The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1916-10-06
SAMUEL COhfPERS TELLS WHY
ANTI-PICKETINC BILL IS BAD
Article Dictated by Samuel Gompers Be Used in Campaign
the State of Washington, Prevent the Enactment of the
Bill to Define Pcketing, Prohibit the Same and
Providing Penalties for Violation

A serious menace to the labor
movement of Washington impends in
Senate Bill 1867 that has been re-
ferred for the decision of the voters
in the November election. This
measure has for its purpose denial to
the wage earners of equal rights as
workers in industry and commerce.
In an industrial dispute employers
have an advantage through their
greater industrial and financial power,
which secures to them agencies of
influence that are not available to
the workers. These agencies include
licity and for securing the sanction
of public opinion and approval. AS
opposed to this marshaEng of the
forces allied with the managerial
side of industry and commerce there
must be for the wage earnerS oppor-
tunities and methods for securing a
industrial disputes in order that they
may secure the understanding and
the cooperation of their fellow work
ers. Since the employers have con-
troll over the more subtle indirect
means of publicity, the workers must
utilize open, public methods.
The right to picket is essential to
securing an understanding or even a
hearing for many an industrial dis
pute, Cooperation and unity of ac-
tion among workers must be based
upon knowledge of facts and pur-
poses. Only by word of mouth or by
some device that appeals imme-
diately to the eye, or by some advertis-
ing agency, can workers or strikers
disseminate quickly and effectively
contest or the justice of their de-
mands upon employers. This pro-
posed measure, which denies the
workers the right to maintain, carry
or transport on any sidewalk, street,
public place or private property any
banner, sign, transparency, writing
or printing, denies the workers of
their most effective means of getting
facts before the public and for placing
fellow workers in position to decide
mtelligently upon their attitude to-
ward the strike or lockout.
Employers under the law can Sc
cure publicity for their contentious in
an industrial dispute through news
papers and other common agencies of
publcity which find their way into
homes and offices OF many citizens.
Through their economic power they
bar such agencies to the wage earners.
To DENY the wage Garner the right to
tell their story by word of mouth in
the streets, public highways or public
nlaces is to deny them a right neces-
sary to carry out the purposes of the
labor movement,
There can be nothing Illegal or
wrongful n securing a hearing for the
facts in a strike Therefore, as citi-
zans they have right to use streets,
sidewalks, public highways or public
nlaces for this legitimate activity
necessary for furthering the welfare
of human beings.
II is in accord with American ideals
and institutions that our greatest un-
dertakings and the most far-reaching
efforts for human betterment shall be
ACCOMPLISHED through voluntary agen-
o;oe The organized labor movement
j., voluntary organization for wage
oornars for their protection and for
\ their betterment and for the estab-
\Fshment of ideals of justice and hui
,.,,itv II is in accord with American
oorcents that labor organizations
should be recognized as necessary
legitimate agencies and should be ac-
corded a legal right to the perform
o of those acts and functions
} ,ooossary TO carry out the purpose OF
y the organization
American thought is opposed to the
imposition of any compulsory author,
ny in relations that can be adjusted
,hrough voluntary collective action
~, those Immediately concerned.
wherever governmental agency is
a,ron the authority to stipulate or
. ropuIate industrial relations or the
ao,ivities of voluntary organizations
,bore IS created an opportunity