The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1937-07-08
STRIKES GAIN

STRIKES GAIN
"Since last November there has
been larger monthly average total
of strikes than at any other period
in the country's history with the ex-
ception of 1917 says the United
States News. From November thru
May, exactly 1928 strikes have oc-
Cured. They have struck 46 of the
48 states-North Dakota and New
Mexico being the exceptions. AS is to
be expected, they have been most
numerous in sections Of the coun-
try where industrial development is
highest Michigan, New York, New
England, California They have
been least numerous in the agricul-
tural states-Iowa, Kansas, Nebras-
ka, etc.
Even so, there is nothing unique
in the number of strikes that have
occurred in recent months-the
World War years provide a num-
erical parallel. However, as the U.
S. News also points out, there is a
vast and fundamental difference in
the demands the strikers are max
ing today as compared to those they
made in 1917.
In practically all pre- depression
strikes, labor demanded higher
wages and-or shorter working
weeks. The closed shop was rarely
a vital issue. Today the primary
demand of strikers is the closed
shop. In many instances, union de-
mands for higher wages and shorter
work weeks have been met by in
dustry-but strikes have continued,
because employers refused to grant
the closed shop.
This is obviously a vital change in
labor,s attitude. Furthermore, it
has been accompanied by the entry
Of labor into politics on an unpre-
cedented scale. The A. F. of L., for
instance, used to keep absolutely
clear of political partisanship yet
before the last election, A. F. of LIS
president, Green, and other high
officials came out strongly in favor
of the reelection Of Mr.. Roosevelt.
And John L. Lewis, head of A. F.,
Of Ids rival, the Go, is a strong
Roosevelt hacker, and was major
contributor to the Democratic cam
paign fund. He is likewise strong
influence in several of the major in
dustrial states, notably Pennsyl-
vania and Michigan. It is his be-
lief that the labor movement, if
it is to be successful, must pc perm
anent and aggressive,y involved in
politics.
This unprecedented situation has
caused definite cleavage of opin-
ion over labor and it's desires and
activities. It is the general opinion
among employers, for instance, that
the great issue of the hour is wheth-
er labor is to run, by proxy, the gov
eminent. The labor union execu-
tives and the liberal and radical
publications that side with labor,
feel that direct action is essential,
and that such strategy as the sit
down strikes and the demand for
1000 closed shop, where no non
union man may work, is necessary
If labor is to receive its fair share of
industry's earnings.
One thing is certain-labor is
more powerful today than ever in
the past. In the nineteen years end
ing in 1892, less than 80 percent of
strikes ended with labor winning its
demands. Last year, more than 40
percent of strikes eliminated in un-
equivocal victories for the strikers,
while in SO percent more, labor re-
ceived part of its demands.
AS every student of history knows,
recovery from a depression breeds
strikes. This was true after the de-
pressions of 1884, 1891, 1907, etc.
However, today the issues are deep
er and different, and present strikes
cannot be accurately compared with