The Daily Worker Newspaper, September 23, 1925, Page 3

THIS Government, a . Faosicuc am UNE 1.0.01 07 2, ReRT Row PepamaRaS PAGE Is Devoted to the Activity and‘ Interests of the Trade Union Educational League (7. North American Section of the RED INTERNATIONAL OF LABOR UNIONS (RL LU.) THE T.U.E.L. Represents the Left Wing of the Labor Movement. Purpose Is to Strengthen the Labor Unions by Amalgamation of Existing Unions, Organization of the Unorganized, and by Replacing Reactionary and Class Collaboration Policies with a Unified Program for the Transformation of the Unions Into Organs of Revolutionary Clase Struggle for the ‘Overthrowal of Capitalism and the Establishment of a Worke: B. L.) Ite and Farm- STRUGGLE IN THE AMALGAMATED CLOTHING WORKERS IN MONTREAL AGAINST THE UNION BUREAUCRATS By JACK HOLTZMAN, MONTREAL, Sept. 21.—After a long period of apathy and pessimism, the Montreal clothing workers, organized in the Amalgamated Clothing Workers fo America, have started an intensive drive against the union lead- ers who have deliberately attempted to destroy the organization. This is the first time in the last few years that the broad masses of the membership have thrown their hats into the ring and have come out in open warfare against those who are+ responsible for the present bankrupt ®ondition of the organization. For a considerable time there has manifested itself sharp divisions in ‘the organization, that led to heated discussions and almost physical fights. The organization has been divided be- tween the Communists and the class- conscious workers on the one side, ‘ani the union bureaucrats and their henchmen on the other. A_ bitter struggle growing sharper and sharp- er has been taking place between these two factions. Officials Class Collaborators. Until lately, ths union bureaucrats and their lackeys were the rulers. ‘Thru intimidation, crookedness and the shadiest methods, they ware able to retain their power. It was nothing for them te conjure up false charges, to set race and natipnality against each other. The personal ambitions of the leaders were set far above the welfare of the organization. These tactics brot utter demoralization into the ranks of the workera The bn- reancrats started in with their well known plans of co-operation with the bosses. They began by helping out individual bosses to get in more work in the shops. This was of course, said to benefit the workers, but what this really meant was, that the union did its ut- most to encourage competition be- tween tha workers of the various shops. : Those workers who made an at tempt to uphold union conditions were threatened that if they made a move, the other union shops would take away their work. The workers feel- ing themselves helpless, started to rush their work and lost themselves completely. This rush made for short- er seasons and soon the bosses were able to put into effect wage. reduc- tions and make the workers work overtime for straight time, this add- ing to the already large number of unemployed in the trade. Bosses Take Part in Union Affairs. Well-paid workers were sent down from their jobs, and others on a low- er than union scale were put in their places. Every attempt to sustain union conditions was openly fought by the yellow clique in control. The bosses were of course, highly pleased with these “sane,” “reasonable” la- bor leaders. It is a well-known fact that the ‘bosses themselves took an active part in the internal affairs in the union. In times of election they agitated their workers to vote for the leaders and in some shops even intimidated the workers if they would not do so. ‘The ignorant workers, trained by the union leaders to put their immediate personal interests above those of their class, began to violate all principles of class solidarity and voted and worked for the rotten administration. This led to mistrust in the shops. Hostility and suspicion between the workers themselves developed to a dangerous degree. Here is just one illustration of what the officials would do: After the masses, unable to endure this any longer, had forced one of the officials to resign at a public meeting, and after this same official had stated that he would remain loyal and true to the organization, etc., he went up in- to a shop, made a compact with the boss to fire a worker and put him in his place. ‘ Serving the Bosses. . The “machine” men would ah vice shep chairmen in the oat yen tse their power in the bo vice. They would tell the” Talis that in this way they would be able to bring more work into the shops, but what their actions really meant was that all union conditions would become actually prea These elements themselves were w rpil pal and when the organization w: treed to take a stand, they would te ‘ef those who would come out’ in '6$p0- sition to the organization: *\#@s* 0° Such wag the situation that thd) of- ficlals had created. But at union meetings, when they had to give re- ports they would say that evarxthi was O. K, Those who dared, icize or suggest betterment. Le ed “disrupters,” and attempt made to expel prominent midtitbe#i°ot the “left.” eulpzigs Membership Revolt.