The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1940-09-12
Sove America By
BoIs+ering Unions
Green Stresses Dependence
OF Democracy On Free
Trade Unions

In these moving times when that
which gives value to our lives and
civilization lies in the balance, the OBJ
servance of Labor Day takes on new
solemnity and new obligation. Labor
Day is in Labor's economic world
what Independence Day is in our po
litical life. Labor Day typifies the
status which Labor has secured
through union organization. For the
wage Garner finding the union means
finding the way to those industrial
rights which are the basis for justice
and freedom in that important part of
life spent in earning livelihood. We
know that if we exercise political free
dom we must also have economic free
dom. The trade union is Labor's econ
omic declaration of independence.
The union assures that basic right
representation. Through representa-
ton the union can present its views,
influence decisions, and suggest ways
and means for dealing with problems.
The right to representation, whether
in law courts, in political bodies, in
special groups or in decisions on work
terms and standards, is the provision
essential to individual initiative and
feeling of justice and self-reliance.
Representation implies rights and
status and lays the foundations for a
continuous program for betterment.
Representative must be designated
by those represented. This alone can
give them authority to act. Free trade
unions and democratic institutions are
inseparable and grow from the same
ideals of liberty.
Liberty cannot be given to any in
dividual, group or nation. 1t must be
achieved and maintained by those con-
cerned. This implies responsibility and
discipline on the part Of those who are
members and officials of free organ
: izations as well as those who con-
stitute a democratic people. We can
be sure of preserving our rights only
as we exercise them wisely and resist
encroachments on them.
By common consent priority has now
been granted to defense production
!, One and all agree that we can fight a
revolution of destruction only with
, force. The keys to defense equipment
are adequate air force, mechanical
troops and ships. Our problem is to
get equipment with the speed necessi-
tated by the imminent danger.
Manufacturers and producers plan
ming to undertake production required
for our defense program, have been
united on two demands: First, that
their industries should be allowed to
write off the cost of plant expansion
for defense production within five
years with allowances for depreciation
, and obsolescence; and secondly, the
elimination of restrictions upon hours
of work because of an alleged labor
shortage. In the case of munitions the
Government is planning to build the
plants and lease them to the producing
companies.
In accord with this background OF
protection for manufacturers against
undue costs, are legal regulations tc
pay workers overtime in excess of the
maximum standard of 40 hours pro.
vided by the Walsh-Healey Act anC
AZ hours in the Fair Labor Standards
Act. The regulation does not pro,
hibit longer hours but insures work.
ers against long hours at undue eX.
pense to them.
On Labor Day 1910 we can rejoice
IN progress even during a period OF
depression and conflict. Our unior
membership is at an all-time peak
Employed workers have made prog.
ress despite the depression. Approx,
mately 100000 union workers have
gained the 30-hour week while the
average work week for all dropped
from so to 40; hourly earnings in
creased 20 per cent in dollars anG
As per cent in purchasing power But
progress for the employed is offset
by the number unemployed who are
denied places to earn living in our
business structure When we learn
that during these decades productivity
has increased so per cent, we realize
that upon a return to normal con-
ditions the 3O-hour week must be es-
tablished for all and that industries
must be expanded to capacity to pro-
vide work opportunities for all and
the materials for higher standards of
living for all. AS labor costs per unit
of output have decreased 25 per cent
wage increases could without diff
Guilty much more nearly approximate
the increase in productivity. Sustain
ing purchasing power in the hands of
workers families is necessary to main
tain production at capacity. And this
is the basic step in solving unemploy-
ment which is our major and most inn
perative problem blocking prosperity,
peace and unity for national defense.
Upon the organized trade union
movement rests the responsibility for
maintaining labor standards for the
maintenance of progress for Labor
and prosperity for the whole Nation.
1t is our duty and our mission to
maintain standards as our economic
and social service, and the preserve
our free trade unions as an organiza-