A Message of Importance to All Members and Their Families The whole wide world will be watching us on are. A potential enemy would be justified in con- Election Day to see if we practice what we preach. struing a light vote as a chink in our armor. Your you can for peace in the world—a vote of confi-' If we don't turn out to vote, it is the same as tell- vote is a genuine deterrent to aggression, as well dence telling the world that democracy can and ing our friends abroad that we're not really as as a great privilege and responsibility in our af- really does work in these United States of Amer- sold on our kind of government as we say we fairs here at home. If you vote, you're doing what ica—see you at the polls Nov. 6. grportrr CFicial Publication of I. B. E. W. Local Union 1245, AFL-CIO, 1918 Grove Street, Oakland 12, Calif. Vol. IV—No. 6 OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA -F,36 Demo and Republican 9th District Meet Hears Plat orms Analyzed Freeman and Keenan On The following is a report by the AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education analyzing the Democratic and Republi- can Parties' Platforms on key issues: Brotherhood's Progress FOREIGN POLICY The preservation of peace and freedom is the most important issue Scores of Local Union delegates met in Hollywood on October 18 and 19 for two days of our time. Soviet Russia is unmistakably the enemy of both. Thus, of sessions devoted to reports on progress made by the I.B.E.VV. in the past year. Ninth America's foreign policy must District Vice President 0. G. Harbak chaired the sessions which featured reports from be keyed to a realistic un- the International Officers and other speakers. / derstanding and acceptance Local 1245 was represented at the meeting by Business-Manager R. T. Weakley, Pres- of the fact that the U.S. Must ident Frank Gilleran, Northern be the leader of the free 1533, Alaska, reported that 85 per should check with I.B.E.W. Busi- world, in fact as well as Area Board Member "Bob" Glas- gow and Assistant Business Mana- cent of the work in the area was ness Managers before going there. word. Government work. Reduction in Alaska, according to Finley, is The Republican platform is ger L. L. Mitchell. International Government expenditures is slow- an important link in 'U.S. defense, based on two conclusions Treasurer Fred Irwin was in at- ing employment and members having radar, wave guide lines, which are untrue. The plat- tendance as were a number of In- seeking to migrate to Alaska (Continued on Page 2) form says the "threat of ternational Representative& global war has receded" and that "the advance of com- OREGON

munism ' has been checked." Brother W. L. Vinson, Business The facts are exactly the op- Manager of Local 125, Portland, posite. The entire platform, Oregon, gave an intertsting re- based on these false premises, fails to spell out a sound foreign policy, port on progress in the State of whic ► will provide leadership for the free world. A foreign policy based Oregon. Vinson reported that Ore- on these false assumptions is the most dangerous one the United States gonians were concerned at the de-

could adopt. • • cline in new housing construction The- Detfiodtatie platform cor- the lines" of these recommenda- over the nation because Oregorr-is- rectly evaluates the threat of /largely dependent upon timber and tions. These proposals, the trade timber products for industrial in- Soviet imperialism. It provides a union to ovement unanimously come. New housing, he added, was sound base upon which to build a agreed, would make T-H worse. holding up in Oregon due to Ore- foreign policy which matches the They repudiated the President's gon's being the second • fastest realities, not the myths of our 1952 promises and were defeated growing area in the United States. times. The Democratic platform Political action and legislative in 1954 only after a vigorous fight gains in Oregon, according to Vin- propoSals for solution of the Middle in which Senate Democrats united son, now account for some of the Eastern crisis, the world's most in defense. of a free and democratic most progressive legislation on any Pre& GORDON FREEMAN troubled spot today, stand in stark labor movement. On that key roll State law books. Apprenticeship, Secy. JOE.KEENAN contrast to the Republican's failure call, most Republicans voted for a Safety, Dispute procedures, Med- to recommend specific steps to end tougher T-H law. ical cost review, etc., all have La- the threat of aggression in that The Democratic platform, label- bor representation in the adminis- KNOW YOUR OFFICERS area. ing T-H as inadequate, unwork- trative