The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1942-08-20
Labor. Unity Great Contri-
button To Welfare OF
Workers

Chicago, Ill. - For the third time
since the split in the labor movement
occurred in 1885, representatives OF
the American Federation of Labor and
the CIO will sit down together i'll
Washington, ID. c., within few days
TO seek an agreement under which or
ganized labor in America can be re-
united.
Although the first two conferences
which took place in 1887 and l939
ended in failure, At'L President Will
liam Green expressed confidence that
actuated by the desire for peace which
prevails throughout the ranks of labor,
the conferees this time will be able
TO reach a settlement fair to all con-
cerned'
The new peace conferences were
made possible by the relentless pres
sure eXerted by the Executive Council
of the American Federation of Labor,
which is i'm session here. CIO President
Philip Murray, who had hitherto
fought shy of entering such confer
ences, finally had to accede
Immediately upon the receipt of his
letter, expressing a Willingness to meet
with representatives of the AFL, Mr.
Green announced that steps would be
taken at once to arrange Il time and
place of meeting convenient TO botl
sides.
"Re-establiShment Of organic unity
in the ranks of organized labor is the
greatest single contribution the Amer
can Federation of Labor and the Cl'
can make at this time to the success
of the war effort" Mr. Green said.
at will eliminate division, discor,
and jurisdictional strife. 1t will permi
labor to speak with Il single and more
effective voice, both in protecting TIT
social and industrial interests of work
ers today and when world peace Il
finally negotiated"
Mr.. Green announced that tthe stand
ing AFL peace committee, consistin:
of Vice Presidents Harry B Bates
Daniel J. Tobin and William l.. Hut
cheson. will be ready to meet with tn
committee designated by Mr. Murray
He also made public Il series of lei
ters exchanged between him and Nun
ray showing the background Of HOY
the new conference came about.
According 10 this correspondent,
Mr.. Green notified Mr. Murray o
March % that he had been directed b.
the AFL Executive Council TO eXt"n'
to the CIO formal invitation to ~
new peace conferences.
Mr.. Murray's reply, received scvera
weeks later, enclosed copy of II resi-
luton adopted by the CIo EXccutiv
Board, opposing any attempt to see
TO obtain peace and unity at this TIM
Mr. Green promptly replied that I'll
CIO attitude was short sighted and ne
calculated To serve the best interest
of the nation nor the workers Of tt
nation.
Thcreupon, on Aug. /, Mr.. Murra
wrote another letter, reversing IL
CIO'S former position ami agreeing
meet.
According to newspaper reports, tn
reversal of policy may have been Il
result of intervention by PrcSidcl
Roosevelt who is said To have urge
Mr.. Murray To renew peace ncGotl
tions in the public interest.
Vice President Bates, who serves {
chairman of the AFL Peace Commit
tee, said that at the conclusion of Il
present summer session of the Exec
tive Council he would get in tou,
with Mr.. Murray TO arrange the fir
peace conference. He indicated
probably would take place in the IL
tons capital.