Evening star., 1932-10-23
GREEN DIRECTS
PLEA TO WEALTHY
Labor Head Says They
Should Sell From Their
Strong Boxes to Aid.

In a statement on the unemployment
and relief situation, which was pub
lished yesterday in Labor, the official
publication of the organized railroad
employees of the country, William
Green, president Of the American Fed
Grafton of Labor, called on the wealthy
to sell 1.-The contents of their strong
boxes" if necessary to feed the hungry
He said the number of unemployed
''has grown steadily larger since last
January" and to prevent widespread
mobilize as never before in our Nation :
history"
He saw no indication that more than
100000 jobs will be opened before
Winter comes. He urged the shorter
work day and shorter work week and
supported the idea of sharing the
work" He would have not only labor
but the public generally join in the
drive to prevent suffering.
Reduction of Incomes.
Mr.. Green wrote THE fourth Win
ter of unemployment draws closer. The
number of unemployed has grown
steadily larger since last January.
Workers incomes have been reduced by
wage cuts and part-time work; their
reserves, savings and investments have
been heavily taxed or exhausted eoui-
ties in homes and insurance have been
lost by inability to continue payments.
What to co for this Winter when eX-
pen.es will be higher is the question
that confronts many workers.
ITO prevent widespread starvation
and suffering, we need to mobilize as
never before in our Nations history.
There is no indication that over H.
10000 jobs will be forthcoming before
Winter comes. The problem of relief
must be tackled from new approaches.
This is matter for consultation be-
tween the various groups Of the ccm-
munity so that those who represent the
needy may talk over po- sibilities of va
rioug methods with those Tho can give
relief. The unemployed want chance
to earn their way.
First, the normal sources of en-
ployment should be urged to go on a
five-day week and shorter shifts so as
to increase the number employed
Hourly wage rates should not be de-
creased, but should be increased pro-
porticnately with increased efficiency
Such an arrangement enables employers
to share the costs Of relief entated in
sharing the work
Work Spread Promising.
The shorter work week and the
shorter work Gay would practically give
Jobs to all and would put the whole
social structure on a sound basis.
Now is the strategic time for ma
tional leadership TO institute the five
Gay week and for regional cooperation
to make the flve-day week effective. No
other policy for the coming Winter can
prevent starvation and despair on
wide scale.
I'm the second place, opportunities
for exchanging services for shelter and
food should be developed and organized
Many who can not give money would
find such a contribution q personal
source of helpfulness and qualification
In the third place, an appeal for re-
lief contributions should be urged upon
those able to give. No understanding
person can enjoy the comforts of
shelter, food and clothing unless he
has given as much as he can to those
destitute through no fault Of theirs.
organized labor everywhere has a
big responsibility for getting. the needs
tive groups. The responsibility is in
itself an opportunity to secure better
understanding of labor'S wants and
needs and also to demonstrate the
functions of labor movement in de-
preston.
1T would be we'll for each Central
Labor Union to organize for participa-
ton in the community work for relief
to take the initiative as well as to CO.
operate.
Labor has been giving more gener-
ously than any other group-sharing
incomes, savings, Jobs, homes, food and
understanding.
While labor will continue to do
more than its part, it calls upon those
with wealth also to give until they feel
the pinch-if necessary, selling the con-
tents of their strong boxes. Human
necessity recognizes no prior claim"