bodies. TAFT-HARTLEY ACT able and unfair, calls for its repeal Oregon also is 3rd highest in MARVIN NIAG'NER, Exec. Board EDWIN B. WHITE Despite reyeated campaign-year and the substitution of a new leg- Union organization of non-farm Member, Southern Area Exec. Bd. Member, Central Area pledges to correct Taft-Hartley's islative approach based on the occupations with 47 per cent or- Born on Nov. 18, 1916 in Chilton, Ed White is truly a veteran Un- inequities, this vicious law today principles of the Wagner Act and ganization against a ational av- Wisconsin, Marvin moved at an ionist. In 1934 he became a charter still stands virtually intact. It still the Norris-LaGuardia anti-injunc- erage of 25 per cent. early age to California where he functions to weaken unions; makes tion law. WASHINGTON received his formal education. He member of the Utility Gas and a mockery of workers' rights to This is a reiteration of the Dem- Brother Pennington, President attended and graduated from St. Electrical Work- organize freely; interferes with ocratic pledge in 1952. However, of the Washington State Associa- Joseph's Catholic Grammar School ers Union, a pre- collective bargaining and revives experience has taught us that tion of Electrical Workers and a in Bakersfield, Visalia High School decessor of the the hated labor injunction. Taft- many Southern Democrats who member of Local 574, reported and Modesto Junior College. Utility Workers Hartley must be overhauled, to occupy key positions on congres- Union of Amer- that conditions in Washington Mary attended pre-flight school provide the nation with a fair and sional committees have flouted ica, CIO. were only fair. Work has dropped in Oakland and took flight train- workable statute which will pro- their party's platform commit- From 1934 to off and the employment picture ing as a Cadet at Jacksonville, mote harmonious, constructive and ments with impunity. 1 9 3 8 inclusive, is becoming critical. Florida, and at cooperative labor-management re- Obviously the only eventual so- Ed was an ac- Of special current interest is the Corpus Christi, lations. lution of this problem for labor tive member and N.A.M. backed drive to put a com- Texas, after The Republican platform, prais- is the election of liberal and pro- never missed pulsory open shop law or so-called which he spent ing the Eisenhower amendments, gressive candidates for Congress „ marching in the "right to work" law on the books a 4-year hitch in pledges an overhauling and im- regardless of party tag who will Labor Day parade. From 1939 in Washington. Labor is fighting the Army Air provement of Taft-Hartley "along (Continued on Page Three) through 1940, Ed became an or- a strong battle agttinst almost un- Force. limited funds being spent by the. ganizer as the Union began to fat- After his dis- ter. backers of this vicious law. charge from the Hats Off to Tex and Ernie! RADIATION DANGERS service Marvin From 1941 to 1944, Ed served as A special report of interest to went to the San President of Local 134, Utility all citizens whether or not in or- Francisco Col- Workers Organizing Committee, ganized Labor was given by Bro. lege of Mortu- CIO, in Oakland. During this period Brook Payne of Local 112, Pasco, ary Science and the Union grew from 190 members Washington. Brother Payne's sub- received his B.S. to about 1,400. ject was on problems in connection degree. He spent In 1945, Ed served Local 134 as with safeguards for control of ra- his embalmer's apprenticeship at Head Shop Steward. In .1946 (for diation and contamination from Twin Chapel in Vallejo and worked 8 months) he was a full-time Rep- atomic sources. as an embalmer in Monterey and resentative for the Utility Work- He pointed out that the I.B.E.W. North Sacramento. He gave up his ers Joint Council,-UWUA, CIO. has the only organized group of mortician work and came to work 1947 found Ed inactive. The CIO "Radiation Monitors," a classifica- as a Mapper for the PG&E Co. in split and began to disintegrate at tion of work, in the U.S. These 1948.. this time and Ed lost favor with the "ins" over his insistence in try- men are skilled in detection, con- He is now employed as a Sub- trol and safeguard methods sur- station Maintenance Electrician in ing to build a system-wide union. rounding radiation problems. Salinas where he resides with his In 1948, Ed returned to action as Payne stated that the general pub- lovely wife, Sybil, and two children a member of the Executive Board ERNIE "TEX" lic knows very little about the —Beverly, 5-years-old, and Robert, of Local 134, UWUA, CIO. He tried Our hats go off to J. E. "TEX" SMITH, Helper, and