The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-01-19


ton to the national industrial recovery act.
1t is almost impossible to exaggerate the
revolutionary implications of this law in rela-
ton to organized labor. Thus far our govern
ment has been widely hostile to organized labor
In great crises both the executive and judicial
departments have fought for capital against
labor. Congress never was willing to give labor a
fair break until the passage of the Norris anti
injunction bill last year.
Only during the short period of our partici-
patton in the World war did organized labor
obtain some equality of treatment with capital
in our public policy.
Under the recovery act the scene is COM
pletely changed. The government definitely ac-
ceptS organized labor and collective bargaining
as a corner stone of the new deal'-wholy
comparable to planned production on the part
Of the employers.
The government not only accepts the prin-
ciple of organized labor, it even agrees to en-
force it by the use of fine, imprisonment or fed
eral injunction. Moreover, the yellow-dog con-
tract is absolutely outlawed. The recognition
of union labor in Germany Great Britain and
France was in no case so rapid or sweeping as
the labor victory in the national industrial re-
covery bill.
Moreover, the government agrees to enforce
regulations concerning wages working condi-
tons and hours once these are approved by the
President. The wording of the act makes it per-
fectly clear that it is expected that such ar
rangements will be determined by collective
bargaining, rather than through governmental
fiat.
A LII OF this will be great asset to organ
L h lied labor in any effort to unionize the
industries of our country. AS the editor of Facts
for Workers does well to point out:
1.-THE only situation which would discourage
or prevent union organization would be one in
which employers voluntarily paid such high
NO OnC ypE YIQI0 hort Il
such good conditions that the union could make
no appeal to the workers"
AT the same time if this new legislation gives
labor new opportunities, it also imposes COM
parable responsibilities. It will be impossible for
labor to extract blood from the turnip of
demoralized and bankrupt industry 1t must
cooperate to help along planning and efficiency
under capitalism. If it does not then liberal
labor organization will fall before the onSaughts
Of radicaliSm and be replaced by Communist
and syndicalist groups. This by the way, is a
suggestion for reflection on the part of employ
erS as well.
IF the new deal is to involve industrial CO.
partnership in this country, labor will have
to step up and fulfill its part in the triumvirate
Of government industry and labor.
Labor will need the most intelligent and re-
Sourceful leadership available In its ranks
Therefore, there is much cause for rejoicing over
The peTSOIHlel OF The IdpOr ADVISORY DOdrQ winch
will represent labor in the enforcement Of the
idustrial recovery act. The full board of nine
members has now been appointed by Labor Sec
rotary Perkins. Tt consists Of DR.. Leo Wolman,
chairman; William Green, John L. Lewis, John
P. Frey Joseph Franklin, Sidney Hillman,
Father Haas, Rose Schneidernan and George
Berry
This Is certainly very creditable list One
might suggest improvements, such as the inclu-
sion of Jacob Bilikopf Fannia Cohen or A. J.
Music, but, by and large, the personnel is most
gratifying. Leo Wolman has long been economic
adviser to the Amalgamated Clothing Workers
and is a leading academic authority on labor
unionism. Sidney Hillman is probably the most
astute labor leader the United States has pro-
duced. The group representing labor will be able
to cope in terms of brains and experience with
men like Gerard Swope, Walter Teagle, Edward
N Hurley and others who make up the indus
trial advisory board representing employers
The labor advisory board already has held
sessions, and its preliminary policies and atti-
sudes indicate that it will formulate a program
which represents the real interests of labor and
will fight for its adoption with resolution One
does not need to be partisan to labor to hope
that it will succeed.