The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1944-11-26
STEELWORKERS WIN
FIVE-CENT RAISE
Continued from Page One)

Continued from Page One)
wages at least until the defeat Of
Germany.
On the guaranteed wage demand,
the WLB proposed creation of a
study commission by the President
to consider the question nationally.
The main increase ordered was a
premium of cents an hour for the
second or early night shift, and
cents for the third, or late night
tour. 80.
Most Men Affected
Since the majority of workers in
most steel mills rotate through the
shifts at intervals, that increase
would affec most of the men. The
union had asked for differentials of
5 and 10 cents an hour
A considerable amount of back
pay was involved in that increase,
and possibly in some of the other
revisions, through a provision that
hourly pay changes be retroactive
10 the expiration of old contracts.
That date varies slightly firm plant
to plant, but WLB sources said
most contracts expired around De-
cember 26, 1913.
In accordance with presidential
orders, the WLB ruling contains a
clause that the orders as to wages
shall become effective only upon a
determination by the Office of Price
Administration that the adjustment
will not require changes in price
ceilings, or upon approval by the
director of economic sterilization.
Decision Criticized
Spokesman for the steel industry
sharply criticized the decision.
John A. Stephens, chairman OF
the steel case research committee
asserted in a statement that the
premiums ordered for second and
third shifts wre ga direct wage in
crease in disregard of the little
steel formula" He said the pay
boosts were accomplished by sub
terfuges." The committee is a
group formed by steel producers
to assist in steel negotiations be
fore the WLB.
Stephens asserted that since JAN
uray, 1941, steel workers weekly
pay haa risen around IS per cent.
Irving S. Odds, chairman of the
board Of U. S. Steel corporation,
said the public would Eventually
pay the bill'' in higher prices for
steel, higher taxes, or fewer jobs
resulting from the financial weak
ening of private enterprise"
He said wage rates for employees
of his company were up about 43
per cent and weekly pay about IS
per cent.
THE boards decision further ev-
licences a definite trend in govern
ment policy which operates to deny
fair return on their money to
stockholders who represent large
segment of our population" Olds
said in a statement. 'Their invest
ed savings provide the means
which make jobs possible.
"Unjustified tinkering at this
time with the presently existing
wage sterilization policy, with all
the inflationary possibilities clearly
indicated, may have most serious
consequences for everyone in this
country, producers and consumers
alike"
In addition, the board directed
adjustments to eliminate "int-a-
plant wage rate inequities"
No one company may make ad-
iustments under this section OF the
order greater than an average OF
S cents per hour for all its en-
ployes.
In new policy step, the board
also directed that the union and
steel companies conduct collective
BARGAINING on establishment Of sew
erance pay. If no arrangement IS
reached within so days, the question
of severance pay schedule is~ to
be brought back to the board.
Heretofore, the board had declin-
ed to order severance pay in any
industry where it is not now Gus
tomary, but has directed its con
tinuance in industries where it has
been in effect.
The board said that it would ap-
nrove a group insurance plan and
reasonable sick leave" plan If
agreed to by the company and the
union but it declined to order them.
Both had been asked by the union.
Granted were one weeks vaca-
ton with pay for one years service
and two weeks with pay after five
years service. The union asked
two weeks vacation after three
years employment.
Effected directly by the decision
were Sc basic steer' companies
and approximately 100000 en-
ployees. Indirectly the decision is
likely to affect about 900 other COM
panies with 100000 employees
where the CLIO united steel workers
have collective bargaining agree
ments.
A guaranteed annual wage and
the II cent general wage increase
,,roro Tho f1Y,o ~, - ior II or,o ,r,Je ~, So