The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-06-26
THE METAL TRADES SITUATION.
The Pending Difficulties with the In
ternational Machtnists.

Iron Trade Review
The New York meeting of the National
Metal Trades Association was memorable
one in many respects. Men were gathered
there from widely separated sections of the
country representing all branches of the
metal working industries. and many Of the
delegates attended on behalf OF a number
of firms operating in the same district The
proceedings were conducted secretly with a
view TO the free discussion OF the whole
question at issue and this expectation was
fully justified. il is stated, by the candor
and unanimity of the several speakers
many of these not being members OF the
association at the time.
1t Will be noted from our report that only
such unionism has been exemplfied by
the International Association OF Ma chinists
is specifically condemned; In fact the right
of an employe to belong to any organiza-
ton is duly recognized and due emphasis is
given to the freedom Of the workman TO sell
his labor at the highest price he can pos
sibly command. Lockouts and strikes were
equally decried unbusinesslike and un-
necessary methods IT was we'll agreed that
all disagreements could be adjusted by
other means; that the interest of the en-
ployer and employe alike was to be fur
thered more by harmonious progress than
by strife and discord. Furthermore the
opinion was expressed that a shortening
of the hours of labor or an increase OF
wages could only be attained by the hearty
cooperation OF employer and employee in
advancing and not retarding production:
introducing and not fighting improved
methods.
So far as unionism may retard the pro-
ductive ability of the workman and limit
either legitimate ambition or earning ca
pacity it is condemned by the employers.
and rightly So Surely the machine shops of
the Nation are 10 take no backward step i'm
the path of progress in mechanic arts. The
present standing of American products I'm
the markets of the world is due 10 the co.
operative enterprise and invention of en-
ployers and employees in the pursuit of a
common object. and anything that may in
terrupt these amicable relations can have
none but injurious influence upon both
parties 10 the disagreement strike Is
10 be deprecated, since IL intereferes not
only with the present but the future bust
ness outlook and is IN expecient only to be
adopted after every other means of settle
ment has failed. The labor and skill of the
workman belong to him in exactly the same
manner that the plant and equipment OF
the manufacturer are his property. ana
industry and capital as he pleases. free
from the dictation Of the other. The work
man has a perfect right TO leave the en-
ployer exactly as IL Is the privilege OF the
employer to choose his assistants.
The magnitude of the interests at stake
ought TO conduce TO the amicable adjust
ment OF matters in dispute. though nat
already taken will for time interfere with
this action. Individual cases. OF course
will necessitate treatment peculiarly APP
plicabe TO the special conditions of each
shop. and the particular branch OF the in
dustry represented. IL is to be hoped that
the present friction will soon cease to block
the wheels OF machine-shop advancement
AT this writing. however. there is no evil
dence in sight OF a truce between the Ma
tional Metal Trades Association and the In
ternational Association OF Machinists
Whatever the employers may do I'm the set
tIement of local questions. and in adjust
ments of wages and hours. they cannot af-
ford unless they are willing TO abdicate the
functions OF proprietors and employees. TO
surrender principle: least OF all TO yield TO
the demand that shop output become a
mere matter Of shop committee decree.