The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1922-03-31
Summary of Report
of the A. F. of L.
Legislative Committee

Each month the legislative repre-
sentatives of the American Fedora
zion of Labor make a report of the
legislation proposed in congress and
the attitude upon it taken by labor.
These reports are published monthly
in the American Federationist. Fol-
lowing is a brief summary of meas
ures before congress, but if you de-
sire further information you will find
the full report of the legislative COM
mittee in the March issue of the
American Federationist.
Tying Men to Their JObs.-S. 3147,
by Senator Kenyon, provides for a
settlement Of disputes between en-
ployers and employees in the coal
mining industry, to establish a board
Tor an adjustment Of such disputes
and to stabilize conditions of produc-
ton.
When disputes between employers
and employers can not be settled be-
tween themselves directly thy must
be referred to a national coal mining
board. This board is selected in the
same manner as the railroad labor
board, from which the railroad en-
ployes have not found that impair
TALLY promised them by the pro-
motors of that law in and out of con-
gress. Three coal miners, three op-
orators and three to represent tno
public" comprise the board They
are each to receive an annual salary
OF $4,000. If the board finds uAa
Its decision is violated by either the
operator or miner it shall make pub
lie its finding. A most remarkable
section Of the bill recognizes the
right Of the women to work in the
coal mines.
The employment of women in the
mines OF England was stopped by
order CT Queen Victoria in 1887. The
practice mad become so fragrant that
the country was aroused to a high
pitch Of indignation. Mr.. William
Green, secretary of the United Mine
Workers of America, alarmed at tn.
purpose of the bill, gave out this
statement: "The bill provides for
compulsory arbitration and establish
ment Of open shop methods in the
mining industry. While it provides
for the recognition of the right to
bargain collectively it makes collect
I've bargaining unavoidable by pro-
vlding for compulsory arbitration"
Soldiers Adjusted Compensation
Not outstanding the very great Cd.
position from various manufacturers
associations and banking interests
there IS a strong sentiment in con-
gress Tor the passage of a bonus bill
Mucn difference of opinion, however.
exists as 10 the method of raising the
fumes to carry out the provisions of
the law when enacted. Representa-.
tlVe5 OF the American Federation of
Labor appeared before the commit
tee on ways and means of the house
and urged the passage of some meas
Ire that would give recognition Of
the debt we owe those who offerc.
tne supreme sacrifice in the graf war.
however, protests We're entered
against raising the money to pay the
compensation by levying a so-calleJ
sales tax. 1t was pointed out to the
committee that there were other
ways to provide the money. II was
also contended that giving former
service men adjusted commemorative
IN one part of the bill and then tax.
ing 1t away from them through a
consumption sales tax in anothe,
part would be absurd.
Discharged Without Warning.-An
order was issued February 8 bv the
secretary of the navy that 10000 en-
ployes of the navy yards of the conn
try should be laid off indefinitelv
Ihere had been no warning that sucr
a move was contemplated. Abou+
the same time the United States
shipping board intimated il would
award a contract for reconditioninll