The voice of labor. (Cumberland, Md.) 1938-1942, 1940-12-19
State Convention

The sessions of the Annual State and D. c.
Clio Convention in Hagerstown provided. in
the main. to focus the attention OF organized
face the movement If it is to maintain and
extend its gains.
The delegates assembled democraticay to
outline a complete program. They received
n thorough report Of activities and the results
of those activities from their executive officers
and we reflect the sentiments Of the delegates
in saying that the report OF stewardship and
the proposals for continued action were proud
ly received.
The best tribute to efficiency and accomp-
lishment was found in the unanimous re-nomi-
nation and reelection of John T. Jones as
President and Sidney R. Katz as Secretary
Treasurer.
The delegates left no doubt as to the earn
81 est intent of the Convention to stimulate the
first and foremost job of organizing the unor-
ganzcd within this jurisdiction.
Great jobs are to be done at once IN
the huge Bethlehem Steel Corporation
plant at Sparrows Point, the Glenn Mar
tin plant outside Baltimore and the Fair
child Aircraft plant in Hagerstown. In
fact the reason for selecting Hagerstown
as the scene Of the convention was TO let
those in the Hub City see body of labor
unions functioning among them.
Almost as important as the organizing job
in the minds of the delegates was the need of
definite efforts to assure proper consideration
of labor legislative program by the member
ship of the Maryland General Assembly which
will meet in biennial session next month.
The President of the Clio aptly told the
Conventions In 1889 we asked for necessary
legislation to protect the workers and the un-
employed of Maryland. You have heard of
the biblical reference to those who asked for
bread and received stone. That is what
happened to US"
The Convention reafirmed the need of
passage of the following legislation by the
lawmakers in Annapolis: State Labor Rela-
tons. wage and hours law. amendment Of
unemployment compensation law. workmens
compensation changes. restrictions upon COM
pany police, adequate unemployment relief.
child labor legislation and the election of
county school boards instead of appointment.
In calling for action along these lines the
suggestion for providing full time repre-
sarta1;,,o 6 l.. c.at. CIO - Arna,ol;.
with support. Organized labor knows only
too we'll of the efforts and funds expended by
organizations and individuals who are opposed
to social progress Their effective presence
in Annapolis session after session has shown
results which have not been to the benefit Of
the working people.
1t would seem very desirable to have full
time agent of the working people keeping tab
on the legislators and those who WELD such
great power with them. Organized labor must
realize at once. though. that their representa-
tive in Annapolis will need prompt and in
telligent backing from the unions and the
membership to produce results.
AT this time we wish to take notice Of the
fact that Governor O'Conor has called upon
representatives of all sections of labor to meet
and plan a unified legislative program for
labor. Great good can come from such
meeting. providing we have no representa-
tives" of labor endorsing such employer in
spired measures as the last Occupational
Diseases Bill.
Much has been made in the press Of an
incident in the closing hours Of the Con-
vention, when some delegates walked out
in protest at action taken upon the So
called "Americanism" resolutions. II 10
our opinion that this situation has been
emphasized out of all proportion to ia
importance. Every delegate to the con-
vention must now see plainly how the
smaller and contentious issues receive q
prominence which obseures the main &C.
ton and objectives.
II 10 to be devoutly hoped that all
those who were in attendance nj the
Hagerstown Convention win be ~ one IN
advancing the program upon which they
deIibsrated-a job Of organizing the un-
organised, advancing the Legislative IN
teresks a. their members nationally and
Ia state and municipal legislation and lin
ing up behind the officers they elected