The evening herald. [volume] (Albuquerque, New Mexico) 1914-1922, 1920-06-10
VOLUNTARY
WHOLESALE REMEDY

THE suggestion placed before the convention Of the American Fed
Grafton Of Labor in Montreal yesterday favoring establishment
= Of 8 voluntary board Of arbitration between employers and EN-.
ployers in the United States, is susceptible 20 immediate local appli-
cation 20 the situation existing in Albuquerque. The suggestion Of the
Montreal 6y representatives of organized labor from all parts of Amer
les. II was stated in behalf Of the suggestion that should such a board
function successfully il would break the vicious circle Of rising costs
aud rising wages
II Is probably true .ha, this suggestion is aimed 10 eounteract the
idea Of the industrial court, which is now gaining ground throughout
the nation with a rapdity that is unqucsioned Nevertheless the pro-
posal is valuable: first. because il shows a sincere desire on the part
Of labor leadership, or Of an important part OF it, TO arrive at a salts
factory and practical basis Of arbit atiO~ Of wage disputes and second,
because Il actually does offer such 8 basis
The idea Of compulsory arbitration Of disputes between indivd-
uls and groups Of individuals h repulsive 10 the vast majority Of
Americans. It is not the American idea Of how to settle disputes.
have been moved to their stand largely because no other course has at
times seemed open by which to keep industry moving and business
from going TO smash. A sincere desire 10 cooperate in a voluntary
arbitration board whose DEGREES could be enforced by public senti-
ment and the will Of the majority, might bring peace.
1t may. perhaps. be a long way TO a voluntary national arbtra-
organized labor at Montreal seems to us TO have its greatest immediate
value IN its possible application to local wage disputes such as the
one now pending in Albuquerque.
There are plenty Of men in Albuquerque who r competent to
investigate fairly and find impartially upon the merits of a controversy
such as has arisen out Of the demand Of the painters union for ~ a
day. Not only in this instance. but in all local disputes Of the kind
a voluntary board could be found whose findings would be absolutely
fair and impartial TO all concerned.
1t is no part Of the City Commission to enter into matters Of this
kind unless the public peace and safety become involved. We have
suffered far too much during the past four years from the increasing
Interference Of governmental agencies into private business But
private citizens, chosen by voluntary assent OF all concerned to serve
on a board whose decisions ell parties agree to accept ard abide by
would be alLpowerful in settling such disputes and could bring them
to the quickest and most satisfactory end.
Is it not worth while for those concerned in the present contro-
versy to take up this suggestion, rs made TO labor at Montreal, apply
IL to the immediate local situation and problem, make il work out in
practical operationf We believe that it is.
Should voluntary arbitration be tried in this local ease aud should
it work, a permanent board would be the result; what is now II very
grave situation for us industrially would be transformed into a positive
benefit because we would have found a solution here for future diff
ferences Of the kind and a powerful insurance against further OBJ
staeles to community progress and the welfare Of the community.