Newspapers / The Charlotte Labor Journal … / Dec. 19, 1946, edition 1 / Page 1
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AFFILIATE WITH YOUR CENTRAL LABOR UNION AND THE N. C. FEDERATION NOW! Unionists, Do Everything Within Your Power To Working For A Better Understanding Between Aid In the Southern A. F. L. Membership Drive North Carolina AFL Unions and Employers of Labor Charlotte Labor Journal A New*paper Dedicated To The Interests of Charlotte Central Labor Union and Affiliated Crafts—Endorsed By North Carolina Federation of Labor and Approved By The American Federation of Labor. VOL. XVI; NO. 33 “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 pa per is a traitor to the cause.”—Samuel Gompers. CHARLOTTE. N. Cn THURSDAY. DECEMBER 19. 1916 Subscription $2.00 Per Year GREEN ASKS AFL MEMBERS TO BATTLE ANTI-LABOR BILLS Cites Growing Threats To Weaken Unions By Curbing Rights Washington, D. C. — Grave warning that influences are at work throughout the Nation to curtail labor's freedom and se riously shackle workers’ consti tutional liberties was sounded by AFL President William Green in a letter to the officers of all State Federations, city central bodies and directly affiliated AFL unions. Taking full cognisance of in creasing demands in recent months fod legislation to sharply curb operations of labor unions in expanding, entering collective bargaining conferences and im proving the conditiens of their members, Mr. Green declared: “I greatly fear attempts will be made to change the Wagner Labor Relations Act, modify the Norris-La Guardia Act, make il legal union shop agreements, re* strict the exercise of the right to strike, subject workers to civil suits for damages for participa tion in strikes in alleged viola ton of contracts, and, in addition, enact further objectionable labor legist a Man similar to the notori ous Case BUI, which was passed by the last session of Congress.” Declaring that, unfortunately, a large number of Congress mem bers who voted for such meas ures at the last session were re turned with greater strength in the November elections, M r. Green asserted: “I deem it my duty to report to the membership of the Ameri can Federation of Labor the leg islative outlook for labor duiing the 80th Congress is a matter of deep concern. We will do every thing that lies within our power to prevail upon the members of Congress to vote against and op pose objectionable antilabor leg islation, but the facts are that we must deal with the antilabor and reactionary members of Con gress, elected by the voters, who pass upon legislation vitally af fecting labor at this coming ses sion of Congress. “Because of my apprehension and feeling of deep concern over the situation, I am addressing you this communication, earnestly requesting the officers of your organization and the members of the American Federation of Labor in the locality in' which your or ganization functions, to communi cate with your representatives in Congress protesting against the enactment of anti-labor legisla tion and requesting them to stand by labor and vote against anti labor legislation.” Mr. Green, alerting the entire Federation of Labor on this issue, declared his firm belief the voice of every member should he raised in vigorous protest against pro posals that would weaken their cause, and that only by such ac tion could they be certain their representatives were fully con versant with their strong views. “Please remember that every working man and women and every member of organised labor will be affected deeply by such antilabor legislation,” he said. “That means, in communicating with those who represent you in Congress, you are appealing in behalf of yourself as well as your fellow workers in all sections of the country." Lowell, Mass.—The Internation al Ladies’ Garment Workers has signed a contract with the Syn thetic Yarns, Inc. It is retroac tive to October 14 and provides a 70-eents-an-hour minimum, and also calls for a 2 per cent vaca tion fund financed by the company for those employed from three months to five years and a 5 per cent fund for those employed five years or more.. TEXT OF FRESIDENT GREEN'S STATEMENT Washington, D. C.—The com plete letter sent by AFL Presi dent William Green to the officers of all State Federations of La bor, City Central Bodies and di rectly affiliated bodies follows: The 80th Congress will con vent in Washington, D. C-, begin ning January 3, 1947, It is re ported that the Members of Con gress will be called upon to give consideration to highly objection able antilabor legislation. Such legislation, if enacted into law, would vitally affect thd enocomie interests and well being of the workers of the nation, as well as their freedom and the exercise of all their rights under the Con stitution of the United States. I am confident attempts will be made to limit and curtail the ex ercise of the legitimate functions of labor organisations. I greatly fear attempts will be made to change the Wagner La bor Relations Act, modify the Norris-LaGuardia Act, make il legal union shop agreements, re unci me exercise oi me ngnt to strike, subject workers to civil suits for damages for participa tion in strikes in alleged violation of contracts and, in addition, en act further objectionable labor legislation similar to the notorious Case Bill which was passed at the last session of Congress. Unfortunately a large number of Congreamen who voted in favor of the passage of the Case Bill at the last session of Congress were re-elected by increased ma jorities. They will accept their elections a# a vindication of their action and as endorsement of the votes they cast in favor of the Case BiU. I deem it my duty to report to the membership of the Amer ican Federation of Labor the legislative outlook for labor dur ing the 