Evening star., 1938-11-15
clio. Rejects
Compromised on
Labor Peace
Approves Unity,
But Insists on
Own Aims
BACKGROUND

SfuJL uHIOH1SW DCTSuS tn0uS.
trial unionism long has been is
sue in organized labor in United
States. John L. LeDis backs
latter theory and William Green
the former. In taH OF 1885, Le,Uis
and seuen other labor leaders,
then members of A. F. L.. decided
to organize the unorganised in
mass production industries along
industrial lines. A. F. L. expelled
all but one of the founders.
By the Associated Press.
PITTSBURGH, Nov. l5.-Dele
gates to the c. I. O's first conven-
ton adopted unanimously today q
peace" committees report declaring
there could be no compromise in the
G. I. O.'s terms for peace with the
American Federation of Labor.
The report, drafted swiftly after
President Roosevelt's plea for peace
between the rival craft and indus
trial unions, approved the principle
OF labr. unity. but declared that any
settlement must recognize the c. I
O.s aim of organizing workers In
industrial unions.
The delegates adopted the report
unanimously by standing vote Just
before adjourning for lunch.
The report, read by Philip MUIR
ray. vice chairman of the conven-
ton, declared there could be mo
compromise" with the c. I. O.'s
Fundamental purpose and aim of
organizing workers into powerful
industrial unions. nor with its obli-
cation to fully protect the rights
and interests of all its members and
affiliated organizations. It added:
The c. I. o. accepts the goal of
unity in the labor movement and
declared any program for the at
tainment of such goal must en-
brace as an essential prelude those
fundamental purposes and princi-
pies"
Opposes Tabling Report.
Van A. Bittner, regional director
Of the Steel Workers Organizing
Committee, opposed a move to table
the report to permit additional de-
bate. declaring:
While we want and desire an
honorable peace with the A. F. of L.,
and want labor unity in the United
States, that is not the paramount
question before this convention"
The paramount question. said Mr.
Bittner. is the establishing of the
c. I. o., and "organizing the un-
organized workers of the country"
Haywood Broun, president of the
American Newspaper Guild. made
the motion to table the report, but
withdrew 1t after Mr.. Murray told
the 500 delegates:
The resolution I have read opens
wide the door to labor unity. 1t
does not deny the presidents de-
sires for peace in labor"
John L. Lewis, chairman of the
c. I. O., sat through the debate,
smiling at times as speaker after
speaker arose and defended the po-
sition he had taken in the opening
session yesterday-that peace must
come only upon the c. l. o. terms.
1t. Gov. Thomas Kennedy of
Pennsylvania. secretary-treasurer of
the United Mine Workers, brought
up the charge he said was made yes
terday by William Green. president
of the A. F. of L.. that the mine
workers membership figures were
padded
II brand Mr.. Green an unmiti-
gated liar said the usually quiet
spoken Kennedy.
The committees report, formulat-
ed in conference last night, followed
President Roosevelt's appeal yester-
day for peace between the John L.
Lewis union and the American Fed
Grafton of Labor
Final Report on Subject.
After reading the report of the
committee, Mr.. Murray said that
would be the final one on the peace
(See C. 1. O., Page A-7.)