The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-08-26
M.

INDUSTRIAL leaders are wasting time and
4 energy in trying TO preserve the open shop.
Under such a system of codes as now is being
put into effect. the open shop can not mean
what it once did. Neither can the right of col
lective bargaining.
The national government is stepping into this
traditional controversy between capital and
labor From now on, it will be a three-sided
situation. and the two original sides VIII grow
weaker as the third gathers strength.
Employers already have been deprived of
their once sacred right to determine how much
they would pay and how long hours they would
demand. They no longer are in a position to
bargain That brings up the question Of who
really occupies the other side OF the table when
labor exercises its right Of collective bargaining
The government not only is undertaking to
act as arbter. but as the ultimate source Of
authority. It prefers that industrial codes be
formulated by voluntary agreement. If that
is not feasible. it reserves the right TO formulate
and impose them.
Penalties have been provided for employers
who fail TO carry out codes. That precluGes
them from driving any trade with their en-
ployes. except that it conforms to limits pre-
scribed by the government.
WE have not come to a test case as vet in
w which employees undertake to exercise the
right of collective bargaining against employers
who faithfully are living up 70 a code but the
chances are that We soon will When We do
We shaE begin to recognize the full force and
effect Of this national recovery program.
The laissez-faire regime has meant some
thing to labor as well as to capital. If it is
disestabhshed. both are going to find themselves
deprived Of certain privileges which they have
exercised in the past.
Planned economy. essence Of this program
does not permit Of arbitrary or willful inter
ference by any group. II is a substitute for
/ Gid -s--sr Nv rr-t,so
sought to reach a fair adjustment through
force.
The right to strike has been recognized and
upheld because labor had no other way of max
ing capital play fair With the government un-
dertakng to make apital play fair this aspect
OF the problem is changed. We are headed
straight for courts Of arbitration.
Such courts can not make men and women
work against their will but they can liberate
men and women from the DEGREES Of any organ
ization which pursues course contrary 10 the
public good.
THE very same reason that has influenced
Il the government TO protect both the public
and labor against exploitation by greedy indus
trialists will compel il to protect conscientious
induStrialists from exploitation by unvise labor
leadership.
The entire set-up is being altered and the
methods 10 which we have been accustomed
soon will become obsolete If the principles and
ideals on which the national recovery program
rests are successfully applied
The basic idea OF the code system is 70 bring
about such readlustments under government SUI
pervision as will guarantee the average worker
a fair return. This is irreconciable with arbi-
trary interference by any organized group.
To the same extent that a great industry
must yield obedience 10 law, so must a great
union. This does not destroy the right Of COL
lective bargaining such, but it does limit its
exercise in the interest OF public policy on the
one hand and personal liberty on the other.