The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1941-01-23
REPRESENTATION WANTED


the first organizations in the country to realize
that the war IN Europe was a revolution which
threatened all democratic institutions. The strug-
gle makes clear that free trade unions are de-
strOyed where and when tOtalitaranism wins. We
know the need for defense and early offered our
services and cooperation.
Our cooperation and service can be fullest
when have adequate representation in the
decision of all defense polices-representat
designated by us on all agencies concerned with
decisions affecting labor as well as upon labor mat
ters.
We stand ready to cooperate with the govern
ment and with employers. We fully appreciate
the need for sustained capacity production. The
first essential to that end is the union contract
which fixes definitely and clearly terms and con
ditlOnS of work
union contract, negotiated by representa-
tlveS chosen by the workers through their union
machinery and representatives selected by man
agement uniformly provides for joint machinery
to adjust grievances growing out OF the operation
of the contract and also provides the machinery
and channels through which conciliation and medi
alton operate. Many union contracts-prob
ably the majority that are based upon long expert
ence-provide for arbitration.
In other words, provision for representation OF
workers through their unions and for collective
bargaining is basic for the maintenance Of indus
trial peace.
Peaceful operation Of industries is a major ob
Jectlve Of collective bargaining. Given collective
bargaining, mediation and COncatiOn and arbi
tration are natural and logical outgrowths.
When these means to peace are developed
through union contracts they are voluntary il
nature and operate through industrial machinery
with government agencies cooperating only a.
service agencies Collective bargaining is a neceS
sary element in selfgovemment of industry.
Because labor believes unreserVedly in thu
democratic way of life, we are wholeheartedl,
backing our national program to defend ou
right to democratic institutions. We realize will
equal clearneSS and conviction that it is futile t.
defend democracy from attacks from the outsid
If permit internal forces to dam the VerN
fountainhcad of liberty
Because economic and political freedom ant
progress are nSeparable, Wagc-carnerS are am0n&
the last groups to establish and enjoy rights am
freedom in work relations and in political repre-
SentatOn. Since Wagc-caInerS are the least priv
legged and the least cntrenched of democratic
groups perpetuatlon of labor unions must be tn
spearhead of plans for the defense Of democracy
Upon freedom Of trade unions for purposes of self
government depends the fate Of democracy in thi
republic and in the Western Hemisphere.
The American Federation of Labor realize
the gravity of the world situation. We know tha
defense is our immediate responsibility, for war
of today are determined largely in the Workshop
and by the ability to maintain supplies We know
that cOntOnments must be built and soldiers train
ed. Planes, bombs, submarines battleShipS, mer
chant ships, guns, muntionS-a must be read,
in the shortest possible time. The final test lie
between the efficiency OF the tOtatallan and tn
democratic states.
We believe so unrescrvedly in the democratic
way Of life that it is a religion with us Our con
ception Of the dignity Of all human beings is rootc
in our religion. The right to strike is inalicn
able right in the democratic way Of life. Not tina
we want strikes; on the contrary, we want TO avO
them. We enter upon them reluctantly and en
them with relief. In order to promote ndustria
production with peace we therefore propose tn
following:
Give us representation in the decision of de
fense policies
Up to the present time the American Fedora
tion Of Labor has been deliberately ignored. We
the oldest, strongest best disciplined labor organ
izaton in the United States, able and willing t
contribute, have been denied opportunity. Thi
situation is indefcnSibc and hindrance to tn
defense program.
Further, we propose adequate expansion @
the Cancellation Service Of the Department of Ls
Dor. This service has earned the right to cor
fdence.