The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1941-06-19
Facing The Facts
With PHILIP PEARL

Here's a tip! The Roosevelt Ad-
ministration will not approve any leg
islation oltawing strikes or otherwise
impairing labor's constitutional rights.
But there is nothing to cheer about In
this news. For the Government has
discovered simpler and much more
effective way of assuring uninterrupt-
ed defense production which may
prove even more disastrous to trade
unions than mere legislation.
The scheme is simply this-the mo-
ment management and labor fall out
in any important defense industry and
production stops due to strike or
lockout, the Government will step in
and take over the plant under emer-
gency powers granted to the Presi-
dent. The workers will then be
placed in the position of Federal en-
ployes who cannot strike because that
would mean striking against the Gov
ernment.
Anticipating such developments,
President William Green served no.
tice in his testimony before the Tru-
man Committee that unless manage
ment and labor show the desire and
the ability to settle all disputes peace
ably and without shutting down pro
duction, private enterprise and'free la
bor will suffer damaging blows in
America. The moment the Govern
ment starts taking over private INDUS
try, the American system of free en-
terprise and free labor becomes endan-
gered.
We say this not in criticism of the
Government, which can see no other
recourse, but as warning signal to
both management and labor. The
danger can still be avoided. In self
defense, both must rally to the ma
tional defense and place it above al
other considerations in the months
and perhaps years-to come.
Are We Going Soft?
The leadership of the American
Federation of Labor has been con
stantly on the alert to this danger
That is why its no-strike policy wa:
first adopted. That is why, despite
the fact that this voluntary polio!
proved more than SO per cent etfec
tive, the Executive Council issued or
ders putting teeth behind it by re
curing the disciplining Of any loca
union which goes on strike before frs
irving to obtain peaceful settlemen
by Cancellation or mediation.
But the leadership Of the American
NJ ,f oh fnrrn
pliance with sane, level-headed AM
patriotic policies. 1t must get coop
Grafton from the membership of tn
American Federation of Labor. !
believes that this membership, a
well as the great mass of the Ameri
can people, support the A.rF. OF |
policy. Let this support be translat
ed into action! 1t is truly said tha
action speaks louder than words an
the time has come for action.
Hitler and Mussolini and Stall
have a great contempt for the Amer
can people. They think we have gon
soft. They feel that we care so Iii
tie for democracy and our free inst
tutions that we will go on putting OF
own petty, selfish interest ahead Of I'll
national good.
Well, they have some basis fC
these assumptions. For too long
time the national morale Of the Anne
lean people has been slack. 1t hi
been so obvious that even our enemi'
abroad have not failed to notice
But we believe that in the unlimitt
national emergency declared by tt
President, the American spirit will r.
assert itself We believe that fr'
men will be glad to make sacrifices
but, boy, how we'd like to see son
concrete proof of it right now!
Making the First Move
When talk begins of sacrifice, thc
~ is always the natural disposition
: let the other fellow start sacriiicn
first That's how things stand in Il
country today. Everyone EXPRESS
willingness to sacrifice but no one
willing to make the first move. The
is but one startling eXcepton-al
that is the American Federation
Labor.
The American Federation Of Lab'
has made the first move. 1t no
awaits similar moves by industry.
Look Mr.. Businessman! How can
. labor organization effectively keep i
.. members in check and prevent STRIKE
for better pay and conditions whi
the workers themselves see that the
employers are reaping "A rich harve
of profits from the national defen:
program? 1t is only human natu
that these workers, faced by rapid
rising living costs, are going to d
mand their share.
Well, Mr.. Businessman, here is VIII;
you can do. Give your employees the
just share. Don't hedge and dor
., haggle. Don't wait until tempe
, flare and anger rules. Act quick
and literally. That is the way indu
try can do its bit for the national d
Tense program.
1t is not enough for industry
suuaWk about strikes. That is Just