St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1962-10-26

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day have as much significance as
the historic school desegregation
decision Of 1854.
Negro leaders, commenting on
bias in trade union, have observed
that while many Of the major
unions publicly denounce discrim-
nation, they all seem to favor its
elimination first "in somebody
else's" union, much like some
whites who favor housing integra-
ton - in any neighborhood but
their own. ...r
The full texts Of the two state
ments follow:
JAW STATEMENT
The JAW has enjoyed a cooper
alive and constructive relationship
with the. NAACP over the years
because both organizations are ded-
icated to the cause Of equal rights,
equal opportunities and social JUS
tice.
We intend to continue our work
with the NAACP and other organ
izations who have joined together
to abolish all forms Of discrimina-
ton wherever it exists in Amer
lean life.
The American labor movement
has made a great contribution in
the struggle to advance the cause
of civil rights and equal opportuni-
ty, but we recognize that a few
unions still have not met their
moral obligations and continue to
deny equal opportunity to all
workers.
The American labor movement
must take more decisive and more
determined action to root out these
remaining areas Of discrimination
and that effort will have the Wig
orous support Of the JAW leader
ship.
The JAW has no quarrel with
the NAACP but we do believe that
certain NAACP staff people have
seriously weakened the work of
the NAACP and retarded progress
because of indiscriminate and in
accurate charges which made
large headlines but got little re-
suits.
We are confident that these diff
firences can be worked out so that
we can continue to work together
in the common cause of eradicat-
ing every form of discrimination
so that all Americans may enjoy
equal rights and equal opportunit-
les.
NAACP STATEMENT
We have had the active coopera-
ton of the JAW on civil rights
matters over a period of more than
20 years, not only In fighting dis
elimination in all walks Of Amer
lean life, but especially in seeking
the enactment of civil rights leg
islation by the Congress.
We have also worked closely
with the JAW and other unions
at the national political conven-
tons Of both parties to impress
them with the civil rights issue.
Mr.. Reuther personally has
given great assistance to the civil
rights movement, especially to the
long and complicated fight for
amending the Senate filibuster
rule which acts as a roadblock to
civil rights legislation.
We hope to continue this work
because many members Of the
NAACP are also members Of the
JAW. We join Mr. Reuther in his
observation that discrimination
still exists in labor unions and that
while there has been some change
for the better the evidences Of old
patterns are painfully obvious.
These are out Of step with the
1960s and the NAACP intends to
press the campaign to eliminate
these inequalities so that Amer
lean Negro workers may have
their rightful share Of the abund-
ant American economy.
We are confident that regardless
of minor irritations over a proce-
dure or a statement here and there
by staff members within labor and
within the NAACP that we will
continue to have the sincere coop
Grafton on basic issues Of influent-
ial and dedicated labor leaders like
Walter Reuther.