Owned and Published by and for Lansing Labor Phone 2-9621 OFFICE: 109 E. South St. VOL. 1, NO. 22 Lansing Labor News Official Weekly Newspaper of CIO Labor in Lansing MAIL ADDRESS: P.O. Box 657, Lansing 3, Mich. Subscribed by a Majority of City War Workers PER COPY $1.50 Per Year by Mail LANSING, MICHIGAN — AUGUST 9, 1945 ISSUED EVERY THURSDAY CIO Opens"Little Steel” Battle Mass Meeting 11A.M. Sunday On Capitol Grounds Addes to Give Talk Perkins Hits New On Pay Cut Crisis Compensation Ruling In New York Beauty Winners at Reo Some of the reasons for the success of the big Reo picnic are easy to see—and to look at. In center is Miss Marilyn Shattuck, Navy division girl who was crowned queen, winning from a field of 17 lovely contestants. At left is Miss Rowena Adams, runner-up for the honor, also of the Navy division. At the right is Miss Mary Walkoski of the Timken division, who placed third. The queen was given a Hamilton wrist watch and consolation prizes were given the 16 losers. Judges were six soldiers from Percy Jones Hospital, who were brought, over for the day and given an outing, big chicken dinners and close-ups of all those pretty girls. Invasion Defeated Michigan Saved From Jap Beetle Scourge By V. E. VANDENBURG While our armed forces attempt to destroy forever the power of the Japanese to invade America, Japanese beetles, who in­ vaded us in 1916, devastatingly munch the foliage from some 200 kinds of fruit trees, shrubs, and crops in the Eastern part of the country, leaving whole areas barren. They would do it in Michi- gan if they could get started, but early treatment of soils with arsenate of lead des­ troys their larvae and the Michigan Department of Ag­ riculture promptly applies this treatment wherever these beetles are found, for they are among the most destruc­ tive of all insects. The Ag Department keeps close tab on developments. Com­ missioner Charles Figy said about 7,000 special beetle traps were set up in June in cities from Detroit to Muskegon and Niles, with 18 trap tenders checking the catches daily. Only 150 were caught in all of last year. C. A. Boyer, director of See JAP BEETLES, Page 3 The Japanese Beetle, which each year spreads to a larger area in the various sections of the country, is moving from the east to west. They reproduce rapidly, and are raven­ ous eaters. The small perfumed trap ’ (see insert) placed by the State Department of Agriculture in. different localities gives the lab­ oratory information of the spread. Low Pay Jobs Being Forced Upon Workers Prompt action by the Lansing CIO Council followed news that the Michigan Unemployment Compensation Commission is turning away workers who ap­ ply for assistance and cutting others off the rolls on the basis of a new ruling by the commis­ sion. The new ruling, it is reported, insists that unemployed work­ ers cannot receive benefits if they refuse jobs at the lowest pre-war rates for which they worked. It is contended by the ruling, apparently, that skilled jobs learned during war work do not have to be matched in placing the unemployed worker and that he must therefore take anything. Cases have been reported of $60 a week workers being refused compensation be­ cause they would not accept $25 a week jobs. The CIO is aroused through­ out the state. Immediate action is being planned everywhere to fight this arbitrary ruling, which it is claimed not only violates the spirit of the law but may result in beating down wages, with accompanying loss of pur­ chasing power in the communi­ ties and the beginning of eco­ nomic chaos. Clyde Perkins, president of the Lansing CIO Council, has called a meeting of all local presidents for 7:30 P. M. next Monday at the Council Hall to plan immediate action in Lan­ sing. All union officers and as many workers as possible are urged to attend this meeting. See PERKINS, Page 2 Labor News To Be Mailed To Your Home The Lansing Labor News will be mailed directly to the homes of 10,000 subscribers soon. The paper has just been noti­ fied that its application for sec­ ond class mailing permit has been granted by the Post Office Department, which permits mailing in bulk without stamps and at a fraction of the ordinary rate of one and a half cents per copy. As soon as arrangements are completed and plates made for addressing machines, all mem­ bers of locals subscribing to the