The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1938-12-01
Lehigh Cement Company
Signs Union Agreement

The agreement recently finalized be-
tween United Cement Workers Local
No. 21045, affiliated with the National
Council Of United Cement Workers,
American Federation of Labor, and
the Lehigh Portland Cement Company
at Mitchell, Indiana, achieved a result
visioned "a years ago by the organ
lied cement workers.
The great Importance of the agree
ment is recognized by William Schoen-
berg, president of the National Coun-
Gil of Cement Workers, who said he
considered it zone Of the greatest
achievements of the Council"
The history Of the struggle to or
ganize the Mitchell plant and the out
standing features of the agreement,
are told by Toney Gallo, secretary
treasurer of the National Council Of
United Cement Workers in the "Voice
of the Union Cement Worker" the
official organ Of the National Council.
Here is Mr. Gallo's story:
1914 Strike Was Lost
'In 1914 workers of this plant,
many of whom are now members Of
Local 21045, formed a union organiza-
ton, and in trying to secure recogni-
tion from their company resorted to
strike. After months of idleness,
these workers were forced to return
to work without Union recognition.
Although defeated these loyal workers
kept their faith, and when the oppor-
tunity presented itself last year, they
organized into Local 21045.
Union Certified as Bargaining Agent
"a battle for recognition was re-
sumed again, and was successfully
ended when their case was brought
to the attention of the National Labor
Relations Board, 18th Region, In
dianapolis, Indiana, some two months
ago. Following certifcation as sole
bargaining agents by the Board, on
October 90, 1888, representatives Of
the Lehigh Portland Cement Company,
Local Union No. 21045, and the Natl
onal Council of United Cement Work
ers started negotiations, which were
fnalized on October 2Sth.
Agreement Provisions Summarized
despite the fact that the Union
membership contained little over the
majority Of the workers, a very salts
factory contract was negotiated.
"These workers are now thoroughly
protected as to wages, employment
and promotions. Their job security is
guaranteed through seniority rights.
Services performed by the workers for
the company are to be paid for. En-
ployes reporting for work are guaran-
teed at least three hours pay. Like
wise, when called back to work after
leaving the plant, they are assured of
at least three hours minimum pay at
time and one-half.
"All time worked in excess of eight
hours day or 40 hours a week, as
we'll as six holidays, will be paid one
and one-half times their regular rate.
"Any employe temporarily trans
ferred to a lower rated job will receive
his regular rate Of pay, or if trans
ferred to a higher rated job will re-
ceive his higher rate. If a permanent
the employe must be given one weeks
notice, or paid one weeks pay at his
higher rate.
"One weeks vacation pay, granted
voluntarily by the company some
time ago, is now definite part of the
agreement.
Disputes Will Be Arbitrated
Last, but by no means least, cause
for discomfort has been eliminated by
the section providing for monthly
meetings between committee Of the
union and the local management.
Many questions not satisfactorily set
tied in these meetings can be carried
to the attention for settlement of the
higher company officials, with assur-
ance that there shall be no lockouts
or strikes while the matter in dispute
is being arbitrated."
g.,