New-York tribune., 1919-02-07

pearcd in all papers of the Pacific
Coast cities as a page advertisements:
"Shipworkers Strike.
Facts That the Men Must Recognize
"Is an agreement solemnly entered
INTO between representatives of the
government and representatives of the
binding on both sides, binding on every
individual represented therein, or is it
to be broken at will?
"Do the men in the sEipyards realize
that the question of wages in the yards
is not one between the shipyard work
ers and the yard owners, but is between
the shipyard workers and the Emer
gency Fleet Corporation, representing
the government of the United States?
Agreed on Arbiters
DO the men in the yards realize
that both. the government on one hand
and the men on the other have during
the life of the shipbuildng labor ad-
justment agreement, the so-called Macy
agreement, surrendered final decision
on all matters of wages, hours and
conditions to the determination of
three men, one representing the people
OF the United States and appointed by
the President of the United States, one
appointed by Samuel Gompcrs, repre-
senting the shipyard workers, and one
appointed jointly by the navy and the
Emergency Fleet Corporation?
do the men appreciate that this
agreement was drawn up after the
most careful consideration in August,
1917, which was amended after weeks
conference in December, 1917, attended
by Mr.Gompers, the international presi
dents and delegates from the Seattle
aud San Francisco metal trades coun-
ellis; that it was signed by representa-
tivcs of the navy, the Emergency Fleet
Corporation and on behalf of the men
by the international presidents?
"The present agreement is as perfect
an instrument for adjudicating indus
trial differences as has yet been de-
necessary. 1t is complete. There is
no room for outside mediation. 1t is
final and binding on both sides. In
order to give either side redress, the
awards are made for relatively short
periods only, so that an unfair decision
cannot be long continued.
Higher Wages Granted
"The decisions and awards of the
Macy board have resulted in wage in
creases that will cost the government
more than S300.000,000 on the ship
building programme, yet the govern
ment has unfinchingly accepted the
burden which the boards decision i'm
posed on it.
''In the present case the rates have
been fixed by the Macy board, not only
for the Pacific Coast but for the Great
Lakes. the Atlantic and Gulf yards as
we'll. The appeal from the decision of
the board to the board of appeal failed.
bo i~i o+b
opportunity for reopening the case
exists till after March 81. when the
present award expires.
Are the men going to stick to their
side of the bargain? That is the
question at issue, and if they do not
IS there any assurance that any agree
ment hereafter can be considered bind
ing?
Agreement Is Binding
THE Emergency Fleet Corporation
considers itself bound by it's agreement
with labor to observe the existing
award until its expiration. 1t can con-
sent to no change. no modification, IN
one district without breaking faith
with the men in all other districts. 1t
must, therefore, insist that the award
be carried out to its termination.
"W While the armistice ended hostll-
ties. it did not end the shipbuildinc
labor adjustment agreement.
The shipyard workers of the
Seattle district gave such an excel
lent account of themselves during the
war and impressed me so strongly as
sane. loyal, conscientious Americans
that | appeal to their sense of fairness
to go back to work and stick by the
agreement until it expires March 81.
In the mean time joint conference can
determine what is to be done after
that"