Evening star., 1945-11-12
Conference
Continued From First Page.)

or1ceS handling only strike votes Ito
the complete exclusion of
reconversion questions arising under
the Wagner Act" at least half the
16 others are devoting themselves
mainly to Smith -Connally polls.
The agency recommended repeal
of the strike-vote provision, action
that Congress already is considering.
In October, over 418,000 workers
were eligible to take part in the 100
polls conducted. The workers gen.
orally voted about 5 to to authorize
strikes.
Blames OPA for Impasse.
In the telegram informing Mr..
Schwellenbach that a definite an
swer was forthcoming to his invita-
ton to resume wage negotiations
with the Steel Workers before a
special conciliator here Wednesday,
Mr.. Fairless said the talks cannot
be expected to produce results un-
til OPA acts on price increases ito
which the steel industry has long
been entitled by reason of past
heavy increases in its costs."
The corporation head said that
if an impasse exists. responsibility
for it rests squarely with OPA. He
pointed out that the present wage
contract runs until next October
and contains a no-strike clause. A
strike vote of steel industry work
ers Is set for November %.
The Auto Workers Executive
Board was in session here over the
week end and appointed a six-man
strategy committee to take charge
of its fight for higher wages. The
committee was authorized to act as
1t sees fit in support of the wage
demand. Vice President Walter
Reuther said this would permit a
strike call on immediate notice If
developments warranted.
Resumes Tomorrow.
The Labor Management Confer
ence, counted on by the Government
to chart course to industrial peace,
will resume its sessions tomorrow.
A committee seeking ways of work.
ing out union jurisdictional disputes
peaceably met yesterday and again
today. That was the only conference
weekend activity.
Author of the Brookings study is
DR.. Harold w. Metz, formerly an
economic advisor to the Republican
National Committee.
To attain the objective of higher
pay for shorter hours of work, the
report said the Government has
sought:
First, to increase the bargaining
powers of workers; second, to pro-
tect the workers right of self or
ganization and, third, to facilitate
the peaceful settlement of labor
disputes.
When in conflict with the two
other objectives, "the efforts to in
crease bargaining power prevail -
the report said.
The study was financed by the
Falk Foundation of Pittsburgh.
Brookings Institution, privately en-
dowed, is devoted to research and
training in the social sciences.
Not Questioning Desirability.
DR.. Metz said his aim was not to
question the desirability of the
trend indicated, nor to judge wheth-
er it resulted from "a conscious
effort" on the Governments part.
THE only point being made here
DR.. Metz said, "is that the increase
in bargaining power is considered
more important than the protec-
ton of the right of self determine
ton or the maintenance of indus
trial peace"
Other conclusions were:
Very few limitations" are put or
the use of strikes, pickets or boy
colts, even if they restrain the free
movement of goods in interstate
commerce.
A minority group of employees can
use those weapons "to interfere
with" the rights granted to union
representing the majority OF
workers.
Even when a contract. contains a
no-strike clause, workers are not
prevented from striking or boy
fcotting to get change in the con-
tract or attain ANY other objec-
tive"
Many employers, failing therefore
to get enforceable assurance against
work stoppages, "see little to be
gained from a collective agreement" /"
Labor laws, as administered, IA
vor large bargaining units repre-
sented by unions affiliated with ma
tional organizations, usually CIO
or AFL.
LOST.
WRIST WATCH, lady's, yellow gold with
yellow gold bang, bet. Silver Gift Shoy
Call MRS. COLLIER, Sligo 1924 or SH