The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-11-13

~
ment shall be reformed from
The specific question which forces
this issue is what to do about the
suspension by the Federation's
council Of John L. Lewis's insurg-
ent Committee for Industrial Or
ganization. This body, dedicated to
the organization Of workers in mass
production industries into industrial
unions, was ousted last Sept. for
"fomenting instruction" and dual
ISM
It represent IL unions, 10 of
which were suspended, and ap-
proximately 1,250,000 of the A. F,
of LIS estimated 100000 men,
beers. It controlled, until the time
of its suspension, q third OF the
Felleration's votes, and paid a
third of Its dues.
Strong Leaders in Movement
The G. I. O. has functioned as an
independent federation since II
was forcibly removed from the
parent body. 1t Is headed by the
fighting Lewis, president of the
United Mine Workers, the coun-
try's most powerful single union.
It's leaders include some Of the
shrewdest men In the labor move
ginent Charles p. Howard, Of the
Typographical Union; Sidney Hill
man, canny clothing worker who
has conceived some new depart
ures In union operation, and David
Dubinsky, president Of. the Inter-
national Ladies Garment Workers
It is prepared to continue as a
separate entity II the Federation
convention, after elaboration, Wills
1t %. Offices have been established
In Washington and other cities. A
vast and extensive drive to union
lie workers in the steel, automo-
bile, rubber and textile industries
under the Lewis "one big union
banner has been undertaken.
4 On the other hand, William
Green, president Of the A. r. Of L.,
member Of Lewis's. own union, has
indicated q steadfast determine
ton to refuse to change traditional
Federation policies In order to take
u UuCk WIG EcUcl 1dCL1OiI.
n Peace Efforts Collapse
He too has asserted the absolute
independence Of his venerable Or
,ganization. He has declared with
vigor that the American Fedora
ton Of Labor can get along with
out the Committee for Industrial
Organization. The insistence Of
both warning sides to stand on Its
own feet, prideful and unbending
was the principal reason for the
collapse Of recent peace negotia-
lions aimed at healing the breach
The convention, which repre-
sents the rank and = file OF the
federation's membership, must
weigh the reasons for the dispute
the aims OF both factions, and de-
eide what shall be done about It
1t can do one Of three things, &C.
cording to observers.
lit can, by making some con-
cessions, notably resembling the
suspension order Of the council
and allowing the G. I. o. unions to
continue their industrial union
drive.
2--1t can decide that its execu-
tive council was justified IN sus-
pending the 10 unions and vote to
make the break permanent.
Sit can, In o desperate attempt
to keep American workers banded
together without reversing the his
torical attitude Of the federation
sanction continuation of peace
maneuvering by special commit
tee appointed by the council.
Compromise Plan Favored
It Is the considered opinion Of
many that this last will be the
most probable course.
The convention which Is to de-
eide this major problem in the ma
tons industrial life will represent
almost entirely the craft unions
which, for the most part, disagree
with the Lewis tenets. The ousted
unions cannot send delegates to
the meeting. They will have a
friendly group of about 100 repre-
sentatives of central labor bodies
who have favored the CLIO. How
ever, they are limited to one vote
each in contrast to the union bal
loting, based upon membership.
The sentiment undoubtedly will
be overwhelming against the
CLIO. when 1t is crystalized In a
roll-call vote. Leaders of the craft
faction dislike Lewis. Only two
things are regarded as making for
peace-a desire to preserve unity
in union ranks and a fear of finan-
cially Gripping decapitated Fed
Grafton.
Represents Old Struggle
80 understand fully the issues al
nispate and the chief problems in
vorlAI It Is necessary to 60 back
ITO The annals of the history Of
the uaionization movement In this
.ourEry. The present conflict is moi