paper will receive their copies by mail each week. —Federated Pictures Members of a New York CIO local take turns in picketing WLB offices during their noon hour, to protest the “Litte Steel” wage freeze. Russia May Bring Sudden End to War Russia’s declaration of war upon Japan, following the dra­ matic announcement earlier in the week of the terrible new atomic bomb, was viewed in Lan­ sing as indicating an early end to the war—perhaps a matter of but a few months, even weeks. While labor will join with every other group in hailing an early peace and ending the ghastly destruction and loss of life, union leaders in the city emphasize again and again the importance of action here at home to prevent the chaos of mass unemployment or the slashes in income as overtime pay is eliminated. By all means, everyone should attend the mass meeting at the Capitol Sunday and help lend strength to the movement to get action, they urge. Says Soldiers’ Bill of Rights Means Nothing WEITON, W. Va.—(FP) — The United Steelworkers (CIO) accused the Weirton Steel Co. Aug. 2 of firing a World War II veteran with more than 12 years seniority after bluntly telling him that “the GI bill of rights don’t mean a damn thing around here.” The ex-soldier was fired when he attempted to settle a griev­ ance for his fellow employes in his capacity as steward for the Weirton Independent Union, which the NLRB has ruled is a company union although Weir­ ton continues to recognize it as the bargaining agency in its plant here. Name of the vete­ ran is Kenneth K. Weir, no re­ lation to Company Pres. Ernest T. Weir. See BILL OF RIGHTS, Page 3 One of the largest mass meet­ ings ever held in Lansing is planned for the Capitol Grounds at 11 a. m. next Sunday, Aug. 12, to protest continuing the wage freezing of the “Little Steel” formula in face of in­ creasing cuts to 45 and 40 hours a week. Timed to coincide with similar gigantic demonstra­ tions throughout the nation, the meetings are planned to exhibit the might of labor and start the most powerful campaign ever to hit Wash­ ington, in order to obtain in­ creases in take-home pay at 40 hours a week to offset loss­ es of around 25 per cent and up suffered through loss of overtime pay. George F. Addes, secretary­ treasurer of the UAW-CIO and one of labor’s forceful speakers, will address the crowd. Action that will produce results will be outlined, but the meeting will carry weight only in proportion to the number of workers who attend. LET’S GET EVERY­ BODY OUT. It will not be a long meeting, but it will be effective. IN CASE OF RAIN, THE MEETING WILL BE IN PRUD- DEN AUDITORIUM. In charge of arrangements for the affair are Don Falor, UAW- CIO subregional director in Lan­ sing area, who called a meeting of all local presidents. To work with Falor on the event, this group selected R. E. Richardson, President of Olds Local 652; Vernon Roach, president of Nash Local 13, and William Mo­ ran, president of Amalgamated Local 724. Articles from each member of this committee, emphasizing the importance of attending this big meeting are printed below. Government, Slow Io Ad, Penalizes the Workers By DONALD R. FALOR Sub-Regional Director, UAW-CIO mally in preparing for reconver­ sion and a peace time economy. Labor today faces a crisis. This crisis arises from the fact that the Government agencies that have had charge of the war­ time program have failed dis­ The cutting back of war pro­ duction and subsequently the hours of work of the workers in the shops presents in the mind of any thinking man a serious problem. In the mind of the man so affected by reduction in working hours and in many cases down-grading, it amounts to practical privation. Prices have mounted steadily See FALOR, Page 4 Cost of Living in Lansing 41% Above Pre-War Level By R. E. RICHARDSON Pres. Olds Local 652 Before the death of President Roosevelt we were promised by him that there would be a revi­ sion of that monster inustice, the “Little Steel Formula,” in order that the workers could re­ ceive a larger share of the profits they produce. It is now up to President Truman and he must act and act at once to remedy this condition. I quote from the Lansing State Journal, “The cost of living in Lansing is up 41 per cent above pre-war levels." This is reason sufficient for "No-Strike” Pledge Was Kept Over 99 Per Cent By