Newspapers / The Charlotte Labor Journal … / Feb. 13, 1936, edition 1 / Page 1
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The ONLY REALLY INDEPENDENT WEEKLY In Mecfcftnburg County for a Weekly, Its Readers Represent the LARGEST BUYING POWER in Charlotte Official Organ Central Labor Union; endorsed t State Federation of Labor I Truthful, Honest, Impartial Che Charlotte labor Journal Patronize onr Adver tisers. They make TOUR ible by their co operai ■ possib tion. AND DIXIE FARM NEWS Endeavoring to Serve the Masses Vol. V.—No. 39. YOVII AOVCRTIIIMINT IN TNt JOURNAL IS A INVKITMKNT CHARLOTTE, N. C.. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1936 JOUSNAL ADVIRTIRIRI DNIRVk CONSIDERATION OP ▼NS RaAOIR $2.00 Per Year MORE MILL STRIKES SEEN BY U. T. W. LEADERS AS RESULT OF FAILURE TO ENACT LAWS MORE SUITABLE NEWBERRY, S. C., Feb. 9-—L. James Johnson, U. T. W. or ganizer, told a union rally here yesterday that Congress’ failure to pass the Ellenbogen textile control act would bring about liiorc strikes in the textile industry than ever before. He urged his 800 hearers, many of them employees of the Mollohon mill here which was closed down after a labor disagree ment early in the week, to write their reprentatives in Congress urging pasage of the wage and hour regulatory measure. The Mollohon mill was closed after the employees refused to accept the alternative of an increased work load or reduced wages offered by the management, which said the mill was unable to meet competition under pres ent conditions. - _ Johnson said the Kendall Manufacturing company, operators of the mill, had sent registered letters to all employes, some of whom had worked in the mill for 40 years, telling them, “You are hereby discharged (for refusal to obey orders.” , The speaker said the U. T. W. would stand behind the Mollohon workers and help "in any way possible.” Other speakers included W. L. Smith, president of the Mollohon local, J. A. Frier of Columbia, first vice-president of the South Carolina Federa tion of Textile Workers, and Dewey Kinard, president of local No. 2118 at West End. Discussion centered about the labor dispute at the Mollohon mill here which closed earlier in the week. Smith outlined the basis of the dispute and told the mass meeting that only three workers were agreeable to accepting the management’s request. He asserted that what he described as the mill owners’ drive against th union was concentrated on Local 2013 but that before it was successful “the streets of Newberry will be paved with gold.” Kinard said Local No. 2118 at West End was in sympathy with the workers at Mollohon. WPA Workers In Gastonia Want Pay Each Week (Special to Labor Journal.) Gastonia, Feb. 11.—A petition re questing that WPA workers in Gas ton county be paid each week instead of every two weeks is being circulated among WPA workers in this county. The petition, drawn up only a few days ago, already has a long list of signatures of workers attached to it. The petition, directed at the North Carolina Works Progress Administra tion at Raleigh, follows: “We, the undersigned employees of the WPA a in Gastonia most respect ively request inaC"lf possible *t“D« paid every week instead of every two weeks. The reason for this request is that we are unable to obtain credit at stores and in the event of sickness and other demands upon us it works a considerable hardship upon our fam ilies. We make this request appreciat ing the assitance and the opportunity for work but it would be a big help to us if our request could be grant ed.” Many Children Reported Going Back to Work Washington—Almost twice as many children are reported by the labor de partment to have gone to work in factories and stores during the seven months after NRA went out of op eration as did in the whole year of 1934. These and similar figures gathered by William Green, president of the American Federation of Labor, have led to a new demand for adoption of the constitutional amendment to per mit congress to regulate the working of youngsters under 18. A 30-Hour Week To Be Asked For In Mine Pacts WASHINGTON, Feb. 8.