Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1917-03-29
PROMOTING THE
HAPPY FAMILY PLAN IN
AMERICAN INDUSTRY
Wow Ono Corporation Works In
Harmony With Its Men.
An INDUSTRIAL DEMOCRACY
All Grievances Presented b. Man
Through Representatives, Reach Head
81 Company and Are Honestly tnves.
tiQated.

81 Company and Are Honestly invss.
tisated.
For more than "A year a large aud
progressive industrial corporation with
plants scattered over large territory
IN several states of the southwest has
been improving its relations with IL
employees through the medium Of a SO
called industrial representation plan
sn industrial constitution drawn on a
basis Of democracy and mutuai conf
dence between the head OF the com
pauy and the workmeu who number
from 10000 TO 1900
10 deal with the diverse interests
OF such a vast body Of men is serious
task involving stern responsibilities
Nevertheless the company. through its
representation plan, has not only car
ried on social and industrial betterment
work on a comprehensive scale but has
succeeded in settling all grievances
without friction and without Interior
ence from the outside During the
year several increases in pay have
been made upon the initiative OF the
co-apany.
Altogether the plan has demonstrat-
Ell itself 10 an important forward step
IN the establishment OF amicablc re-
lations between all the factors In In
dustry A more widespread adoption
OF such schemes in plants and rae
tories is heartily recommended by the
broad-minded manufacturers or the
country who have started the National
Industrial Conservation Movement FOR
the purpose OF getting employers and
employees together. The supporters
Of the conservation movement realize
that the captain OF industry and the
workingman must fight shoulder to
shoulder TO protect American industry
against conditions that are sure 20
prevail after the War
Workers Elect Representatives.
The Industrial Representation plan
was adopted in its present form by
the directors OF the company and 10y
q referendum vote OF the workmeh
BY secret ballot the workmen IN the
company's various plants select repre-
sentatives who act as their authorized
agents in MI matters pertaining TO en-
ployment. living and working condi
lions. the adjustment Of differences
and other matters OF mutual concern
and interest On the other hand, the
president keeps in direct touch With
the workmen through officers known
as presidents industrial representa-
tives.
Employees have been made to under
stand that they are absolutely free to
present all their grievances even
though they involve charges against
the foremen or superintendent under
whom they work. Through the work
mems representatives the complaints
are referred 10 the presidents industr
ri representatives. who in turn investi-
gate them carefully and report their
findings in detail to the president.
In every case the grievances have
been investigated fearlessly and im
partially and adjustments have been
made on a strict basis OF fairness. IN.
respective of whether the award was
in favor OF the workman or the com.
pany official The workman. dissatis
fed with the decision OF the presi.
dents Industrial representatives. can
appeal TO the higher officers Of the com.
pany in consecutive order up TO the
president Then. II be still feels that
he has not received full Justice. lie can
carry his case TO the joint committee
on Industrial Cooperation and couciia-
ton. comprised or both employees. rep.
resentauves and the company's repre-.
sensations, and finally 70 the State In.
dustTial Commission
Confer on Wage Increases.
Under the industrial constitution
drawn up matters Of wages, hours OF
service and other vital factors In the
company's relations with ITS employees
are settled by written contract In.
creases in wages are worked ont in