Imperial Valley Press

Owner Disregards Strike Threat: Keeps Plant Open
In spite of strike conditions he said were forced on his plant by the Teamsters union because he refused to interfere with the personal liberties of his employes, Emile Faure Tuesday placed the Faure Tractor and Equipment plant, all its facilities, and his present employes at the disposal of Imperial Valley farmers in order to keep farm equipment in repair for the war effort.

About half of his employees struck Tuesday, Faure said. At a National Labor Relations Board a short time ago 10 men voted that they did not want to be represented by the Teamsters union and 13 voted that they did. Faure would not agree to sign a closed shop agreement, he said, because that would force the 10 men into the Teamsters union or they would have to leave his employ.

"I can't let this strike condition interfere with the progress of farming," Faure said, "so I appeal to the farmers to help. I urge them to bring their equipment to my plant and use everything there which they need to repair their machines. They may bring their own men with them or send those they don't need at the moment to help us keep the equipment of others in good shape. They may use the building, the power, the lights, the presses, welders, steam washers and every other facility they need. I'll try to keep a crew of skilled mechanics on hand but we will need others for some of the rough work."

Sheriff Robert W. Ware said those who availed themselves of Faure's offer would not be molested as threats and violence are unlawful.

Faure, who several months ago purchased the Ben Hulse tractor company, said the Teamsters asked for an election and the National Labor Relations Board called one. A total of 13 employes voted for the Teamsters to represent them and 10 against the Teamsters.

Three months ago Faure asked the government for permission to increase the wages at his plant from 98 cents an hour to $1.10 cents an hour. He finally obtained permission to increase them to $1.08 and 3/10 cents an hour. Before he could put that increase into effect, he said, the strike condition arose.

He said the Wagner act does not permit him to raise salaries while a strike condition exists. Faure said he also was hampered by failure of the Office of Price Administration to grant him permission to raise the ceiling price on repair to cover the salary increases.

Through the influence of Congressman John Phillips and others the OPA Tuesday began investigating Faure's request for a raise in the ceiling price, taking his application ahead of others less important to the war effort.