ANTI-STRIKE BILL

Southland Times, Issue 25691, 28 June 1943, Page 5

ANTI-STRIKE BILL

Congress Over-rides Veto Of President (Rec. 7 p.m.) WASHINGTON, June 26. Both Houses of Congress in i Washington tonight voted to over-ride Mr Roosevelt’s veto on the Anti-Strike Bill, which thus becomes law at midnight despite the President’s disapproval.

Mr Roosevelt said he would not recognize or accept October 31 next, the dead-line set by the United Mineworkers’ Association for continued coal production under Government control. Mr Roosevelt, addressing a Press conference, explained that he was chiefly concerned to see coal mined. This must be done.

He added: “Many persons are prone to forget that we are at war and that the life of the nation is very much at stake.” Mr Roosevelt declined to say whether he would sign the Anti-Strike Bill.

Dealing with the Anti-Strike Bill, Mr Roosevelt said the measure was entirely praiseworthy, but it would in some cases produce strikes in vital war plants, which otherwise would not occur. Mr Roosevelt declared that he intended to use Governmental powers to prevent interruption by strikes. Mr Roosevelt said he would approve of legislation dealing with strikes harming the war effort. He criticized the Bill’s provision for a secret ballot after 30 days’ notice ■of intention to strike. He said this completely ignored organized Labour’s “no strike” pledge and provided in effect for strike notices and strike ballots. These would stimulate Labour’s unrest and give Government sanction to strike agitations. Mr Roosevelt, declaring his unalterable opposition to strikes in war time, said he would unhesitatingly use his powers to prevent them.

He concluded: “Labour and business have kept well to their no strike and no lockout pledge, except the United Mineworkers’ Association.”

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.