The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-06-12

members only on condition that the union give assurances that t would not seek the closed shop or the check-of system of collection of union dues.
 Fear Closed Shop
 The companies say that the req son they refuse to sign a contract is that they believe it would lead to closed shop.
 Chairman Philip Murray of the s. w. O. c. announced after the long session that We are prepared to negotiate written, signed agree ment with representatives of the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co and the Republic Steel Corp. or the basis of the governors recommends tion and suggestion"
 The companies, however, remained unshaken in their position. Even while conversations were in prog ress Chairman Tom Girdler of Re- public issued in Cleveland state ment asSailing the closed shop and "the reign of laWleSsness now being carried by the (John L0 Lew,s union in many communities"
 Girdler's statement was directed at Sen. Joseph Guffey, d., Pa, who had attacked Republic for refusing to sign.
 23,OOO Are Working
 Girdler said that 23,000 Republic employees were working and that more wanted to return to work.
 It was hoped some agreement could be reached before Tuesday, the time set for resumption of the joint meeting in Columbus.
 Davey said the companies were willing to carry out all the provi- sions of the union contract with Carnegie Illinois Steel Co.,, biggest U. s. Steel Corp. producing unit. That was the contract which the union submitted as model of what they wanted the independents to sign.
 The hitch was that while they were willing to carry out the pro- visions, they did not want to put their names to any written com- pact with the c. I. O.
 Murray said he had raised the question of whether they would sign if a national labor board elec- tion were held and showed that the union had majority.
 Davey said both sides had agreed "to preserve the status quo" until Tuesday. He said there had been no discussion of proposals that he call out the national guard in Ohio. Asked if he intended to mobilize the militia, he said mot tomorrow"
 Skeleton Basis
 Johnstown, Pa, June 12-(UP)- The Bethlehem Steel Corporations huge cambria plant operated on skeleton basis today while C.I.O. pickets shouted appeals to non- strikers to walk out and demand union recognition and a contract governing hours and wages.
 Leaders of the steel workers or ganizing committee, which had called strikes against three other independent steel companies, estab- lished picket lines at each of the IA gates of the plant, which nor mally employs approximately 15,- 900 workers.
 The strike began last night. Com pany police said 50 per cent of the men ignored the pickets' pleas, and that the plant had not been forced | to halt operations.
 Approximately 600 pickets as- sembled at the main gate, but made no effort to block the entrance. | They jeered workers who entered. Veritable Arsenal
 David Watkins, S.W.O.C. regional | director, charged that the plant was | "a veritable arsenal"
 They have food, beds, ammuni- tion and guns-and the men to use them," he said. We will try to keep things peaceful, but this is go- ing to be real strike"
 Frank Springer, company police man, denied the charge. He said the company had not increased the force, and that guns had been talk en from the officers. Approxim- ately 120 company police were on duty, armed with riot clubs and tear gas equipment.