E. C. dangers of radiation and urged 16 months. to keep the National UWUA from "ERNIE" BOREN, Fitter in the Sacramento Gas Department. that Locals having members work- Marvin was elected during the taking control of his Local and the Those two fellows recently joined the Union and immediately ing in plants where they might be last election to serve for a second PG&E negotiations but the UWUA set out to sign up the remaining non-members in the Sacramento exposed, should study the problem term as Southern Area Executive took over four of the then eight Gas Dept. To date they hese( signed up some 70 members, making and negotiate a clause to provide Board Member. CIO Locals, including Local 134. a 90% sign-up and are determined to get the few non-members' adequate safeguards against this 1949 found Ed as Treasurer and "John Henrys" on membership application cards. hazard. Organizer for the new IBEW Bay Keep up the good work Tex and Ernie. We wish we had a ALASKA Know the candidates and issues, Area Local 1324. The IBEW was 1,000 just like you two! Brother Gerard Finley of Local then vote on Nov. 6. (Continued on Page Three)

PAGE 2 THE UTILITY REPORTER October, 1955 9th District Meet Member's Daughter Wins Scholarship The UTILITY (Continued from Page 1) etc., in t h e warning system. REPORTER Knowledge of co-axial cable is im- portant to those seeking employ- ment. RONALD T. WEAKLEY Editor The big political issue is State- Executive Board: Frank D. Gilleran, President; Marvin C. Brooks, hood, solidly backed by Organized Milton Shaw, Walter H. Martin, Walter R. Glasgow, Labor. Edwin B. White, Marvin P. Wagner, Everett T. Basinger. CALIFORNIA Published monthly at 1918 Grove Street, Oakland 12, Calif., by Local Union Brother Jack Bell, Secretary of 1245 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, AFL-CIO. the California State Association, Entered as second-class matter January 22, 1954, at the post office of reported on the re-organization of Oakland, California, under the Act ofMarch 3. 1879. our State Association and the po- POSTMASTER: Please send Form 3579, Change of Address, to 1918 Grove St., Oakland 12, California. litical picture in California. He stated that membership interest in Subscription price . . .$1.20 per year. Single copies, 10 cents political action is at an all-time high this year. GENERAL Mr. Burr of California Physi- cians' Service gave a talk on Many Units in S. Joaquin I.B.E.W. Health a n d Welfare • • • 11 71 plans and the increased coverage since their inception. DivIsion In - 100% Club Attorney Albert Brundage re- According to Scott Wadsworth, Business Representative in the San ported on the latest N.L.R.B. rul- Joaquin Division, the following areas and work groups have qualified ings and their adverse effects on for the "100% Organized Club": Union organization and represen- Merced Physical Arvin Electric tation. He outlined the procedural Los Banos Physical Bakersfield Garage difficulties encountered by appeals Fresno Gas Meter Shop Wishon Hydro Plant of Board rulings through the Fresno Gas Plant Kerckoff Hydro Plant Courts. "S o m e cases," stated Corcoran Physical Balch Hydro Plant Brundage, "take four or five years SHIRLEY J. KINNEY, daughter of REUBEN KINNEY, Ware- Lemoore Physical Tule Hydro Plant before being decided." houseman in the Susanville area, was the recent winner of the 3rd Taft Physical Panoche Substation Larry Drew, International Rep- annual scholarship award made by CITIZENS UTILITIES COMPANY. Bakersfield Substation Maintenance resentative, gave an interesting Shown here presenting the $500 award to Miss Kinney is D. H. Steele, Scott, in checking, finds that the account of organizational poten- manager of the Company. other areas or groups lack only of the Stewards and members on- tials and problems in the Electric- The Joseph C. Briggs Memorial from 1 to 7 employees in order to the-job. al Manufacturing Branch. Scholarship was established as a employees of the Citizens Utilities have the entire San Joaquin Divi- Bill Damon, head of the I.B.E.W.