Montana labor news., 1935-04-04
Federation President
Visits The Council

this subject in Montana as the Su-
preme Court Of Montana gave a de-
cision June l, 1908, unfolding the
rights OF unions to boycott and picket
during strikes. There has not been an
Injunction issued by the State Courts
of Montana against strikes since the
Musicians strike in 1912, in Butte
ANY injunctions that have been issued
since 1912 were issued by the Federal
Courts, and that since the passage OF
the Norris Act, federal judges do not
issue injunctions any more in Labor
disputes.
Montana Leads in Liberal Decisions.
Mr.. Graham stated that the Supreme
Court OF California handed down a de-
cision recently in picketing and boy
cotting which is hailed as a victory for
labor in that state, that the Supreme
Court Of California based its decision
on the one given by the Supreme Court
of Montana in 1908. Therefore Mon
tana Courts were just twenty-seven
years ahead of the Courts Of California
and other states in labor decisions.
Referring to the Workmen's Com
~pensation Act, the Federation head
stated that great Improvements had
been made in the law in recent years.
The Montana Law was among one OF
the best in the country. The improve
ments were attained through Legisla-
ton, Supreme Court decisions and lib
eral administration.
Supreme Court of Montana Has
Made Liberal Decisions.
He stated further that the Supreme
Court of Montana, in recent years,
have made some of the best and most
liberal decisions or Workmen's COM
pensation made by any court in the
country, but said there was consider
able room for Improvements in the
act. Comparing the operation OF
Workmen's Compensation in Montana
with other states, Mr.. Graham said
that there were over two hundred and
forty thousand injured workers in New
York State waiting for adjustments in
their compensation. Some Of the work
ers have been waiting for seven years
for their compensation. Ohio, it ap-
pears, has many thousand of injured
workers who have waited for many
months to get their compensation.
Even the Insurance Companies have
concluded to pay compensation to in
iured workers in Montana, who come
under Plan Two, without delay. The
Montana Legislature during the past
two years has enacted more Labor
Legislation of a fundamental nature,
real constructive legislation, than any
other Legislature in the country. These
measures were all sponsored by the
Montana Federation of Labor.
Measures Passed By Federation.
A bill for the eight-hour day for bus
drivers was introduced in the Senate
and passed that body by a vote Of fifty
four for and two against. A bill to re-
peal the making Of brick for public
buildings by convict labor was intro
duced in the Senate and passed by botf
Houses.
The bill providing for an eight-houi
day for fire-fighters in cities of the
first and second-class was holly con
tested in the Committee in both House.
and was passed after a keenly con.
tested fight in the Senate. The fire.
fighters now enjoy the eight-hour day
The bill for an eight-hour day TO,
truck drivers passed both Houses bu
was vetoed by the Governor. This bill
was a meritorious measure, and how
the Governor could veto this bill i
beyond the comprehension of uniol
men and women.
For twenty years, labor in Montani
has tried to secure an amendment t
the Workmen's Compensation Act, ex
tending the time from six months Il
one year, in which injured worker
should file claims for compensation
This year a bill to extend the tim
was introduced in the Senate an,
passed without a vote being cas-
against it. The roll call showed fifty
four senators voting and two not vot
ing. The House %concurred with tn
Senate and now injured workers VIII
do not file their claims for compensa
ton within six months from date Q
injury will not be beat out of thei
compensation.
This list should also include the Con
stitutional Amendment relating to re
ducing the eight-hour day.
Jack Driscoll, vice president Of tn
Montana Federation OF Labor an
members Of the Executive Board abb
assisted Mr.. Graham during the Legis
lative Session.