The Union Times

Park City Plans
Own Meeting On
Reconversion
Pres. Collins Points Out
Labor Was Ignored In
Waterbury Session
In a letter to Peter Benard, president of the Bridgeport Central Labor Union, from Timothy M. Collins, president of the Connecticut Federation of Labor, the Park City's central body was praised for its initiative in seeking a conference of municipal officials and management, labor and farm representatives in Fairfield County on reconversion problems.
At the same time Collins criticized a conference he attended recently in Waterbury that was arranged by the Industrial Reconversion Committee on the ground that it "was geared to interest manufacturers and no other group." He referred to an announcement made by the chairman that similar meetings would be held in Bridgeport, New Haven, Hartford and New London or Norwich, and declared that if they were of the same character "labor would have little to gain by attending."
Mr. Collins letter follows:
"Allow me to commend the Bridgeport Central Union for taking the initiative in planning a conference of government officials and representatives of labor, business and farm organizations in Fairfield County to consider problems arising from reconversion.
"After attending a conference in Waterbury arranged by the Industrial Reconversion Committee in that area I am thoroughly convinced that without the active participation of the major elements in each community little will be accomplished towards developing a realistic program to meet the critical economic conditions that may eventuate before long.
"When Governor Baldwin announced over the radio that meetings would be held in five cities, the first in Waterbury, to discuss reconversion problems and mentioned that labor would be asked to take part, I am sure he did not intend that labor would merely be invited as an on-looker but rather that labor would be an active participant. As it turned out, however, the head of the Connecticut Manufacturers Association presided, and in addition to government officials and an Army major a representative of the State Bankers Association spoke. With one exception none of the speakers touched on issues affecting the working people of the area. The meeting clearly was geared to interest manufacturers and no other group.
"It was announced that other meetings would be called by the Reconversion Committee in Bridgeport, New Haven, Hartford and New London or Norwich. If the other meetings should be of the same nature, it seems to me that labor would have little to gain by attending.
"Labor probably has more at stake in the reconversion program than any other group. Optimistic predictions have been made regarding the effects of reconversion in Fairfield County. I hope they prove correct. On the other hand, increasing run-outs and cut-backs may result in considerable unemployment. It would be well, therefore, for all interested groups in the community to consider the situation seriously and to plan for remedial action.
"I wish you success and assure you of the full support of the Connecticut Federation of Labor in your efforts."