—Of ficers of the United Mine Workers were under mandate today to demand a 30-rour work week in their next contracts with operators. Shortening: of the week for soft coal miners from 35-hours was voted in the closing session of the Mine Workers convention yesterday. The meeting previously had approved an thracite workers demands for a sim ilar curtaining schedule. Other important last day develop ments were: Rejection by President John L. Lewis and other officers of large salary increases voted them Thurs day. Lewis increase would have been from $12,000 to $25,000. Authorization for miners to work overtime today so as to cope with the present fuel shortage emergency caused by continuing bad weather. The 30-hour work proposal would affect soft coal contracts succeeding those expiring March 31, 1937. The present anthracite contract expires March 31, this year. Lewis, who waved down protests against his refusal of a salary boost, warned that the miners did not in tend to make overtime a practice. Asserting the union was permit ting work beyond 35 hours this week so as to make sure no one would suf fer from cold, Lewis asserted: “We don’t intend to allow the op erator to work when he finds he can sell a carload of coal to industry and then cries aloud that he has found a poor family that needs fuel to heat the home.” The Union Label assures tl pur chaser that he is putting his money into the best investment on earth Trade Unionism. RESOLUTION ON ROY MORTON’S DEATH PASSED BY CENTRAL BODY Charlotte Central Labor Union at its regular meeting, Wednesday night, February 5th, passed the following resolution. Whereas, GOD in his infinite wisdom has seen fit to remove from our midst, ROY L. MORTON, a true friend of mankind in every walk of life: a worker for the uplift of his fellowman, a devoted husband and a loyal citizen, therefore be it Resolved, That we extend to the bereaved widow, the sorrowing mother, brother and sisters our heartfelt sympathy in their bereave ment, and be it further Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be spread upon the min utes of the Charlotte Central Labor Union, and that the Charter be draped for a period of thirty days; Also that a copy be sent to the Widow and Mother of the deceased, and be carried in our Official Labor Journal. Signed GEORGE J. KENDALL CLAUDE L. ALBEA W. M. WITTER Resolution Committee. February 5, 1936. CHARLOTTE CENTRAL LABOR UNION. NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS AND BUSINESS MEN A resolution adopted last year as to The Labor Journal and solicitation of funds in the name of Central Labor Un ion was brought out of the minutes and republished as in formation. The resolution reads a| follows: “Resolved, That we publish in The Charlotte Labor Journal, that we do not teondone any solicita tion of advertising except for The Charlotte Labor Journal, purporting to represent labor, unless over the signature of the secretary of the Charlotte Cen tral Labor Union. PIKTINCNT COMMENT on TIMlif TOPICS CHATTING i •Y HARRY BOATS * For some time there have been rumblings of difference of opinion in the official family of the American Federation of Labor. Recently there was held at Miami, Florida, a gathering of the leaders of those who are opposed to the ideas of the president and his followers. The question at issue is that of the industrial form or organization as opposed to the craft form of organization. In this case President William Green, of the A. F. of L., is standing for the craft form, while the appended letter, written some time ago, would indicate he was on the other side of the question. This article is not written with the idea of influencing the membership in any way regarding the question, but it is intended as a matter of informa tion and enlightenment to those who may not know what it is all about. One thing is certain, at the present time there is*a very decided differ ence of opinion on the question, and it may have serious consequences on the future of the American Federation of Labor. Bear in mind one fact very generally recognized and many times proved true: “A house divided against itself cannot stand, but will fall.” It is just the danger we one and all should make diligent effort to avert. How ever, read the letter and form your own conclusion. THE CASE FOR THE INDUSTRIAL FORM OF LABOR ORGANIZATION (By William Green, Secretary-Treasurer V. 11. W., of A., 1917-18, American Labor Year Book.) “An industrial form of organization is the organization of all men em ployed in an industry into one compact union. Craft unionism means the organization of men employed in their respective crafts resulting*in numer ous orgaizations within a particular industry. “The organization of men by industry .ather than by crafts brings about a more perfect organization, closer co-operation, and tends to develop the highest form of organization. The causes or jurisdictional disputes are con siderably decreased and in many industries can be eliminated altogether. The constant friction resulting among craft organizations in their contention for jurisdiction causes the labor movement more trouble and greater incon venience than any other problem with which it has to deal. When men are organized by industry they can concentrate their economic power more ad vantageously than when organized