Newspapers / The Charlotte Labor Journal … / Jan. 31, 1952, edition 1 / Page 1
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VOLUME XXI: NO. M CHARLOTTE, N. C. THURSDAY. JANUARY SI, 1952 Subscription Price $2.00 Per Yen* Aid Problems In Lap Of Congress-O’Mahoney By PAUL S. GREEN Sen. Joseph C. O’Mahoney, Wyoming: Democrat, called on the new Congressional session to turn its attention to legislation to prove , to the world that we stand for economic equality and social justice at home and abroad. He said this would be the most effective method of disproving So viet propaganda picturing the U. S. as a colonial imperialist power and supporter of reactionary rul ing classes. In an interview, the senator, who is a member of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee and the powerful Appropriations Com mittee, referred specifically to charges that Marshall Plan aid had not filtered down to the working people and other lower income groups in Europe. Is Up To Congress Agreeing with this criticism, he said Congress, by the conditions set, can make certain that eco nomic aid benefits all the people, and that principles of social jus tice should be built ^nto aid pro grams. “It would be more than useless for us to provide economic aid that would benefit only the ruling classes,” he said. Sen. O’Mahoney said the So viet dictators are making great, strides in capturing the minds of the masses of people in Asia and elsewhere by representing us as a nation which has stepped into the colonial imperialist shoes of Great Britain and France. “The greatest blow America can strike for freedom now, is to proyp to the peoples of the wo*ld that, as our hisory amply dames strstes, Americans are against empires which oppress and rob Mm native populations of the earth. “Our foreign policy as set be fore the UN and as established by the appropriations made by Congress must be in such clear form that the Soviets can no longer misrepresent us as defend ers of colonialism.” Strength In Equality Sen. 0‘Mahoney declared that America’s strength lies mainly in the profound concepts of equality and social justice upon which this nation was founded and on the economic strength we have won ' by maintaining freedom of oppor tunity for all. He sees America best serving humanity not by force, but by building economic equality here at home and by the aid we give native populations everywhere to help themselves. But he warned that foreign aid programs should not be handouts “because gifts of themselves un accompanied by responsibilities are ruinous both to the giver and the taker. “The Point Four program and economic aid to backward nations are both sound so long as they are honestly administered under the strictest supervision,” he said. THIS FIGHT IS YOURS JOIN THE MARCH OF DIMES TH! NAIIONAt FOUNDATION FOR 'NUf^IlF PARALYSIS • FRANKLIN 0 ROOSIVUI, FOUNDFR GREEN SEEKS LEARNER PAT RATE PROBE Almost two years after the 75 cent minimum wage became law, the Department of Labor is still allowing wage rates as low as 63 and 65 cents to be paid. William Green, president of the AFL, pointed this out in his let ter to Maurice J. Tobin, secretary of labor. Mr. Green referred to “regulations governing the em ployment of learners in the glove industry as published in the Fed eral Register, Dec. 28, 1951.” The. letter said. “It is true that Section 14 of the Fair Labor Standard Act provides for the employment of ‘learners’ at rates below 75 cents. However, this authority is to be invoked only ‘to the extent necessary to pre vent curtailment of opportunities for employment,’ and the spirit of the entire law rs to encourage the administrator to make such regulations as would bring all the workers within the jurisdicton of the lay up to 75 cents an hour as promtply as possble. Mr. Green asked investigation, and said that he is certain this I will show that “learner regula tors in the leather dress, knit fabric, and knit wool actions of the industry can be abolished, and that the wage rates in the learner regulations for the work glove section can be raised at least 10 cents an hour.” Give That $1 To LLPE, Says Union AFGE HAILS SERVICE WEEK The A PL American Federation of Government Employea this week presented to President Tru man a portrait of the late Sen. George Pendleton, Democrat of Ohio, “the father of the Civil Service Act,” who, 69 years ago, got through Congress his bill cre ating the U. S. Civil Service Commission and establishing the merit system in federal employ ment. AFGE is sponsoring a move ment to have Sen. Pendleton’s former home in Cincinnati pre served as a monument to the merit system. The presentation, made at the White House by AFGE National President James A. Campbell, waa a feature of AFGE’s observance of National Civil Service Weekj It was on January 16, 1883, that the Civil Service Act was signed. LOOK FOR THE LABEL When shopping always look for the anion label. It tolls you that you are getting a good product carefally made by union men and women under union conditions. HAVE YOU BOUGHT YOUR DEFENSE BOHD TODAY? *. *-rrCivr*::*» ^TATKh HU * V«iN »*<*>u _ *_L_i_1_i_\ 7_i_i___ n* *tMi >«« <*m •*.