80th Congress is a mat ter of deep concern. We will do everything that lies within our power to prevail upon the Mem bers of Congress to vote against and oppose objectionable anti-la bor legislation, but the facts are that we must deal with the anti labor and reactionary Members of Congress, elected by the vot ers, who will pass upon legisla tion vitally affecting labor at this coming session of Congress. Be cause of my apprehension and feeling of deep concern over the t situation, I am addressing you this communication, earnestly re* questing the officers of your or ganisation and the members of the American Federation of La bor in the locality in which your organization functions, to com municate with your representa tives in Congress protesting against the enactment of anti-la bor legislation and requesting them to stand by labor and vote against anti-labor legislation. The voice of labor should be heard by the Members of Con gress. They should know of your feelings of deep concern and par ticularly that you are alert—that you will watch how they vote and if they vote for anti-labor legis lation, they cannot expect the sup port of labor in the event they are candidates for re-election to Congress. Please bear in mind that every working man and woman and every member of organised labor will be affected deeply by such anti-labor legislation. That means in communicating with those who represent you in Congress, you will be appealing in behalf of yourself as well as your felldw workers in all sections of the country. I respectfully urge you to carry out the suggestions and recom mendations herein made immed iately. Keep informed as to the action of your representatives in Congress, communicate with them immediately urging them to stand by labor in the exercise of its right to join and maintain unions and to enjoy in full the freedom and liberty guaranteed by the Constiution of the United States. XS.OM MINERS REAFFILIATE Chicago—Twenty-five thousand Illinois miners, members of 165 United Mine Workers local unions associated with the AFL have re affiliated with the Illinois State Federation of Labor, Victor A. Olander, secretary-treasurer of the State Federation, announced. He said he sent a “welcome back” message to Hugh White of Springfield, 111., president! of Dis trict 31, UMW-AFL. MEAT SUPPLY INCREASES Washington, D. C.—During No vember a gain of 100 million pounds in cold stocks of meat brought the nation’s meat supply closer to normal, according to a report from the Department of Agriculture. LABOR—U, S. A. I The twenty-fourth edition of the American Federationist of the Air, broadcast on the “Labor, USA” program over the Ameri can Broadcasting Company net work, included the following out standing feature articles to sup plement the news: LIBOR’S STUf IN THE BILL OF RIGHTS By William Green, AFL President The American people tomorrow will observe the 155th anniversary of the establishment of the Bill of Rights, their most precious possession. Our country has been blessed with material wealth. No other land enjoys in such full measure the abundance of food, the tre mendous industrial preductivity and the military might of Amer ica. But the great factor which has kept us strong as a nation, which has guided our people along the path of peace and progress and which inspires even the hum blest citisen with an uncoaquer able spirit of independence ia oar common heritage of thia Bill of Rights. The first ten amendments to the Constitution have come to he known as the Bill of Rights be cause they protect the personal liberties of every American from invasion by anyone — even- the Government. Foremost of these liberties, of course, are freedom of religion, the freedom of speech, freedom of press and free dom of assemblage. Also included are protection against unreason able searches and seizures, the right of a fair trial to the ac cused, and a prohibition against excessive fines and 'cruel and in human punishments. These rights cannot be denied to the man in overalls any more than they can be denied to the millionaire. In the course of our national history, the working people of America have been forced from time to time to in voke the Bill of Rights to save themselves from oppression and degradation. The courts have held that the freedom of speech and the free dom of press include the right to picket peacefully, because that is the way by which workers who are striking against injustice can| inform their fellow citizens of the justice of their cause. The freedom of assemblage has fre quently protected workers from intimidation and physital violence. In my opinion, another impor tant amendment to the Constitu tion—the thirteenth—deserves to be included in the Bill of Rights. This amendment prohibits the ex istence of slavery or involuntary servitude in the United States or its territories, except as a pun ishment for crime. We hear a great deal these days about plans by the next Con gerss for the enactment of anti labor legislation. Let me serve notice, here and now, that the American Federation of Labor will resist with all its power any legislation which transgresses the Bill of Rights or violates the Thirteenth Amendment. These basic rights must be kept inviolate or the entire Amer ican way of life will be destroyed. In fact, the trade union move ment firmly believes in the ex pansion oi numan ireeaoms, rais er than their repression. In the recent past, we fought and won the battle for social security to banish the fear of destitution in old age. Every day of our existence we are battling to end the fear of poverty which comes from sub standard wages. Beyond these efforts, the American Federation of Labor has proposed to the United Nations the adoption of an International Bill of Rights, so that the people of all the world can enjoy the