New-York tribune., 1919-04-16
BUSINESS NEWS BUREAU,
Tribune Building
i54 Nassau Stree,
Work Standard
For Nation Aim
OF Referendum
Principles Proposed for
Bettering Relations of the
Employees and Employers
Submitted to Business

WASHINGTON, April 15.-Thirteen
proposed principles for Improvement
of the relations between employers and
employees In American industry were
submitted to-day to referendum vote
of the membership of the Chamber OF
Commerce of the United States. These
principles, which are intended to form
national standard. recognize the
vital interest of the public in all dis
putes between capital and labor, and
provide for its protection.
Regularity and continuity Of en-
ployment are sought by the pro-
gramme. and wages adjusted TO the
purchasing power of money ara ad
vocated. Arbitrary restrictions on out
put are condemned. and the right Of
workers to organize Is recognized.
The proposed principles are as fol
lows:
/. Industrial enterprise. as n source
OF livelihood for both employer and
employe, should be so conducted that
due consideration is given to the situa-
ton of all persons dependent upon It.
.. The public interest requires ad
justment of industrial relations by
peaceful methods.
Would Stabilize Employment
8. Regularity and continuity of en-
ployment should be sought to the full
lest extent possible and constitute a
responsibility resting alike upon en-
ployers, wage earners. and the public
4 The right of workers to organize
is as clearly recognized as that of any
other element or part of the com
munity.
5. Industrial harmony and prosperity
will be most effectually promoted by
adequate representation of the parties
in interest. Existing forms of rep
resentation should be carefully studied
and avalled of in so far as they may be
found to have merit and are adaptable
to the peculiar conditions in the var
ious industries.
s. Whenever agreements are made
with respect 10 industrial relations
they should be faithfully observed.
7. Such agreements should contain
provision for prompt and final inter
pretation in the event of controversy
8. Wages should be adjusted with
due regard to the purchasing power
Of the wage and 10 the right of every
man to an opportunity 10 earn liv-
ing at fair wages, to reasonable hours
OF work and working conditions, to q
decent home, and to the enjoyment of
proper social conditions.
9. Fixing of a basic day as g device
for increasing compensation is q sub
hot = -
Oppose Arbitrary Restriction
10. Efficient production in conjunc-
ton with adequate wages is essential
10 successful industry. Arbitrary re-
strlctton on output below reasonable
standards is harmful to the interests
OF wage earners, employers and the
public, and should not be permitted.
Industry, efficiency and initiative,
Wherever found, should be encouraged
and adequately rewarded, while indo-
lence and indifference should be con-
demned.
wages should not be reached until pos
slbillty of reduction of costs in all
other directions has been exhausted.
-. Administration of employment
and management Of labor should be
recognized as distinct and important
!uHCtloh Oh management and accorded
ITS proper responsibility iii administra-
tive organization.
IS. A system of national employment
Offices, with due provision for COOPER
alton with existing state and municipal
systems, can be made, under efficient
management and if conducted with due
regard to the equal interests Of en-
ployers and employees in its proper
admin stration. most helpful agency,
but only If all appointments are made
strictly subject to the civil service
law and rules. Policies governing the
conduct OF national system of en-
ployment offices should be determined
in conjunction with advisory boards
national, state and local-equally rep
resentative of employers and employees.