Eastern Connecticut news., 1947-01-25

Because of the conditions exist ing then, Ives became interested in labor problems and took the lead in developing a unique program in the Empire state. Among other steps, the program included these:
 l. Formation of 8 "Joint Legisla- tive Committee on Industrial and Labor Conditions" consisting of eight members of the Assembly. At first, there were four Demo- crats,( three Republicans, and one member of the American Labor party. In recent years the commit tee has been "5O-50" Democratic and Republican.
 Acted Unanimously
 This committee always thraShed out all problems to "unanimouS" decisions. That is necessary" Ives said, because, to get the right an- swers to questions involving human beings, you have to find ground you can agree upon"
 In other words. this is Ives mid dle of the road" philosophy again.
 2. Ives authorized legislation creating the Empire states Labor Relations law, but with some modi- fications which he considered necessary to strike a balance" be- tween employers and employees.
 Held Educational" Meetings
 3. He organized a consultative group" composed of representa- tives of the legislature. employers, labor and education. Its meetings were addressed by officials of state agencies concerned with labor, workmen,S compensation and oth- CT subjects involved in industrial relations. Anyone present was free to comment. raise questions and make suggestions.
 These educational meetings proved very useful, Ives said. They served as clearing house." lead ing to improvements and heading off controversies before they be- came serious.
 4. Further following his faith in education as remedy for indus trial ills, Ives looked into the 'la- Dor relations" course taught in New York'S high schools, as re- quired by that states law.
 Wrote Book
 He found that the law was be- ing poorly carried out. The courses varied greatly. In some schools, they were ''slanted against labor" in others against management.
 Ives tried unsuccessfully to find textbook that would be 'fair to both sides" Finally-with the help of his Assembly committee, repre- sentativeS of labor, industry and education-he wrote the book him. self.
 Labor spokesmen said the book was too favorable to labor Ives recalled. Management men said it was too favorable to manage ment. So decided the book must be about right"
 5. What about higher education" in labor relations? That was Ives next question. He investigated the industrial relations" courses taught in colleges. universities and other institutions. None satisfied him as adequate and impartial.
 Established School
 So, with the help of others, he es- tabliShed the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell Uni- versity, with a course leading to Bachelor of Science degree. From that school, Ives believes, will go out future leaders for industrial peace and justice.
 Labor, management and educa- ton representatives could not agree on anyone else to head the Cornell school as "dean," so they insisted Ives take the job. He regrets that he will have to give up that posi- tion now that he is in Washington,
 The full story of Ives labor rela- tionS activities Is too long to tell here. These samples, however. sug- gest New York's new Republican Senator may play an innortapt roIa