New-York tribune., 1921-05-09
Ship Strikers
Reject u. S.
Compromise

NS"Hetn"es sf~H PssH @ueF
men on government ships. It ia pos-
sible that similar edicts will be issued
by Federal judges at all ports on both
coasts, thus effectually throwing q
robe Of government protection around
all men volunteering for service on
Shipping Board vessels.
Admiral Benson issued statement
defending the stand of the United
States Shipping Board in favor Of a
wage cut, asserting that "the existing
economic conditions fully justify the
readjustment of wage scales and work
ling conditions on the basis announced
by the Board"
The offer which the engineers were
asked to consider yesterday consisted
of the following eight points:
I.--Ali men to be reinstated to their
former positions, or positions equally
as good. without prejudice.
2.--The retention of the basic eight
hour day for the determination of en-
ployment and payment thereof.
Collective Bargaining
a.-Pro rata pay for all work per-
formed in excess of eight hours.
4.--To promote efficiency, engineers
to be guaranteed one hour overtime
daily, payable at the end of each voy-
age at the pro rata rate.
6.-Continuation of the recognized
rights. of collective bargaining.
6.-No discrimination against union.
or non-union, men in apportionment of
employment.
IA Is per cent reduction from
present wage, bonus to substitute for
reduction.
s.-Employees to be given a years
contract
Healey said there was little discus
sion of any of the points outside the
cut in pay clause and the provision
about the union or non-union affilia-
tions of employees. With respect to
the latter, he said the engineers
strongly object TO it on the ground that
1t would introduce the open shop on
American ships.
Inc bonus plan suggested in substitu-
ton for the 15 per cent wage cut, he
said. is still in an experimental stage
insisted, with the. Standard Oil en-
ployees. 1t is based on the division
with employees of moneys saved by
the latter's efficiency. Healey says
the the returns are too uncertain and
carry with them no guarantees With
proper assurances, however, he as
serted that it may be made the basis
of an agreement.
Benson's Statement
Healey added that Secretaries Davis
and Hoover were extremely anxious to
adjust the trouble and that Secretary
Davis had forty-hve minute confer
ence with President Harding respecting
the situation.
Admiral Benson's statement reads in
part:
Review of developments of the re-
grettable marine labor controversy
which now copfronts this country
should convince all unbiased men that
the course pursued by the United
States Shipping Board is a sound one
economic conditions fully Justify the
readjustment of wage scales and work.
ing conditions on the bass announced
by the board. 1t would be indeed un-
fortunate if the personnel of the mer-.
chant marine persists in refusing to do
their part in the labor liquidation of
the marine industry while benef ted by
the labor liquidation in other indus
trial fields.
"The fact that the Shipping Board
is enabled to keep its boats in opera
ton indicates that the personnel on It's
ships agree with the position which the
all loyal citizens to rally to the sup
port of their flag. Full protection both
now and after the controversy is
settled will be given by the Shipping
Board to all those who come to its as
sistance in keeping the ships in opera
ton.
'The dollar has already started back
to it's original power to purchase goods.
Recognizing this, many of the other in
dustries have adopted wage readjust-
ments and many were voluntarily ac-
cepted. Nor has the Shipping Board
singled out the seameu to accept lower
wages. The men in the shipyards and
repair yards have been asked to take
lower wages, and in almost every in
stance reduction has been accepted.
Can't Compromise Principle
"The Shipping Board will continue to
use all the resources at its command in
protecting the interests of the mer-
chant marine of the people of the
United States. AS trustee of the money
of the people it cannot compromise a
vital principle. l make an earnest ap-
peal to all Of you who have the inter
ests of our merchant marine at heart
Board in making the readjustments eff
fective in line with those of other
American industries
Winthrop L. Marvin, vice-president
and general manager Of the American
Steamship Owners Association, said
last night that the proposition consid-
cred by the engineers yesterday had
not been called to the notice of the
private operators. With respect TO the
bonus and years contract provisions,
included in the proposals, he said these
suggestions already have been rejected
by the private operators.