- memorial for the former adminis- Company in seven states. How about it? If San Joaquin sion signed up 100% in the Union. N.E.CA. joint apprenticeship pro- trative vice president of the com- Of the three awards made to Much of the credit for the sign- Division can do it — you other gram, outlined the facilities avail- pany and is made on the basis of date two have been won by chil- up is due to the active participation groups and areas can do it too! able to Local Unions, including na- scholastic record, recommendation dren of members of Local 1245. tional standards which should be of school authorities and commun- The first by EDWARD WELSH, utilized. ity leaders and a competitive exam- son of HARRY WELSH, Combina- KEENAN ination among children, grand- tion man in the Greenville area Nixon Distorts Facts One of the highlights of the children, brothers and sisters of and the third by Miss Kinney. During his first months in the Actual unemployment figures for meeting was International Secre- tary Joe Keenan's spirited address Vice Presidency, Richard Nixon for August, 1956: 2,195,000. During the past few months he on the political picture. Keenan traveled the "high road." But atter getting out the vote on has tried again to pass himself off stressed November 6 and warned of a re- Kuchel Consistent the Democrats won all the elec- as a New Nixon—again traveling peat of depression and tions of late 1953 and early 1954, what appeared to be the high the repres- sion of and after the polls began to show roads. But the Maine elections Ditanized labor if anti-un- the Democrats in the lead in the have apparently flushed out the ion candidates were re-elected. He also stressed organizing the Usually Votes Bad race for Congress in 1954, Mr. Old Nixon. He is again playing fast unorganized, pointing out that the Nixon changed his tune. As every- and loose with the facts. California voters will have a mit producers of natural gas to in- I.B.E.W. 665,000 one now knows, he resumed the now has some clear-cut choice between an anti- crease prices without government low-road during his 17-s tate members. Also, he urged the pur- approval. labor Republican stumping tour in the 1954 cam- chase of electrical products bear- and a pro-labor DIXON-YATES GIVEAWAY paign. ing the Union Label by Union Democrat in the November contest (S 3690) Believes in members and their wives. Over for a U.S. Senate seat. Kuchel voted against an amend- In his recent Gettysburg speech 23,000,000 labels were issued last ment to forbid President Eisen- we see the re-emergence of the Old Thomas Kuchel, the incumbent year. hower to carry through a plan to Nixon, especially the re-emergence Working People! Republican, has one of the worst FREEMAN weaken and give the Dixon-Yatei of Mr. Nixon's habit of distorting voting records in the entire Senate. Union members in good stand- International President Gordon power combine a contract to make the truth. On recorded roll call votes, the ing who can't pay their rent be- M. Freeman gave a comprehensive tally shows that he has been near- $40 million profit on a $5.5 million For example, Nixon said there cause of strikes or lay-offs won't report on his office and the pro- ly 100 per cent consistent—in vot- investment. were "twice as many unemployed have to worry about keeping a grams of the I.B.E.W. On the pos- ing wrong: HONESTY IN GOVERNMENT in America in 1948 as there are to- sibility of me r g e r the (S 2391) roof over tneir heads in Chamblee, with Facing Kucnel in the run-off is day." Apparently he is "buying his U.W.U.A.-C.I.O. in the utility field, Kuchel voted for a motion to ex- Georgia, under an offer made by Democrat Richard Richards, dyna- information from the wrong President Freeman reported cuse businessmen holding non-pay- the management of an apartment prog- mic liberal, who has already com- source" as the following are the ress in that direction through ing jobs in government from filing house chain there. piled an outstanding voting record facts, taken from President Eisen- joint committee activity. I.B.E.W. personal financial statements. Such Wade M. Miles, Jr., president of in the California State Senate. The hower's own economic report: is represented by President statements were recommended to housing corporations controlling Free- record shows that he has voted 100 Average unemployment for the man, Secretary Keenan, Executive prevent the use of a government some $20 million worth of rental per cent in favor of all measures entire year of 1948: 2,063,583. Council Member Scholtz, Assistant position for private gain by an housing in three southern states, to further the interests of working Average unemployment through Bob. Noonan and Director of Util- individual or firm. started it all this spring when men and women. August, 1956: 2,720,000. ities, Ted Naughton. The above are only a few exam- some members of the Auto Work- Average unemployment for the U.W.U.A. is represented by their As for Kuchel's miseranle voting ples of Kuchel's voting record. The ers living in one of his projects months top Officers. President record, here are just a few of his truth of the matter is, according to first 8 of 1948: 2,181,250. were laid off from their jobs at the Freeman Average unemployment the has