ANTI-STRIKE BILL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 28 June 1943, Page 5

ANTI-STRIKE BILL

PASSED IN UNITED STATES PRESIDENT’S VETO OVERRULED Washington, June 25. President Roosevelt vetoed the Anti-strike Bill, but the House of Representatives later, by 244 votes to 108, overrode the veto. The Senate also, by 56 votes to 25, overrode the veto,r and the measure thus becomes law. Mr Roosevelt said the measure had an entirely praiseworthy purpose, but would in some cases produce strikes in vital war plants which otherwise would not occur. He declared that it was intended to use governmental powers to prevent interruption by strikes, and formally recommended an amendment to the Selective Service Act whereby men between the ages of 45 and 65 could be inducted into non-combatant military service. Mr Roosevelt said he would approve legislation dealing with strikes harming the war effort. He criticised the provision in the Bill for a secret ballot after 30 days’ notice of intention to strike, and said that this completely ignored the no-strike pledge given by organised labour ajnd provided in effect for strike notices and strike ballots. These would stimulate labour unrest and give Government sanction to strike agitations. Declaring his unalterable opposition to strikes in wartime, Mr Roosevelt said he would unhesitatingly use his powers to prevent them. He said in conclusion that labour and business had kept well to their pledge against strikes and lock-outs, with the exception of the United Mine Workers’ Association. ADMINISTRATION DEFEAT PAYMENT OF GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES The Administration suffered its second defeat within two days when the Senate by 39 votes to 37 prohibited the payment of Government subsidies to reduce retail food prices. The House of Representatives passed the Bill on Friday.—P.A.