The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1939-06-15

request for an increase in wages if
cost of living increases or if conditions
warrant same. The employer has the
same privilege, if living costs de-
crease or business depression is at
hand, to ask for a decrease in wage
rates.
employers have effected wage de-
creases, by exercising their right to
reopen the agreement. Employees
Fhave also benefited by increases in
wages through this privilege. During
the years this has been a part of our
collective arrangement neither party
has compelled the petitioning side to
wait longer than two weeks before
having an opportunity in conference
to present it's case.
conference discussions are COM
plete and without limitation. The
arguments are often intense. Those
unfamiliar with our methods might
think that accord would not be at
tanned. Much time is consumed in dis
posing of the list of propositions sub
mitted by the two parties. We have
been confronted with extremely tense
situations. However, diplomacy, judg-
ment and reason come to the fore and
peace and understanding are at hand
when the conference comes to close.
eve do not oppose the introduction
of any machinery in our potteries. 1t
is understood that our people will re-
adjust themselves to any machine op-
Grafton on the basis of their establish
ed wages and any surplus of employees
caused by the machine will be re-
absorbed somewhere within the plant
at the earliest opportunity. We have
met with such success in the re-adjust-
ment program that we have no mis-
givings about this problem in the fu-
ture.
"We. began our collective bargain
ing in 1890 and continued on a shop
basis until 1900, when the national
uniform contract was adopted. The
degree of success attained in our
scheme is perhaps best visualized by
the fact that we have experienced
only two major strikes. One in 1898
lasted six months, the other in 1922
lasted about ten weeks. Wages were
at issue in both instances.
"In case of any difference there
shall be no cessation Of work pending
efforts to settle the dispute. Such mat
ters shall be negotiated between the
employe or employees involved and the
department foreman. If they cannot
reach an agreement, the shop commit
tee endeavors to adjust the matter. A
committee from the local and the plant
superintendent next attempt settle
ment. If an understanding does not
develop here, representative of the
national organization takes the ques-
tion up with the executives Of the
company. Resort is then made to the
standing committee, whose duties have
been explained. Should the standing
committee fail, which rarely happens,
the question becomes the basis of a
special meeting between the Labor
Committee of the United States Pot
ters Association and the Executive
Board Of the National Brotherhood Of
Operative Potters, the two parties to
our national wage agreement.
Through years Of practicing our
ways of collective bargaining this in
dustrial set up has imbued all partici-
pants with the spirit of square deal
ing so necessary to success in such an
undertaking. The way we have sur
mounted many obstacles is truly amaz-
ing. We pledge ourselves in the wage
agreement to establish a fair days
wage for fair days work and that
in the Interpretation and application
of the contract there shall be no at
tempt to take advantage of TECHNICAL
ties. Where questions not clearly
covered by the agreement arise, they
shall be settled on merit. We strive
earnestly to avoid small and insignif-
cant differences. Petty acts by rep
resentatives Of either side are frown-
ed upon.
"Our organization maintains an in
terest in the business Of the industry.
We work hand in hand with the manu-
facturers in having equitable tariff
rates established to protect our jobs
against the destructive competition of
the products made in foreign lands by
low paid labor. We have also main
tanned activity in the "Buy American"
movement. We staged a mammoth
demonstration in East Liverpool on
December l3. 1897 when President
Green Of the American Federation of
Labor and Captain F. X. A. Eble of
the Made In America Club, Inc, New
York, gave speeches which were the
highlights of the event. A huge bon
fire and parade were held in the eve
ming. This resulted in keeping Amer
lean purchasers of crockery conscious
of our purposes and gave greater EN-
ployment to our people.
"In our annual convention held in