The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-23

the part of some union leaders.
 The Scovill local recently elected an anti-Rohlnson slate headed by James Sullivan as president. A pros test was made against the election by Joseph draveline, defeated can. dldate for president, though he ads mitted he hsS. witnessed tl>e tabu- lation of the ballots.
 Rasmussen Statement
 Mr. Rasmussen issued the follow ing lengthy statement:
 Since 1887, the International Union of Mine, Mill and Shelter Workers has conducted an organ. iging campaign to improve the con. ditions of the thousands of brass workers in the Connecticut Valley, Through the efforts of the fnterna- tional Union and its staff, close to S5,000 workers have been organi5!d, The International recognizes It's obligations to these workers, to see cure for them adequate pay adjust ments, security on the job and cor- rections of grievances. The Interna- tional also recognizes the need to increase production in order to win the war.
 Because of the unfortunate inter- nal situations in both the Chase and Scovill locals, the security Of thess 35, 900 workers k being endangered. It has become necessary for the In- ternat!onal Executive Board to take on affirmative position, looking toward Q brighter future for our or ganisation in this section. Therefore, acting under the orders of the In- ternational Union, I have come in to this situation to protect the rank and file membership of our union and to seek speedy conclusion Of their just demands and grievances
 Procedure Outlined
 As c constructive approach to the solution of the problems, the fol- lowing Is an outline of the proced- ure which the International Execu- tive Board will expect the staff members to carry out in detail
 1. The consolidation of all pres- ent and future contract negotia- tions for wage increases, union shop and the other matters relative to negotiations, into one master case before the National War Labor Board. Tn this way, the interests of the workers in the Brass Valley can best be served, and by this means, the workers can rally themselves, with the help of tEc staff leader ship, around program Of unity and coordination.
 2. The Executive Board of the International Union realizes further that the campaign of publicity car ried on through the use of leaflets and through the press in this area is having a very detrimental effect upon the morale and well being of the membership, and through this means, whether knowingly or others wise, people directly connected with the Brass Valley situation are fur nishing ammunition to the recog. nized enemies of labor and are hin- dering our efforts toward winning the war. Tn realization of these facts, I hereby request that all pub- licity in leaflet form or through the daily press in this area be discon- tinued for the time being and that all press releases will come officially through the International Executive Board. All members of the Inter- national Staff are to adhere strict ly to this request.
 Irregularities Recognized
 3. The Executive Board of the International Union recognizes cer- tain gross irregularities in the pres- ent situation involving the Chase Local No. 565 and also takes cog. nizance of the fact that the recent elections of the local officers in Scovill Local No. 569 has been duly contested to the Executive Board of the International Union. In view of the situations prevailing in these two local unions, l hereby request that all members of the Interna- tional organizing staff In this area adhere to the following until the h. ternational Executive Board rules On January 6, l943. I also request that both factions in this dispute maintain Q status quo in t:..e follow ing manner:
 (a) The officers of the Chase Brass and Copper Workers Local elected in June, i942. are to remain in office. Those officers who have resigned will be allowed to recon sider their ,csignations until the International Executive Board rules. and in the case of those who wish to adhere to their restgnations. those offices are declared tefnpor. arily vacant. All business, finances and other matters pertining to the union will be carried on by the of- ficers duly elected and installed in June, 1e42. With regard to negotia- tons. the present constituted Nego- tiating Committee will continue to function, assisted by the members cg the International rganizing stan assigned to this task.
 Officers Asked Co Remain .mmI