Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1919-09-05
WON'T DEAL WITH
ORGANIZED LABOR
Gary Tells Leaders That Big
Steel Mills viii Bar the
Closed Shop.
Head of Corporation Refuses to Treat
With Organizers on Their De-
mands - Says Unhampered
Work Promotes Welfare.

Nc" IOTk, aug. ZJ.-ElDerC ii
Gary, chairman of the board of the
United States Steel corporation, made
public a communication sent by him
tc a 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 of the
committee, and his assistants, in reply
to request for an interview to dis
cusS hours of labor, working condi-
dons and trade recognition. 1t said:
I'VE dp 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
hat labor unions as such, decline to
discuss business with them. The cor
poratiOn and subsidiaries are opposed
tC 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.
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
ters relating to employees. In doing
so, no personal discourtesy is intended.
"In all decisions and acts of the
corporation and subsidiaries, pertain
ing to employees and employment,
their interests are of highest impor-
tance. 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 tt
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 stee
industry made application and wer,
enrolled as members of the vsriou
| organizations to which they were as
signed.
This work has been carried on t,
/ a point where we feel justified in stat
ing to you that We represent the senti
ment of a vast majority of the EN-
pIoyees of this industry and acting il
behalf of them we solicit of you that
bearing be given to the undersigned
con mittee who have been selected b,
the duly accredited representatives 0
the employees to place before yo1
matters that are of vital concern t
e Ial1o
wages, working conditions and tn
right of collective bargaining.
"The committee called at your OF
fee at 8 p. m. Tuesday, August 2t
and requested conference. We wer
advised by your messenger that yo
wished to be excused from a persona
interview at this time and requeste
us to have our business in writing an
whatever matters we wish to submit
would be taken up by yourself an
your colleagues and given considers
ton.
Therefore, we are submitting, i
brief, the principal subjects that W
desire to have a conference on. Th
committee has an important meetin
in another city on Thursday next an
will leave New York at five o'cloc
or August %, 1919. May we respec
FULL request that your answer b
sent before that time"
Before receiving the reply of M
Gary, members of the committee il
timated that they would make an al
peal to President Wilson if they faile
to get a hearing from officials of tn
Steel corporation. ....--
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