* * But such a situation could mot keep on indefinitely. Amongst the mem- bership a strong feeling of discon- tent against the acts and policies, of the leadership developed. The more class conscious elements began to drift more and more to the “left” in their sympathies. The state of the treasury began to reflect the lack of confidence of the workers in their union leaders. Then, when the bank balance be- gan to diminish, the over-fed cynical faces of the bureaucrats began to show signs of uneasiness. The boss- es who had played such a love-fest with these union lackeys when they needed them, no longer caring, start- ed to openly flout union conditions and union authority. Rank and File Gagged. Then did the yellow clique real- ize that they had overplayed the game and one fine day they declared that an organization campaign must be put thru. But the workers had awaken- ed from their apathy and indifference. Their past- experiences had taught them what kind of organization cam- paigns these charlatans carry on. It does not take long before all gains made are criminally destroyed by them. The joint board had de- cided to call a mass meeting of all members. To, guarantee themselves COMMUNISTS AID I. W. W. SEAMEN ON STRIKE AGAINST SHIPOWNERS “NEW YORK CITY, Sept. 21—The follow following contributions were made by ‘Workers Party branch: of New York City to ald the striking seamen of the Marine Transport Workers’ Union No. 810, Il. W. W., which is conducting a \ strike of seamen in this port: |... Harlem Jewish, $31.50; Downtown Engli jungarian Yorkville, $8.50, Other contributions are coming in. y $15; Meant English, $18.10; All funds contribetad hould be sent to the Marine Workers’ Union No. 510, I. W. W., 105 Broad Street, New York City, as given below. { NAME: ., ADDRESS: AMOUNT OF DONATION §.. Name of NewSpaper.ininmsssasen Send All Funds to MARINE TRANSPORT WORKERS’ UNION No. 510, I. W. W. 105 Broad Street, New York. ‘Gity. HELP THE STRIKING SEAMEN! Jorsausasunsonnsennvennnqnessayssensennesnmoaunuagennnecest MINN... MACHINISTS ~ SHARPEN HATCHETS FOR B. & 0.” BILL ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept, 21.—At the Idst meeting of the Capital City Lodge, Local 459, |. A. of M., the membership voted for the recall of “B. and O. BIli” Johnston, who stole the election from Anderson, Also the local sent a strong let- ter of protest to “B. and O. Bill” concerning his statement that the T. U. E, L. is a dual organization. Also, Local 91 of the |, A. of M. of Minneapolis, at its last meeting, voted to sustain the recall of “B. and 0. Bill," who, being licked by the rank and file in the recent elec- tions of the I. A. of M., deolared him- self elected by illegal methods. against rank and file opposition, “the boys” were called together, and the joint board decided that no discussion would take’ place. Thousands came and demanded the right to have their say. Neither the protests, nor stormy scenes that kept up for hours, changed the plans of the officials. The result was the rank and file broke up the meeting. The leaders, fearing that their hour was at hand, did not allow any further call- ing of mass meetings. No Confidence In Yellows. Weeks passed, the bureaucracy con- tinued to block the calling of mass meetings, and thus: the favorable per- jod for an organization campaign thru a strike, was lost. The situation in the trade became worse and finally the clique was forced to capitulate to the rank and file, and now too late for a strike that could possibly meet with success, a mass meeting sup- posedly for such a purpose was called. About 2,000 tailors mbled and declared that having no confidence in the present leadership, and knowing their fake stoppages of the past, they were against a strike with them as leaders, they therefore demanded the resignation of all officials and that the joint board call for new elections. The yellow clique’ sneered at