The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-09-23

lr That tho local N. R. A. Com Npliance Board in it's work of in- Eestigating and hearing complaints ,,of non-com piiance with the presi- y.dent's agreement, Is acting in strict conformity with instructions from national headquarters, nt Washing ton, that compliance boards arc not to be councils of inquisition lyor compulsion," was emphasized today by Liaison Officer Frank J.. Green at N. R. A headquarters in tho Chamber of Commerce buiid- ing.
 Y The local board, according to MT Green, Is operating in recognition of the policy, as also promulgated from national headquarters, that its function is primarily. to be of service to all employers who have signed the presidents agreement by keeping them informed of the meaning of the agreement and the individual employers obligation under 1t.
 While tho local board has been able, thus far, to handle all conis plaints without referring any to Washington, and it's members take justifubie pride in that fact, it is pointed out, however, that "'if an employer wilfully pofsists in noncompliance with the ngroc- ment, after being fully informed of his obligations, he is no longer ..entitled to tho Blue Eagle and the federal government will tako 1t away" As yet 1t has not been noe. eRsary to recommend such drastic action in any of the many eases growing out of noncompliance .sla aV.xta at.f. A hA local board. Local employers, thus far, havc' shown Q willingness to cooperate with tho board in ad. JustinE such difficulties as havo do- velopod that, as described by Mir Green, lis both satisfactory and gratifying"
 The regulations, as issued from Washington and followed by tho local board, point out that, as most violations grow out of mis- understanding rather than fiat TO. fubni to cooperate, whom m ems ployer is notified that n complaint has been flied against him "the whole tone of the notification should be that of assuming that tho employer is complying and that tho complaint ia due to some Misunderstanding which tho ems ployer can clear up by explaining tho situation to. q representative of the board"
 .. Particular emphasis Is placed on tho rule that no publicity of any kind should bo given to tho fact that m employer has had com. 'platnt lodged against him, and provided for upder the regulations, tho employer fs to be given every opportunity to 'sce tho error of his ways" if error there be, or to ox- plain his side of the question. coFnizance is taken Of many cases where employers arc under the
 misnpprohension that they have received e stay of provisions grant, cd thom by N. R. A. "ff," tho reg ,llntions continue, 1t would be a serious injustice to rcverse this unauthorized approval. much weight should be given to this fact.
 The conduct Of the board toward . an employer Is summed up in tho regulations as follows:
 .. Although the employer may be represented by counsel. If ho so -dcsiros. thcro Is no necessity for this. The employer may not Do forced to answer questions. In fact, 4it should not be found necessary to ask any questions except as an aid to tho employer in making his voluntary statement. No questions should bo asked except those strictly necessary to determine <. whether or not the employer Is complying. This hearing should not be taken advantage of as an op. portunity to pry into q mans bus- mess. The board has no power to |. compel the attendance or exam: s.ination of witnesses. or to compel -a submis isslon of books or other papers to tho board. If the employ l. or takes tho position of standing -on his constitutional rights or re. fuslng to answer questions because they might tend to incriminate