Evening star., 1933-09-29
MEETING TO UNITE
RIVAL US, WORKER
GROUPS IS ASKED
E. c. Babcock Proposes Open
Session of A. F. G. E.
and N. F.F. {.
WOULD DISCUSS VALUE
OF LABOR AFFILIATI0N
Settlement of Differences to Secure
Greatest Good Urged on
L. c. Steward.

An open meeting to discuss the ques-
ton Of uniting the rival American Fed
Grafton Of Government Employees and
National Federation Of Federal EN-
ployes, to which all Government workers
would be invited, today was proposed
by E. Claude Babcock, president OF the
Federation Of Government Employees IN
a letter to Luther c. Steward. president
of the Federation of Federal Employees.
Upon receipt OF the communication.
Stewards only comment was that we
are answering the letter" He expected
the reply to 20 forward this afternoon.
Babcocks communication went for
ward in response to a resolution Ia
voring such discussion, adopted re-
Gently by the national convention OF
the Federation of Government EN-
ployes, the group that was formed
under the auspices Of the American
Federation Of Labor when the Fedora
ton of Federal Employees withdrew from
the A. F. of L.
The idea Of an open meeting was
Babcocks own. He said such pro-
ceeding would avert any semblance OF
a secret deal"
Followed Adverse Vote.
The resolution Of the Federation Of
Government Employees was voted night
after the other group. in convention
at Kansas City, had voted against
reafflliation with the American Fed
Grafton Of Labor and, consequently:
against any relations with the rival
employe organization.
In his letter Babcock refers to the
resolution and adds:
I'VE, as Government employees, real
ize deeply the necessity OF united ac-
ton upon all matters pertaining to
the best interests Of those in the serv--
ice. Therefore, we deplore the differ
ences of opinion which led to the
breach between the A. F. Of L. and
the N F. F. E.
I'VE recognize the right Of all indi-
viduals to think for themselves, and
act In accordance with their convic-
tions, but it has often happened that
misapprehension and misunderstood
ing have brought about situations
their respective viewpoints, and yet be
wrong upon the chief issue.
Greatest Good is Aim.
I'VE are appreciative Of your long
service for and on behalf Of Govern
ment employees, but. at the same time.
we unqualifiedly stand upon the i'm
mutable principle that the greatest
good to the greatest number must be
our guiding light, and we are sure
that the social and economic welfare
of those in the Federal service can be
best conserved and advanced only
through afiliation and cooperation
with the great American labor move
ment.
I'VE feel that we owe 1t to Govern
ment employees to endeavor to bring this
matter to an amicable settlement. II
possible. and at the same time afford
both you and ourselves opportunity to
and impartial jury.
I'VE are convinced that no fairer jury
could be found than Government en-
ployes themselves"
Four Points Outlined.
He suggests four main points for dis
cussion.
81 The value and necessity Of A. F.
Of L. afiliation for Government en-
ployes.
20. The classification question in its
relation to the clerical, administrative,
scientific and technical groups. on one
side, and the mechanical groups on the
other.
The scope of proposed classification
legislation caused the original disagree
ment
3. "A fair settlement of all real or
imaginary differences between the A.
F. of L. and the N. F. FE
4. "A proposed basis Of agreement
upon amalgamation of the National Fed
Grafton of Federal Employees and the
American Federation Of Government
Employees, in an organization to be
aff1liated to the American Federation
of Labor"