The Daily Alaska Empire

Outline Plan

For Fishing in

Coming Season

Murray Industry Council Is Endorsed by All-Alaska Labor Conference

Full strength of the All-Alaska Labor Convention was given for the immediate adoption of the Murray Industry Council Plan in the fishing industry as the delegates deemed this is absolutely necessary if the 1942 fishing season on the Pacific Coast is going to be able to produce the supply of food fish required by the government.

CIO President Philip Murray has provided in the Industry Council Plan the machinery whereby the strength of labor may be pooled with that of industry and government.

J. F. Zurick, President of the International Fisheries and Allied Workers of America, is now in Washington working in behalf of the plan and adoption.

The following is the plan for a complete organization of the fishing industry;

I

The International Fishermen and Allied Workers of America shall select its coastwise representatives on the Council.

II

President Roosevelt or his representative shall select the government member or members on the Council.

III

The representatives of the fishing industry shall select their Council members.

IV

The entire Council, composed of the representatives of the Union, the operators' association, and the United States' government representative, shall be officially recognized and authorized to proceed with the duties of drawing up, and putting into effect, such plans as are necessary for an efficient operation and for obtaining the maximum results.

V

The Council shall be authorized to set up sub-committees, when necessary, to work out details for such areas as (a) California, (b) Oregon, (c) Washington, and (d) Alaska.

VI

The Council shall draft plans to work out the following problems:

1. Concentration of all stores and supplies to be shipped to Alaska at such ports that ships may be completely loaded without the necessity of shifting from dock to dock. And preparation to move when the Navy convoy is ready, if convoying is necessary.

2. Adoption of an efficient plan for guarding fish boats, gear, and plants, and the fish in the raw and processed stages against acts of sabotage and pilfering; fire hazards around the boats, gear, and plants.

3. War risk insurance for fishermen and shore workers while traveling to and from their work as well as while actually engaged in their respective occupations.

4. Securing the cooperation of the Army, Navy, and draft boards in getting key men deferred for the fishing season, and the release of others now employed in war industries, such as shipyards, etc., for the duration of the fishing season.

5. (a) Adoption of such rules or regulations by the Navy and/or Army which will permit the fishing fleets to operate as nearly as possible in their customary manner.

(b) The promulgation of flexible fishing regulations by the various State and Federal fishery departments not inconsistent with the needs of our people and the well being of the future fish supply.

6. Though being placed high on the priorities list, the fishing industry must be prepared to place their orders as far in advance as circumstances will permit in order to take full advantage of its priority rating.

7. During this crisis there shall be no strikes or lockouts, no stoppages of work, and all differences shall be settled through the government conciliation and/or mediation boards.

8. As a necessary part of the plan, we request that the government deputize in an official capacity and with necessary authority some of the union members who have had years of fishing and shore work experience. Such duly authorized persons will be fully supported by the union. The union will assume its full share of responsibility together with the government and the employers in guarding against damage or sabotage.