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Story
June 7, 1957
Toledo Union Journal
Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio
What is this article about?
In Dover, Delaware, over a thousand labor supporters protest a 'right-to-work' bill in the House committee, arguing it would weaken unions by barring required dues; the hearing may prevent a vote, with key opposition from labor leaders and clergy.
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Labor Slows 'Wreck' Bill In Delaware
DOVER, Del.—Indications that a "right-to-work" bill may die in a Delaware House committee mounted after organized labor turned out, over a thousand strong, to protest the legislation.
The hearing before the Revised Statutes Committee filled the House chamber and overflowed into the hallways. The hearing in itself constituted a setback for proponents of the "wreck" bill. The measure had previously passed two readings in the House before the hearings were set.
Legislative correspondents for Delaware newspapers indicated that the hearings may have turned the reported sentiment for passage of a law to curb union security provisions. The Wilmington Morning News reported that it is questionable whether the bill "will ever come to a vote."
Speakers against the bill included Pres. Clement J. Lemon of the Delaware State Federation of Labor, Pres. James J. LaPenta, Jr., of the Delaware State Industrial Union Council, and the Rev. Thomas Reese, director of the Catholic Welfare Guild of the Wilmington Diocese.
The presentation of labor's case was arranged by John C. Pierce, chairman of the Delaware Joint Legislative Committee.
LaPenta said that the measure would bring the state into collective bargaining and likely "would be branded socialistic if it worked against what 'right-to-work' advocates consider their interests."
Lemon directed his attack on clause 805 of the bill which would bar an employer from requiring the payment of union dues. He said that a non-member cannot play on a golf course where dues are necessary to maintain unions, which would be destroyed if they lacked this income.
"All men have an obligation to join together in an effort to organize they have the responsibility to pull their weight," Father Reese said. "If a law says that no dues shall be paid then we are weakening the whole power of the union."
Spokesmen for the Farm Bureau and the Small Business Council, who appeared for the bill, were subjected to critical questioning, much of it from Reps. James R. Quigley, New Castle, Democratic majority leader, and James H. Snowden, Wilmington, minority leader.
DOVER, Del.—Indications that a "right-to-work" bill may die in a Delaware House committee mounted after organized labor turned out, over a thousand strong, to protest the legislation.
The hearing before the Revised Statutes Committee filled the House chamber and overflowed into the hallways. The hearing in itself constituted a setback for proponents of the "wreck" bill. The measure had previously passed two readings in the House before the hearings were set.
Legislative correspondents for Delaware newspapers indicated that the hearings may have turned the reported sentiment for passage of a law to curb union security provisions. The Wilmington Morning News reported that it is questionable whether the bill "will ever come to a vote."
Speakers against the bill included Pres. Clement J. Lemon of the Delaware State Federation of Labor, Pres. James J. LaPenta, Jr., of the Delaware State Industrial Union Council, and the Rev. Thomas Reese, director of the Catholic Welfare Guild of the Wilmington Diocese.
The presentation of labor's case was arranged by John C. Pierce, chairman of the Delaware Joint Legislative Committee.
LaPenta said that the measure would bring the state into collective bargaining and likely "would be branded socialistic if it worked against what 'right-to-work' advocates consider their interests."
Lemon directed his attack on clause 805 of the bill which would bar an employer from requiring the payment of union dues. He said that a non-member cannot play on a golf course where dues are necessary to maintain unions, which would be destroyed if they lacked this income.
"All men have an obligation to join together in an effort to organize they have the responsibility to pull their weight," Father Reese said. "If a law says that no dues shall be paid then we are weakening the whole power of the union."
Spokesmen for the Farm Bureau and the Small Business Council, who appeared for the bill, were subjected to critical questioning, much of it from Reps. James R. Quigley, New Castle, Democratic majority leader, and James H. Snowden, Wilmington, minority leader.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Justice
Social Manners
What keywords are associated?
Right To Work Bill
Labor Protest
Delaware Legislature
Union Dues
Collective Bargaining
What entities or persons were involved?
Clement J. Lemon
James J. Lapenta Jr.
Thomas Reese
John C. Pierce
James R. Quigley
James H. Snowden
Where did it happen?
Dover, Del.
Story Details
Key Persons
Clement J. Lemon
James J. Lapenta Jr.
Thomas Reese
John C. Pierce
James R. Quigley
James H. Snowden
Location
Dover, Del.
Story Details
Organized labor protests a 'right-to-work' bill in Delaware House committee, with over a thousand attendees opposing the legislation that would curb union security provisions; speakers argue it weakens unions, potentially stalling the bill.