into craft unions. The results of such concentration of economic strength are the promotion of their common wel I tare and the advancement of their common interests. “The United Aline Workers of America is an industrial organization. All | men employed in and around the coal mines, regardless of their skill or call , ing, belong to the United Mine Workers of America. In negotiating a wage scale between the coal operators and coal miners a schedule of wages is ar rangd governing all classes of labor, skilled and unskilled, employed in and around the coal mines. By this process the interest of the unskilled worker is given as much attention as that of the skilled worker. It is indeed in the fullest sense a policy of all for each and each for all. A settlement of the wage scale is, not finally reached until the schedules applying to all classes of labor employed in and around the mines are agreed to. “The advantages of such a form of organization are so obvious that one can scarcely conceive of any opposition thereto. A form of organizatin that protects the interests of the unskilled worker is the form of organization most desirable. Much complaint has been directed against craft organizations because little regard has been given to the problems of the unskilled workers. It is becoming more and more evident that if unskilled workers are forced to work long hours and for low wages, the interests and welfare of the skilled worker are constantly menaced thereby. “In the development of industry and organization the tendency is toward concentration and perfection. This applies to the organization of labor as well as to the organization of industry and capital. Hence the reason why organized labor is gradually passing from craft organization to the more effective industrial form of organization. It may be well nigh impossible to eliminate the craft form of organization in certain lines of industry. How ever, it is quite possible to establish industrial forms of organization in the railroad industry, the printing industry and in other industries where groups of organizations are formed into councils and federated bodies. “Summing up the situation, some of the advantages resulting from an industrial form of organization are the reduction of opportunities or causes for jurisdictional disputes; the concentration of economic strength; the blending into harmonious co-operation of all men employed in industry and the advancement and protection of the interests of the unskilled laborer in the same proportion as that of the skilled worker.” ****^**^‘ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ru-inn Senate Bill Would Ban The Employer Coercion of Workers WASHINGTON, D. C.— (AFLNS.) —Challenging the alleged intention of many employers to use their con trol of work opportunities to influ ence the votes of working men and women in the coming national elec tions. the Senate passed and sent to the House of Representatives a bill severely penalizing any and all meth ods designed to accomplish this sub versive object. The measure makes it unlawful for “any person or corporation to in fluence or attempt to influence, through fear intimidation” the votes of employes in the elections for pres ident, Senate or House of Represen tatives. Corporate or individual employers found guilty of violating the bill would be subject to fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. How To Keep From “Growing Old!” Always race with locomotives to crossings. Engineers like it; it breaks the monotony of their jobs. Always pass the car ahead on curves or turns. Don’t use horn. It may un-nerve the fellow and cause him to turn out too far. Demand half the road—the middle half. Insist on your rights. Always speed. It shows that you are a person of pep, though an ama teur driver. Never stop, look or listen at rail road crossing. You may lose a few seconds of your time, even though you are going nowhere and have all day to get there. Always lock your brakes when skidding. It makes the job more artistic. In sloppy weather drive close to pedestrians. Dry cleaners appreciate this. Never look around when you back up. There is never anything behind. Drive confidently, just as though there were not eighteen million other automobiles on the highways. Incidentally, if you follow these rules you may keep yourself from growing old and at the same time do the same for someone else. The only inconvenience to this plan is that you, as well as the other victims, may die JToung. Gastonia Central Labor Union Puts Off Election Officers (Special to Labor Journal.) Gastonia, Feb. 11.