«! **mm «*** m» ■■■■ <®>ia iu3>m<£u uot&Mst i& sbhiesE m C142 571975 E m ■ i The AFL ftreet. Electric Rail way and Moior Coach Employes recognize how important it is to contribute $1 to Labor's League for Political Education (LLPE). In its January issue of Motor man, Conductor and Motor Coach Operator, it says: "During this year all of us are going to have to make a decision: whether or not to contribute to Labor's League for Political Ed ucation. “If we don’t contribute, woe be unto us, for the noose of the Taft Hartley Act that encircles our throats will be drawn increasing ly tighter. But if every one of ua win just donate $1, we stand a good chance of having that noose removed for good. “Now is the time to make your choice Pick a side, friend; give that buck to LLPE. You’ll never miss it Stand up and be count ed!" ASHLAND FIRE FIGHTERS BACK DRIVE 100 PER CENT The Ashland, Wla., Fire Fight ers are the first local union to subscribe 100 per cent to mem bership in Libor's League for Political Education (LLPE) this year. All 19 members of Local 875 each contributed fl promptly aft er receiving their membership blanks from their local secretary treasurer, Berkeley Cameron. The contributions will be used in the campaign of Labor’s League to elect friends of trade unionists to Congress. The contributions were made voluntarily, as are all donations to LLPE. The Taft-Hartley Act outlaws the us* of funds from the union treasury. However, union funds may be spent In supporting candidates for local or state of fice. TEACHERS GET BOOST Chicago. — Chicago’s 22,000 school employes were voted pay increases of MOO to $800 a year, an average Increase of 8 per cent. The American Federation of Teachers, AFL, had asked 11 to 21 per coat. Starting salary for grade-school teachers was sat at fSJMO a year. Frederick Rons For ksarasce Commissioner John N. Frederick, Charlotte insurance man, today announced that he is a candidate for Com missioner of Insurance of North Carolina, subject to the Demo cratic Primary, May 31. “I offer myself as a candidate for Commissioner of Insurance in the firm and honest belief that the people of North Carolina de sire an experienced mao who will consider the needs of all the peo p’e instead of only those who seek special privileges.” said the 46-year-old veteran insurance ad juster who operates the Piedmont Adjustment Company, Piedmont Building, Charlotte. Mr Frederick is a native of Lilesville, Anson County, the son of the late Charles Lee Frederick, who was born in Duplin County and who was superintendent of Lilesville Baptist Sunday School for 25 years. His mother was bora in Lilesville and her par ents were Peter F. Morton, ef Stanly County, and Nareissa Wil ! Hams Merton, of Anton.. Edu cated in the public schools of Anson County, Mr. Frederick later was graduated from Gas tonia High School where he was j a fullback on the 1925 State Championship football team, coached by Pat Crawford, thi* being the only football champion ship team in the history of Gas ton County. He also attended the University of North Caro lina. being a member of the class of ’30. Mr Frederick has the dis tinction of being the first person in North Carolina to be awarded the Legion of Honor, from Order of De Molay, sponsored by Ma sonic bodies throughout America. “I believe the people will elect an insurance man Insurance Com missioner," said Mr. Frederick, who has handled the investigation and adjustment of all linee of insurance claims alt over North Carolina for 20 years. “Without planning any elaborate campaign organization, I simply appeal to the voters of—North Carolina for their vote and support upon the basis of my long experience—20 years—and comprehensive knowl edge of all Hnes of insurance.. It is my considered judgment and honest belief that, with this wide experience and knowledge, I can capably serve all the people of this State as their Commisoioner of Insurance." Mr. Frederick is a member of First Baptist Church of Char lotte. Mrs. Frederick is the former Frances Caldwell Hoyle, i native of Monroe, N. C. She is a member of First Methodist Church of Charlotte. For several years following her graduation from Woman’s College at Greens boro, she was a school teacher in Robeson. New Hanover. Richmond and Mecklenburg Counties. The Fredericks have three children. ; ■— ..... . ... ■ . L ■ Green Asks Tax Program Be Revised AFL Wins Shoe Company Case APPEALS COURT RULE AWARDS WAGES Fort Worth, Texas.—Settlement in the sum of $5,802.96 was won by the AFL in an unfair labor charge against the Westex Boot and Shoe Co., Wichita Falls, Texas. Three employes who had been discharged by the company were awarded wages to make dp the difference between what they ac tually earned after discharge, and what they might have earned if not dismissed. Four other dis charged employes, due to man power shortages and overtime, made total wages in excess of the amount they would have earned if not discharged. r R. S. Gillispie was thus award ed $3 15438; Oland E. Rtoneciph er, $585.64, and Betty- R. Finch, $1.86294. The case began four years ago, when the AFL organised the workers of the company, and Westex fired four of the first who joined the AFL. Due to a concerted anti-labor campaign, the AFL lost the subsequent election. The next day, the company fired the union observer and another employe. The National Labor Relations Board reviewed the hearing in the case and ordered Westex to reinstate the employes. It re fused. The board then took tbs case to the U. S. Circuit Coofe of Appeals, 5th District, New Or leans, La., which upheld the board’s order and directed a set tlement. James Webster, board agent, handled the case through the hearing and wrote the briefs on the case when it- went to circuit court. He was drafted into serv ice. and J. P. Wolf carried on. COUPLE PROVES NEED OF HEALTH INSURANCE AID Mr. and Mrs. Bishop of Milwau kee know why national health in surance is needed. The Madison, Wis, Capital