORSE IT, AND PATRONIZE ITS ADVER
TISERS.
CHATTING
-While we in the United States have been using every effort possible
to enact laws which will make the lot of the working men and women more
bearable, our neighbors to the south, in Mexico, have not been idle on the same
subject, and according to statements recently made in Washington by Senor
Louis N. Morones, head of the Mexican Federation of Labor, they are far
ahead of the United States in many of its labor laws.
-Following are a few of the statements made by Mr. Morones:
——The Mexican Constitution adopted in 1917 contains many of the
things that were written into the National Recovery Act in 1933. Mexico has
a seven-hour limitation on night work and 100 per cent additional pay for
overtime, one week of annual vacation with full pay, double pay for work on
holidays, and the Mexican Supreme Court has held that the worker shall be
paid in six days the established rate for seven days. Formation or promotion of
a “company union” is a penal offense, and interference by an employer in
the activities of a labor union is a violation of law. Child labor under 14
years is banned, no women may be engaged in night work, and there may be
no lockouts except for over-production, and a board of inquiry determines
whether such lockout or stoppage is justified.
-Discharge of industrial workers without recognized cause must be
accompanied by the payment of three months’ wages, plus damages suffered,
Which is usually calculated as 20 days’ pay for every year which the worker
has served the employer. In charges of violence the law specifically covers
what must be proven to constitute violence, and the mere allegation of the
employer that violence was committed has no standing in court. In cases of
physical disability the worker must be retired with compensation. The fire
ing and eviction of workers from company-owned homes is prohibited with
heavy penalties for violation until he has compiled with provisions of the act.
-The Mexican constitution says the employer must supply houses,
schools, and medical treatment to his workers, and the rent charged for such
is limited to one-half per cent a month of the assessed valuation of such prop
erty—in other words, 6 per cent per year. Rights of workers are not only
defined by statute, but duties and responsibilities of workers are also defined.
The worker does not go to a factory for a job; he goes to his labor union, or
he joins a labor union. And when the union sends a worker to a job it as
sumes a definite responsibility to the employer for his skill, his ability, his
trustworthiness, and for his performance of his duties as an employe. Work
ers are rated by classification and the union is held responsible for him by
the employer. The hours of work may be cut, but the rate of pay can not be
cut. The union has a definite responsibility to the employer, and deals with
him as one business man to another, and private parties can not change the
law of the land by any contracts they may enter into between themselves.
-In conclusion the statement reads': “We have anticipated the day
in the future when American employers may seek to come into Mexico can
establish competition with the American worker. We believe that Mexico
can prosper economically without hurt to the United States or any other
country. We will not permit Mexican workers to be exploited by foreign
employers at the expense of workers of other countries.”
-He states the fact that Mexican export and imports are increasing
year by year is proof that these laws have done his country no harm, and
since the present goverment is comparatively new, they still have a long way
to go before reaching maturity.
-In view of the above statements it may not be unwise for our na
tional and state legislators, also workers and union officials, to secure copies
of these laws and study them well, to the end that we may learn more on the
subject of how to properly regulate our activities and make this grand old
country of ours a still better place in which to live, and make our people a
more happy and contented class. ...
-There is no good and sound reason why the United States of America
should not be the best country in the world, and by continuously pushing on
ward and upward it will be so.
STRIFE-FREE RECOVERY VISIONED
BY SECRETARY OF LABOR PERKINS;
ADDRESSES FED. CONVENTION
ATLANTIC CITY, Oct. 9.—Peaceful industrial recovery was
foreseen yesterday by Secretary Perkins of the Labor Depart
ment. Instead of the strikes and lockouts that have marked the
ends of past depressions, both employers and employes were turn
ing to the various government labor boards for aid in settling
their differences, Miss Perkins told the American Federation of
Labor convention.
She predicted that this policy
would become even more general as
recovery progressed.
“These agencies will gather author
ity as the years go on and as the
, spirit of co-operation between em
ployer and employes continue to
grow, as they- become increasingly
aware that it is in their interest and
in the interest of the public as well,
we will find the good offices of these
boards being sought more and more as
a voluntary substitute for long and
costly strikes and luockouts,” she said.
Jubilantly, Miss Perkins told the
600 delegates of signs that business
steadily was getting better.
