Evening star., 1928-02-12
Bar Association Seeks a Labor Policy

nuinberless facets to every issue But there are
only two known ways of settling dispute. One
is by agreement, the other is through force.
When there so many obstacles in the way Of
agreements 1t is not surprising that there is such
frequent resort to force.
According to Mr.. Wol, who was in Washington
last week. the chief aim Of the bar association
plan Is to give definite standing in law to colec-
tive agreements for the settlement OF disputes.
agreements should be referred to the courts In
the event that there are claims Of violation on
either side. On the contrary, 1t Is intended that
contracting parties, at the time Of making COL
lective agreement, should not only provide their
agency or method of adjusting disputes
arising during the life Of the agreement but that
posed, the procedure to be followed and the safe
guards conferred upon the contracting parties
who may feel that the agreement has been vio-
lated In any regard.
what really is sought to be accomplished" said
Mr.. Woll. 'is the encouragement Gf voluntary
arbitration under such direction as will give valid
10y and enforcement to the method Of adjusting
disputes outlined in and during the existence Of
the agreement. In instances where there are no
collective agreements or when agreements tor
inmate and differences arise in the terms which
are to prevail in the new agreements, the en-
ployer and the employees would be left free to fol-
low the course Of their own choice. To be helpful
In such instances the American Bar Association
proposal contemplates the setting up OF national
industrial council, non-political but economic, in
character and representing employers. employees
In encouraging the development of collective re-
latons and In reducing strife and friction In the
determination OF terms for contracts. In the
event of industrial disputes 1t would further put
into force the power Of public opinion and public
Judgment by presenting the actual facts and
factors involved"
1T Is intended further" said Mr. Woll, that
this board will be purely fact-fnding body, to
be continuous In character. maintained by the
Federal Government, and that it shall carry on
Investigations OF industrial facts. before and dur
ing controversies. In order that 1t may be helpful
to industry. employers. employees and encourage
them to enter into agreements It Is believed
that proceedings in this direction will result In
distinctive American labor policy. But thus for
the American Bar Association has not made any
policy is seeking the test of intelligent iudg
ment. In giving more concrete expression TO ap-
pication Of the proposed labor policy. important
correlative questions involved require careful con-
sideration and discussion It Is too early to speak
OF these questions until the underlying principle
has been thoroughly discussed and demonstrated
as being desirable Whatever else may be seid.
the American Bar Association Is to be commended
for the interest manifested In trying to flnd some
constructive method where industry. employer.
employees and the public may all prosper by en-
couragng collective agreement and Understanding
and by attempting to lessen industrial st,ife and
friction"
The underlying principle Of the American Bar
Associations platform Is not new. 1t has already
been demonstrated In the railroad labor act. and
those familiar with the bar association movement
interpret 1t as an effort long considered, TO ex-
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