New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-22
Will Take Action to Pre-.
vent Further Strike Trou-
bles in War Industries
To Hold Conference
Blocking Of Shipping Pro-
gramme Leads Federal
Board to Take Step

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21.-The first
indication that the government plans
systematic action to discourage en-
ployers from cnticing workmen from
other plants. thus preventing indus
trial evils caused by large floating
populations, came to-day in an an
nounccment by Chairman Hurley Of
the Federal Shipping Board that con-
fcrences Of shipbuilders would be
called soon to frame voluntary agree
ments on the subject.
Labor disputes in Pacific Coast ship
yards, causing suspension of the gov
eminent building programme, consti-
tutc the immediate reason for this
course. Application of the principle
to other industries in all parts of the
country has been considered, however,
by officials who have observed the
serious possibilities arising out of COM
petition of employers for workmen in
war industries. 1t is considered Ger
tain that if shipbuilders agree not TO
bid against rival companies for men,
steps will be taken to secure similar
agreements in other industries.
Although Mr.. Hurley has not de-
cided when or where he will call the
first conference, it is probable that it
will be on the Pacific Coast, where
Seattle shipyard, by agreeing to 80
per cent wage increase. has caused
movement of the best workmen 10 that
plant and precipitated many demands
for the same wage scale on companies
making lower profits.
Not Favored by Labor
Labor men do not look with entire
favor on the general plan, but it was
said that the force of their opposition
would depend whether guarantees were
given that their privileges to demand
higher wages or strike would not be
abridged. They recently received re-
ports from British labor leaders on tho
operation Of q government enforced
system in England, where the enticing
OF workmen from ono plant or industry
TO another is practically forbidden. IL
has been suggested that, although the
American government has no such
power, similar result could he OBJ
tanned i'm this country from voluntary
agreements of employers.
Developments in the Pacific Coast
situation to-day indicated that the
problem there can be solved perma-
nentlv only by uniform scale for
shipyards Of the entire coast. At San
Francisco striking iron workers were
reported as insisting on the high rate
paid by the one Seattle company. Rep
resentatives of workmen in other yards
at Seattle and Portland. IN conference
with the builders and Shipping BoarG
officials here, made the same demands.
Chairman Hurley withdrew from the
negotiations after promising the build
crs TO pay half the wage increases IN
cases where companies profits are 10
per cent or less.
Later discussions between the build
ers and union men brought no prospect
Of immediate settlement. and some of
them plan 70 return home tomorrow, IN
homes Of continuing negotiations there.
Mr.. Hurley to-day appointed Gavin
McNab. a San Francisco lawyer, TO rep
resent the Shipping Board in further
attempts to settle the San Francisco
strike.
The Special Presidential Commission,
headed by Secretary Wilson, Is eI-
pected to start its inquiry into labor
conditions on the Pacific Coast and III
Western mountain states within two
weeks. Secretary Wilson may an
nounce tomorrow a definite date for
leaving here.