“The present acceleration is nation
wide and industry-wide and is mark
ed by the highly significant fact that
the durable-goods industries are
forging to the front,” she said. “These
' industries, as a rule, are the first to
suffer from a depression and the last
to recover. The latest reports to the
United States department of labor
on contraction activity, steel produc
tion, automobile machinery and ma
chine tools, in particular, leaves no
doubt that these industries, which
are so significant in the entire picture
of any recovery have actually made
the turn.”
I The labor department chiers mes
sage was the high spot in two brief
convention sessions, bat behind the
scenes warring factions were drawing
their lines and making secret alliances
for show-down fights on the building
trades department row and the in
dustrial union issue.
Whether workers in a mass pro
duction industry should be divided
among craft unions or organized into
one big union was the issue that pro
mised to provide the biggest scap of
the convention.
Eleven delegates introduced reso
lutions today calling for the federa
tion to adopt an industrial unioniza
tion policy. More were expected.
Automobile, linoleum, rubber, cement,
brewery, and western metal mine del
egates were among those to demand
that the craft unions stay out of their
industries.
Workers cannot lift themselves by
their bootstraps, but they can raise
Every dollar spent for Union Label
goods and services means better
wages, shorter hours and decent work
ing conditions for every worker.
Don’t boycott the merchant who
does not sell Union-made goods. Just
stop trading with him!
$325,000.00 AIRPORT MONEY IS
PRACTICALLY ASSURED CHARLOTTE
IF BOND ELECTION CARRIES
Definite assurance that Charlotte will be granted $325,000 for develop
ment of its airport, if the people approve a $50,000 bond issue for purchase
of the 610-acre tract, at Juneau was given Mayor Douglas on his second trip
to Washington yesterday.
Back it his office this morning Mr. Douglas said that John S. Wynne,
chief of the bureau of air commerce had assured him and Senator Robert
R. Reynolds that Charlotte will be given, in a direct grant with no obliga
tion for repayment, a total of $325,000.
At the same time Mr. Douglas said that the engineers in the bureau
are now at work on the plans for the Charlotte airport and that Lloyd M.
Ross, city engineer, who accompanied him to Washington, provided them
with much additional engineering data that was needed in connection with
these plans.
There seems to be no question, according to the mayor, that Charlotte
will secure at least $325,000. However this can not be obtained unless the
municipal government provides the land. And the local government must have
the approval of the people for the issuance of the $50,000 in bonds to buy
the land.
The election is to be held October 22 with the special registration books
closing next Saturday. Intensive efforts are being made to obtain the
registration of those citizens who are in favor of the bonds and this morn
ing plans were discussed by Mr. Douglas, States Lee, general chairman of
the citizens committee and other interested citizens.—Charlotte News.
A. F. OF L STILL FIGHTING FOR HOME
AND CHILDREN THROUGH A BAN
ON CHILD LABOR; 24 STATES RATIFY
Atlantic City, N. J.—An active campaign to elect to state
legislatures candidates who favor the Child Labor Amendment to
the Federal Constitution was urged by the Executive Council of
the American Federation of Labor in the Council’s report to the
annual convention of the Federation here.
“In order to uke effective a uniform national policy regulating child
labor, which State* have been unable to achieve, the Child Labor Amend
ment proposes to authorize Congress to limit, regulate and prohibit the
labor of persons under 18 years of age,” the Council said.
“A national law is needed because the child labor products of States with
low standards are transported and sold in States with higher standards. I
“When the Child Labor Amendment is ratified Congress shall determine
the age at which children may be employed and shall prohibit gainful em
ployment to all under that age.
“This does not mean that the la* will invade the home either in the city
or on the farm and prohibit children from taking a reasonable part in the
home duties. It only seeks to conserve the formative period of every child’s
life to educational development.
“The Amendment will in no way change family control and authority.
It simply grants to Congress power which the States now have and exercise.
It will not interfere with the States’ right to enact child labor legislation
raising sandards fixed by Congress and to co-operate with Federal authorities.
“The appropriations for dependent children provided in the new Social
Security Act will facilitate the establishment of higher age levels for gainful
employment for children.
RATIFIED BY TWENTY-FOUR STATES
“Twenty-four States have ratified the Child Labor Amendment. Twelve
more States must approve the amendment in order to secure its adoption
as a part of the Constitution of the United States.
WAGE BOOST OF NINE MILLION
GAINED BY GOAL MINERS IN
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING DEAL
Washington, D. C.—A fall committee of 28 representatives of the
United Mine Workers of America and 28 operators approved a wage a&d
hour agreement that ended the coal strike of 400,000 bituminous miners.
