Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-10-04
WAR PRODUCTION
|. BADLY ,HAMPERED
BYLABOR UNREST
government Seeks Some
Comprehensive Policy for
/ Dealing With Situation.
CONCERNED OVER UPWARD
4 MOVEMENT OF WAGES
Difficult to Stabilize Conditions
Without Injustice to Work
ers or Employers.
'TUDYING BRITISH METHODS
commission, Headed by Secretary
Wilson, Leaves for West to
Investigate Trouble.
TUDYING BRITISH METHODS
commission, Headed by Secretary
Wilson. Leaves for West to
Investigate Trouble.
tBy Associated Pr..a I

WASHINGTON. October 3.-The gov
rnment Ia working to develop some
comprehensive system of dealing with
he labor unrest which threatens TO
amper war production. IT is con-
erned over the pronounced upward
Movement OF wages. disproportionate
or various industries, and the difficult
~ OF stabilizing conditions without
oins injustice to workers or employ
rs Nearly all production now Is
irectly or indirectly necessary for
ne prosecution of the war. and the
utput of war materials is curtaileG by
trikcs. extraordinary movement OF
'orkers from one industry to another
from plant to plant. ard other un-
ettled conditions. On the recommen-
ations OF the commission headed bS
ecretary Wilson. of the Department
Labor. which left to-day for the
Vest. will largely depend the govern
rents eventual policy. Meanwhile, II
understood the governments course
I'll bei
To extend to n number of indus
ries having war contracts the present
ystem of wage adjustment boards
'hich have been created for canton
lent construction. shipbuilding, long
horemens work and army and navy
lothin1 production.
To increase the number Of War De-
artment contracts containing clauses
rovding that in case Of suspension
work by strikes, the Secretary OF
Var shall settle the disputes.
To enforce agreements with Indus
rices are nxed. net to reduce wages.
WOULD HAVE EMPLOYERS
FORM ASSOCIATIONS
To encourage employers to form as
ociattons by industry groups to deal
effectively with labor demands; and
To press informally for adjustment
dsagreements before they reach the
tr!ke stage. under the implied pres
ure OF the governments war power
commander and operate plants.
These practices already are in ef-
.ct on small scale. having hccn de-
eloped gradually tc dea! with spe.
ihc labor problems as they arose They
ave failed TO prevent many walk
uts. however. despite the governments
ecognition in NEST cases of the right
labor's demands for higher pay 10
ieet the increased cost Of living
Continued evidence that employees
MI employers were not working in
armony led government officials and
heir advisers of the Council CT Ma
ional Defense to look for more fun
amertal solution. With this end In
lew. special study is being given Brit
III government methods by many
.merican officials. including Secretary
;aker. Secretary Wilson and Samuel
,ompers. chairman Of the Defense
ouncil's labor committee
TUDYING CERTAIN
BRITISH PRACTICES
4 While recognizing that British meth
ds may not be adaptable entirely TO
mercan labor conditions. officials
ere are giving special attention to
ne following British practices:
Capitalization of administration of
II labor matters affecting war produc-
ion in a single government depart
ient:
EntrustinE of mediation of troubles
eaching the strike stage to another
ranch:
Government promotion Of the or
q,
nd OF employers by industries, to
lake collective agreements possible;
nd,
! Heavy tax levies on war profits.
Shich some observers consider a prime
ause OF labor unrest.
Z The Defense Councils labor commit
lee, headed by Samuel Gompers, will
cooperate in any movement to stabil-
20 labor conditions. but cannot be
expected. officials say, to prevent
itrikes or force mediations except by
ss general advocacy of Industrial
3eace as a war policy.
9ATIoN-wIDE MOVEMENT
4 TO STABILIZE CONDITIONS
Il The Shipping Board is considering
In attempt to organize shipbuilders
Bnder an agreement not to lure work.
hen from one plant to another, and
acre has been considerable discussion
smong officials of other departments
II a nation wide movement to stabilize
hbor conditions in that way. Labor
eaders are hostile to the plan, how
lver, and point out that the British
hw forbidding employers to bid
lgainst each other for workmen except
tnder government permit or mutual
greement was nulliied recently be-
thuse 1t was found necessary and
iffcult to enforce. !
! Employers interests represented by
l1e National Industrial Conference
ioard are urging the government to
all conference of labor leaders. in
lluding those not affiliated with the
Iimerican Federation of Labor, to
,htify an agreement which includes
provision against changing condi-