The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-04-29

The American Metal M0rkee un- der editorial caption Enlightened Labor Legislation" acclaims a meas ure passed by the state legislature of Kansas and describes 1t pioneer bit of legislation in meeting condi- tions of the present time. The arti- cle follows:
 "While our federal legislators temporize over labor legislation, the lead on this, all-important phase of our present problems is being taken by state legislative bodies. In Pennsylvania, for ex- ample, a bill has been proposed to make 1t mandatory for all unions to make public their financial status. Thus far the bill has been bitterly opposed by labor factions.
 But the state of Kansas has en- acted what appears to be an en- frightened piece of legislation deal- ing with labor, to become effective on May 1, by which there is equi- participation as to the respective rights by labor, management and the public. Certainly the law is as simple and free from double talk as any we have been privil- eged to review.
 The Kansas labor law guaraf1- tees the workers the right of col- lective bargaining. He can join 8 union of his own choice. And he can remain Q non.j joiner, if he prefers. (Miss Frances Perkins
 once alluded to non.joiners as "Cranks'D. He Is protected against
 collection of excessive dues and
 fees from union ofElcials. He is
 protected against unauthorized
 strikes, which are defined as any
 strike not called by a majority
 vote of the workers affected
 thereby. He cannot be coerced or
 intl,midated by his employer, and he is protected by the law from retaliatory action by union lead. CTS.
 Under the Kansas law, labor or ganizations will be required to file with the secretary of the state q list of the duly ''elected" union of- ficials, tine salaries, bonuses and other remuneration paid each; a complete copy of the union con- stitutio1 and bylaws, and a com- plete statement of receipt, dis- bursementS, assets and liabilities. The law also prohibits employers from dominating or interfering with the formation or administra- ton of any labor organization. or contributing financial or other support to 1t: picketing of any employees domicile or injury to the person or property of any em. ploye or his family. The worker is protected against discharge or other discrimination by an em- ployer by reason of the filing of charges or giving of testimony under this law. The worker also benefits under the law by a guar antee upon termination of em- ployment of a service letter set- ting forth his tenure of employ inent, occupational classification and the wage rate received by him.
 So much for the workers right under this law. If effectively ad- nlinistered. could this law work any hardship upon any worker in the state of Kansas? We should suggest that Congress study the workers rights under this law. We think that prCcraStinating body might find the worker will stand to gain rather than lose any belle- its under the law, and he will still retain his inherent right as an American to join or not to join an organized labor group.
 The employers, under the law, are protected against tinauti1oriz- cd strikes: their property is pro- tected against "slt-down' strikes and against unlawful seizure. The law protects the interests of the employer in negotiations with the empioye by requirement that busi- ness agents be licensed. And the employer is further protected against gtoppage of work by mak- ing t unlawful for employees to refuse t0 handle, install, use or work on particular materials. equipment or supplies because hey are not produced. processed or delivered by members Of labor organization.
 Can any labor leader criticize these rights of employers as "dis- c.iiminatoRy against organized lahogss T.sae, rights of employers are simply stated. and again 1t appears Co us that the law may well permit Q revefsion to the common legal rights Of private in- teresis against the disgraceful pressure tactics on the records. Of some labor groups.
 And lastly. the rights of the public are protected by making labor organizations In the state Of Kansas amenable to the law and responsible for their acts. (T'hls protection of the public vel fare has long been ia force in Great Britain). The teeth in the Kansas labor law are provided for in that violations of the act are deemed Enisdenlea1i0fs and are pglniehable by both fire and im- pFlsonment as in the violation ot other lsws.
 Thls act. dsslgnated as Senate Dill No. eea, effective May l. ie1S,