VERNON J. ROACH .... Pres. Nash Local 13 The UAW-CIO International Executive Board has proclaimed August 12th as “Break the Lit­ tle Steel Formula” Day. Local unions of Lansing are going to hold a meeting that will be so large that any one seeing or hearing of it cannot forget the strength of labor. Labor, to this writer’s think­ ing, has shown itself without question to be of the material that it takes to make a democ­ racy. Labor has worked under conditions throughout this wartime period that have been very detrimental to the average home. We have had to comply with the finding of the War Labor Board and live up to our “No Strike" promise as union men. We have kept this pledge better than 99 per cent, a figure that all good labor people can be proud of. However, the time has come when our “take home pay” has been cut so badly that we have Today We Are Getting Pre-War Wages Less 20% By LEO E. MORAN Pres. Amalg. Local 724 We hold the President and congress responsible for the po­ sition that we, the workers, find ourselves in today. Premium pay and war wages are practically a thing of the past. The usual re­ ward today to the workers consists of pre-war wages, minus 20 per cent tax reduc­ tion. With war prices still in effect and going higher every day it the workers to demand that they and their families be protected. The Government has not fail­ ed the Corporations. Many months ago they provided for them by guaranteeing them for two years after the end of the war a gift equal to their profits at the high peak of war produc­ tion. Fine you say—or do you? What has the Government done for the worker? Nothing, per- See RICHARDSON, Page 4 to protest to our government to lift the “Little Steel Formula”. The increase of living costs has risen to such an extent that our “take home pay” has decreased approximately 50%. Now, if we as labor, do as good a ob on this “Little Steel Formula” as we did for the cause of our country, this in my mind, will go further to estab­ lish a better standard of living and there will be no question of the ultimate outcome. So, I am appealing to my local union and all other union mem­ bers that we turn out in a mass body to this meeting at the Cap­ itol Grounds, Sunday, August 12, 11:00 A. M. does not require the intelligence of a mathematician to realize just what is going to happen in the near future. We demand the President and congress to act and act quickly. I urgently request all mem­ bers and their families to attend this mass demonstration Sun­ day, August 12th. I cannot over­ emphasize the importance of your attendance and assistance. IF IT RAINS, the Big Wage Meeting Scheduled for the Capitol Grounds Sunday Will Be Held in Prudden Auditorium. But Rain or Shine, BE THERE! It Is Vital to You and Every Worker-and Your Help Is Needed to Pul It Over! LANSING LABOR NEWS, INC. MAIL ADDRESS: P. O. Box 657, Lansing 3, Mich. OFFICE: 109 E. South St. — Phone 2-9621 Entered as second-class matter April 13, 1945, at the post office at Lansing, Mich­ igan, under the Act of March 3, 1879. Big Labor Day Celebration Planned for Lansing Huge Parade, Floats, Prizes, Dance Planned Elaborate plans for Lansing’s biggest Labor Day celebration are under way at the Lansing CIO Council with the various lo­ cals co-operating, states Clyde Perkins, Council president. A huge downtown parade fea­ turing many unusual and attrac­ tive floats, hundreds of dollars in prizes to be given workers, se­ lection of a Lansing Labor Day queen, and a big dance are some of the things being planned. Every local in the city will be invited to participate, Perkins said. ‘The imperative necessity of labor making an impress­ ive showing certainly cannot escape any labor-minded per­ son in Lansing today," he stated. “Particulary during these times is the prestige and power of labor organiza­ tions at stake." New By-Pass Road Dodges Saginaw The State Highway Depart­ ment is making a survey for the proposed US-23 by-pass around the east side of the city of Sag­ inaw. The section now being surveyed extends from Bridge­ port, starting point of the by­ pass south of Saginaw, to M-46 (Holland avenue) in the city. The sections north from Hol­ land avenue to cross Saginaw river south of Bay City and to by-pass Bay City on the west side will be surveyed later. Free Movies At Nash Local A diversified program of sound