The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1941-01-16
COMMENT ON WORLD
EVENTS


ish Minister of Labor and well-known
union leader, as chairman of new
overall committee on defense produc-
ton gives point to statements in this
column that labor is assuming a posi-
ton of dominance in Great Britain
and is gradually taking over control
of defense activities. 1t is a practical
expression of the forces of democracy
fighting dictatorship. The "ruling fam
lies" of Britain are taking a back
seat.
American labor is now citing the
British example in support of the de-
mand for larger voice for labor in
the conduct of the national defense
program. In the current American
Federationist, official organ of the
American Federation of Labor, Will
lam Green renews the Federation's
demand for wider representation in
governmental departments and agen-
cies dealing with defense and, as a
strong argument in favor of this pro-
posal, points to Britain.
"The experiences of Great Britain, y
he says, "prove that when labor rep
resentatives are admitted into the
councils of government and given full
knowledge of the facts, they can more
effectively protect those they repre-
sent and persuade them, when neces-
sary, to make sacrifices and translate
defense policies into action"
X X X
Along with acceleration of the ma
tons military defense, the year 1910
saw significant strengthening of other
important defenses-those designed to
protect the social security of the Am
erican people, Chairman Arthur j.
Altmeyer of the Social Security Board
shows.
This strengthening of social secur-
ity is point that Messrs. Hitler, Mus
solini and Stain would do we'll to note
Altmeyer declares that the social
security program, now in its sixth
year, has proved big factor in con-
serving the morale of workers ano
their families.
"More than 81 million men anc
women employed in industry and COM
merce now have social security ac-
counts" he says. Through this insur-
ance system, workers throughout the
entire country are building up protec
tion for themselves and their families
Approximately 1000 benefit claims
for retired wage earners and then
aged wives, for widows, orphans OF
dependent parents of workers who
have died-are now being approved
daily.
"While this insurance protects work
ers' families if old age or death cuts
off earnings, unemployment compensa
ton is providing similar insurance tC
help workers bridge the gaps between
jobs. More than 20 million workers
now have this protection under law:
operating in all the states"
X X x
each Of the five years during which
the national social security program
has been in operation has been marked
by progress and increased efficiency,
says Altmeyer in urging continued Sc
curity progress. "The cumulative ac
complishments are paying dividend
in terms of national morale as well a
in terms of human welfare and happi
ness. They present tremendous gain
in security within our own familie
and our own nation--a security whicl
is as important as defense agains
dangers without. 1t is essential tina
we continue to build upon these gains
Further progress in social securit
during 194l and succeeding years vii
greatly help in promoting our nationa
security. As the national defense pro
gram develops it becomes increasingly
necessary to plan ahead for the EN-
ployment, health, and unemployment
problems which are ahead Of u.s."