The daily worker., 1926-08-25

members INTO ChlS OrganlzaClOn. Ine
by its "most worthy president" H. M.
: Fletcher was .to unite all the colored
workmen of the city of Gary"
"These working men, explains Mr..
Fletcher have no organization to
which they can point to with any
degree of pride which will directly
benefit them or even have their in
terests at heart"
"An organized labor group" he
further stated, "can get better results
by cooperation. The organization is
not to be factional or bolshevistic in
idea or plan. 1t is to be a smooth
working, harmonious organization,
protecting the interests in every de-
partment Of labor in the city Of Gary"
The Gary Sun finishes its account
of the meeting with the following
comment:
when clouds of despair seem to
hang heavily over a supreme effort in
behalf of the interests of individuals.
there is much of comfort in knowing
that the right will always triumph.
So this great work under the leader
ship of Mr.. Fletcher is destined to do
good and big things for the city of
Gary, the great industrial center of
the middle west"
What Is This Organization.
Before the Negro workers join this
organization on a promise that he will
receive a $40 benefit if he is i'll, it
would be worthwhile to consider what
kind of an animal this Industrial
Workmen's Association" is.
The name of the organization is
very attractive. The question is what
does it hide?
Who is this Mr.. Fletcher that is the
head and the organizer of this organ
ization?
An inquiry conducted by The
DAILY WORKER reveals that he is
at the same time the head Of the well
fare department of the Gary-controlled
Illinois Steel Company. ~.
1t is quite safe to say that Mr..
Fletcher's activity in organizing the
Industrial Workmen's Association
has the approval if not the direct ell
couragement and support Of United
States Steel Corporation subsidiary.
Why is it that the steel company,
which is bitterly opposed to organiza-
tion Of the workers in the steel mills.
does not fire Mr.. Fletcher? Union or
ganizers when they are found in the
steel mills are quickly fired.
The steel company looks with great
favor on Mr.. Fletchers ssIndus-
trial Workmen's Association. 4 It ex-
poets no trouble but lots of good from
this organization with Mr.. Fletcher,
its paid agent, as its leader.
Same old Trick.
In encouraging Mr.. Fletcher to build
his organization the steel trust is play
ing the old game used by the exploit
ers to forestall real organization of
the workers.
This wondrous scheme Of Mr..
| Fletcher's, whether Matched in his
| fertile" brain or inspired by his SUI
periors is very profitable for the Illi-
nois Steel company.
Mr.. Fletcher does not intend to have
the organization fight to secure COM
pensation from the Illinois Steel Com
pany for workers that are injured or
taken sick while working in the mills.
The workers are to receive benefits
from funds collected from workers.
This is a very satisfactory arrange
ment for the steel trust.
Why Start Now7
Why did Mr.. Fletcher start his ac.
tivities now? Mr.. Fletcher rubs ell
bows with many of the Negro work
ers. He snoops around their meeting
halls. He listens to their conversa-
tions. He knows that dissatisfaction
among these Negro workers is grow
ing and that the demand for an or
ganization Of the workers is beginning
to gain foothold.
He, as a good servant, undoubtedly
reports his findings to his master. His
master then tells him what to do. He
listens to his masters voice and acts
accordingly.
Fletcher FaIsifies Conditions.
Mr.. Fletcher states that the colored
workers Of Gary have no organization
with which they can point with pride.
The DAILY WORKER is aware that
many Of the Negro workers in Gary
point with pride to the Universal Ne.
gro improvement Association.
Perhaps this organization is not TO
his liking. Perhaps he considers that
their courageous stand for an i'm.
provement in the conditions OF the
Negro workers and their attitude on
the labor question are too "bolshe.
vistic" for him and that he cannot use
that organization in behalf Of the steel
trust.
The DAILY WORKER feels conf.