Times told their story: “Mrs. Bishop and her husband own a small business in Milwau kee. They both worked long hours in the business and were paying off the debts they Incurred setting it up. Bills Reach $5,600 “On Sept. 9, Mrs. Bishop was struck by a hit-and-ron driver. She suffered a broken pelvis, a ruptured bladder, crushed right leg, concussion and internal in juries. She will probably be crip pled the rest of her life. “The medical and hospital bills have already reached $5,000. Her hospital insurance, which covered only part of the cost, lasted only 60 days. She and her husband face more medical expenses” Congress Cool Help If Congress would set up a na tional health insurance program, people like Mr. and Mrs. Bishop ! would not be ruined when they .meet with an accident. Under national health insur ance, everyone would contribute a little each week to a health fond. The money in the fund would be used to pay everyone’s medical expenses. Prices Worry More People A public opinion poll showed that people nre becoming more and more concerned about high prices. The Survey Research Center of the University of Michigan re ported that: Last Jane. 4 oat of every It persona interviewed expected prices to be higher within the next year. By November more than S not of every It persons thought prices weald be higher in lHt Last Jane, M per cent thought price* would noon be lower, la November only 25 per cent of the people expected stable or declin ing price*. Most people believe that now is as good a time as any to buy ex pensive household items like re frigerators or television seta Why? This survey shows that the American people realise that Con gress shot the price control law full of holes last summer. AFL President William Green sent the following letter to Presi dent Truman regarding his 1953 budget: “The American Federation of Labor has consistently maintained since the end of World War II that federal tax policy should be on a pay-as-you-go basis. For this reason we have urged that Congress adopt tax measures that would yield revenues necessary to balance the federal budget. “Unfortunately, Congress has not only failed to vote tax in creases sufficient to keep the bud get in balance, but has approved measures which are distinctly con trary to the equality of sacri fice principle enunciated by you when you referred to the neces sity of increased taxes in 1960. Needed Balanced Budget “It is our considered opinion that a balanced budget is essen tial in the present period of high employment, high prices and high profits. Moreover, whether it is necessary to levy taxes to pro vide additional funds over and and above existing tax revenue or to correct glaring inequities that ex ist in present tax law we believe certain changes are urgently nec essary in the revenue structure. “We base this conclusion on following facts: - 1. Present tax laws discrimi nate against certain classes of taxpayers. While single taxpay er with one dependent pay up to B per cent more in income taxes than they did when taxes were at their highest point during World War II under the 1944 act, mar ried taxpayers pay up to 28 per rent less fas the income groups below 926,000. At the $100,000 income level the married taxpay ers enjoy a $13,000 tax saving under the present law as con trasted to tax obligations of a single person in the same income group. Lowering Living Standards . "2. Workers at the present minimum wage of 75 cents per hour, if fully employed, may earn $1,500 a year. Deducting federal taxes only and making adjust ments for decline in value of tne dollar, such workers in 1952 earn $738 or $94 less than the $832 similar workers earned in 1938, 1939, and 1940 under the 40-cent ; minimum which was not subject to federal income tax. All low i income workers are similarly at a disadvantage because the com I bined impact of high prices and | federal, state, and local taxes is . cutting into basic living stand | ards. “3. While the living standards , of millions of Americana have baea slashed during the past sev eral years old tax loopholes have been perpetuated and new loop holes have been opened up which according to conservative estimate would enable the Federal govern ment to conserve additional rev enue of at least $5.25 billion made i up as follows: ' “Recapture loss due to split in come provision, $2.5 billion. With holding tax on dividends and In terest, $0.3 billion. Eliminate de pletion allowance, $0.7 billion. In j tegration and revision estate and gift tax laws, $1.0 billion. Closing various loopholes, $0.75 billion. This totals $5.25 billion. Hits Special Advantages “The officers and members of ! the American Federation of La bor urge you to give highest pri ority in any tax recommendation you present to Congress in 1952 on ways and means of easing the tax burden of millions at Ameri cans in the low-income groups, particularly those with income be low $2,000 whose basic living standards have been so depressed . by the tax policy adopted by Con j gross. “Further, and even more im portant in terms of the possible realization of a balanced budget, we sincerely trust you will make ! earnest recommendation to Con gress that K recapture the $5 to $3 billion in additional revenue that could be so easily secured eliminating special tax advan tages favoring certain classes at I taxpayers,* . ^
The Charlotte Labor Journal and Dixie Farm News (Charlotte, N.C.)
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Jan. 31, 1952, edition 1
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