The Sub

April 14, 1945

Marine Local 620
United Association of
Plumbers and Steamfitters
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR

By CLYDE DeROO

Saturday evening, March 31st, was a huge success for Local 620 inasmuch as installation of officers, followed by a spread and entertainment made an enjoyable evening. In attendance were visitors from Brother Locals throughout Connecticut some of whom highlighted the occasion by addressing some two hundred members of No. 620.

Among those present were Brother Rice of the Teamsters Union who spoke briefly on the rise of Unionism through the State of Connecticut, Brother Houston, Norwich Local, Brother White, Local 305, who officiated at the seating of officers, capably assisted by Brother Ebbison of Norwich who has been one of the leaders of unionism during all these hectic days. Past President Ebbinhaus made a brief speech congratulating those elected and also voiced his intention of continuing his fine efforts of the past in striving for better conditions throughout the yard.

Officers seated were as follows:
President, Brother Alfred Harvey; Vice President, Bro. Robert White; Financial Secretary, Bro. Joe Olson; Treasurer, Bro. William Drea; Recording Secretary. Bro. John Donnelly; Executive Board. Brothers Mike Kelly, John Bender, G. Vallette, J. Gison; Finance Board, Brothers Stanley Thomas, three years, Lincoln Burges, two years, C. LaMorraine, one year; Inside Guard, Bro. J. Orkney; Outside Guard. Bro. W. Bender; Head Steward, Bro. Clyde DeRoo.

Noticeable in the Pipe Shop has been the cooperation of foreman and members of the Union Committee in solving differences. This on a whole seems to embody the very goal of the Union meaning: a closer understanding based on harmony which will eventually lead to a better working condition throughout the yard. The Company at present is preparing a termination system in proposal form and are to meet with the Pipe Shop Committee regarding acceptance at an early date. This system contains "seniority" rights which benefit all in the yard and mark a long fight for such a grading system.

Members of the Pipe Shop are advised that the "red cards" are not to be toyed with, and if at any time you receive a "report card" and you are in doubt and misunderstand its conception contact your shop steward. In any event don't overlook it.

The marking list was recently released, this along with the lay-off list caused many reverberations throughout the shop. Let it be understood that at the last meeting of Management and Union the Union stand was that it disapproved "entirely" the Company's marking system. Something must be done regarding the Coppersmith mess, it seems as if some injustice has been done in that branch.

"They tell" me that with an election on the horizon a new "Indie" set up is attempting to gain strength. Led by the wet dock "Pied Piper" who from all reports scabbed the last strike, they would again cram down your throats a Company dominated union that based on purchasing power could be bought practically for naught on the open market. Men—for your sake and your families' sake don't let a self-made "Gabriel" lure you to a set up that will let you down.

Just realize what the AF of L has in such short time done for men in the yard. Our enemies will employ much mud-slinging, we shall not have to depend on that, our stand shall be accomplishments. In the past six months alone back pay, bonus, advancements and creating a grading system based on seniority that protects all men have been only a few of the many things that will come to you through the AF of L. Think and think twice before you vote, but above all things, don't go blindly into this thing. Think and meditate and then let yourself be the judge. Can you do anything but vote A. F. of L.? Promise yourself a future. Remember the bargaining agent is something that affects all of us, it stays in power for a long period of time which means you select a future of brightness or you sacrifice the very labor you produce. Above all, don't be misled by a propaganda of lies that brag about what will be accomplished, look back and see proof of what the A. F. of L. HAS accomplished.

Remember, Too -
Don't just wear the button-fight for it.