film is being presented every Thursday, 7 to 9 p. m. at Nash Local No. 13 hall, 1818 S. Cedar St., by the Education Committee. Everyone over 10 years of age is invited. Cincinnati CIO Editor Running For City Council CINCINNATI— (FP)—Rol­ lin H. Everett, editor of The Sun, official Cincinnati CIO Council newspaper, is the CIO candidate for city council and will also be one of nine candi­ dates indorsed by the City Char­ ter Committee. Want Better Merchandise or Service! Try These! A non-profit newspaper dedicated to the interests of the community and to the interests of labor here and everywhere. Published every Thurs­ day at the Lansing CIO Council headquarters by the following incorporated body, representing locals voting to participate. PERKINS (Continued from Page 1) BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT - Ernest Miller (Reo 650). VICE-PRES. - Maurice McNaughton (Fisher 602). SEC.-TREAS.—Kenneth McCreedy (CIO Council) TRUSTEES - George Jake- way (fisher 602), William Treanor (olds 652). Members - Robert Richardson (Olds 652), Earl Watson, Roy Newton (Nash 13), Charles O'Brien (reo 650), Maurice MacNaughton (Fisher 602), V.E. Vandenburg (CIO Council), Peter Fagen, Adrian Jensen (oloffson 728), Arthur Chappell, Woodrow Brnnen (dairy 93), James W. Roberts, Dean Reed (SCMWA 276); Louis Newmark (SCMWA 406); Earl McClure, Melvina Stevens (Hill Diesel 646). ASSOCIATE MEMBERS - Mrs. Robert Atkinson (Olds Aux.), Mrs. Harold Wilson (Olds Aux.), Mrs. William McCurdy (Fisher Aux.), Mrs. J.B. Eno (Fisher Aux.), Mrs. Evelyn Moss, Mrs. Etta Kenvon (:ocal 93 Aux.) EDITOR — V. E. VANDENBURG SUBSCRIPTIONS — Included in the dues of participating locals. Individ­ ual subscription, $1.50 per year by mail. CONTRIBUTIONS - Should be typed double-spaced on one side of paper and signed with author s name, phone and address. Name will not be used if requested Notes on news not written up but containing complete names and all the facts are acceptable too. Mail all contributions to Lansing Labor News, P. O. Box 657, Lansing 3, Mich. Could An Atomic Bomb Awaken Congress? The dramatic announcement of the powerful atomic bomb is another grim reminder of the smoothness with which sums as high as two billion dollars can be secretly gambled on devices of war for death and destruction. That this terrible weapon and our hundreds of superior war machines are necessary and will help to win and therefore end the war sooner is not questioned here. Two billion dollars would buy enough research probably to wipe out the common cold, or to solve the mystery of cancer, or perhaps cure most of America’s remaining germ afflictions. Such a sum could be used for many things of vast benefits to our people. Why is it no such appropriation is ever passed for a peacetime purpose? __V.E.V. Frankensteen’s Majority A World Labor Victory Encouraging first reports of the large lead enjoyed by Rich­ ard Frankensteen, Detroit’s labor candidate for mayor, is an­ other indication that labor throughout the world is definitely on the march. Regardless of whether he wins in the main election, re­ gardless even of whether he retains his early lead in the primary, at the time this is written he has decisively swamp­ ed his nearest opponents and jarred anti-labor forces throughout the nation. And nowhere do they need jarring more than right here in reactionary Michigan. As in the case of England’s election, labor’s success was no particulr surprise to those interested in the affairs of labor. The writer was told by soldiers back from England that even they knew of the overwhelming swing in worker sentiment away from the conservatives. Those most surprised at these important election events are those who do not want to learn that labor, too, can have a place and a voice in government and world affairs. - V.E.V. Impeachment Of Sen. Bilbo Urged in N. Y. NEW YORK (FP)—Follow­ ing unanimous approval of a resolution by a Natl. Maritime Union (CIO) membership meet­ Let’s Get Acquainted ing here, Port Agent Joseph Stack wrote Sen. Robert F. Wag­ ner (D, N.Y.) urging him to start impeachment proceedings immediately against Sen. Theo­ dore G. Bilbo (D, Miss.). BUY WAR BONDS Perkins issued the following statement to the Labor News: The MUCC has very de­ finitely made such a radical departure from its past prac­ tice that it can be declared