The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1941-02-14

have always been sympathetic with
labor. During World War /, served
as Assistant Secretary OF Labor in
Washington. / am sure that labor
leaders will tell you that was fair
in solving the problems that came
to the Department; and, believe me,
there were enough Of them! soon
learned that arguments did not do
much good, and that lawyers only
messed things up. Labor troubles
are emotional, not statistical, and
they cannot be fought" success
fully. Both sides are usually honest
and serious from their point of
view.
Have a Heart
The quickest way to solve a real
bad labor row is to take the en-
ployer around to the homes OF the
workers and see the conditions I'M
der which they live. Then have
some of the strikers shadow the
boss for few days and see how
he is working for them twelve to
sixteen hours a day against the
keenest competition. or course,
there are some labor leaders who
selfishly think only OF themselves.
They purposely stir up trouble to
get the union TO give them a raise
In pay. Some are connected with
wicked rackets. These should be
put in jail. Most labor leaders, how
ever, are earnest and Trustworthy
men working to better the condi-
tons OF the workers as they see
the light.
The chief cause OF labor troubles
is not the labor leader, or the wages
paid. or the working conditions;
but rather the expensive manner
in which certain employers live,
the way their children foolishly
spend money, and the mistakes
they make in exhibiting their power
and wealth. Very few wage workers
are jealous of the employer who
founded the business; but 1t does
burn them up" TO see the employ
ers' children racing around town
and blowing in money, while their
own children have barely enough
to eat or are unable to continue
schooling. So much for where |
stand on the labor problem. Furth-
ermore, let me say that in normal
times labor unions are both right
and necessary.
Circumstances Alter Gases
When it comes to questions of
strikes or lockouts, in days like
these, feel that both are selfish,
cowardly, and unpatriotic. The stir
ring up of 100000 rail workers of
Glass l roads with demands by
labor organizations, not the EN-
ployes, for vacations with pay is a
good current example. This will use
much of the energy Of the Presi-
dent, who is already oyerworked,
and OF railroad officials. The time
OF all concerned might far better
be spent in cooperating to move
more quickly important industrial
freight shipments.
The government is putting a cell
ing on the profits of all business
men, and it is only fair to likewise
veto strikes and lockouts. Although
in the past labor has not had fair
deal at times; yet 1.-TWO blacks do
not make a white" When the whole
nation is in danger, as at present,
we all ought to be ashamed to do
anything which holds up produc-
ton. Certainly, during the present
emergency, Congress should de-
mand compulsory arbitration We
either must go to work or go to
war! had much rather go to work
forgetting wages, hours or
profits.
In view OF the recent Supreme
Court decision, which was 100 per
cent in favor Of labor,-I wish to re-
mind labor OF what is happening
abroad. When | was over there two
years ago, found that Germany
had canned" all the labor unions
and threatened to shoot anyone
who called a strike or a lockout.
France refused TO do this as the
French politicians were afraid Of
losing votes. Even last April, when
the Germans were pounding at the
gates Of France, labor leaders and
employers were fighting one anoth-
er. AS result, the Germans
marched into France, The Germans
then disbanded the French labor
unions and their leaders were put
in Jail.
Labor Leaders Are In jail
Up to February first of this year,
the English government was very
patient with the labor unions; in
fact, my friend Minister of Labor