Evening star., 1936-11-20
W|NANT PARLEY
SOUGHT BY A. FL.
Green Says Social Security
Questions Would Be
Discussed.
BY JOHN c. HENRY,
gtsff Cores dent of The Star

Btan C0freS~~~uent OF lHe othIs
TAMPA, Fla, November 20.-The
Executive Council of the American
Federation of Labor is planning to
invite John G. Winant, chairman of
the Social Security Board, to meet in
round table conference with it, to
discuss administrative procedure and
possible amendments to the social
security act, William Green, fedora
ton president, told The Star corre-
spondent today.
With the council scheduled to hold
quarterly meeting in Washington
In January, Green said the desired
conference will be sought for that time.
The councils intention to arrange a
first-hand exchange of ideas on the
far-reaching social security program
was crystallized yesterday with re-
ceipt Of a telegram from Winant re-
GREETING his inability to speak before
the convention, but informing Presi-
dent Green and the council that he
would appreciate having their views
on the law and its application.
The federation already is co-operat-
ing with the board in administering
various provisions of the law, Green
said, particularly in facilitating collec-
ton of records for the Federal old-age
benefit program. Since the entire pro-
gram seems likely to increase in mag
nitude, the part of labor in its effective
application is expected to be an in
creasing one.
Changes Not Decided.
Regarding possible amendments to
the present law, Green said neither
the council nor the federation as an
organization have yet made a final
decision as to what changes may be
recommended. There is a. definite
sentiment among federation leaders.
however, to press for an entirely Fed
eral unemployment compensation plan
rather than the present Federal
State set-up.
Such a change, Green pointed out
today, would result in uniform stand
ards for that program. At the pres
ent time, he pointed out, the fedora
tion is opposed to the individual re-
serve account system, and to attempts
to apply merit rating to employers.
two provisions 'vhich are contained in
some of the State unemployment COM
pensation laws. The District law has
merit rating for employers, but the
plan is pooled fund one rather than
individual reserve one.
Federation leaders also are opposed
to employe taxes for this program, he
continued, such provision being con-
tained in several State laws but not
that of the District.
These differences of opinion, and
others, will be the basis for the pro-
posed conference with Winant, Green
concluded, with the hope that some Of
labor's views may be incorporated in
any amendments submitted to Con-
gress this Winter.
Warfare Unabated,
While the appearance of A. J. Alt
meyer, member of the Social Security
Board, was occupying principal In
terest of the convention delegates this
morning, the guerilla warfare between
President Green and the Executive
Council and John L. Lewis and the
Committee for Industrial Organization
continued unaDateO.
Crediting labor with basic RESPONSE
biity for all progressive legislation
in this country, Altmeyer, speaking
before the convention, defended the
theory and form of the present act
on three main grounds. They follow:
Unemployment and economic old
age should be considered a part of
true costs of production, just as in
dustrial accidents are now considered.
Contributions to meet these costs
should be based on pay rolls, since
pay rolls constitute the best yard
stick by which to measure future prob
able costs.
Earnings Urged as Basis.
Benefits to individuals should be
based on their past earnings since
these constitute the best yardstick by
which to measure the economic loss
involved"
Pleading for united labor action in
the cause of peace, George Gibson,
Of the British Trades Union Congress, |
told the delegates:
Peace is essential to working class |
progress. The workers fight wars and |
pay for wars, but they do not profit |
by wars"
As an instrument for peace, Gibson
suggested creation of an economic |
section" of the League of Nations
The two latest developments here |
were Green's message to Lewis in ref
erence to the formers censure by the |
Executive Board of the United Mine |
Workers, and the growth of a move |
by the "one-lungers, delegates from |
State federationS and central labor |
unions, to invite Lewis to come here |
and place his case before the conven-
tion delegates.
IT regard the decision submitted in |
your latest telegram as an expression
of your personal will," Green said in |
. telegram to Lewis.
II refuse to accept it as the free
expression of the individual men,
bers of the International Executive
Board. -
Tolerance, Moderation Needed.
"Instead of making constructive
contribution toward the settlement of
honest differences which have arisen
by our actions, you have shown that
whom the gods would destroy, they
frst make mad.
'Our responsibilities as leaders OF
men call for the exercise of tolerance,
moderation and constructive thinking.
Regardless of any attempt which
you may make to secure personal
revenge, I shall follow policy of
patience and self-control supported
by q willingness to meet and settle
differences in man-fashion at the
conference table"
Repeating his denial Of the charges
brought against him, Green reminded
Lewis that he had rallied the fereda-
ton to save the mine workers when
that union under your Gewis) lead
s~l-