this step of the masses of,the membership, and the joint board which is consti- tuted not according to members, but according to locals, made it possible to give them a majority against new elections. Officials Forced to Resign. Then the locals themselves took things into their own hands. Locals 209 and 167 which represent two- thirds of the membership: called an- other meeting and here a packed hall showed that the wishes of the rank and file were not to be trifled with. They made it clear that the officials must go and so strong was the press- ure that several officials got up and resigned at the ‘meeting. The enthusiasm that is manifesting itself now that the workers see @ change of having real working class leaders is wonderful. One big shop in the city, John W. Pecks, taking ad- vantage of the present situation de- clared an open shop. A hundred per- cent strike was the result. The work- ers at a big mass meeting decided to tax themselves a dollar a week while the strike lasts. And the re- sults of the collections in the shops have exceeded all anticipations. More- over a committee was elected to make sure that this money should only be used for the strike. This all proves how well workers réspond, when they are actively brot ‘into’ the fold of the organization. Rule or Ruin. But the end is not yet, only the first round has been won, At the last joint board meeting, after the up- roarious mass meeting had taken place, a motion was made that all officials resign. This happened. New elections were decided upon, but it is significant that altho it was common knowledge that several old officials were going to run against the Com- munists, at this meeting they sudden- ly changed their minds and decided to put up no opposition. it became obvious at this meeting, that their policy is to crush the organization if they cannot rule, Their reasoning is this, the season is near the end. There will be no work, No work means no dues. The bosses, thanks to the efforts of the bureaucrats, will make an offensive against the union and these bureau- crats are convinced that the lefts will not be able to withstand tne storm of capitalist combat. At tne same joint board the number of officials were cut down to two business agents and a French organizer and the pay of all officials is to be cut down $10 a week. Attempt at “Red” Scare.” - On the eve of the new elections an- other mass meeting was ied by the two big locals, and here the bureau- cracy made its final attempt to fright- en the membership. Moscow and the Third International were the epithets hurled right and left by the angry raving bureaucrats, but all this will avail them nothing. The broad masses of the member- ship must not slacken in this fight to cleanse their union from all shady elements and to make of it a fighting weapon against the boss. Only with a new fighting revolutionary leader- ship will the chaos in our organiza- tion be stopped, We know the task is not easy, we know that the yel- lows and the bosses will unite against us, but we also know that within the working class themselves lies the power to fight and overcome all these obstacles. Cleaning Up Needed. All members must become active, few to do HE DAK outlined by mmunists;and the progressives . be studied by all 8. WORKER the member int meetings of all language locgls' Must be held as often as pow | en it is timely the | locals must malgamated. Little | isolated loca’ ire a menace to the interests of ‘th | whole organization, they become hests for the bureaucrats to carry on their foul purposes. Por- portional representation to the joint board must be established. It must | not be that two or more joint board | members should have more power | than the whole organisation. Off- cials must not get more tian workers in the trade in pay. A union ig not a business concern to fatten politicians and swell their bank accounts.» The shop chairman | must represent the interests of the | shop workers and not be the arbitrat- | or between the boss and th. workers, and certainly not be the vosses’ rep- resentative. Fellow workers, study all these points carefully, we can preserve the gains of our organization, our union must become an. instrument to serve us against the ‘boss. The struggle of the Montreaf..clothing workers for a clean fighting organization will. this time surely be.crowned with success, and with this @ new chapter will be- gin in the history of the Montreal clothing workers’ movement. A.M. LOCAL PLEDGES AID TO ANTHRACITE Lodge 536 Passes Reso- lution