The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1938-09-29
FLAchievemenfs
CONTINUED From Page One)

of the American Federation of Labor
and friends, am indeed happy to have
the opportunity to address myself to
the citizens of Toronto on this men,
orable and historic occasion.
l am especially happy to have the
honor of representing the greatest in
stitution on the North American Con-
tinent and to bring to our fellow men,
bers in your great Dominion of-Can-
ada the personal greetings Of that out
standing American and champion of
human rights, the President of the
American Federation of Labor, Will
liam Green.
Origin of Labor Day
Over half a century ago, through
the efforts of one P. J. Mcclure, whose
name will ever be enshrined in our
memories and who will ever stand out
as one of the historical and inspiring
figures in the history of Labor, and
who, as member of the United Broth
erhood of Carpenters and Joiners, pro-
posed to the Central Labor Union Of
New York City that the first Monday
in September be set aside as Labor's
holiday, Labor Day was established.
Since that time Labor's holiday has
been given recognition to such an ex-
tent that all over the width and
breadth of the North American Con-
tinent the mighty hosts of Labor are
today participating in such meetings
as this for the purpose of taking stock
of the progress made, and to commem-
crate the aims, ideals and aspirations
of the organized workers and to once
again renew their pledges Of loyalty
and allegiance to that great institution,
the American Federation of Labor.
Benefits for Workers
Expressing the ideals of it's founders
the American Federation of Labor has
been beacon light along the pathway
of human progress for over half a CEN
tury and has been a vital force for
good and progress among the workers
of our countries. Much that we have
in the way of social legislation and
other laws for the protection of the
workers owes it's existence to the un-
firing efforts of the splendid men and
women who have been part of this
great movement of ours.
The influence of the American Fed
Grafton of Labor has always been di-
rected towards the advancement Of
human welfare. We have constantly
striven for, and have achieved shorter
hours, higher wages, and better work.
in onnlitio,c oil fo,, hso ho,
standard Of living and constructive
contribution of the welfare of all of
the people of our nations.
1t has ever been our purpose to Sc
cure for the great masses of toilers
advancement in the spiritual, cultural
and educational phases of our life.
In order to obtain these things it
has been necessary for us, through the
medium of organization and education,
to strive increasingly to preserve the
rights of collective bargaining.
Million New Members
am happy and proud to stand be-
fore you today and relate the prog
ress of the American Federation of
Labor during the past year. This
record of accomplishment should be
heartening, not only to our member
ship everywhere, but to all of the
citizens of your country and mine, be-
cause the prosperity of a nation is
measured by the prosperity of it's
workers.
Over one million, one hundred and
thirty thousand new members have
come into the American Federation of
Labor during the past year and half; 4;
these figures are based upon actual
per capita tax records of dues-paying
members, records that are an open
book for all who care to read, figures
that cannot be confused with the idle
boasts of organizations claiming to
represent, what for the most part,
amounts to paper membership.
Agreements, either negotiated for
the first time, or renewed during the
past year, far outnumber those of any
similar period in our history. That this
progress may we'll continue is ac-
knowledged by all enlightened per-
sons.
Collective Bargaining
1t has ever been the purpose Of the
American Federation of Labor to seek