The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1939-10-26


those who know that they are even
now defeated.
"Outstanding among the problems
confronting the workers of the United
States today, as in the past few years,
is that Of finding permanent solution
to our unemployment situation. Years
of experimentation with direct relief
and relief projects in the form of made
work and extended public works have
forced us to the conclusion that there
is only one real solution possible
that of reabsorbing the millions of
displaced workers into private employ
ment. In July Of this year there were
approximately 1O,56O,OOO unemployed
or employed on relief projects. This
estimate is based on Government
figures and indicates something of the
problem which still must be solved.
We believe the first step toward meet
ing this problem should be reduction
of the hours of work for those now
employed.
"Within the past year there was en-
acted a Fair Labor Standards Act,
setting minimum wages and maximum
hours for those employed in indus
tries engaged in interstate commerce.
The administration of this law is now
being worked out and though we are
not satisfied with many Of the pro-
visions of this Act, we do feel that it
represents step in the right direction.
| NJ A L1ol1 Df I obi
is working for amendments to the
National Labor Relations Act in the
| light of experience under the admins
tration of this law. The amendments
proposed by the Federation would
definitely strengthen the Act by
clearly defining it's purposes and
functions so that it's activities may be
redirected along wholly constructive
lines and it's energies not dissipated
in making decisions between the
unions of the American Federation of
Labor and those of the rival C. l. o.
unions. The American Federation of
Labor sponsored the original legisla-
ton and seeks not to destroy it, as
has been falsely charged by those who
would seek to perpetuate the NAL
administration of the Act as it now
stands, but to make it an instrument
Of real service to the workers.
Constant watch is being kept over
developments under our social security
program and amendments will be
sought as the need appears. We are
keenly interested in trends in the ad-
ministration of the unemployment
compensation provisions of the Social
Security Act. The A. F. of l.. seeks
to broaden both the scope of the So
cial Security Act and the provisions
hereunder. 1t is our ultimate aim to
have all workers covered whereas now
the Act is definitely limited and COM
pletely excludes agricultural and do
mestic workers. Benefit provisions
under the Act are inadequate and
should be increased. With the obvious
industrial tendency to limit the wage
earning years of the workers we snust
face the need of lowering the age at
which payments under social security
begin.
Another beneficial law was the
Public Contracts Act fixing minimum
wages and hours of production covered
by all contracts with the Federal Gov
ernment. This legislation helps pre-
vent competition in low labor stand
ards on government contracts.
"In closing l would leave with you
clear understanding Of the position
of American Labor on the subject Of
international affairs. The workers of
the United States are deeply concern
ed over the trends in the relations be-
tween nations. Past experience has
proved that no group in society is af
fected so greatly as the workers in
time Of international strife and war.
We know only too well that it requires
diplomacy of the highest and finest
type to prevent the embodiment of
neutral countries in wars between
other nations. Labor of the United
States wants peace. We are willing
and anxious that our Government eX-
ercise all influence at its command to
promote peaceful solution of diff
culties between other nations and to
use it's good Offices in every helpful
way, but these efforts must be of such
a nature as will prevent the involve
ment of our own Nation in any con-
flict between other nations. The in
fuence Of the American Federation of
Labor will be directed toward a policy
Of strict neutrality. Men and women
of Labor throughout the length and
breadth of our land crave peace, they
pray for peace, they strive for it and
are determined to use all power at
their command to maintain it in our
own Nation.
Conclusion
Due to Canada's declaration Of war
in support of the Mother Country, |
endeavor to assume in behalf of the
American Federation of Labor an at
titude of neutrality. | trust that the
mission of honor and of responsibility
you bestowed on me has been executed
without lowering the standards of the
American Federation Of Labor and
the confidence you placed in me has