The strike became effective on Sept. 23 following the operators refusal to
grant wage increases which the coal miners claimed are necssary to pro
vide decent living standards.
The new contract embodied the final demands of the United Mine
Workers. It runs for 18 months, expiring on April 1, 1937. It provides
wage increases for various classifications of mine workers amounting to
about $90,000,000 a year.
The operators finally yielded to the miners’ demand for an increase of
9 cents a ton to coal diggers who are paid by the ton. The refusal of the
operators on Sept. 22 to grant only an increase of V/x cents h ton precipitated
the strike Mil.
In view of the wage increases the miners’ representatives gave up
their demand for the six-hour day and five-day week. The new contract
continues the seven-hour day and five day week contained in the old contract.
AGREEMENT PLEASES ROOSEVELT
Edward F. McGrady, Assistant Secretary of Labor, who had been work
ing with the miners’ and operators’ committees, informed President Roose
velt at the Whit* House of the agreement as swn as it was finalized. ,
The President then wrote on White House stationery the following note
to Mr. McGrady:
“As I prepare to go to the train I am made happy by your good news.
Will you tell the hundreds of thousands of coal miners and the many opera
tors that tonight’s agreement will make my long deferred vacation a great
pleasure, and also that this is a splendid example of the usefulness of the
principle of collective bargaining to which we are all committed?
Very sincerely yours,
“FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT.”
STIFF FIGHT AGAINST INDUSTRIAL
UNIONISM IS BEING WAGED AT
A. F. OF L. CONVENTION IN JERSEY
ATLANTIC CITY, N. J., Oct. 9.—Intensified, undercover elec
tioneering in the fight of craft against industrial unionism spread
today among delegates at the American Federation of Labor con
vention. i
Awaiting John L. Lewis, head of the United Mine workers who
personifies the industrial union cause, youthful representatives
of about 50 of the smaller unions took the initiative in signing
delegates’ votes.
James B. Carey, understood to have the miner’s approval,
formed the group into vote-getters to sound sentiment and report
hourly progress.
ine nasuiy iormea organization re
frained from making public the un
ions it encompassed, but among them
were bookekepers, accountants and
others of the clerical groups.
Among the 31,000 votes represented
at the convention, the industrial un
ion adherents already declared 13,000
were ready to oppose craft union or
ganization when the first clear-cut is
sue was presented.
Such an issue may come in a direct
move by industrial unionists for fed
eration endorsement of their type ol
organization or in determination of
justification questions in which craft
and industrial unions are opposed.
The craftsmen claimed 16,000 votes
and appeared confident of victory.
Sentiment for an independent labor
party, again among the younger un
ion members, gathered momentum and
plans were laid to consolidate
strength.
Before the delegates were several
resolutions critical of the two major
parties for allegedly failing to supt
port labor. That favored by many
was presented by Francis J. Gorman,
first vice-president of the United
Textile Workers.
Gorman’s resolution asked that fed
eration officers take the initiative to
form state labor parties within three
months and call a national congress
of such groups within a year.
It said that “the majority of our
populace finds itself faced, not with
fighting one or the other of the two
old parties, but with fighting the pow
erful interests which control them.”
*« VtlVIVi&CU VUC mile* 11,(111 U1UV1 fcj
League, the United States Chamber
of Commerce, “the subsidized press,
the subsidized radio and all other
agencies of Wall Street and big busi
ness.”
The program of the third day of
convention included addresses by
Spencer Miller, Jr., of the Workers'
Educational Bureau, and Commander
Ray Murphy, of the American Legion.
Secretary Perkins of the labor de
partment in an address yesterday cit
ed growing “recognition of the right
of labor to bargain collectively” and
economic improvement “based on the
^assumption of raising wages to im
prove the standard of living.”
The executive council suggested
studies of legislation to replace the
NRA, but among delegates’ demands
were made for a constitutional amend
ment to authorize congress to con
trol labor conditions and restrict the
sapreme court’s power to pass on the
constitutionality of such laws.
TRUCE IN MILK STRIKE IS
REJECTED BY PRODUCERS
CHICAGO, Oct. 8.—Open rebellion
by striking farmers against the Pure
Milk Association and a defy by the
strikers to Governor Henry Horner
tonight widened the breach m a milk
strike. Farmers from 14 counties
who met in Elgin rejected the govern
or's plea for a 30-aay truce and be
gan the establishment of a new bar
gaining agency to supplant the Pure
Milk Association, official agency for
18,000 dairy farmers in the Chicago
milkshed.
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