freedoms which the people of the United States proudly possess and will never surrender. PEACE IN THE POWER INDUSTRY 1 By A. L. Wegener, Assistant to the President! of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers In an effort to explore the pos sibilities of dealing with labor relations in the vital utility of the nation by voluntary union-, managment co-operation, Edgar L. Warren, Director of the United States Conciliation Service, in vited both sides into a special conference here in Washington this week. I attended the conference in (Continued on Page 5) Chrigtmag jWtbUj> by aa net of par Moment la Eag iwend the realm. Tbe mrt Um' disbelief la holiday eajey mrnts was sa la team that parlia ment ordered Christmas to be ob served as a strict fast day. No roast beef, no plan pudding, as wassail were permitted. • • o Although turkey Is the essential feature of Christmas dlnaer to day. the bird was aakaowa la England la the ltth century. In troduced from America, It cams late Its present popularity la the early 1700s. • 00 la several states of tbe dale* there Is a definite law forbidding anyone from interfering with a child’s belief la Beats Class. • 00 •ipentlUM — litlf frtn eM time#—Uml i^f1! laki Dm ptwtr tf at Chrlsteui • • • Lewis CarroH wrote bio famous far a little girl who was the dough ter of one of Ms friends. CARPBNTERS WIN ELECTION IN ELIZABETH CITY PLANT Raleigh, AFL Office. — The Brotherhood of Carpenter* and Joiners of America won an elec* tion for collective bargaining rights Thursday, December I, in the Mengel Veneer Company plant at Elisabeth City, which affects about 200 workers. The election was won after sev eral weeks of organisation work directed from the office of North Carolina Federation of Labor by Representative A. E. Brown, who is in charge of the Raleigh office. Mr. Brown was assisted in this work by AFL Representative A. R. Kemp, who is attached to the office of Director Earl R. Britton in Charlotte. The union representatives re port that they received consider able opposition to their efforts from various sources in Elisa beth City during the process of organising the workers in the veneer plant, especially from ad verse publicity appearing in a local newspaper there, in which it endeavored to inject the racial issue, pitting the white workers against the colored. This seems to be a policy throughout the South where Unionisation of work ers is involvedd. In the issue of Sunday, De (Continued on Page 8) UNITED MINE WORKERS VIC TORIOUS TWICE IN APPEALS ON CASES OF DIG IMPORT Washington, D. C.—-The United Mine Workers and its president, John L. Lewis, scored two im portant points in high court* here when the U. S. Supreme Court agreed to hear and broad en consideration of their appeals from contempt of court citations and* the U. S. Court of Appeals upheld the right of foremen to unionise. Though union counsel were highly gratified by the Supreme Court decision to grant writs of certiorari in the contempt case, involving fines slightly in excess of $3,500,00, they appeared equal ly pleased with the lower appel late court’s finding in the fore men’s case. The foremen’! case had its ori gin when foremen in four mines run by Jones A Laughlin Steel Corporation joined the United Clerical, Technical and Supervis ory Employes, a division of UMW’s District 50. Hearings and an election were held by the Na tional Labor Relations Board. After the Government took over the mines, during thd strike last spring. NLRB certified the UMW unit as bargaining agent for the foremen. Admiral Ben Moreelt, as Coal Mines Administrator, made a contract with! the UMW, covering foremen’s hoars, wages and the like, for the period the Government held the mines. Jones A Laughlin took the is sue to court to block the con tract, but Justice Bennet C. Clark said in his opinion that the deal ! was perfectly legal. Justices, Henry W. Edgerton and E. Bar rett Prettyman joined in the opin ion. Clark said that as long as the Government ran the coal mines it had the same right as any oth er employer to bargain with the workers, and that Moreell had done no more than that. Under the Supreme Court nn ing, it appeared that nearly the entire coal injunction case would be heard at a hearing set for Tuesday, January 14. The fines upon the union and Mr. Lewis were imposed after the union declared, through its presi dent, that the Government con ract with the union was no longer in effect after Interior Secretary Krug declined to enter discus sions of bettering conditions. The I Federal Court directed that the j miners be ordered to return, and imposed the penalties when they did not do so. The original appeal was based on the question of whether the Norris-LaGuardia Act prevents i the Government from fighting strikes with court orders. Union counsel then raised 10 points of i their own declaring the lower court’s order violated the Consti tution. the fine excessive and the procedure faulty. LARGE WHEAT EXPORTS Washington, D. C.—The U. S. Department of Agriculture has just reported export allocations of approximately 28 million bush els of wheat, corn and other grains for January, 1947. Among the principal countries to whom grain has been allocated are: United Kingdom, the U. S. U. K. zone in Germany, Italy, Japan, Korear, the French zone of Ger many, Austria, Mexico, Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland, Switier land and China. The allocations to Austria, China, Greece and Italy are through U. N. R. R. A. Miscellaneous allocations total 13,000 tons of wheat and corn. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to arrrron*.
The Charlotte Labor Journal and Dixie Farm News (Charlotte, N.C.)
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Dec. 19, 1946, edition 1
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