reactionary. During the last depression all compensation checks were carried through the full benefit period. This policy was followed during Governor Murphy's admin­ istration and carried on into Governor Fitzgerald's term of office. These changes in the Com­ mission policy show that they are concerned about a long period of unemployment and have adopted a plan for sav­ ing their funds instead of maintaining purchasing pow­ er and avoiding a social cris­ is. The Act itself (Section 1 and 2) states specifically that maintenance of purchas­ ing power and the avoiding of social consequences are of utmost importance. Certain­ ly only four or five weeks of compensation will not help to defray either problem during unemployment. Such a policy will undoubt­ edly create larger problems such as the cashing in of War Bond savings and the eventual application for wel­ fare relief. This in turn will create the problem of the taxpayers throwing their support of workers and their families who should have at least been maintained on un­ employment compensation for their full benefit period. Such a policy definitely eases the burden on those large industrial and manu­ facturing concerns who, dur­ ing the past few years, have only contributed 1 per cent to the commission fund, con­ trary to the Act, which asks larger reserves during per­ iods of high employment to be available during periods of unemployment. The formal policy of the commission is contrary to the interpretation of policy from the Act itself. But even if the Michigan fund were exhausted, the HOW MANY OF THESE FIRMS DO YOU KNOW? Federal Government could and would subsidize the Com­ mission. This is no doubt the focal point of the newly adopted policy and explains the reason why such a saving of funds is contemplated. The State wants no en­ croachment on its rights or its privileges to handle the problem encountered. They would rather, in this case, that workers be coerced and driven to lower incomes than to have the Federal govern­ ment have any hand in the maintenance of buying power and the maintennce of social life. Everyone should attend the meeting at the Council Hall next Monday to help plan action. OUR ADVERTISERS WILL APPRECIATE YOUR PAT­ RONAGE. record that he has established in the past sixteen years is of no value compared to what they called “trouble making,” which in reality is fighting for his own protection. I wonder if we shouldn’t look back and remind some of them of their own lovely record in­ stead of letting bygones be by­ gones. I love digging, especial­ ly some I know about. managements if there is avail­ able manpower ? There must be changes. The sooner the better. Managements who up to now have been co-operative, are be­ ginning to read the latest N.A. M. baloney, and are trying to get rough. That is just fine, be­ cause I for one am tired of wear­ ing padded mitts. Olds is calling back some of the females they laid off. Pro­ spects are good for the recalling of all those laid-off. The employment situation is fair. There are still quite a few unemployed as shown by the fact that Lansing has been changed to number three area. Yet no restrictions have been lifted, which is unfair. Why hold people at the mercy of BILL OF RIGHTS (Continued from Page One) Weir has been a walking dele­ gate for the WIU for the past three years, during which time he also served nine months in the U. S. Army. After five months in an army hospital he was honorably discharged a year ago and is still receiving an army pension. OUR ADVERTISERS WILL appreciate YOUR pat­ ronage. Over 5,000 Attend the Reo Picnic The big picnic staged by Reo local 650 and management Sun­ day, July 29, was a statistical, scenic and social success. Furthermore, from the stand­ point of Reo employees and their families, it was a financial suc­ cess, for everything was for free—free ice cream, free re­ freshments, free pony rides, free contests with prizes, free ball games, and $750 worth of prizes given away, including electric irons, lamps, wrist watches, etc. The affair finished with an eve­ ning of free dancing to Red Drennan’s music. In all, it ran about $3,000, half of which was paid by the company. Between 5,000 and 6,000 at­ tended, riding in 1,400 cars that were parked there. Reo’s plant protection rose to the occasion and, though short of help, did an excellent job