addressed the U.W.U.A. Na- many wrong votes: the record published by the Cali- for General Motors plant in nearby months of 1956: 2,720,000. tional Convention and further CIVIL SERVICE (HR 4974) fornia Labor League for Political first 8 Doraville. Kuchel voted for an amendment Education, Kuchel, during his 14 Average unemployment for June, Unlike some landlords, Miles meetings of the joint committee are offing. creating patronage plums and let- years in Sacramento and Wash- July and August, 1948: 2,117,333. didn't threaten to throw them out in the Average unemployment for June, The President reported on a ting government agencies fire ca- ington has cast 24 GOOD votes and when the rent came due. Instead, reer employees arbitrarily, with- 110 BAD votes, from the viewpoint July and August 1956: 2,651,666. he told them without being asked number of committees now work- ing on out regard to veterans' preference.. of organized labor. Actual unemployment figures in that they could carry their rent the settlement of jurisdic- August, 1948: 1,941,000. tional disputes. He also urged full UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSA- "on the cuff" until being re-em- TION (HR 5173) ployed and then pay their back cooperation with all Officers and particularly with the Research De- Kuchel voted against an amend- rent on a time-payment basis, or partment in order to keep ment which would have raised HOOVER-1928 U.S. Chamber of if they preferred, they could work all rec- ords up to date. weekly benefits and provided 26 at maintenance work around the weeks of coverage in all states. Commerce Hates project and by such jobs as cut- At an overflow meeting of Local 11, Los Angeles, President Free- (The Eisenhower Administration EISENHOWER-1956 ting grass earn their rent until Under the heading, "Hoover, man made a presentation of a 60- argued that these improvements Labor Vote - called back to work. 1928, Eisenhower 1956—Different year should be left to the states and The AFL-CIO Committee for Meanwhile, the steel strike, af- membership pin to Brother Face, But Same Old Voice, Fox of opposed the bill.) Same Political Education, meeting in fecting about 2,800 workers in At- Local 11. He also joined Old Story," the Calif. State Fed- with the delegates and their wives OFFSHORE OIL (HR 5134) Portland in a five-state regional lanta, occurred. Miles extended the Kuchel bill to eration of Labor Newsletter re- at a dinner and entertainment be- voted for this over- Conference recently, was told that same offer to these strikers, even rule publishes an editorial which ap- tween sessions of the meeting. the U.S. Supreme Court and in some states 90 percent of the giving them the privilege of mov- give off-shore oil, gas, and mineral peared in the Los Angeles Exam- membership of unions is not regis- ing into the project while on strike resources valued at $50 billion to iner October 14, 1928. tered to vote. and accepting the offer on the same $300 billion to coastal states. An "A vote for Hoover," this Hearst Labor's opposition to Taft-Hart- basis as the workers who lived amendment stricken from this bill editorial of 28 years ago informed ley and repeated attempts to get there when the strike was called. would have applied revenues from its public, "is a vote for belchirfg It repealed, might have more pow- Now Miles has extended the offer hefritail& offshore leases to aid education in smokestacks, flaring furnace s, er, the conference was told, if union to all union members. September 24, 1956 all states. clanging hammers, busy looms, members He would register and vote. reasons that his policy, which Dear Sir and Brother: PUBLIC HOUSING (5 3855) honest and permanent agriculture An attempt to win the coopera- applies to all three of his apart- Please send my traveler by re- Kuchel voted for the Capehart relief—a Vote for peak production, tion of the U.S. Chamber Com- of ment developments, isn't charity turn mail at my home address. amendment to the Housing Act to for steady employment . . ." merce, in getting voters to register, but, in the long run, will return a I wish to take this opportunity cut the number of new low rent There was, too, the same old was flatly refused, the COPE con- good profit on his investment. to thank you for your many con- public housing units starts author- dirty implicatiori that only the ference was informed. In advertisements he placed an- siderations while being affiliated ized from 135,000 each year to 35,- Republicans are patriots, for later An Ohio manufacturer, speaking nouncing his offer, he said the with your Local Union 1245. 