Henderson daily dispatch., 1938-06-10
Labor Leaders Employing
Bad Strategy at Present
tCont,nned from rage o3e.D

hours, and their pay with their en-
ployers without fear of losing their
jobs. The truth is, however, that the
labor union movement in America is
turning into a 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 a 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 SHOW
ed around Ey a bunch of plug-uglies.
They do not want to give up their
rights to personal liberty and to free
speech. They do, however, want the
protection that collective action should
give them. In many concerns through
out the country there have been very
bitter campaigns on the following
question: Should the employees form
their own Independent union or should
they join up with one of the two ex-
isting unions?
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 of this
company decided that they should
form their own independent union be-
fore they fell into the clutches of out
side unions Both the CIO and AFofI.
made strong drives to force the new
group into one or the other of the
existing unions. A secret ballot cleo
ton was ordered by the National La
Dor Relations Board. The employees
voted by wide majority to keep their |
union independent.
I cite this case because the inde-
pendent union was organized on 4
and trade unions. For instance, this
union was incorporated under the
laws of California as a non-profit or
ganization 1t is, therefore, legally re-
sponsible to carry out any agreement |
it makes. Incorporation of unions has
long been regarded by employers as
essential to industrial peace. 1t, how
ever, has been fought tooth-and-nail |
ty union leaders because the financial
affairs of corporations must be kept |
open to public inspection. Hence, ac-
ceptance 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 connect
ed with this California union 1t is
run entirely by the employee mem
bers and an attorney of their own
choosing. There are no salaried Off
GERS, no initiation fees, no special as
sessments, no political contribution ).
Dues are fifty cents month COM
pared with 81 to as high as $5 |
month in the CIO and AFofL. Tie |
union is organized by the employees.
for the benefit of themselves, the pub
lie, and their company. Front Of
flee" interference is not tolerated. It |
is an ideal arrangement. This union |
is an example to any other group Of
employees who want the benefits of |
organization, but who are afraid to
become snarled up with the vicious
policies of the CIO and AFofL.
Other companies have recently fol-
lOWeQ the eXdHlple OF Ine PdClIlc GaS |
and Electric employees. My fervent
hope is that this independent type of |
union will become more common in |
the United States. When it does, the |
day of the labor racketeer and gang
ster will be over and big obstacle 20 |
prosperity will be removed At a re-
cent nationwide conference of pur-
chasing agents, the question was ask
ed: what do you think is the major
problem facing business today?" The
answer was the necessity of amend
ing the Wagner labor act in order
to end this current period of labor
fear
Amend the Wagner Act.
Yet, despite the unfairness of tho
Wagner act, l believe that it is a tre
mendous forward step in the social
progress of the United States. Give us
Congress with some CUTS and the
needed amendments can quickly be
put into the law. Through these