of handling the traffic and crowds. The crowd consumed 530 cas­ es of pop, 4,500 ice cream cones, brought its own picnic lunch to eat, enjoyed a softball game be­ tween Reo men’s and girls’ teams, watched or participated in numerous contests and had a large day and evening of fun. One impressive event was the unveiling of a plaque containing names of former Reo employees in the armed services. The plaque was to be placed in the Around the Shop By George Nader The action of the Internation­ al Executive Board in setting August 12, 1945, as Break The Little Steel Formula Day - de­ serves and should get - the sup­ port of every Union member, every worker. Government owned trailers, which were moved here to ac­ commodate workers, and which have been here a long time, yet were empty, have finally been called to the attention of organ­ ized labor. How they expected war work- rs to know about them is more that I can figure out. It’s too bad, when good government money is wasted. No doubt those who have hunted, adver­ tised, even offered a reward for a home, would have been glad to know about them. I am confi­ dent they would have been filled up, had we known about them. That of course is typical of government money wasted. So now that they have been called to our attention, and even has eased up, due to lay-offs, we still feel they will be used, as there are still workers who are in need of a place to live, others who are being robbed by profit seeking, greedy landlords. I am giving this space in the “Around the Shop News” hoping it will come to the attention of those interested. If you are one of these, contact us at 109 E. South Street. The old saying that elephants never forget should also apply to the Olds personnel office. A man who had fought for his rights, and the rights of his fol­ low workers, on the old bonus plan, where they banked what you made and seldom paid off, has just been reminded that his record states “trouble maker.” That is not only ridiculous, it’s silly. Here is a man who fought for his rights, having worked under that same lousy system. I know that if he and others like him had not fought, workers would have been the losers. If fighting for your rights is Trouble making,” then maybe I should check my re­ cord, and see what they attrib­ uted to me. This happened in 1929. Here it is 1945 and they still haven’t forgot it. It seems that the good office building lobby. Seventeen lovely bathing beauties contributed to the scenic success in a contest for title of 1945 queen, which is photographically reported else­ where in this issue. Attendants of the five ponies brought to Lansing for the event contributed further statistics. They supervised 850 rides for the kiddies, said Red O’Brien, who was in charge of the chil­ dren’s rides and games. A pro­ fessional clown roamed the grounds and helped with the children’s entertainment. Tom Bettison, general chair­ man of the affair, said the huge event was handled by 11 com­ mittees. JAP BEETLES (Continued from Page 1) the bureau of plant industry, claims the beetles came to Mich­ igan in 1932, so apparently they aren’t getting much of a start. The insect was found in 1944 only in Wayne, Oakland and Genessee counties, and 65 acres were treated—the smallest number in several years. To date this year's catch numbers only nine in RiRver Rouge, one in Detroit and one in Kalamazoo. Soil treatment is being started at once. The Japanese Beetle came to Ohio the same year as to Mich­ igan and multiplied to terrifying millions in some areas because a treatment program wasn’t adopted for a couple of years. Last year they had to treat 500 acres, the Cleveland vicinity be­ ing among the hardest hit. The writer has seen yards and gardens in certain sections around Washington, D. C., strip­ ped barren of nearly everything green, with people sick at heart and powerless to halt the con­ tented swarms, which seemed to be crawling all over everything that was growing. Wolverines can be proud that Michigan, greatest manufactur­ er of war machines with which to stop the Japanese in the Pa­ cific, has for 13 years halted their devastating beetles here at home. Congress Leaves Job Unfinished WASHINGTON— (FP)— The Senate adourned Aug. 1 for its longest recess since 1938 after hearing warnings that it had left untouched more than a doz­ en “urgent and