Toledo union journal. [volume] (Toledo, Ohio) 1942-current, 1945-08-03
An Editorial
Separate Charter Issue

upon make decision involving basic beliefs and
principles when they in referendum next Wednes
day decide the issue of separate Local Union charter
Those who are sponsoring the separate charter, and
of them sincere and deeply mbued with union
principles have advanced the argument that the people
at AutoLe have both the intelligence and the ability to
successfully handle their affairs without assist
FROM remaining part of the amalgamated Local
: Union IL. This is NOT the ISSUE
At time has there been the least doubt about the
intelligence capabilities of AutoLe workers. From the
very beginning of the Union in their plant Auto-Lte
bers have always been well to the front in
and forward looking step to advance the Union and
its principles They pioneers not only in Toledo but
in the entire country in the industrial union movement
Nobody questions the ability of Auto-Lite to conduct
its business successfully separate Local Union Any
plant with than 5000 employees led by honest in
egent officers should be able to operate independently
of an amagamaed Nor is this the issue
There is main stake in this all important
referedum in which AutoLite members will participate
Wednesdaythe wisdom of maintaining strong union
organization in industrial city where the manuac-
rers united 100 cent in powerful and purpose
full association having for its detectives to fight and
obsruct the advancement of the workers.
THAT is THE ISSUE. Everything else is smoke
designed mslead and confuse the workers at
Auto-Lte. All other arguments advanced by those who
have the charter false issues
Anyone who knows the history of the labor move
ment in Toledo recognizes the fact that there is
muniy of interest in Local IL regardless of what griev
ances, real fanced exist 1t is ncOncebable that
Local Union made of 20 of Toedo industrial plants
and composed of members would be free from diff
ference of opinion and different and sometimes cashing
personalities, the real goal of the Union has been
sight the history of Local IL has been of
constant progress advancing the of the workers
! in this city.
And in growing Local IL has remained healthy. 1t
has lost sight of the object which led to its creation
and AutoLe of the main instruments in Great
ing the Local. aiding its growth defending against its
enemies and guiding its desnies to the point where it has
become known from coast to and internationally
of the worlds most powerful union organizations.
OF there people who would like to see Lo-
cal IL break the rocks of dssentOn brought about
by people, who, while they may be union minded have
had their judgment clouded and warped by their
grasping after position and more power.
OF course the Chamber of Commerce composed of the
ndustralsts of Toledo would like to AutoLte Unit
become a separate Local Union. A vote for a separate
charter is effect for the industrial
of this city and vote against the continuation of strong
union which certainly cannot be accused of pampering
either the Chamber of Commerce industrial manage
ment.
OF course the National Association of Manufacturers
would like the people Auto-Lite adopt separate
charter for what here in Toledo could well
become the pattern and the hope in other cities which have
organized strong amagamated Local Unions like Local H.
You may be that every industrial member of the
Toledo Chamber of Commerce and National Association
of Manufacturers hoping and praying that the workers
at Auo-Lite will listen to the who trying
vince them that the cureall for their troubles is sep
arate charter You be positive that these people will
slap each other the back in high gee and lick their lips
in pleasant anticipation of what is follow if the work
at AutOe vote to divorce themselves from Local H.
Toledo industriasts, particularly Auto-Lite
men is very happy about the whole thing just of
labor would be pleased if the Chamber of Com
National Association of Manufacturers lose
of its important members.
AT bottom, the separate charter is a smoke
alternative decided upon by those who have
fosered the referendum in attempt to hide something
And what about the servicemen? Will they apprec
when they return to their homes and jobs and dis
that those who had promised to protect them
only denied them the right to important ISSUE
and act without their approval in adopting separate
charter?
This is most important point for those of the uon
for have thumped breasts and praised ourselves
for democracy, only to do about face and deny
the in uniform voice in their future destiny
And THIS is very definitely an issue.
Those who will vote in next Wednesdays Auto-Lite
election should consider the future and merely look
the thing which lies very close them What about
ployment? Will AutoLite still employ in of 5000
people the has ended? And what will those
employed do if they have only the AutoLe to
whereas Local IL members be employed in many of
the industries of this city with which the Local has contr
actual relations?
If the other large Units of Local IL to exercise
their right to Withdraw from Local H. and this is
of the main issues how and when the workers going
10 LsnL& .4IoLO