The Washington times., 1921-02-26
UNIONS FIGHT
ANY WAGE CUT
lanes Duncan, Mentioned for
Cabinet, Says Living Cost
Must Come Down First.
BY JACK ROYLE.
IsternatissnI News Service.


Any reduction in the scale of
wages paid TO the workers of
America must be contingent on
corresponding reduction in the cost
Of living. according to a statement
today by James Duncan, head Of the
Granite Cutters Union, vice presi-
dent of the American Federation of
Labor, and possible appointee to the
post of Secretary Of Labor in the
Harding Cabinet.
WILL OPPOSE CUT.
Mr.. Duncan Indicated the possibility
that organized labor might be called
on 10 face a demand Tor wage reduc-
tions when present contracts between
unions and employers expire: He
also indicated that any demand Tor
such reduction would be strongly op-
posed by the unions.
The cost OF living In the last few
momentous years increased far be-
yond any increase in. the pay of
workers. he added. ANY reductions
that may be arrived at must be con-
tingent upon a corresponding de-
crease In the cost OF living"
No revision of wage scales through
out the country except In isolated In
stances may be expectef until after
April 1922. Mr.. Duncan Said. I'm New
England at the present time the only
labor dispute pending 10 that in Bos-
ton affecting the building trades. l
expect that to be satisfactorily set
tied with the opening OF spring
weather." he continued.
elsewhere in the country wage
scales probably will not come up for
revision until after April. 1922. Most
OF the agreements between employers
and employees extend to that time.
IL there is no disagreement at that
time. it probable that the present
scales will be continued for another
year."
UNIONS DISCUSS PLANS.
Plans for resisting any proposed
reduction in wages OF increase in
hours of labor were seriously dis
cussed by the heads Of the 100 inter-
national unions who recently assem-
bled here, and the executive council
Of the federation which will be in
session all week. II Is understood.
will work out a detailed plan OF de-
Tense before they adjourn.
John Golden. head of the textile
workers, whose organization is re-
garded as facing situation typical
OF many others, expressed confidence
that no radical change in wages or
hours might be expected.
While Mr.. Duncan declined to indi-
cate in any way whether the labor
portfolio in the Harding Cabinet had
been offered him. he showed plainly
that he would welcome such a proffer
IL II were made.
I'VE have been waiting for the time
when we might offer our congratula-
tions on your appointment as Secre-
tary of Labor" he was told today at
federation headquarters.
II hope that you will have chance
to offer them" MT. Duncan replied.
II understand that a number of men
very close in the councils of Presi-
dent-elect Harding are friendly to me-
I am glad to hear it."
Uncertainty as to the labor post
has developed strong feeling in labor
circles. The Seaman's Union, headed
by Andrew Furuseth, is understood to
be vigorously opposed to the appoint
ment of T. V. OConnor, of Buffalo,
head of the longshoremen. The sheet
steel and tin workers are reported to
be strongly in favor Of James j.
Davis, of Pittsburgh, while the ma
jority OF the men now gathered here
to attend the meeting of the executive
council, hope for the selection OF
Duncan.