The Daily Alaska empire., 1948-05-07
Full Report of Fad Finding. Committee in Dispute Between Lonqshoremen, Juneau Spruce

company DdTgeS Dy nllll tlHplOytes is the accepted thing in the lumber industry down below. The Federated Employers deal with the longshore- men but we do not belong to that organization. The longshoremen have stated that they have con- tract. That is incorrect. They also stated in the papers that they have been trying to get a contract since last September. If they have a con- tract any lawyer can tell them it can be enforced in the courts. We have definite orders from our board of directors who have had much experience along these lines, not to enter into any agreement with the longshoremen and that the only bargaining agent for our employees | is M 27l. It has been said that we l could if we wanted to- Our contract was entered into in good faith and treating with these people would be acting in bad faith and would actu- ally be violating our contract if we did. The mill union now says that they did not intend to cover loading in the contract but they are new men who were not in charge when the contract was signed.
 Moore: How much is involved in dollars and cents?
 Card. I do not know. It is im- material.
 Moore: Who, over period of years, has done that work?
 Card. No one. The Juneau Lum- Der Mills never had barges. I will read an answer to a letter request ing advice on the two points: whether anyone is needed for pull ing carrier blocks and whether the unloading of the scow in Tacoma by longshoremen sets a precedent. The answer is dated October p, 1947 and in effect states that carrier blocks are pulled by sling men and the longshoremen agreed to this practice and there was no necessity for us to hire additional men for this, and that scows in this area are to be loaded by our employees.
 Hendrickson: Have you taken any action to get a court ruling? Card: We have filed but there has been no decision. I will quote from an authority of the National Labor Relations Board in January, 1948- no union can try to force any em- ployer to assign work to another craft which has been assigned to another union.
 Ninnis: What union represents the crew on the tugs? Card. None.
 Newmarket: You have never hir- ed longshoremen to load your ships? Card Never. i Carter; When the lumber is on the steamship company dock you have no further jurisdiction?
 Card: None.
 Hendrickson: And on your dock? Card: There we take care of it with our own employees. Carter Do you have your supplies loaded on your dock?
 Card: Yes.
 Carter. Then who takes care of it?
 Card: Our men. I understand the ! Alaska Juneau Mine did the same. They had their own scows. worked for five years as a union represen- tative I tried to get what I could for my men Now I work for the employers I have had many ap- i preach me to do the same and I don't blame them. Carter: You are lawyer? ] Card. No. T practice administra- i tive law
 1 Carter: Could you legally enter 1 into a contract with the longshore- men?
 Card: No. We are bound to the I. w. A. and any other contract would violate our present contract with them. There are legal means under which the longshoremen could be l made the bargaining agent if they wanted to use them. The National Labor Relations Board could give them jurisdiction if they applied for it legally
 Carter: What would you do if they did get certified as the bar gaining agency? What would be your attitude?
 Card: I met with them last Fri day in MT. Bensons' office. I said there that if they become certified we will meet and bargain with them.
 Carter: We do not want to put you on the spot, but this hurts a lot of people,
 Card. When anyone can prove his right to bargain, we will bargain but we cannot be forced.
 Hendrickson: The Department oi Labor here has jurisdiction?
 Card: No. We only recognize the National Labor Relations Board. We cannot take chances with our pres ent contract.
 Carter; You have nothing further to say?
 Card: No.
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