Evening star., 1940-08-17
Green Dep|ores
Strike Tie-ups on
Buildings Here
A. F. of l. Chiefs Letter
To Works Agency Hits
Jurisdictionol Rows
By NELSON nj. SHEPARD.

by NELSON M. ShLT AMI.
The Federal Works Agency today
made public letter from William
Green in which the president of the
American Federation of Labor prof.
fered his hope and belief" that
work on the Social Security and
Railroad Retirement Buildings, re-
tarded by a series of recent strikes,
will 90 forward to completion with
out further interruption because OF
jurisdictional differences.
Although the A. F. of L. leader
gave no positive declaration that
such strikes would be outlawed, John
Edv. acting Federal Works admins
traitor, interpreted the letter as CIV
ing assurances that Jurlsdlctlonal
strikes would not be countenanced
on any building jobs connected with
the national defense program.
Mr.. Green recently denounced one
turisdictional strike that tied up
work on the two buildings and de-
manded that strikers go back 10
work and settle their differences
through arbitration. John T. Coyne'
president of the Building Trades
Department of the A. F. OF L. also
rebuked the irresponsible leader
ship" of local unions in connection
with the jurisdictional strikes.
Replies to Carmody.
The letter from Mr.. Green Wnlch
discussed the A. F. of l.. policy IN
general terms, was in reply to
point raised by John M. Carmody
Federal Works administrator, our
ing the recent strikes Whlch ap-
parently have been settled by an
agreement to adjust further ]ufls-
dlctional disputes without recourse
to striking. In his letter, Mr.. Green
stated
1T is the policy of the A. F. OF l..
to avoid interruption of building
construction because OF Jurlsolc-
tional disputes. We are insisting
and demanding that all unions en-
ployed in building construction snail
find a way by which any differences
which NAV arise can be adjusted
through the machinery set up IN the
building construction trades de-
partment of the A. F.. of l..
Referring specifically TO the situ-
alton affecting the two buildings
here. he said: Il hope and trust
and I assure you I firmly believe
that the Social Security Building
and Railroad Retirement Building
will 20 forward to completion with
out further interruption because OF
anv iurisdictional differences which
NAV arise. Be assured that I share
with YOU your feeling of regret and
disappointment over these tempo
rary stoppages of building construc-
ton because of jurisdictional con-
troversies.
Recalls Earlier Demand.
Even though ! was away from
Washington, 1 kept closely in touch
with the controversy which had
arisen in connection with construc-
ton of the Social Security Building
and the Railroad Retirement Build
ing. I insisted and demanded that
those who had discontinued work
on the buildings named because OF
a iurisdictional difference, must re-
turn to work and settle their diff
ferences through conferences and
arbitration. l was pleased when
those involved in the jurisdictional
difference responded to this demand
on or about August 8"
President Green's assurances ana
abatement of A. F. of l.. policy with
regard to the jurisdictional labor sit
uation was declared most welcome"
to the Federal Works Agency. The
Public Buildings Administrator
Acting Administrator Edy asserted,
has done everything in its power
to expedite construction OF these Two
defense buildings. Day and night
shifts are at work, so that these
buildings may be ready for occu-
pancy at the earliest date"
Before the series of tleups Oc-
Cured, the two buildings had been
scheduled for occupancy September
/ by the War Department and Ma
tional Defense Council. No definite
opening date has been set although
oficials of the Federal Works Agency
explained today it is possible they
may be ready later in September
unless some unforeseen delay again
occurs.