A Solution of the Labor Problem.
359
believes that his position is fair, neither paper clipping bureau, the board will be fur should object to the matter being presented nished with adequate information as to the to a disinterested party or parties to deter existence of labor controversies. mine the merits of the case and to make the This commission would represent the pub lic in all controversies. It should aim to award. Arbitration entered into in good bring the contending parties together and to faith on the part of both parties, must result try by mediation to effect a settlement of in a peaceful solution of the difficulty — and the difficulties. The primary cause of labor the party to the dispute having justice on his troubles, and one that serves to widen the side will have no cause for alarm. If the parties should fail to come to an agreement, breach between the employer and the em ploye, is their ignorance of each other. As and should refuse, after a reasonable time, to a rule, neither party seems to appreciate the submit their differences to arbitration, or if importance of studying each other's interests a strike or a lock-out occurs, the Commis sion should bring the matter to the attention and conditions, to the end that each may con tribute to their common welfare and, the of the Industrial Court. success of the industry with which they are | An Industrial Court should be organized identified. Sitting around the same table; under the judicial system of the State. It listening to each other's arguments: endeav should be a movable court, holding its ses oring to see each other's standpoint and to sions in the court house located nearest to understand each other's reasons; learning to the place where the controversy arose. It give as well as to take; holding opinions should be presided over by three judges to firmly, but expressing them moderately; be elected by the people. Upon the adop keeping the mind open to conviction : desir tion of this plan, one judge should be elected ing to come to a sound and fair conclusion, to serve for six years, one to serve for four will have the effect of promoting mutual years, and one to serve for two vears. At good feeling, confidence and sympathy. It the expiration of the term for which each will have the tendency to bring the unions judge is elected, his successor should be into the position of allies, instead of that of elected to serve for the term of six years. fierce competitors; it will remove misunder The powers of this Court should include standings, and coming to know each other the right to hear, try and determine all con better, suspicions will fade away and the troversies arising between the employer and employer and the employe will learn to their employes, not cognizable by the State respect and to trust each other. Enmitv courts, and to settle and adjudicate the same and distrust must first disappear, and the upon their merits. Cases should be brought common ground of perfect understanding before the Court by the filing of a certificate by each of the true position of the other must by the Board of Conciliation or by either of be reached, before a proper relation can be the parties in dispute showing the nature of established and a satisfactory agreement be the controversy and the fact that a strike or adopted. a lock-out has been commenced, or that the contending parties, after due notice, have As its name implies, the office of the Com failed to settle their differences or to refer mission should be solely that of offering sug gestions. If the parties in difference cannot the subject of dispute to arbitration. come to an agreement, the Commission The Court should sit in the full light of should suggest the advisability of appoint publicity, aided by experts. The employer, ing arbitrators to adjust the matters in dis the employed and the Board of Mediation, pute. If each party to a controversy- may appear by attorney, subp<ena witnesses
