New-York tribune., 1918-03-31
Delegates of Capital and
Workers Veto Strikes
and Lockouts
Both Sides Have
Right to Organize
Conference Plans Media
ton Board; Taft Pleased
at Results


agreement that there shall be nc
strikes or lockouts during the wal
and a recommendation that all indus
trial disputes be settled by govern
ment mediation body are the principal
provisions OF national war labor
programme projected by representa-
tives of capital and labor and made
public tonight by Secretary of Labor
Wilson.
The programme was drawn up by six
representatives of capital, six of labor
and two men representing the public
after conferences lasting for more
than month. The public representa-.
tives were former President Taft and
Frank P Walsh.
The mediation body would be known
as the National War Labor Board. to
be made up as was the board that pre-
pared the programme In addition
there would be local boards in the in
dustrial centres to deal immediately
with any controversies that might
arise.
Principles of Agreement
Principles and policies to govern the
relations of workers and their en-
ployers in war industries were agreed
to as follows:
"There should be no strikes or lock
outs during the war.
THE right OF workers to organize in
trade unions and to bargain collective
~, through chosen representatives, is
recognized and affirmed.
Al hn 1.i~bt - ON N Ioyarc orran
ize in associations or groups and 20
bargain collectively through che 1
representatives is recognized ana at
.irmed.
employers should not discharge
workers for membership in trade
Unions, nor for legitimate trade union
activities. Thc workers, in the exer-
,lse of their right to organize, shall
not use caercIve measures TO induce
persons % join their organizations, nor
to induce employers to bargain or deal
Herewith.
Unions Are Recognized
an establishments where the union
shop exists the same shall continue,
ard the union standards as to wages,
hours of labor and other conditions
CT employment. shall be maintained.
"in establishments where union and
ronunion men and women now work
together, and TIE employer meets only
With employees u representatives en-
gagged in said establishments, the con-
tlnuance OF such condition shall not
be deemed grievance.
Established safeguards and regula-
ions for the protection of the health
and safety OF workers shall not be
relaxed.
"If it shall become necessary to en-
ploy women on work ordinarily per-
formed by men, they must be allowed
equal pay for equal work and must not
be allotted tasks isproportionate to
their strength.
EightHour Day Affirmed
"The basic eight-hour day is recog-
nlzed as applying in all cases in which
existing law requires it. In all other
cases the question of hours Of labor
shall be settled with due regard to
governmental necessities and the well
fare, health and proper comfort of the
workers.
THE maximum production of all war
industries should be maintained. and
methods of work and operation on the
part of employees or workers which
operate to delay or limit production,
or which have a tendency to artifcally
increase the cost thereof, should be
DISCOURAGED
''For the purpose of mobilizing the
labor supply with view to its raDid
and effective distribution, a permanent It
list Of the number Of skilled and other
workers available in different parts of
the nation shall be kept on file by the
Department of Labor.
In fixing wages, hours and condi-
tons Of labor, regard should alwavs
be had to the labor standards. WAGE
scales and other conditions prevailing
III the localities affected.
Tine right Of all workers. including
common laborers, to living wage is
In fixing wages, minimum rates OF
pay SHALL be established, which viii
insure the Subsistence of the worke,
and his family in health and reason.
able comfort .
The National War Labor Board.
functions and powers would be as fol
lows:
ITO bring about settlement, BY
controversy arising between employer.
and workers in the field or production
necessary for the effective conduct c1
the war "
"To do the same thing in simila,
controversies in other fields of nationa
activity, delays and obstructions II
WI icn may affect detrimentally such
production
"To provide such machinery bv d;
rect appointment, or othcrw. Sc. fol
selection oi committees or boards te
sit IN various parts Of the couutr,
where controversies arise. to secure
settlement by local mediation and con
ciliation. W."
ITO summon the parties to the con
troversy for hearing ard action by The
hatloaal board III case Of failure to Sc
cure settlement by local mediation anc
Cancellation.
IF the sincere and determined eror
OF the national board shall fail tt
prsng about voluntary settlement. ant
tne members of the board shall be un
aoic unanimously TO agree upon a de
cision, then and in that case and onI,
IS last resort, an umpire appointed
snail hear and finally decide the con
troyersy. The members of the boar
shall choose the umpire by unaniuolr
vote. Failing such choice, the name q
the umpire shall be drawn by lot frou
list Of ten persons to be nominated b,
the President of the United States.
The board shall meet IN the city o.
Washington
"Thc board shall refuse 10 take coy
riZanee of a controversy between en-
pioger and workers in any field Of in
crstrial or other activity where thcr,
IL by agreement or Federal law a mean,
of settlement which has not been in
voked
'The action Of the board may be in.
Yokcd IN respect 10 controyersie3 with