Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1918-10-18
NEWARK B. & 0. SHOPS UNDER
GOVERNMENT CONTROL
(By John Bush)

country the trend toward democracy
is only conceivable by those who have
been employed for a time under pri-
vate ownership Of course conditions
are not uniform throughout, but as a
whole, the change is growing more
and more conspicuous. And fortunate
ly Newark is keeping abreast with
the spirit Of the times.
The most marked change has been
brought about through the govern
ment ruling that no employe should
be Disseminated against because Of
being or becoming affiliated with a
labor organization. This ruling has
resulted in a nearly one hundred per
cent organization in all departments,
and the fruit of organization at the
B. & o. is the same as in all other
shops and factories-harmony and
good Fellowship, which is the founda-
ton Of efficiency. Instead Of the old
time autocracy and tyranny displayed
by foremen towards the men under
them, all now work in harmony and
to the advantage of all concerned, and
work in the mammoth plant moves on
like a great machine with all parts
properly fitted and fabricated.
With the exception of one craft all
are affiliated with the Federation Of
Allied Shop Crafts, an organization
composed Of three delegates from
each craft, eight in alp viz: ma
chnists, boilermakers, blackSmiths,
carpenters and carmen, pipefitters
and tinsmiths, painters, clerks and
the federal labor union composed Of
organized or affiliated is the mOlders.
All grievances arising in the shops
are reported to the local having juris-
diction over the department in which
the misunderstanding occurs, and in
case the difference cannot be adjusted
in a satisfactory manner it is taken
to the Federation. 1t is gratifying
to be able to state that though the
federated committee has had many
complicated and perpleXing problems
to adjust all have been settled in a
manner satisfactory to those con-
cerned.
1t is also pleasing to note the fact
that Mr., F. E. Cooper, superintendent
of shops, was the first official Of the
company to meet with committee
representing all crafts as shop fed
Grafton, and Mr.. Cooper since coming
to Newark has never refused to meet
a committee representing the men on
any subject. He has not by words
only, but by actions that speak louder
than words, demonstrated that he is
an American, lover Of harmony and
believer in democracy, The result
of his personality has been profitable
to the company, inasmuch as the en-
ployes are becoming more and more
satisfied with the conditions he has
brought about, which have lessened
the turnover of labor which all en-
ployers contend is the greatest nom
essential expense connected with the
operation of any plant.
Aside from the employees who have
entered the service in the army or
navy, but few have left the plant in
number of years, and many have
returned to the old B. & o. who had
been employed elsewhere. These con-
ditions are the fruit OF organization,
cooperation and conservativeness.
One of the most democratic move
ments that has taken place was the
creating of the Welfare Association,
the duties of which are to assist in
keeping harmony in the shops and
promoting democracy and efficiency.
This association has done a great
work in this respect. Early in the
spring and summer they organized a
ball team of employees, which was
highly successful, winning more than
three-fourths Of games played. They
also have a fine glee club, and many
of the employees are excellent singers.
The bowling teams are becoming very
proficient and with little practice
will be able to compete with and clean
up any in the city.
All these means of enjoyment and
recreation have created interest and
harmony among all employees, from
the office force to the shop sweepers,
and all are working together to keep
this division of Uncle Sans railroads
moving with clock-like precision with
the rest of the great machine, and all
are buying Liberty Bonds and we are
lnow over the top 100 per cent.