The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1940-12-12
Facing The Fac+s
With PHILIP PEARL

can Federation Of Labor, we were
held up half hour at the Atlanta
airport. While we were waiting there,
a bit impatiently, we discovered a
radio program was in progress and
the next minute the radio reporter
came up to US with a microphone in
his hand and proceeded to interview
US. Naturally, we talked about the
convention. But in the few minutes
we were on the air we were unable,
we fear, to give complete report. So
now that we're back home and settled
down again and can view the pro-
ceedings retorspectively, we shall
make another attempt with the same
question and answer method.
Q.-What were the outstanding ac-
tions of the convention?
A.-Most important, we think, was
the unanimous declaration of a broad,
patriotic policy with regard to nation
al defense. The convention pledged
the members of the American Fed
GRAFTON of Labor to cooperate fully
with the Government in the compile
ton Of the strongest possible prepar-
edness program. 1t voiced willing
ness to make any sacrifices that were
reasonable or necessary to attain this
goal. A wholesome spirit of loyalty
and elf-discipline was predominant.
There will be no American Federation
of Labor strikes on defense projects
if there is any way to avoid them
That was the concensus of opinion
among the delegates voiced by Presi-
dent Green. And Government repre-
sentatives attending the convention
confirmed the fact there have been no
such strikes to date.
Labor and Democracy
Q.-What was the conventions at
titude toward the war in Europe?
Alt condemned whole heartedly
and without reserve the totalitarian
aggressors and pledged labor to sup
port the cause Of democracy. The con-
vention heard an inspiring address
from Sir Walter Citrine on how Brit
ish workers have rallied to the cause
Of their country. 1t went on record
as pledging American labor's support
to our Governments policy of extend
ing every possible aid to Great Brit
ain, short of war; There were no
Communists in the convention to op-
pose this policy. 1t was a 100 per
cent American gathering and it acted
in patriotic American way.
Odd the convention endorse
President Green's leadership?
Alt did so in the most spontan-
eous and complete way. President
Green was reelected by acclamation
for his seventeenth consecutive term
as head of the American Federation
Of Labor, The convention voted him
and Secretary Treasurer George
Meany an $4,000 increase in salary
each, as a token Of recognition for
services we'll rendered. The feeling at
this American Federation of Labor
convention was in marked contrast to
the CIO convention where fearful
designations and retirements were the
order of the day.
The Prospects of Peace
Odd the convention do anything
to promote labor peace?
Alt did everything possible. The
convention received a message from
President Roosevelt urging a renewed
attempt to bring about unity. Presi-
dent Green promptly replied that the
committee representing the American
Federation of Labor was ready to
meet any time and anywhere with
CIO representatives for the purpose
of bringing about settlement. The
convention unanimously endorsed this
action. President Green appealed to
those unions in the CIO which have
become disilusioned to come back
home to the Federation and he
promised them hearty and generous
welcome. He warned that public
opinion in this country will not stand
for labor leadership which blocks the
obvious desire of the workers of this
country for a reunited labor move
ment.
Q.-Then what are the prospects
for labor peace during the coming
year?
Alt is hard to say at this mo-
ment. The left-wing element in the
ClO squelched every move at their
convention to bring about resumption
Of peace negotiations. The plea was
made by the ex-CIO leader that the
dual movement is too weak now to
consider peace. This was specious
plea. But the new leader of the
CIO echoed it, nevertheless. He
promised the CIO delegates that
he would not rush into new peace ne
gotiations. That was a fine "promise"
for labor leader to make. On the
surface, it does not seem likely that
the CIO will make any peace over
lures in the immediate future But
there are strong and discordant un-
dercurrents within the CIO which
may compel action. The CIO is un-
doubtedly weak. But unless it does
come back to the American Fedora
ton of Labor it will become much
weaker. Conflicting pressures from