Montana labor news., 1933-10-05

WASHINGTON.=The militant and
constructive work performed by the
American Federation of Labor in en-
rolling thousands of workers in the
ranks of trade unionism since the en-
actment Of the National Industrial Re-
covery Law is told with clearness and
precision by the Executive Council of
the Federation in their report to the
annual convention here.
Conscious of the fact that lack of
organization among w~age-earners had
been a major factor in the unbalance
in distribution of national income
which was one of the causes Of our
economic breakdown, labor regarded
the passage of the National Recovery
Act as imposing an obligation upon
wage-earners to organize in trade I'M
IONS" the Council said.
"Wage-earners have been quick to
seize the opportunity for organization
which the legislation affords them.
After four years of uncertainties Of
unemployment and loss of savings,
wage-earners turn eagerly to an
agency that provides opportunity for
effectively lettering their conditions
and giving them a greater degree of
security. Accordingly, both s%pontan-
eous and directed organizing cam
paigns have been vigorously under
way. More charters per day since
July 1 have been granted to federal
labor unions than at any previous time
for which we have records.
Efforts Centered on Basic Industries.
"We have concentrated our efforts
more especially upon organizing the
workers in the basic industries; that
is, steel, automobiles, textiles, oil and
rubber. To the fullest extent Of the
Federation's financial ability organ
izing campaigns in these centers have
been aggressively carried on.
Progress has been made, not as
great as our hopes would realize, but
amply sufficient to encourage us to
still greater efforts.
"In another section Of this report is
given the number (340) of newly or
ganized unions directly chartered by
the American Federation of Labor
since the passage Of the National Re-
covery Act.
"This in itself is heartening; but, in
addition, is the constantly increasing
appeals from every section of the
country, from the workers of all trades
and callings and of no special trade,
for aid, help and guidance that they,
too, may have actual personal exper-
fence of the freedom of the workers
guaranteed by the National Recovery
Act.
Neither have we made any attempt
as yet to obtain from the national
and international unions a compila-
ton of increased membership through
charters issued to newly formed I'M
ions.
Automobile Headquarters in Detroit.
eve established organizing head
quarters in the center of the automo-
bile industry, Detroit, with a special
representative of the American Fed
Grafton of Labor in charge to direct
the organizing campaign.
an Atlanta, Ga, another special
representative is devoting his full time
to the campaign of organization among
workers in the Southern States, par
ticularly the textile workers.
"In the rubber industry in the City
Of Akron, the F~ederation's special rep
resentative is carrying on an active
and aggressive campaign.
Campaigns of National Unions
"In the iron and steel districts we
are likewise actively engaged.
eve repeat that the progress made
is encouraging. Our organizing cam
paign has been greatly accelerated by
the splendid work Of our volunteer Or
%ganizers, the organizing committees of
the state, and city central bodies, and
the special representatives of national
and international unions. Indeed,
without their valuable cooperation
and aid, our work would be greatly
handicapped. We take the opportun-
Ivy HoW W Express 70 lueil Jul BIedI
appreciation for their loyal co-opera-
ton and help.
National and international unions
have been conducting organizing cam
paigns which have notably increased
membership and brought a new spir-
it of hope to wage-earners. After
four years of depression they are
eager for a voice in determining work
conditions and are eagerly respond
ing to the opportunity which the Re-
covery Act assures, the right to un-
ion membership. These energetic, we'll
organized campaigns are steadily in
creasing union members.
I'VE urge upon all organizations Of