Montana labor news., 1934-05-17
Corn and Hog Producers Chairman
Is Cunman Agent for Company
BIG STEEL STRIKE
LOOMS

Observation-Disclosures Is may be
the date for the beginning OF the big
gest steel strike since 1919. In its
closing sessions, the 59th annual con-
v%ention of the Amalgamated Assn. OF
Iron, Steel and Tin Workers voted
overwhelming approval of the progress
sive Appoint program which puts the
question of union recognition up to the
big steel companies May q. The in
dustry's answer must be given the
union by June IS if a strike is to be
avoided.
AS part Of the progressive APPOINT
program, dues have been lowered so
that all workers in the industry may
join the union. An appeal is to be
made to coal miners, railroad men and
automobile workers for united action.
When Earl Forbeck Of McKeecport,
leader of the western Pennsylvania
progressives, was ruled u of order
by Pres. Michael F. Tighe on the 4
point program, Clarence Irwin o
Youngstown appealed. After an hours
fiery debate, Tighe yielded and put the
program to a vote. The chorus OF
Ayes was so overwhelming for the
united action program that the roll
was not called, The progressive forces
controlled about 80 votes, to As for the
administration. The progressive dele
gates represented the newly organized
big mills.
A member from each of the six dis
tricts will sit in with the international
officials to- plan for the offensive
action against the steel corporations,
and to take part in any negotiations
with them or the government. Among
demands to be presented is the SO a
day minimum rate for steel laborers
for the 6-hour day and 30-hour week.
The present minimum is 48 cents an
hour.
Progressives expect that ii will be
up TO the rank and file committee of
six to plan most of the strategy for
the impending fight. Word slipped
into the convention that already Car
negie Steel is shipping in war material
to turn on its workers if they strike.
AS part OF the program for lowering
dues within the reach of laborers, the
union has abolished its strike and vic
limitation fund. Death benefits are
made optional. Progressives argued
that in a big strike such funds as the
union might accumulate would not help
materially. Any strike in steel these
days, it is believed, will reach its climax
within a few weeks. If a steel strike
is successful, the government cannot
afford to allow it to continue, in view
of the %restiveness of workers in the
auto industry and other industries.
Government Intervention in a steel
strike may be expected within 10 days.
Progressives drew up a tentative slate
OF officers headed by George J.. Viii
liams of Canonsburg, president Of the
largest recognized lodge of the AM
algamated Assn. The C~anonsburg
lodge has led the opposition within the
union for years. Louis Leonard, pre-
sent secretary, is the only officer now
serving who got a position on the pro-
gressive ticket. Earl Forbeck was ell
ected as assistant secretary. Clarence
Irwin Of Youngstown, r. A. Kelsey OF
Gary and Louis Morris OF Canton, O..
were named for vice president.
Pres. Tighe, it was intimated at the
convention, will not II for reelection
Edward Miller, vice president, is the
likely administration candidate for pre-
sidency.