, 1941-02-13

Local SOL (Frigidaire, Delco), Local SO7 (NCR),
Local 8O6, (A~malgamated), Local 753 (Amalgamated)
GENERAL EDITORIAL COMMITTEE - Marvin Miniard,
orvile Kuhnle, Kenneth Rhoades, Tom Rogers. Editorial
Advisor, William N. Chambers
DEFEND CIVIL RIGHTS!
Fineerprinting and Amerieonism
A CONSPIRACY IS BEING MATCHED. The conspiracy
is a part of an attempt by Big Business interests to destroy
the rights of the American people, and their right to organize
into trade unions.
An issue involuing this conspiracy confronted the Dayton
labor movement last Deek. That issue aous Uhether or not
Labor, without being consulted, Would be ttngerprinted and
photographed to satisfy the desire of its employers.
Ffngerprinting and photographng of workers at this time must
be looked at as a link in a chain of events. First al Emergency"
was declared; then it was found necessary" to conscript the youth
of the nation; now it is necessary" to fngerprint and photograph
all workers Echoes OF IN next step III aireaoS oems heafo
MISUNDERSTANDING the Unions! Prevent workers from fighting
for higher wages and better working conditions! Eventually, de-
stroy the Labor movement-destroy the basis for democracy
and REGIMENT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.
The idea of fingerprinting and photographing is more
serious than apepars on the surface. The employers shout,
Its for National Defense!" But this is becoming the stock
reply when employers refuse to recognize unions, raise wages
or improve working conditions.
This plan is not demanded by the Government. Agents
of the FBI have told union officials that it is "a matter purely
between management and the union"
If this action was truly in the interests of National Defense,
the Frigidaire management could not question the patriotism of its
employees. Local 81, which represents the Frgdare employees,
will take second place to none, whether he be Alfred p. Sloan,
William Knudsen r the Du Points, when love of country and sacri-
flee are involved.
But the attempt to push this action doun the threats of
Fr;gidaire employees, acithout even asking a1hether they
approve, smells phoney. THERE WAS NOT EVEN A SUG-
GESTION THAT THE SCHEME BE MADE
What is there to hide aohen the defense of the nation is at
stake? Why not let democracy operate? Open the doors to
ideas, discussion, opinions!
This plan val Matched by the big corporations. What is to
prevent them from using fingerprints and photographs to establish
A NATIONAL BLACKLIST?
The f~ingerprint- photograph scheme, voted by N. A. NJ,
is alien to Americanism. 1t is copied from the handbook of
DICTATORSHIP.
mended for its splendid action in opposing this scheme. It is
carrying on in the best traditions of the American labor
movement. It has acted to defend the interests OF its men,
bers and those it represents, not only within the plant but as
American citizens. It has acted to defend democracy and
civil liberties. It has acted to prevent RECOMMENDATION.
The Labor Movement has a program to offer Big Business
which will truly DEFEND AMERICA AND DEMOCRACY. This
program proposed to Dayton employers by the United Electrical,
Radio and Machine Workers of America calls for
HIGHER WAGES!
BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS!
Our Union is dedicated to the interests of the people.
It has pledged itself to defend democracy, to serve the ma
tional interest. Dayton workers can act to implement the
power of this patriotic weapon.
JOIN THE UE-cIo! DEFEND DEMOCRACY! DE-
FErD AMEHICAi