Evening star., 1952-06-10
Steel
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Steel
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to work out specific proposals for
the purpose -
MIR. Truman said that this fair
approach would increase the in
centives of both parties to settle
their basic dispute during seizure.
1.-THE companies will face the
possibility of receiving something
less than their normal profits as
lust compensation" the President
continued. "And the workers will
face the prospect of getting less
than they think they are en-
titled to-"
Mr.. Truman recommended
strongly against use of a Taft
Hartley Act injunction. There is
pressure in Congress to direct him
to use that approach. The Senate
has before it a proposal to that
effect made by Senator Byrd,
Democrat, of Virginia.
Strike Delays Mentioned.
Mr.. Truman said the Nation has
already had the benefit of what
ever could be gained by an injunc-
tion. He said the CIO-United
Steelworkers postponed strike ac-
ton for 80 days. He said the union
had co-operated fully with the
Government.
The President said the result of
using a Taft Hartley type injunc-
ton would be to take sides with
the companies and against the
workers"
He added the injunction idea
would hamper rather than help
collective bargaining negotiations.
The $4,000 workers in the basic
steel industry struck eight days
ago Immediately after the Supreme
Court ended Government oper-
alton of the mills.
When the steel peace talks COL
lapsed last night. both the indus
try and the union said I'VE have
given assurance to our Govern
ment that we will cooperate in
assuring production of military
requirements essential to our
forces engaged in combating
Communist aggressors.
Production Farley Called.
AS a follow up to this the White
House today called top defense and
production officials to a 2::30 meet
ing to discuss the arrangements
for resuming enough steel produc-
ton to meet critical Defense re-
quirements."
Presidential Assistant John r.
Steelman said Defense Secretary
Robert Lovett, Munitions Board
Chairman John Small, Defense
Production Chief Henry H. Fowler
and White House Aide David
Stowe would go over the entire
list of defense needs and decide
how much production is necessary.
Mr.. Steelman, who is acting de-
fense mobilizer, probably will meet
later in the day with officials of
the steel industry and the steel
workers union.
There was fear the walkout of
$50. 900 workers in the basic steel
plants would continue. in large
part, for weeks.
1t was considered possible that
one of the big steel companies
would break away from the solid
front of the industry and make
a pattern contract agreement.
Snagged on Union Shop.
It was the striking steelworkers'
demand for a union shop which
led to the breakdown of the White
House peace conference.
An industry spokesman said it
was almost the sole issue remain
ing in dispute. CIO President
Philip Murray said the COM
panies had not satisfied the union
demands on money issue. But it
was clear the wage matters largely
were out Of the way when the
talks collapsed.
The big leaders of the industry
met separately most of yesterday
and debated what to do about the
union shop demand under which
all steel employees would be COM
PEELED to join the union.
A number Of plans short of the
full union shop were discussed.
But in the end the producers de-
cided against offering a compro-
mise. It was believed the union
would have accepted one.