The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1919-09-04
GARY REFUSES TO
DEAL WITH UNIONS
Tells Labor Leaders That Steel
Mills Will Remain Open.
MEN MAY APPEAL TO WILSON
Chairman OF Board OF Steel Corpora
tion Notifies Committee Of Ameri-
can Federation That He In.
sists Upon Open Shop.

New York, Aug. 2s.-Elbert ii.
Gary. chairman OF the board OF the
United States Steel corporation, made
public a communication sent by him
to o committee of the American Fed.
GRAFTON of Labor, which is organizing
workers in the iron and steel indus
try. asserting that his corporation
would decline to discuss business re-
lations with trades unions as such.
Mr.. Gary's letter was addressed to
John Fitzpatrick. chairman II the
committee. and his assistants In reply
to request for an Interview TO dis
cuss hours of labor, working condl-
lions and union recognition. II said :
eve do not think you are author
lied TO represent the sentiment Of a
majority of the employees of the
United States Steel corporation and
its subsidiaries We express no opin-
ion concerning any other members Of
the Iron and steel industry.
AS heretofore publicly stated and
repeated, our corporation and sub
salaries. although they do not com
bat labor unions as such, decline to
discuss business with them. The cor
poratlon and subsidiaries are opposed
to the closed shop.
"They stand for the open shop.
which permits one to engage in any
line of employment whether one does
or does not belong to a labor union.
This best promotes the welfare Of
both employees and employers.
I'm view Of the well-known attitude,
as above expressed, we respectfully
decline to discuss with you, as repre-
sentatives of labor unions, any mat
tiers relating TO employees. In doing
so. no = nrsonal discourtesy is intended.
BE-. Interests at Heart"
"lr all decisions and acts of the
corporation and subsidiaries pertain
ing to employees and employment,
their interests are Of highest impOr-
lance. In wage rates, living and work
ing conditions. conservation of life and
health, care and comfort in time of
sickness or old age, and providing ia
cilities for the general welfare and
happiness of the employees and their
families, the corporation and subsi-
diaries have endeavOred to occupy
leading and advanced position among
ut will be the object of the cor
pOratlon and subsidiaries TO give such
10 employees as 10 show
them their loyal and efficient service
In the past is appreciated, and they
may expect in the future fair treat
ment."
Mr.. Gary's letter was in reply TO
the following communication from the
committee:
During a general campaign of or
and education conducted
under the auspices of the American
Federation Of Labor. many thousands
of men employed I'm the iron and steel
Industry made application and were
enrolled as members of the various
organizations to which they were as
signed.
This work has been carried on TO
a point where We feel Justified in stat
Ing 10 you that we represent the senti-
nent of vast majority of the EN-
Dloyees of this industry and acting in
behalf of them we solicit of you that
hearing be given TO the undersigned
who have been selected by
he duly accredited representatives Of
he employees to place before you
matters that are of vital concern 10
hem and concerning hours of labor.
wages, working conditions and the
light Of collective bargaining.
Conference Was Refused.
THE committee called at your OF.
Ice at 3 p. m. Tuesday, August 20.
md requested a conference We were
Idvised by your messenger that you
Wished To be excused from personal
at this time and requested
IS 10 have our business in writing and
whatever matters We wish 10 submit
would be taken up by yourself and
'om colleagues and given consldera-
ion.
Therefore. We are submitting. in
rief, the principal subjects that we
esire to have conference on. The |
has nm important meeting |
n another city on Thursday next. aud |
I'M leave New York at five O'Clock |
n August ~. 1919 May we respect. /
ully request that your answer be /
ent before that time 10 John Fitz. |
atrick. Continental hotel, Broadway
no Forty-first street. New York city"
Before receiving the reply OF Mr..
larry. members Of the committee in
mated that they would make an ap-
cal TO President Wilson II they failed
, get a hearing from officials OF the
teel corporation.