—A goodly num ber of delegates representing various local unions in Gaston county attend ed the regular weekly meeting of the Gastonia Central Labor Union here Monday ninght in the Central Hall on East Franklin avenue. Election of officers of the Central body, which was originally schedoled to be held Monday night, was defer red until the first meeting in March. President A. W. Hinson, authorized' in a motion passed by the delegates appointed Floyd McLoud, of the Car penters union, and R. C. Thomas as a committee to draw up a petition requesting Senator R. R. Reynolds and Congressman A. L. Bulwinkle to give their support to the Ellebogan textile control bill. The petition, when drawn up, is to be circulated among textile workers and business men in the coun-* ty for their signatures. A number of very encouraging re ports were made by delegates con cealing their respective local unions. Several brief taUcs were made for the benefit of the union among them being one by Mr MsLoud in regards to the union label. Mr. McLoud stress ed the importance of workers demand in gthe union label on all goods that are purchased. United Mine Workers Authorize Overtime WASHINGTON, Feb. 9—With a blizzard swirling outside, the United Mins Workers’ convention yesterday authorized an overtime production of coal tomorrow to cope with the fuel shortage emergency. The miners, however, coupled a vote to eztend the week’s production be yond the 35-hour limit with another ballot to demand a 30-hour week in the next bituminous wage and hour contracts. The closing hours of the convention also saw John L. Lewis, U. M. W. president, veto the action of the con vention yesterday which boosted his 312,000 salary to 325,000. The Union Label is the greatest ASSURANCE of quality and the best INSURANCE for Trade Unionism. ' AN ORGANIZING CAMPAIGN OF COUNTY-WIDE SCOPE IS STARTED IN GASTON COUNTY (Special to the Labor Journal) GASTONIA, Feb. 10.—An intensive county-wide campaign has been started by organized labor in Gaston county to organ ize the unorganized textile workers and re-organize those who at one time were members of the United Textile Workers of America union but have fallen by the wayside, it was revealed here today by R. C. Thomas, U.T.W. organizer for Gaston and Lincoln counties. “Thus far the drive has met with much success,” Mr. Thomas said, in an interview with the local corre-: spondent for The Journal. He indi cated that he was expecting con tinued success at forthcoming meet ings to be held at various localities in the county. Meetings for the purpose of re-or ganizing the locals have been held during the last few days at textile union No. 2115, Ranlo; textile union No. 2138, South Gastonia, and textile union No. 2000, Bessemer City. A committee of 12 or 15 members of textile union No. 2138, South Gas tonia, is to meet with Organizer Thomas on Friday night of this -week; at which time more plans for lurcher organizing the local will be discussed and the selection of officers to be rec ommended to the membership will be considered. Mr. Thomas reported that an in dividual local membership drive staged by the North Belmont local union has just closed, resulting in the enrollment of approximately 150 members. The debate on the subject, “Craft and Industrial Unions,” between Or ganizers H. D. Lisk and J. Dooley, which was scheduled to be held at North Belmont last Saturday night, was postponed because of the ab sence of Mr. Lisk, who was in Wash ington attending the hearing on the Ellenbogan textile control bill. Five Points Are Cited By Gorman In Favor Ellenbogen Bill The following five grounds were presented by Mr. Gorman as the un derlying reasons for labor’s support of the measure. 1. The labor standards establish ed by the NRA code for the textile industry have largely broken down and are scheduled for a complete col lapse that will inevitably re-establish the low wages and long hours which prevailed in 1932, prior to the code. 2. Mill managers are speeding up mill operations and thus creating an increasing army of jobless textile wbrkers. 3. Employes in the textile indus try are paid the lowest wages of those in any industry. 4. More and more employers are intimidating and persecuting em ployes for their trade union member ship. 5. Mill owners are constantly in creasing the hours of work, in some instances as much as 60 per cent. Mr. Gorman declared that organ ized labor has indisputably demon strated the need for Federal legisla tion to control the textile industry. He charged that the figures on work ing conditions and mill operations presented by the manufacturers to show that NRA labor standards are being maintained are not only “un sound” but “biased” in their presen tation. “The Ellenbogen bill is not dista torial,” he said. “It is designed to bring about happiness in the industry. It will act as an entering wedge of emancipation for a large body of op pressed workers.” Skilled Labor Shortage Is Now Reported Chicago, Feb. 8.