The union times., 1946-01-19
Convention For Broad Campaign; Rourke Elected
Conn. Federation Sharply Criticize Congress For
 Anti-Labor Bias


 the field of non-partisan po- litical action, and the organ izing of new unions, will fea- ture the activities of the Con- necticut Federation of Labor during the forthcoming months.
 These policies, unanimously adopted at the Goth annual con vention of the Federation, held last week in Waterbury, will be carried out under the direction of President Timothy M. Collins, Secretary-Treasurer Joseph M. Rourke, and an executive board whose new members include Thomas Yoczik, Norwalk C.L. U.; Francis Jones, Stamford Building Trades Council; George LaChappelle, Norwich Hospital State Employees Union; and Carmen DiCorcia, Hartford Bricklayers.
 Criticize Congress
 The 26O delegates did not con- fine their attention to state mat ters by any manner of means. A resolution, introduced by the dele- gates from New Haven, which was unanimously passed, recorded the conviction of the convention that the present Congress ''does not re- fleet the will of the majority of the American people,"
 The miserable alliance between the Republicans and the southern poll-tax Democrats was described by the convention as the reason for the failure by Congress to pass such "ba- sic legislation as a genuine Full Em- ployment Bill; minimum wage law of Csc an hour; an adequate Unem- ployment Compensation Law; con tinuation of the Fair Employment Practices Committee on a permanent basis with sufficient appropriations to function; the Wagner-Ellender Hous- ing Bill; and the Murray Wagner Dingall Social Security Bill
 ssWe consider this situation dis grace to our American democracy, and a danger to our ancient tra- dition of legislation for the benefit of the greatest number," the con- vention voted. The delegates ordered that the text of this resO- lutions be telegraphed immediately to President Truman and to the majority and minority leaders in the House and in the Senate.
 For F.E.P.C.
 Introduced by Presidents Benja. min B. Peck of the Danbury C.L.U., and Thomas Yoczik of the Norwalk C.L.U., was a resolution, also unanimously passed, which condemned religious and racial bigotry; called for the creation of permanent Fair Employment Practices Commission; and urged Congress to put an end to the un. American poll tax system.
 Salary Increases
 Turning from plans for strong organizing drive, the need for i'm. proved social and labor legislation. and intensive political action, the delegates accepted the recommen. dations of the executive board, and voted to increase the salaries of the Federation's officers as follows:
 President-FrOm $69O annually to $l, 500.
 Vice-Presidents, from $1I.5O daily to $2O.
 Secretary Treasurer, from $4, 400 to $7,OOO annually.
 Assistant Secretary, from $3, BOO to $500 annually.
 Upon motion of Samuel F. Curry, New Haven Trolleymen, the convention unanimously voted a S weekly increase to the office staff of the Federation.
 ROurke Elected
 Joseph M Rourke was unanimous /. 1y elected secretary-treasurer and started in upon his new duties as soon as the convention ended. Rourke was business agent of Local B-90 New Haven Electricians; was mem Der of the State Senate for three terms, and resigned to enter the Sea
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