The Washington herald., 1921-05-15
Ship Strike a Deadlock.

oHP SuiNC q DCO0IO(hs 80
IN ESPITE sincere efforts to bring about a con,-.
j promise between the United States Shppng
Board and striking marine workers by the De-
partmcnt of Labor deadlock has continued during
the week with neither side showing disposition to
yield on the essential demands ~
Admiral Bcnson's insistancc on a IS per cent re-
duction in wages is the of the controversy. Be-
side the main issue other differences sink into insig
nhcance and doubtless could be settled to the sas-
faction OF everyone concerned Admiral Benson dur
ing the week has consistently refused give ground
on his position. He regards the wage reduction as
essential for the future existence OF the American
chant marine fleet, which faces almost unprecedented
competition from foreign bottoms. ..."
Encouraged by Admiral Bensons stand private
ship owners have maintained their position in most
instances The IS per cent wage reduction appears
to have the sanction Of the Appropriations Committee
Of the House of Representatives as necessary part
of the government economy program. e
Marine union leaders seem determined TO fight
out the issue this line and have been almost ni-
movable in all their statements and conferences The
Shipping Board has shown disposition. to recognize
the right of labor to collective bargaining and there
seems little doubt that this attitude will be coninucd.
In conferences with Secretary of Labor Davis they
have refused to consider compromise which would
include wage reductions Hope of mediating the
strike has not been given up, labor officials DECLARE
but the present outlook Is uncertain and the atempt
10 tic up shipping may be Of long duration. z
Admiral Benson explained his position to the
House Appropriations Committee on Monday and ap-
peared to receive complete endorsement from the
members. Some members Of the committee expressed
themselves in favor of still further wage reductions
Meanwhile there is considerable doubt as to just
what the situation OF shipping along the Atlantic Sea-
board is at present Ship and Shipping Board
officials declare that there has been slight deviation
from normal On the other hand, union leaders de-
clare that than rs per cent Of the shipping has
been tied UP and will continue to be restrained until
the strike is settled satisfactorily the workers.
Admiral Benson addressed a. strong appeal to- Of
fcers and men Of the Shipping Board bottoms in New
York Sunday in which he explained in detail the
boards complete program. He pointed to the example
of other industries which have reduced wages in the
interests Of economy, often with the approval of the
workers who realized the change which has come
about in living costs during the past few months At
almost the same time members of the :iarne Engi-
neers Union were meeting in New York and deciding
to stick by their fight against the reduction.
Police protection at shipping centers has been
strengthened during the week and little trouble has
been reported A ship seuted in the harbor at Nor
folk Saturday was checked up against either the
strikers union sympathzers. On the whole the ma
rine workers have shown disposition to conduct an
orderly strike promptly curbng evidences Of riotous
spirit among their members.
Private owners have shown their determined
attitude in their refusal negotiate with the unions
the basis of a twelve-month wage agreement. They
have maintained the ground, despite Secretary Davis
conciatory offers, that the cost Of living may make
sudden and tremendous drops before another year and
wish reserve the right to reduce wages still further
il such steps justified by living costs