—A serious short age in skilled labor due to the business uptrend was reported today by the nation’s industrial executives. Though hundreds of technical jobs were opening, trained men could not be found to fill them, a three-day con ference of the business leaders dis closed. The shortage was described as most acute in the automobile and machine trades, although felt by industry in general. The situation was summed up by Alvin Dodd, of New York, executive vice-president of the American Man agement association, sponsor of the conference on personnel and industrial relations problems. “Industry is facing a serious short age of skilled workers,” he said. “The pinch is already felt, and will grow more acute as business continues on the upgrade. “The situation effects not only finely skilled workers, but skilled workers and semi-skilled workers. Radio Workers To Form New Organization WASHINGTON, Feb. 11.—Declar ing themselves “victims” of the bit ter industrial union vs. craft union controversy in the American Feder ation of Labor, delegates to a radio factory workers convention lined up yesterday with the industrial group. Although refused a national indus trial charter by the Federation’s ex ecutive council, delegates to the Na tional Radio and Allied Trades’ con vention, claiming to represent 80,000 workers, voted lats night to organize a new national union and re-submit their application for a refederation charter. Previously, the group had re jected almost unanimously a propo sal to transfer them to the Interna tional Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, a craft union of the Feder ation. Furniture Dealers Fight Prison-Made Goods By the States WASHINGTON, Feb. 9.—North Carolina furniture manufacturers have joined those of other sections of the country protesting to con gressmen against a WPA project in the Norfolk, Massachusetts, state prison, that is5 being set up to man ufacture furniture. The furniture manufacturers state that the Massa chusetts WPA administrator has al lotted $25,000 to the state prison board for the installation of machi I nery for the manufacture of furni ture. “You know we strongly object to the States going into business and a?!: you use your influence fo stop the opening of this plant as you know what this will do to the pre sent price level of furniture,” fur niture men state. “We are all having a hard time getting along at the present time; therfore whatever you can do to stop the opening of this plant will be great ly appreciated.” It is understoon that the Federal Prison Industries, Inc., has approved the project and various protests re ceived here by members of the North Carolina delegation have been referred to it. The surest way to keep organized workers on tfceir jobs is to purchase their Label goods. Demard the Un ion Label. A. F. of L. Denies Shortages of Skilled Labor In America WASHINGTON, D. C.—The report emanating from a conference of 700 industrial executives in Chicago sponsored by the American Manage ment Association that business is confronted with an acute shortage of skilled labor brought forth a prompt and emphatic denial from officials of the American Federation of Labor. It was pointed out that! in a recent survey of the skilled labor situation following a similar charge, the Exec utive Council of the American Fed eration of Labor said : ‘‘Our investigation indicates: “1. That there is no shortage of skilled workers if employers are will ing to employ union mechanics. 2. That the claimed shortage of skilled workers is due to discrimina tion against union members and is used as an excuse for lengthening hours or undercutting union rates of pay. 3. That instability of employ ment often forces skilled mechanics to^seek work in other occupations. 4. That an adequate employ ment service would help to make con tact between the employer seeking skilled men and the employe equipped to do the job.” IN MEMORIAM RESOLUTION: Local Union No. 69, Plumbers and Steam Fitters of Charlotte, N. C., wishes to express its sin cere sympathy to Mrs. Roval W. Morton and family over the loss of her beloved husband, Brother Royal W. Morton, who passed away February 1st, 1936. Our hearts go out to this dear family in their great loss. May the loving influence which .was felt by all who knew him go with them through life to comfort and bless them. E. D. FAIRES, FRANK BARR, A. J. DUMAS, Committee.
The Charlotte Labor Journal and Dixie Farm News (Charlotte, N.C.)
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Feb. 13, 1936, edition 1
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