immediate” problems affecting homefront prosperity. Not due back in the capital until Oct. 8, the Senate was giv­ en a point-by-point account of the major reconversion job still facing it by Majority Leader Al- ben Barkley (Ky.), who implied that his colleagues were run­ ning out on their duties at a time when the nation needed them most. Sen. Claude Pepper (D. Fla.) commended Barkley and pre­ dicted that if “the people lose their prosperity” they will “put the fault upon this Congress.” Immediate legislation confront­ ing Congress when it gets back on the job, Barkley said, in­ cludes: 1—Full employment legisla­ tion, asked by Pres. Roosevelt in his annual message to Congress last January. 2—Legislation authorizing the President to reorganize the agen­ cies and departments of the ex­ ecutive branch of government. 3—-Expansion of unemploy­ ment insurance coverage. Bark­ ley remarked that Congress had promised action on this a year ago, that Pres. Truman had re­ quested emergency action May 28, but that still nothing had been done. 4—A federal housing program. 5—Revision of the surplus property law. 6—A national medical care program and expanded social se­ curity legislation. 7 Removal of monopolies and cartels. 8—Creation of a single surplus administrator instead of a board. 9—Development of waterways and water power. 10—Agricultural legislation dealing with farmers in the post­ war period. 11—The “economic bill of rights” submitted to Congress more than a year ago by Roose­ velt. News Photo Flashes FALOR Masterpiece in the art of draping is the satin turban which CBS actress Mary (“Two on a Clue”) Patton selected from the early collection of Sally Victor originals for autumn. Executed in Chinese blue or lustrous gold, the smoothly contoured creation is one of the season’s important dressy Introductions Union Girl From England (Continued from Page 1) during this war but overall wage increases have been “frozen”. The result of such a program has been an unjust obligation on the part of the worker that he assumed with confidence, that the Governmental agencies would recognize the problem if prices exceeded his earning pow­ er. Such has not been done, al­ though the CIO has constantly endeavored to roll back prices to the January 1, 1941, level. The responsible govern­ mental agencies failed to act with the result that the work­ er was penalized. Now that we are forced with a reduction to a 40-hour week and in many cases lay-offs and down grading among our mem­ bership we must act. We must act to the end that a proper re­ lationship is restored to wages in relation to prices. Ragweed Talk Is Scheduled Over WKAR Ragweed, 'Michigan’s most common cause of hayfever, will be discussed over radio station WKAR, the Michigan State Col­ lege Station on Wednesday, Aug­ ust 15, 1 p. m. CWT, by Dr. B. H. Grigsby, botanist of the Michigan Department of Health and assistant professor of bot­ any, Michigan State College. Doctor Grigsby will tell about the state-wide pollen survey now being carried on by the Michi­ gan Department of Health through 46 pollen collection sta­ tions. Four previous Michigan sur­ veys showed that there is not enough ragweed pollen in the air before August 1 to cause dis­ comfort to any except the ex­ tremely sensitive patient. The heaviest pollen contamination comes the last week of August or the first week of September. All studies showed that the Up­ per Peninsula has much less pol­ len in the air than most of the lower peninsula. Hayfever sufferers in Michi­ gan who began sneezing this summer before August 3 can­ not blame ragweed for their dis­ comfort, according to the state health department which reports that through that date little or no ragweed was found at any of the 46 pollen collecting stations. RICHARDSON (Continued from Page 1) iod. There is no program what­ soever, though unemployment is staring us in the face with the prospects that there will be mil- lions without jobs after V.J. day. The National Manufactur­ ers Association and other la­ bor hating organizations of the same caliber are doing everything in their power to see that the Government con­ tinues this do-nothing pro­ gram. When we consider some of those in Congress such as Bilbo of Mississippi, you can readily understand how little we have to look forward to and the un­ fair battle our children must wage