The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-08-14


out Of the chaos in which the
enterprise seemed at first TO be
operating. the outline of new and
efficient machinery for industrial
government is emerging.
Hurled Into Action
When the recovery act was
signed June 10 the idea of the
blanket code-a quick. country
wide drive to restore purchasing
power-had not been conceived.
The speed with which the admin
istration perceived that such an
effort was necessary. planned the
huge organization now functioning,
and hurled it into action. entirely
= ;saiG;:e in the history of the
American government.
Not even in time of war has this
country seen such immediate and
effective response to necessity.
This demonstration Of ability to
act when the occasion presents it
self. without hampering red tape,
may prove one of the most impor-
tant revitalizing achievements of
the NRA
Swing Toward Unionizing
Eight weeks ago when the act be-
came law, labor CROPPED about. un-
certain as TO the extent of the OPP
portunity before 1t, and the course
TO be followed in pursuit of that op
portunity
Today there is under way con-
certed swing toward unionization
that is unprecedented. In the past
six weeks the American Federation
Of Labor has issued 155 new chart
ers, more than twice the number
issued in the whole year 1929. These
new charters cover hundreds Of
thousands of workers into the or
gained movement.
In addition. thousands of men
and women are being enrolled in
existing unions. and in organiza-
tons not a part of the A. F. of L.
This swing toward unionization
has been pushed forward within the
past week by comparison of a code
negotiated in a unionized industry
coat and suit-with codes being
negotiated for industries where
there is no strong labor movement.
Prevent Industrial Strife
Union coat and suit workers, who
bargained with their employers be-
fore the code for that industry was
submitted to Washington, have won
far more favorable conditions than
most of the other groups OF workers.
The administration. also cropping
at first in regard TO its attitude on
unionization. now definitely is TAX
ing the position that the recovery
act. in itself, does not impose collec-
tive bargaining on the country. that
labor must organize itself II 1t is
to be organized. but that industry
can not have any of the new rights
of organization possible for it I'M
der the recovery act unless il gives
labor the same rights.
In the meantime. while employers
are reaching agreements among
themselves and workers are joining
together. the NRA has acted to pre-
vent industrial strife by organizing
its national labor board to mediate
strikes.
Protecting the Public
The administration was not clear
at first. either. as TO what part it
should pay in protecting the con-
sumner from monopoly. once a COM
bination had been effected under a
code of fair competition.
NRA had its eye primarily on in
creasing employment and raising
wages. while trade groups devoted
most Of their attention in submit
ting cooes to trade practices. pro-
duction and price control.
Now a plan has been worked out
by which each industry's Self-gov-
erning board will contain three
NRA representatives. not voting
because the administration wishes
industry to actually govern itself.
but retaining a veto power over any
practice they feel is monopolistic
or harmful to the public interest
This new policy is the answer of
the administration to those who
feared the result of relaxing anti
trust laws.
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