LABOUR UNREST.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20230, 26 June 1937, Page 7

LABOUR UNREST.

AN AGREEMENT REFUSED. AMERICAN STEEL COMPANIES. RESORT TO TERRORISM. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. NEW YORK, June 24. Despatches from Cleveland, Ohio, state that the representatives of four independent steel companies have informed the Mediation Board that they will not make an oral or a written agreement with the Committee for Industrial Organisation because it is irresponsible and has resorted to terrorism. A signed contract would he the first step toward the closed shop system. The board has issued a statement saying that the companies, by refusing to make any agreement, are taking up an unwise position. “Nothing can be clearer to-day,” it says, “ than that the managements and organised lubour, when the latter really represents the wishes of the men must learn how to live together, reach agreements and abide by them.” Mediation Board’s Proposal. The board has proposed the calling off of the strike and the making of a signed agreement between the union and the companies which would become effective only if the union demonstrated that it represents the majority of the workers in an election to be held under the auspices of the National Labour Relations Board. The mediators urge the union and the companies to confer with them together.

The Governor of Pennsylvania, Mr G. H. Earle, announces the cessation of martial law at Johnstown to-mor-row. The emergency there having passed the mills may be reopened. Philip Murray, leader of the steel strikers, informed the Mediation Board that the' men* are ready to accept President Roosevelt as final arbitrator for a settlement of the dispute.