The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1941-07-03
A.F.L.'s Green and Meany AssaiI vinson
Bill: Tobin Urges Sacrifices for Defense
Green Sends Letter To All
Congressman Opposing
Anti-Lubor Laws

Washington, D. C.-The American
Federation Of Labor expressed unal-
terable opposition to the substitute
bill which Rep. Carl Vinson, of Geor-
gia, proposes to bring out on the floor
of the House Of Representatives as
substitute for his original "cool-
ing-off" bill.
Representatives of the American
Federation of Labor conferred with
Rep. Vinson at his request and told
him directly that his measure was
highly Objectionable.
President William Green sent a
letter to all members Of Congress in
forming them why the American
Federation of Labor is against the
Vinson Bill. He said:
"We appeal to you in the name and
in behalf of the American Federation
of Labor to vote against the Vinson
Substitute for H. r. 4139.
"The American Federation of La,
Dor favored and supported the crea-
tion of the National Defense Media
ton Board. We have staunchly de-
Tended it, and cooperated fully with
the members of the Board, as it is
now constituted, in the consideration
and disposal Of vexing, industrial
problems. In addition, we pledged tc
the government our wholehearted sup.
port in the origination and completion
of the national defense program. We
are redeeming our pledge and carry
ing out our promise. AS evidence OF
this fact, may we point out that in
naval and shipbuilding projects, where
thousands of American Federation OF
Labor members are employed, con
struction is definitely ahead of sched
ule.
"The enactment of the Vinson Sub
stitute would, we are sure, create
bitter feeling and resentment among
working people. The effect would be
injurious. 1t would retard the de.
velopment of our nations defense
policies. Congress, therefore, should
in our opinion calmly consider the
whole economic and industrial situa
tion, and the effect legislation such
as is proposed in the Vinson Substi
tute would have upon our nationa
psychology and national unity, before
voting to enact such measure into
law.
"The Vinson measure provides fol
the substitution of compulsory fol
voluntary service. Such Legislation
would be in direct contradiction to the
Thirteenth Amendment of the Consti
tuition, which prohibits involuntary
servitude, and to our democratic pro
cesses. 1t would impose involuntary
servitude through the creation of 6
so-called "cooling-off" period, anC
compulsory arbitration.
First of all, the Vinson propose
provides for the creation of Boarc
by statute. That feature Of the pro
posal is highly Objectionable.
"Secondly, Section 3 of the bill EN-
powers the chairman to determine
when any labor dispute substantially
affects the national defense and can
not be expeditiously adjusted by othe1
agencies of the government, etc. This
section of the Act would practically
destroy the functions of the mediation
; section of the Department of Labor
1t is inconceivable and it is unthink
able that Congress would clothe thu
, chairman of mediation board will
such broad, and practically unlimited
power. 1t smacks of dictatorship.
"Section provides for arbitration
which in effect would be compulsor,
in character.
"Another section of the bill pro
vides for the practical repeal of th
Norris La aGuardia Act. 1t confer
upon the Board created in the Vim
son proposal, authority to go int
court, secure an order or an injunc
tion requiring and compelling parte
to labor dispute to do what tn
Board decides should be done, an,
! specifically states that in the pursui
of such a policy on the part of tn
Board the Norris-La Guardia Ac
would not apply.
"The National Defense Mediation
Board, as now constituted, created b.
Executive Order, is functioning in
way which meets with general publ
approval. 1t has rendered and is rem
dering excellent service. Thus far,
has made fine record. Congress
will serve the nation best if it will lie
well enough alone and will accord t
the National Defense Mediation
| Board, as now constituted, the wides
opportunity to secure and hold tn
confidence of employers and employc
throughout the nation, and throug
it's establishment as a commanding in
iluence bring about the settlement O
controversies which arise between EN-
ployer and employe on a fair, just an
equitable basis"