The Butler County Press

"Jobs For All" Set By Green
As No. 1 Post-War Objective

AFL Chief Tells Industrial Leaders They Face Big Test After Victory; AFL Leaders Surprised By Statement by Industrialists Labor-Business Fights Cease

New York City.-Jobs for all must be America's No. 1 post-war objective, AFL President William Green declared at a labor - management forum featuring the National Association of Manufacturers' convention in the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

While conceding that it is inevitable that some degree of unemployment will result in the transition from war to peace production, Mr. Green emphasized that the big problem is to limit its extent and duration.

He insisted that the nation prepare now to deal with cancellation of war contracts and reconversion in order to cushion the economic shock that will take place as soon as Germany is defeated. He rejected the suggestion that there may be time enough to prepare for post-war programs during the interim between the overthrow of the Nazis and the defeat of Japan.

The AFL President declared that private enterprise will meet its supreme test in the speed and daring with which it tackles the responsibility of maximum production for peace-time purposes.

He received prolonged applause from the audience of businessmen when he said that labor, although it has voluntarily accepted wartime regimentation, is just as anxious as industry to see emergency governmental controls lifted as soon as possible after the war ends.

Other participants in the luncheon forum, which later was broadcast throughout the nation over NBC, included Frederick C. Crawford. President of the NAM: H. L. Derby. President of the American Chemical and Cynamid Corp. and Vice President of NAM; Paul G. Hoffman, President of the Studebaker Corporation and Philip Murray, CIO President.

Invitation to the labor leaders to participate in the discussion with industry leaders was unprecedented in the history of the manufacturers' association which has followed a consistently reactionary and anti-labor course.

The statements made by the industry representatives during the discussion indicated a belated recognition on their part that it is vital to the best interests of the nation that business and labor cooperate closely for the prompt solution of post-war economic problems.

They agreed with Mr. Green and Mr. Murray that it is up to private enterprise to save itself after the war by speeding into operation a broad production program to satisfy the needs of the American people and to create maximum opportunities for employment.

Mr. Hoffman questioned the feasibility of "full employment" in the post-war period, pointing out that it is not socially desirable for millions who have taken industrial jobs in the present war emergency to continue in such employment.

Mr. Green agreed that workers who have passed the retirement age should not expect jobs after the war. nor should wives and mothers who have a family breadwinner who earns sufficient wages to provide a decent standard of living for the family. He emphasized, however, that unmarried women who are self dependent or who have others dependent on them are entitled to opportunities for jobs in industry and commerce.