Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-09-05
THE QUESTION OF STRIKES W.-Methods of Settlement
BY FREDERIC ]. HAsKIN

-rAsHINGTON Aug PA strike lockout
w today cannot be regarded as compatible with tia
much sign of bad adjustment as rever IN the Dooy
or hot-box in engine. 1t shows that the system
needs readJustment.
Disputes between capital and labor the other
hand are things perfectly normal and to be expected
So long industry is living thing growing ana
changing long will have to be continual read
tustment to conditions Since the interests con-
cerned are moro conflicting, there bound to
be disputes. But when such disputes try to settle
by proverbally unsuccessful method Of
open conflict a sign that the machinery for
settlement is inadequate
A large number of schemes prevention of
strikes have in various parts Of the world
still flourish in great variety They range all
way the gentlest and most tactful oners or
mediation a fiat prohibition of strike or lockout
under penalty Of Imprisonment and fine. They are
giving of satisfaction in actual service
but there of them which has not at some
time proved wanting in emergency.
Experts in labor troubles recognize number Of DIFF
ferent classes methods. There is meds
ton where the parties wish settle the strike
go from one side to another bearing proposals
and urging their acceptance. There is concilatton-
employer and employees get together without out
side assistance and compose their differences. When
Cancellation mediation fail, there DO arbitra
on where the questions at issue are settled by an
impartial tribunal If arbitration must wait until
or parties ask for it, 1t is known as voluntary
arbitration. If having asked for arbitration both
parties compelled abide by the decision Of the
arbitrator they like not then 1t Is voun
tary arbitration with compulsory award
AS q step the prevention Of strikes and lock-
outs, we may have compulsory arbitration with
pulsory award In such strikes and lockouts
prohibited by law. The dispute be referred to a
designated board of arbitration. Both parties must
abide by the decision of the board. This is simply
and in the of public utilities
be regarded as disregarding Of certain of the
rights of the few in order to the webeng Of
the many
Whatever may be rights and wrongs Of the
idea ethcaly economically in practice 1t
has worked very smoothly in Australia. Labor
figures largely in politics there and the law against
strikes is enforced vigorously aTIowed almost to
lapse according the party in is labor labors
opposition. Strict enforcement the law against
has led strikes in defiance of the law, that
instances almost amounted to civil dissension
New Zealand has system by which legal interfer-
and settlement of strikes is confined
where union the employer concerned regis
tered" this registration is voluntary Non-regis-
unions working for employers
legitimately But all the principal factions
New Zealand politics committed, in principle at
least the doctrine of compulsory arbitration Aus
traasa is thus laboratory where the experiment of
compulsory arbitration has been tried in all it's
shadings.
Contradictory reports come to US from Australia
and New Zealand. High officials have stated the
system is excellent others say that deprives labor
of fundamental rights; exchanges actual
state of affairs have resulted from time time.
press in this country for part Of the
opinion that the Australian system unfair to labor
although most of the legislation passed at time
when the Australian labor party the ascendant
Whatever the true merits Of this controversy
practically certain that the Australian system will
be introduced into the United States Organized
labor is not likely to submit to coercion
unless 1t is heavily represented in the supreme
making body. In the United States the great mass of
unskiled labor is unorganized large percentage of