Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1919-09-05
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 q 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.. Garys letter was addressed to
John Fitzpatrick, chairman if the
committee, and his assistants in reply
to a request for an interview to dis
cuss hours of labor working condi-
tons and union recognition. 1t said:
eve do not think you are author
lied to represent the sentiment OF
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
pOration 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 labor union.
This best promotes the welfare of
both employees and employers.
''In 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 personal discourtesy is intended.
"Best Interests at Heart"
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 a
leading and advanced position among
employers.
ut will be the object of the cor
pOratiOn and subsidiaries to give such
consideration to employees as to 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
ganization and education conducted
under the auspices of the American
Federation of Labor, many thousands
Of men employed in 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 to you that we represent the senti-
ment of a vast majority of the en-
ployees of this industry and acting in
behalf of them we solicit of you that
hearing be given to the undersigned
committee who have been selected by
the duly accredited representatives of
the employees to place before you
matters that are of vital concern to
them and concerning hours of labor,
wages, working conditions and the
right of collective bargaining.
Conference Was Refused.
"The committee called at your of
fee at 3 p. m. Tuesday, August 26,
and requested a conference. We were
advised by your messenger that you
wished to be excused from a personal
interview at this time and requested
us to have our business in writing and
whatever matters we wish to submit
would be taken up by yourself and
your colleagues and given considera-
ton.
Therefore, we are submitting, in
brief, the principal subjects that we
desire to have conference on. The
committee has an important meeting
in another city on Thursday next, and
will leave New York at five o'clock
on August %, 1919. May we respect
fully request that your answer be
sent before that time to John Fitz-
patrick, Continental hotel, Broadway
an0 Ferty-first street, New York city,"
Before receiving the reply of Mr..
Gary. members of the committee In
timated that they would make an APP
peal to President Wilson If they failed
TO get hearing from officials of the
Steel corporation.