of Support The following resolution is among the first, if not the first resolution re- ported to the DAILY WORKER as be- ing in support of the striking an- thracite miners by a local union of the other trades. It comes from a machinists’ local of East Pittsburgh, Pa.: Resolution. on the Anthracite Strike. “Whereas, more than one hundred and fifty thousand members of the United Mine Workers of America are on strike in the anthracite coal field, and “Whereas, these workers are de- manding an increase in wages, full recognition of their union and bet- ter working conditions against the efforts of the coal operators to reduce wages and. enforce worse working conditions, and “Whereas, the struggle in the an- thracite coal fields is,the result of re- sistance by the coal;miners to the general campaign of the capitalist employersto reduce wages and en- force worse working conditions, which has already “pees in wage reduc- tion for mi of workers, and “Wher guccessful resistance to this IA bythe coal miners will stiffen resistance of the workers in, rf industries to similar efforts and ‘aid’in creating a generat fight of the Workers against the at- tempt of the capitalists to reduce the standard of living of the workers, and Government Strikebreaking. “Whereas, the federal and state gov- ernments have in the past strikes in the coal fields intervened to use the governmental power in the interest of the coal, bosses, notably President Wilson thru. securing an injunction against the Miners’ Union in 1919, President Harding thru calling upon governors to fill the mines with sol- diers in 1922, and. both the federal and state government in the anthra- cite strike of 1923; now, therefore, “Be It Resolved: That we pledge our support both morally and financial- ly to the anthracite miners in their strike, and be it further “Resolved, that we demand that both the federal and state government do not intervene in the anthracite strike, and that neither in any way use the governmental power ‘against the struggling workers of the an- thracite miners and to mobilize the workers generally ‘for resistance against the attacks'of the employers upon the standard ‘of living of the workers. ' “Adopted by Lodge 536, I, A. of M., East Pittsburgh, Pa. “Otto Yeager, President, “Morris Schindler, Secretary.” They Call in Bosses and Politicians, but No Amalgamationists — WASHINGTON, Sept. 21—Efforts to end the jurisdictional fight between the Bricklayers’! Plasterers’ unions, which has tied mp many thousands of dollars of construction work in New York, Chicagoland Washington, will be made at @ conference of the nation- al board of jurisdictional awards hgre on Sept. 22, it was learned today. Secretary of Labor Davis and Secretary of Commerce Hoover will address the conference, which will be attended by many noted architects, contractors and building trades offici- als. «= J Milllon Autos in Illinois. SPRINGFIELD, Ill, Sept. 21.—Auto- mobile licenses dssued in Illinois up to August 30 totalled 1,065,000, it was announced todayi Figures given out show that more»than $62,000,000 in license fees have*been collected since 1917, more thah enough to pay off the $60,000,000 ngood roads bond ‘1s- of the state,/ai!: 4 possible, . . GENERAL STRIKE! STRIKE ONE! | STRIKE ALL! STRIKE! STRIKE! STRIKE! Marine Transport Workers Indus- trial Union No. 610 of the Industrial Workers of the World. To Take Effect at Midnight SEP- | TEMBER 9th, 1925 1. WE DEMAND $16.00 wage in- | crease for all men licensed and un- licensed on all U.S. Shipping Board ships, 2. WE DEMAND that the Amer- ican Steamship Owners Association and private owners pay the same rate as the U. S. Shipping Board ships, There must not be any dif- ference in wage scales. 3. WE DEMAND the same scale for all vessels of foreign registry signing articles in American ports. 4. WE DEMAND the eight-hour day as a maximum for the marine industry with a 44-hour week In port. 5. WE DEMAND that there be no overtime work without pay. Overtime pay to be at the rate of 60 cents an hour for all seagoing and coastwise vessels. 6. WE DEMAND better food and living conditions, 7. WE DEMAND that the ship furnish clean bed linen once a gear, towels and soap to he furnished by the company. 8. WE DEMAND that logging only be permitted If a member of the crew fails to turn to for a whole work day in port, the same to be at the rate of “one for one.” 9. WE DEMAND that the dele- gates of the |, W. W. shall have acoess to all ships and doeke. 