Milford chronicle., 1937-07-16
ECONOMIC HICHLICHTS
Happenings That Affect the Dinner
Pals, Dividend Checks and Tax Bills
OF Every Individual; National and
international Problems insepsrabIe
from Local Welfare

"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
through May. exactly 1898 strikes
have occurred. They have struck as
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
country where industrial develop
ment is highest-Michigan, New
York, New England, California. They
have been least numerous in the ag-
ricultural states-Iowa, Kansas, Ne
braska, etc.
Even so, there is nothing unique
in the number of strikes that have
occurred in recent months-the
World War years provide numeri-
cal parallel. However, as the U. S.
News also points out. there is vast
and fundamental difference in the
demands the strikers are making
today as compared to those they
made in 1917.
In practically all pre-depression
strikes. labor demanded higher
wages andior shorter working
weeks. The closed shop was rarely
a vital issue. Today the primary de-
mand of strikers is the closed shop. |
In many instances. union demands |
for higher wages and shorter work |
weeks have been met by industry
but strikes have continued. because
refused to grant the clos
ed shop.
This is obviously a vital change in
labor's attitude. Furthermore. ii has
Leen accompanied by the entry of
labor into politics on an unprece-
tented scale. The A. F. of L.. for in
stance. used to keep absolutely clear
Of political partisanship-yet before
he last election. A. F. of LIS Presi-
lent Green and other high officials
,ame out strongly in favor of the re-
election of Mr.. Roosevelt. And John
L. Lewis. head of A. F. of LIS rival.
he CIO, is a strong Roosevelt back
II. and was a major contributor to
he Democratic campaign fund. He
S likewise a strong influence in sew
raj of the major industrial states.
IOtably Pennsylvania and Michigan.
[ is his belief that the labor move
nent, ii 1t is to be successful. must
e permanently and aggressively in
olved in politics.
This unprecedented situation has
aused a definite cleavage of opinion
yer labor and its desires and activ-
lies. II is the general opinion among
Employers. for instance, that the
reat issue of the hour is whether
abor is to run. by proxy, the govern
lent. The labor union executives
nd the liberal and radical publica
ions that side with labor, feel that
irect action is essential. and that ii
UGH strategy as the sit-down strikes
nd the demand for a 100 per cent
losed shop, where no non-union
ian may work. is necessary If labor
, to receive its fair share of indus
rvs earnings.
One thing is certain-labor is
lore powerful today than ever in
le past. In the nineteen years end
ig in 1882. less than so per cent of
trikes ended with labor winning its
Last year, more than 40 I
er cent of strikes eliminated in
nequivocal victories for the strik-
RS. while in Sc per cent more. la
Or received part of its demands.
AS every student of history knows.
from a depression breeds
rikes. This was true after the de-
ressions of 1884. 1921. 1907. etc.
owever. today the issues are deep
: and different. and present strikes
lnnot he accurately compared with
ose of previous decades. 1t is also y
ue that for the first time in our q