The Daily Alaska empire., 1951-05-23
Gruening Offers Advice ToA|aska Steamship Co.
 In ILWU Strike Threat

demand to the point where strike results. or shall we give in to those demands?"
 By way of introduction, it appears necessary to summarize the oper- ation of existing machinery for deal- ing with problems of this nature, All matters concerning wage and employment conditions are now un- der the jurisdiction of the Wage Stabilization Board. Agreements as to wage and employment conditions may be negotiated by collective bar gaining, and the services of concil- iation and mediation facilities are available to assist at this stage If the results of such negotiations are consistent with national stabilization policies, no governmental action is required. If results of negotiation go beyond these legally and admin istratively determined limits, pe- tition must then be filed with the Board and approval secured before the changes are effective. Finally, either by joint agreement of the two parties or by Presidential order, the Board can assume jurisdiction of any labor dispute which is not re- solved by collective bargaining or by the prior use of conciliation and mediation facilities.
 Returning to the specific matter upon which you invite my construc- tive suggestions, I notice that the two bargaining agencies concerned are the Pacific Maritime Associa- ton, representing all maritime em- ployers on the entire Pacific Coast and the International Longshore- mems and Warehousemen's Union representing Pacific Coast locals. have gotten in touch with the Pa- cific Maritime Association and have been informed that all negotiations are being conducted directly by that association with the unions and that as a member you will necessarily be bound by the decisions of the ma- jority members.
 Not only is the bargaining being conducted on level beyond that of the Territory of Alaska, but the eco- homie well-being of an area embrac- ing the States of Washington. Ore gon, California and the Territories of Hawaii and Alaska is involved. It would, therefore. be presumptu- ous of me to propose a solution of a problem which extends far beyond the bounds of Alaska. If any state- ment or suggestions. such as you re- quest of me, are required they prop erly should be issued jointly by all five governors. Accordingly. l have communicated with the other four governors directly concerned in or der to determine jointly what ap- propriate constructive suggestions we might make.
 In the event your company and the locals of the ILWU representing workers in the Alaska trade are agreeable to and able to bargain in- dependently of your respective reg ional organizations, I would like to call attention to the mediation ma chinery existing in the Territorial Department of Labor and invite the representatives of both parties to come to Alaska in order to utilize these facilities for the negotiation of fair and equitable terms of settle ment.
 The greater part of your letter is devoted to a listing of changed oper- ating conditions increased costs resulting from the general rise 1T costs and the loss of the Fedora government subsidies of the Inter | i'm Contract" and the attacks you allege I have made upon youi company for putting into effect cer- tain rate increases. As do not have access to information on labor ane other costs which serve as the basi' for your simple arithmetic cannot vouch for the accuracy ol your statements. Beyond the ques- tion of accuracy. however, your fac list is misleading because it is mol complete. You will not object. an sure. if add few comments.
 The 1947 rates were filed. in par at least, in anticipation of the in creased costs accompanying the ex' piration of the Interim Contract Since 1947 number of specific in creases above these high rates hav' been made, the latest being a gen. eral increase defective May 26) II your tariffs for the non-competitiv' southeast Alaska trade. You hav' previously described this as gen eral 20qs increase, although l notice that rates on grocery items hav' been increased over previously exist l