10. WE DEMAND that all men shall be hired from the M. T. W. Hall, BE A UNION MAN—DON'T SCAB! STRIKE COMMITTEE, M. T. W. 1. U, No, 510 of the l-W. W. 105 Broad St, New York. SUGARY WORDS FOR EVERYBODY AND A QUESTION By JOSEPH V w. SMITH (Charter Member, Waiters’ Local 30) SAN FRANCISCO, Cal., Sept, $1— I greet the DAILY WORKER and | thank you from the bottom of my heart for the unrelenting battle you have put up in behalf of my brothers who have put up a grand fight in.the cause of the working class, | They are deserving of praise for the unselflish and clean fight they have made single-handed against the powerful interests, the Industrial As- sociation, which has crushed many local unions in this city. But they met their Waterloo when they picked on waiters, who do not know when they are licked. The wait- ers of San Francisco know no creed or color or race hatred. Those in charge of the strike de- serve great credit for the manner in which they have handled it in the face of lots of abuse. They shave stood their ground and outguessed the bosses and the powerful Industrial Association. I hope the waiters do their part to support the DAILY WORKER that} helps them defeat their exploiters. erietie The editor of the T. U, E, L. See- tion wishes to say that the writér of the above letter is a little bit too sugary all around. Tho he may have reason for his laudation of those in charge of the strike of the waiters of Local 30, there is a long road yet to travel until we see perfection. For example, are the waiters of Local 30 in favor of amalgamation and other progressive issues? We have a decidedly different pic- ture of Local 30 and its leadership in the form of a letter from another member of said local, but we are not publishing it because the writer did not honor his statements with his sig- nature. Yet we must say this last letter is full of definite statements, figures, etc., which seem to detract somewhat from the bright halo of perfection hung around the domes of some of the Local 30 leaders by Brother Smith, SEAMEN-MUST NOT SCAB IN ANY LANGUAGE—COMPREHENDE USTED? The following is the strike call of the Marine Transport Workers’ Indus- trial Union, No. 510 of the I. W. W., given in both English and Spanish, which | we republish in, order that it may reach as far and wide a circulation as | Workers in seaports are requested to bring it to the attention of | all marine workers and ask them to support the struggle: . . HUELGA GENERAL! HUELGA! HUELGA! HUELGA! A LOS TRABAJADORES DEL MAR: Companeros: En vista de las pesimas condiciones que atrave- samos nosotros los trabajadores del mar, el MITIN celebrado el MIER- COLES SEPTIEMBRE 9 a las 7:30 P. M, decidio \lamar a la huelga a todos los trabajadores del TRANS- PORTE MARITIMO para pedir las siguientes demandas: 1. PEDIMOS que se suban los salarios de todo el personaje de los barcos del Shipping Board $15.00. 2, PEDIMOS que las companias particulares paguen el mismo suel- do que el Shipping Board. 3. PEDIMOS que todo barco ex- tranjero que firme en este pais Pague lo mismo que el Shipping Board. 4. PEDIMOS que ocho horas sea un dia de trabajo por la mar y que en puerto se trabaje semana Inglesa. 5. PEDIMOS que todo sobre- tiempo sea pago a razon de 60 cen- tavos por hora. 6. PEDIMOS mejor comida y condiciones de alojamiento. 7. PEDIMOS que los barcos den ropa de cama limpia semanalimente, tambien utensilios de mesa, jJabon y toallas. 8. PEDIMOS que la unica multa que podemos aceptar sea cuando un tripulante falte al trabajo un dia entero en puerto y entonces sera a razon de uno por uno, 9. PEDIMOS que los Delegados de la |. W. W. puedan entrar en los muelles y barcos libremente. 10. PEDIMOS que todas plazas tlenen que pasar por el local del TRANSPORTE MARITIMO DE LA 1. W. W. ESTA HUELGO TOMA EFECTO A LAS 12 DE LA NOCHE, SEPTIEM- BRE 9 DE 1925. COMITE DE HUELGA Union Industrial Num. 510, Traneporte Maritimo de la 1, W. W., 105 Broad St., New York. SER HOMBRES! NO SER ES- QUIROLES! MOSTRAR LA SOLIDARIDAD! “UNA INJURIA HECHA A UNO ES UNA INJURIA HECHA A TODOS.” b fi x rote 7 «Page Thras SHOE WOREKRS’ BITTER STRIKE FINALLY WON Nearly 18 ANedes of Struggle Ended BROOKLYN, N. Y., Sept. 21.