Evening star., 1941-03-01
Strike Delay Plan
OF Knudsen Backs
View in Congress
O. P. N. Chief Proposes
40-Doy Waits Before
Sturt Of Wulkouts
Ey the Associated Press.


Ey the Associated Press.
Suggestions advanced by William
s. Knudsen to broaden mediation
in threatened strikes" in defense
industries reinforced today demands
by some legislators that Congress
act soon to avert production delays
due to labor disputes.
The defense production chief set
forth his recommendations in a
memorandum to Chairman Summers
of the House Judiciary Committee.
Appearing before the committee
last week, Mr.. Knudsen questioned
whether strike legislation was needed
and his testimony had been widely
quoted as evidence that no action
was required of Congress at this
time.
The memorandum he submitted to
Representative Summers last night,
calling for 40-day delay before
an intent to strike could be carried
out, was in extension of his oral
testimony He called it a memo
randum "of way to broaden media
ton in threatened strikes so as to
have the facts before a strike is
called"
c. i. o. Opposition Expected.
His proposals apparently were In
for opposition from C. I. o. leaders.
One official said definitely that the
labor organizations leadership would
be against it. This official spoke
as it was learned that Allen Hay
wood, c. l. o. organization director,
had appeared before the Defense
Commissions Labor Policy Advisory
Committee yesterday in opposition
to plans for special board to deal
with labor problems in defense in
dustries.
Mr.. Haywood argued that the
Labor Department Cancellation
Service was able to handle all such
matters and no agency was needed.
Meanwhile, administration leaders
In the House were authoritatively
reported TO have approved, in prin-
ciple, creation of special commit
tee to consult with defense officials
from time to time, and if necessary
investigate the entire defense pro-
gram.
House Members Urge Probe.
Many House members have de-
manded that an investigation be
made. One objective, according to
various proponents, would be to
study the effect of labor policies on
armament production. How the bill
lions voted for defense are being
spent would provide another main
line of inquiry.
One administration leader said he
could see no objection to a congres.
sional committee consulting with
defense officials and he assumed"
that the committees members would
be sufficiently capable to decide
whether formal inquiry was needed.
The question of legislative action
toward reducing the number of
strikes in defense industries has
been a burning one since the early
DAYS of this session Among bills
introduced is one by Representative
Smith, Democrat, of Virginia which
would provide that when it became
evident labor and management in q
defense factory could not agree the
Cancellation Service should be
called in.
Knudsen's Suggestion.
Mr.. Knudsen's proposal would pro-
vide that if the Cancellation Service
failed to effect a settlement, notice
of intent to strike could not be
given unless so per cent of the work
ers in the plant approved.
Once notice was given, an o. P. M.
fact-finding committee would have
10 days in which to investigate and
report. For 80 days after filing of
the report, the strike would have to
be held in abeyance. presumably
pending further efforts at settle
ment.
Mr.. Knudsen said that failure to
comply" would make the strike un-
authorized and forfeit the manu-
facturer's and the unions rights be-
fore the National Labor Relations
Board. until reinstated by the
board"
He did not explain in the memo
randum exactly what compliance
would be required, whether with the
fact-finding boards report, the 30
day delay requirement or with both
of these and other provisions also.
Nor was 1t made clear In what man
ner the Labor Board would exercise
authority over those who did not
comply.
Hillman Didn't See Memo.
It was authoritatively reported
that Sidney Hillman, associate o. P.
M. director and labor member of
the Defense Commission, did not
see the Knudsen memorandum be-
fore it was sent to Capitol Hill.
Under the Wagner Act, which is
administered by the Labor Board,
employers and employees have the
right to petition for an election to
determine what labor organization,
if any, the majority of employees in
a given plant want to represent
them in bargaining negotiations.
Beyond that, the board functions
chiefly to hear and investigate COM
plants that employers have engaged
in unfair labor practices against
their employees, and to issue cease
and desist orders, which are en-
forceable by order of a Circuit Court
of AOnealS