in. the coming years. Our only chance in protecting them is to preserve our Unions to their fullest strength and to fight with all our vigor to coun­ teract anti-union propaganda. One of the most important Union Meetings ever contem­ plated for Lansing will be held next Sunday, August 12, at 11 A. M. on the Capitol grounds. This meeting is called for the purpose of trying to get an in­ crease in wages for YOU. Will YOU be there to help? Without your help we fail, so it is important that every Union man and woman in Lansing at­ tend this meeting. This is your chance—take advantage of it and help to help yourself. First Issue of Labor Magazine On News Stands NEW YORK (FP)—First is­ sue of Labor & Nation, national labor magazine, is on the stands. The magazine is edited by J. B. S. Hardman, formerly with the Amalgamated Clothing Work­ ers (CIO). Initial financing of Labor & Nation comes from a number of international unions which have placed yearly subscriptions for their staff and field men. It sells at 50c a copy. This means that the so- called “Little Steel Formula" must be eliminated, adequate­ ly changed or replaced with a sound realistic wage pro­ gram. There are some plants here in Lansing that are working hours in excess of 40 hours per week, and they have not yet felt the pinch of the reduction in hours and the attendant loss of 25% to 40% cut in “take home” pay. The workers in these plants must not allow themselves to feel self contained and secure; as they are bound to be affected soon. I think we all hail the possi­ bilities of the newly discovered and perfected atomic bomb to the end that it will hasten the end of the Japanese war. If we, as American people, ever become as proficient in the art of living as we have become in the art of destruction then we truly will be a much greater na­ tion. When we are able to get our governmental agencies to act in behalf of the people in peacetime with the energy and intelligence that some di­ visions have shown in prose­ cuting the war against the Fascists, we ^likewise will be a greater nation. What part can you and I play in restoring the economic posi­ tion of Labor ? The situation de­ mands that we act and act now. I should like to enumerate what I believe to be very vital points. 1.—Change the so-called “Little Steel Formula" and revise the basic wage of la­ bor drastically upward in or­ der that purchasing power may be retained in the hands of the workers who constitute the largest single group of consumers. 2. Demand that the full Employment Bill in Con­ gress enact such legislation. In the event private enter­ prise can not or will not provide employment, then it is the gov­ ernment’s duty to do so. There are many more things that must be done in the inter­ ests of the common people. Let us get to the first one and all of us work together to elimi­ nate the present restrictions of the Little Steel Formula. On Sunday, August 12, 1945, all UAW-CIO Local Unions in the United States are holding meetings in protest against the unfair, unjust “Little Steel Formula”. Lansing Local Unions have agreed to co-operate jointly in this program and will hold a pro­ test meeting on the State Capi­ tol Lawn at 11 A. M. Sunday. — BUY WAR BONDS — —Federated Pictures British union representative Mary Jane Brodie, at left, of the Electrical Trades Union, who came to U. S. to see American fac­ tory methods and working conditions, watches while Josephine Carini, Local 1412, Unitd Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers, CIO, completes repairs on an electric motor stator at the Westing­ house plant in Emeryville, Cal. Veteran Prefers Union Shop —Federated Pictures Al Shamie, honorably discharged veteran, was a member of the CIO before the war, and he insisted on going to a CIO shop when the Los Angeles Veterans Bureau offered to find him an apprentice job. So he’s at Emsco Derrick & Equipment Co., where Local 1574, United Steel Workers, can bargain for him. L to r, above: Shop Steward A. R. Manspeaker; Foreman R. W. Hill; Shamie and fellow worker. Lest We Forget Fascism —Federated Pictures This grim scene, showing a Russian medical officer examining a prisoner at the German death camp Oswiencim, should remind us again that labor-hating, low-wage Fascism inevitably brings things such as this—and worse—wherever people permit it to obtain power.