Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1921-06-25
.[Ab0R| TE5 DENY
NO|NEN n EQUA|!
UNION RIGHTS

=
Work of Man Also
Indorsed by Delegates.
Denver, June 24.-The action
of the executive council in
repudiating and severing re-
lations with the International
Federation of Trades Unions
was sustained late Friday
night by an overwhelming vote
Of the annual convention of the
American Federation of Labor.
Proposals made by the International
Association of Machinists and the
Fireman and Oilers union that the
executive council and President Comp
ers be Immediately instructed to re-
affiliate the American labor move
ment with the European organization
were almost unanimously defeated.
Precipitates Battle.
The question of future relations
with the International Federation Of
Trades unions precipated one of the
stormiest sessions of the convention.
1t followed recommendation by the
committee on international relations
that the action of President Gompers
and the executive council in with
drawing affiliations from the European
organization be approved.
I'VE find that the executives Of the
international federation of trades
unions. said the committees report.
have committed the International
Federation of Trades unions to prin-
ciples and policies which are accurate
ly described by our executive council
as revolutionary. contrary to the poll
cies and the philosophy of our move
ment and it conflict with the pro-
nouncements of the Montreal conven-
tion of the American Federation Of
Labor
Women Lose Rights.
The convention voted down a consti-
tutional amendment designed to give
women equal rights and privileges Of
membership in the union of their trade
or industry. All affiliated unions, how
ever. were urged not to discriminate
against women wage earners and to
admit them to membership.
Efforts to wipe out the color line
i'll organized labor organizations also
failed. The convention took the stand
that national and international unions
could not be compelled to recognise
negro workers and that this was mat
ter to be adjusted by conference be-
ho
various organizations.
Denounoe Discrimination.
Both questions were the subjects
of long and stormy debates. in which
by certain unions
against the negro and woman wage
was bitterly denounced.
The committees report rejecting the
amendment to give
women industrial equality defended
he federation's stand On women In in
1ustry and cited efforts to get better
wages and working conditions for
hem
He declared that only a few unions
we're discriminating against women and
or that reason disapproved of the
and urged that these In
-trnational and national associations
which do not admit women to mem
'ership give early consideration to
such admission"
Equal Work. Equal Pay.
Equal rights for women in industry
vas voiced by delegates from the su-
,armakers' and the laundry workers
lnons, who declared if woman does
| mans work she should receive .
mans pay"
All declared that organized labor
hould protect the women wage earn
RS.
w. D. Mahon. president of the ANAL
amated Association of Street and
electric Railway Employees of America,
eclared that his organization would
ot allow the federation to dictate to
IN the matter of women's labor.
He said he was in favor Of protec-
ion for women workers, but he did
ot believe that the back platform Of
street car was the place for
oman"
The defeated constitutional amend
lent would have provided for the issu-
nee Of a separate charter by the fed
ration to woman's local without the
onseat of the union having jurisdic-
on over the particular trade.
Negro Question Loses,
Ihe negro question arose on the re-
ort of the committee on laws. which
lsapproved resolution calling for
he suspension of unions that discrim-
late against negro workers. Tho
however, was upheld BY
vote.
Replying to question from the
oor as to whether it was possible to
,rce any affiliated union to wipe out
he color line," President Gompers
lid:
THE American Federation Of Labor
Is previously declared that it is tho
lty OF al workers to organise, res
ardiess Of sex. nationality, race, poit-
al belief or color.
The fe3eE4tion, however, cannot. !.
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