The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1939-06-15
Duffy and Wells Point To 40
Years Of Harmony In
Industry
CHARACTER PRAISED
c. L. Sebring Lauds Judg-
ment and Honesty Of Lead
ers on Both Sides

ers on Both Sides
Collective bargaining, better cooper
alton between employer and employe,
and the excellent system now in use
in the pottery industry which has been
proven through forty years of har-
monious relationship were extolled by
capital and labor alike at the Pottery
Forum held last Monday afternoon in
Cleveland's public auditorium under
the sponsorship Of the Second National
Catholic Social Action Congress.
President James NJ Duffy of the
National Brotherhood of Operative
Potters and Joseph M. Wells, chair
man Of the United States Potters AS
sociation's Labor Committee repre-
sented their respective groups on the
speakers platform.
President Duffy had previously at
tended forum meetings discussing the
problems of capital and labor at
Northwestern University in Chicago.
September, 1888; Princeton University,
December, 1898; Preachers College Of
the Episcopal Church, April, 1889.
The Brotherhood leader has great faith
in the educational value of these meet
ings, declaring he is certain the effect
will be felt in better employe-employer
relationships throughout the country.
Rev. Thomas Walsh, chairman, in
introducing the speakers, stated that
ideal labor conditions prevailed in the
pottery industry because both capital
and labor were acting upon the prin-
ciples of social justice. He said that
capital realized it was better to work
with the unions rather than with the
individuals. He also stated that there
was little complaint to be found with
the wages, but labor did find just COM
plant in the lack of full operation Of
the plants which is the result Of in
adequate protection to the industry on
the part of the government.
In opening his remarks, Mr.. Wells
stated that labor relations has caused
disputes since the dawn of history. 1t
was an argument over the division of
work between Cain and Able which
led to the first murder. The fall of
Rome was attributed to the manner
in which the slaves were treated. The
Magma Charter and French Revolution
resulted from labor oppression and our
own civil war was caused by differ
ence Of opinion on the way to treat
labor.
Although, said Mr.. Wells, nothing
has caused so much human suffering
as the struggle between capital and
labor, it has been only our present gen.
Grafton that has given intelligent
treatment to the problem. All the
"isms," such as Communism, he added,
are based on the fallacy that capital
and labor are opposed, where, in re-
ality, they must work together.
In Mr.. Wells opinion, adjustments
cannot be made in this country by the
Federal Government because of the
broad expense and different living con-
ditions in various sections. He pointed
to the lack of free competitive mar
ket in the dictator countries and stated
that labor has no say. Great Britain,
he said, was the most successful in
this respect because the British Isle
is small and the living conditions are
the same throughout.
The executive said the Wage and
Hour Law has failed because there was
too much territory to cover. Both
sides have been hurt, he stated, and
situations will continue to multiply.
Mr.. Wells brought forth plan
which would be based on the Wagner
act, but would be fostered by the in
dividual states. Their set up would
be recorded in Washington. The plans
first requisite would be collective bar
gaining. A representative would be
chosen by secret ballot on the plant.
The employees would then be bound to
his leadership.
The Governor of each state would
appoint three man committee to
serve without pay, which, in case OF
a dispute that could not be settled by
the firm and the labor representatives,
would appoint three men, one Of whom
would be chosen by both capital and
labor to arbitrate. Work must go on
under his jurisdiction for six months,
but if at that time one side does not
believe a fair settlement has been
made another three men would be ap-
pointed and the machinery would start
again. There would be no possibility
of strike or lockout during the arbi-
tration.
Experience" said Mr.. Wells,
"shows that only in rare instances is
there a need for arbitration"
Speaking of the pottery industry,
Mr.. Wells said, "Both sides have made
a great effort to be fair. When prob
lens arise, always a way has been
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