—T militant shoe workers of the [ Workers Protective Union struck te shop of B. W. 8. Shoe Co. and n after 17% weeks of*bitter struggle against tremendous odds. This #c- t a: tory marks another gain for the m ants in their drive for the organ tion of the unorganized in the § industry—an inspiring example what solidarity, and a determined will, can achieve for the working clasi In a meeting held at the headquart- ers of District No.2, 325 Washington St., Brooklyn; the long struggle was reviewed by the chairman of the strike committee, Brother Trubewite pointed out that the workers struck the shop 100 per cent but were un- suc full in preventing a full crew of scabs from taking the place of the strikers. Then the struggle assumed a bitter and uphill character, ‘The hired th of the boss had to be fought tooth and nail, Access had to be had to the scabs which was ex: tremely difficulty as the scabs were brought in automobiles and the en- trance to the shop was well guarded by the police Despite all that the shoe workers did not lose courage. They contribu- ted heavily to the strike fund. Those workers who procured jobs elsewhere contributed 10 per cent of their wages to the strikers. Finally the scabs were pulled down and the boss was corft pelled to give in. Organizer Cosgrove of District No. 2 then conferred with Silinsky who acted as mediator for the company, The conference lasted until 1 a. m, after which as answer was to be given by the strikers the following day. The answer was for settlement. A ftesolution was introduced by Secretary Shader of Dist. Council No. 2, expressing recognition of the serv- ices of the aettve members. Hiections for shop chairman for each of the department then took place and the following were elected:# Brothers Miller, chairman of the Cutters; Shapfro, chairman of the Fitters; Harry Barclay, chairman of the Lasters; Meyers, chairman of the Wood Heelers; Andy Riggio, chafr- man of the Finishers; and Trubewitz, general shop chairman. COMPANY UNIONS WILL FIGHT 10 KEEP BOARD; HOLD SCAB CONVENTION ST. LOUIS, Sept. 21.—Sending 48 of their officers to St. Louis to hold a convention, the company unions on 15 railroads inaugurated their fight on the Howell-Barkley rail bill. The bill is supported by the railroad unions and is intended to substitute negotiation between carrier and union for the present procedure of the U. &. rail labor board which has simply been an auxilliary of the open shop movement. The 48 company unionists met in the most expensive of St. Louis hotels, appointed a committee to fight the bill and adjourned. Their pre nt described the gather- ing as representing “nearly” 100,000 men “who did not strike in 1922 or men who took the strikers’ places in the unsuccessful walkout.” The committee that will lobby against the proposed rail labor measure is d “The Associated Craft Union at heart, to put his John Hancock to it. Praise or blame must be And no anonymity. ernment. We are entirely impartial in the matter, having only the interests of the rank and file of the Waiters’ a 25 CENTS Lenin Memorial Album his life. GANGSTERS SLUG AUTO WORKERS’ UNION ORGANIZER By GUSTAVE OBERGFELD, (Workers Correspondent.) NEW YORK CITY, Sept, 21—An or. ganizer of the auto workers was as- saulted at 104th St. and First Ave., while talking to an employe of the Reconstruction in Russia By PAXTON HIBBEN. A pamphlet by a former officer of the Red Cross in Russia—giving an impartial view of the latest developments in the world's first workers’ gov- 15 CENTS THE DAILY WORKER PUBLISHING Co. 1113 W. Washington Boulevard Chicago, Illinole A new booklet from Germany with text in English, German and French —and 33 Oar data of the ea leader during OS A PALETIOIR AN APRS eB aR A sO MON IA Re RURAL ARN A NS Ren Standard Auto Body Works, Raskin Bros., about organizing the shop. The United Aircraft and Vehicle Workers of America, Local 49, is again trying to organize the workers in the commercial auto body shops and has delegated Edward Krulich, a popular member of the local, to bring the information directly to the men in the shops. He had been at this shop before and told them he would come again. The man Krulich was talking to at the time of the assault, stated that he noticed an auto across the street with four men in it. Three men came out and one of them came up behind Krulich and without a word of warn- and we think that|ing struck him a blow on the head when any brother writes us he should | with an tell the truth without fear or favor, | be it good or bad, and have the guts If he doesn’t want us to publish his name we won't do it—but he should tell us. merited. fron bar, then all three jumped into the auto and sped away, Krulich was picked up by the po- lice and taken to the Harlem Hospital being unconscious for four hours. He is now at his home in a very critical condition, The doctors are doubtful of his recovery, we ifferent periods of