Imperial Valley press., 1938-06-10


l do not understand what these
leaders are expecting to accom-
plish by their current Strategy.
1t is unpatriotic to foment labor
troubles and issue strike orders
at this time. Moreover. with mil
lions of Americans out of jobs and
eager to work, it seems ridiculous
from labor's own standpoint.
OF course, labor troubles are
much less in number today than
they were year ago At that time
conditions were almost hopeless.
Until recently the sharp drop in
business had made labor leaders
watch their step more closely. Late
1y, however, the big shots, to re-
Vive interest in waning member
ships, have stirred up more rows.
The automobile, the tire, and the
shipping industries have been
plagued by new outbreaks. At the
same time, building, railroad, and
steel workers have held wages at
their unreasonable peaks of a year
ago. AS result. unions are hurt
ing business and are running them
selves in the eyes of public opinion
Unions turning Into Rackets
In attacking union leadership,
am not decrying the principle of
collective bargaining. All practical
business leaders and professional
people are solidly behind this prin-
ciple. Employees must be protected
in their right to discuss their work,
their hours, ard their pay with
their employers without fear of
losing their Jobs. The truth is,
however, that the labor union move
ment in America is turning into
racket. The unions methods,
their rules, and regulations, their
dues-in fact their whole set-up-
is not too far cry from simple
gangsterism.
For that reason many employees
who would like to belong to union
hesitate to do so. They do not want
to become identified with either of
the major unions and their tainted
regulations. They are afraid to join
these unions and be boSsed and
showed around by bunch of plug
uglies. They do not want to give
up their rights to personal liberty
and to free speech. They do, how
ever, want the protection that COL
% lective action should give them
In many concerns throughout the
country there have been very bit
ter campaigns on the following queS-
ton: Should the employees form
their own independent union or
should they join up one of the two
ex sting unions?
Unique California Union
The most interesting case of this
kind is that of the Pacific Gas
and Electric company. After the
Wagner act had been upheld by
the supreme court last year, the
employees CT this company decided
that they should form their own
independent union before they fell
into the clutches of outside unions.
Both the CIO and AFofL made
strong drives to force the new group
into one or the other of the exist
ing unions. A secret ballot election
was ordered by the National Labor
Relations board. The employees vot-
ed by wide majority to keep their
union independent
l cite this case because the jnde-
perdent union was Orga anized on a
far different basis than most COM
pany and trade unions. For instance
this union was Incorporated under
the laws of California as a nom
Profit organization 1t is. therefore.
legally responsible to carry out any
agreement it makes. Incorporation
of unions has long been regarded
by employers as essential to indus
trial peace. 1t, however, has been
fought too5h-and by union
leaders because the financial af-
fairs of corporations must be kept
open to public inspection. Hence,
acceptance of such responsibility
by the P. G. and E. workers is a
milestone in labor organization.
Ideal Type of Union
There are no labor bosses con-
nected with this California union.
1t is run entirely by the employees