Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-04-12
MUST RESTORE
CONFIDENCE IN
BUILDING FIRMS
Organization to Give Facts
of Construction Indus
tries to People.

Chicago, ILL.,, April 12.-The restor-
alton of the public's confidence in the
building and construction industries,
is the chief aim Of the National Fed
Grafton Of Construction Industries, ac-
cording to letters sent out by the ma
tlonal organization to more than 1000
members h are arranging meetings
IN almost all parts Of the. country.
Bring the public into your meet
ings; let them know of the rise and
all of prices and the actual facts
concerning the building industry"
says the letter.
Program Outlined.
A definite program was outlined
here last month and within the next
thirty days. according to President
Ernest T. Trigg of Philadelphia, more
than 1000 meetings will have been
held in almost every state in the
union.
While the National Federation Of
Construction Industries do not. at the
present time contemplate "a general
gathering of that body. YET the ex-
ecutive committee of this organization
mas held numerous meetings in Phila-
delphia n Chicago and at the pres
ent time has appointed a sub-commit-
tee to take up the question. of govern
ment aid for the industries with Sec
rotary of Commerce Hoover.
The federation members holding the
meetings throughout the country have
called upon the executive committee
for aid in the conduct Of. these meet.
ings, either by suggestions relative to
interesting the public in becoming
acquainted with the true facts Of the
situation or in having a representative
OF the committee deliver. an address.
Plan General Meetings.
The activities of the national fed
Grafton calls for "the holding Of gen
eral meetings under the auspices Of
local chambers Of commerce, Of the
principal construction material pro-
ducers. manufacturers, dealers, con-
tractors. engineers, architects, bank
ers. transportation. fuel, labor, real
estate and other interests associated
with or distinctly affecting the con-
struction industries of the locality.
"A public invitation would be ex-
tended and the public invited to at
tend as auditors. The program would
include presentations OF the situation
from the viewpoint Of public officials
having to do with public work, and
the construction financial and trans
portahon interests. Each Of the ele-
ments in the construction Industries
AASN III col II OCIS-
sion Of the situation in general. but
should come down to actual state
ments Of costs of materials and other
specific facts which must be consid-
cred in enecting a proper renewal Of
construction activities. In addition to
the above. subjects that Of labor
should be dealt with thoroughly, both
as regards to labor costs and restric-
ton Of output efficiency"
The executive committee advises
that the direction committees should
arrange for meetings Of contractors,
with or without their labor, for the
purpose Of going into the subject Of
reducing labor costs on a Just basis.
The primary elements of the meeting.
subject to notifications as the local
situation may indicate are as follows:
IA Development of wage bases in
accordance with existing conditions.
b. Setting Of standards of produc-
tor, which will at least equal those Of
&c. Taking Aeps which will have
in view the elimination of jurisdic-
tional and sympathetic strikes and
other stoppages of work.
I'd. The development of better re-
lationships between employers and
employees primarily Tor making eff
nctent work less difficult OF accomp-
ltshment.
"e. Adjustment of proits, over
head and methods Of doing business in
q way to CONFORM with present busi-
ness conditions and improved eff
6ciency." 49, 80