The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1948-12-30
Pluns For The Future

The sxty-sevenh convention of the American Fedora
on of Labor reflected plainly the new position OF nuene
and responsibility that organized labor has attained Do
home and abroad. The convention provided 1lttng OPP
poruny celebrate the great victory we had won at Ihe
polls in the national elections.
Our stake in the campaign was the maintenance Of
free trade union movement Foes of trade unions had
amended the legislation through which workers had been
assured the right to union membership Tor purposes oil col
lecve bargaining that this right restricted and hedged
about by limitations likely to become srangehod on labor
progress.
The American Federation of Labor went into the
paign determined to free unions to defeat those members
of Congress who had aided in the enactment OF the af
Hartley and to elect friends The Democratic Party
had put in it's platform definite pledge to repeal the Taft
Hartley and its candidate for the Presidency declared
his intention carry out this purpose Our candidates were
elected by combination of labor and farmer votes the cleo
ton results being contrary to all predictions and expeca
tions.
Key persons in the election brought testimony to
convention of the effectiveness of the work that trade union
lists did in the campaign and pledged cooperation because
they believed in the justice OF our cause.
The election which defeated nine Senators and fifty
members of the House who voted for the arey
Act defeated member of Congress who voted against
it, and returned the Democratic Party to control of both
Houses of Congress- constitutes clear mandate to repeal
the Taftartey Act promised in that partys platform
With the restoration of workers right to collective act
ion to promote their welfare the trade union movement will
become an accepted national institution with responsibility
for contributing to the soundness of public policies IN the
work of nation sensitive to the rights of others and con
scous of the need for muuaty IN lasting progress Our
influence in political and public fields rests upon
izaon trade unions for the purpose of dealing with work
problems, including rates OF pay and conditions OF work
Economic progress gives security that permits free
dom of choice well enabling to give of time ability
and experience to public affairs.
Throughout Europe and throughout the world, labors
political victory the United States brought cheer and con-
fdence in the stability of democratic institutions.
Our convention adopted a constructive program that
will put victory to good First repeal of the Taft
Hartley Law, with restoration of the Wagner Labor ela
tions Act the Nois-I aGuarda Act After these things
DONE the A. f. of H. will be ready to consider amend
improve the Wagner Act and to strengthen colec
tive bargaining procedures.
The critical conditions in the world today require unity
in nation that strength and influence shall be
increased AS the convention declared need to close
ranks and build for the future basis of cooperation Be
management and labor there must be acceptance by
both Of their responsibilities to the public We conscious
of the fact that for every right enjoy there is
responding responsibility.
The American Federation Of Labor realizes that
must continue to give increasing Importance to
partisan political program This is evidence by plans
for National Legislative Council and continuation of La
boris League for Political Education For political
also realize economic foundations should be strength
ened hence proposal to endeaVOr to bring about unity
among trade unions by economic merger
Unity would facilitate international well our
domestic program and should rank high in immediate
goals.