000 each year. on the editorial informed the at a Chamber convention, express- motto of his housing projects is Sincerely. $700 INCOME TAX EXEMP- world that a vote for Hoover was ed the reason for the refusal when "We work with working people." /s/ BILL E. GEDDES TION (HR 8300) a vote for "national ideals." he said: "Our kind of people are Miles, whose first job was carry- No. C87992 Kuchel voted against an amend- Hoover made his reputation In already registered and they vote. ing bananas off fruit ships in New ment to increase the $600 tax World War I and was used as a If the other are stupid enough Orleans, learned the benefits, priv- exemption by $100 for all taxpay- front by Big Business; Eisenhower not to register and vote, why ileges and hardships of organized The incumbent mayor of New- ers and dependents and to plug made his in World War II, and is should we help them so they can labor on his way up. He isn't for- ark, Ohio was elected by a ONE loopholes. - used as a front by the same crowd. vote for their New Deal meas- getting them now—even though he VOTE margin in 1954. Use your NATURAL GAS (HR 6645) And the Hearst papers are still in ures?" controls,$20 vote Nov. 6. Kuchel voted for this bill to per- there pitching! October, 1956 THE UTILITY REPORTER PAGE 3 Demo and Republican Right to CHEMICALS IN FOOD MAY CAUSE CANCER Plat orms Analyzed A flood of new chemicals has been Consumers Union also noted, Scab Costs applied to "improve" America's however, that "there is nothing (Continued from Page One) workers or the economy during food in recent years—and many of essentially wrong in the use of chemicals in foods," provided "their vote to overhaul the T-H and periods of mass unemployment. them are dangerous to health. complete harmlessness has been make it a fair law. Workews injured on the job have $422 a Yr. That's the conclusion of several demonstrated." The record clearly shows that inadequate protection; workers Out of the 17 states which have recent reports, and these presage Bradshaw Mintener, assistant labor cannot look to Administra- right-to-work (right-to-scab, right- secretary of Health, Education and tion supporters in the Congress for deprived of income because of ill- new efforts in Congress next year a per Welfare who has had general a just labor law. ness have no protection; America to-starve) laws only one has to protect consumers from this capita income equ'al to that of the menace. charge of FDA, tackled 'several of RIGHT-TO-WORK LAWS has no adequate national health growing Here's a run- average for the entire U.S., ac- down on latest reports: these problems in a recent address. The deceitfully misnamed "right- insurance system, which it despe- the cording to the Dept. of Commerce Forty-two leading cancer ex- ADEQUATE TESTING to-work laws," born oqt of the rately needs. figures for 1955. perts, meeting in Rome, Italy, re- To handle the problem of peni- T-H Section 14(b), constitute an recall- The Republican platform, That one state is Nevada, where cently, unanimously concluded that cillin in milk, he said, a conference extremely serious threat to or- ing extension of benefits to 10 mil- widespread, legalized gambling will be held to find a way to per- ganized labor and to stable labor a number of the food additives lion Americans and increases to runs up the income sharply. The used in the U.S. and elsewhere as suade farmers to "discard the relations. 61/2 million, says: "We shall con- average per capita income of right- milk from treated cows for at least The Republican platform ignores dyes, thickeners, sweeteners, and tinue to seek extension and per- to-work states is $1,425, or $422 three days after the last treat- this threat. preservatives are cancer-producing. fection of a sound social security less than the national average. ment." The Democratic platform but- These top cancer experts, meet- system." However, the vast ma- Here is how the 1955 per capita meet the problems of dan- tresses its demand for T-H repeal ing under auspices of the Interna- To jority of Republicans in the Senate income of compulsory open shop tional Union against Cancer, came gerous food additives, said Minte- upon the additional grounds that voted in opposition to improve- states compared with the national ner, "the only solution in my opin- these vicious "right-to-work" acts from 21 countries, including seven ments in the Social Security law ion a law that requires adequate have "their genesis in its discrimi- average: from the U.S. is won during the last session of Con- testing for safety before the food natory anti-labor provisions." United States $1847 They called for urgent action to gress by labor's intensive efforts. Alabama 1181 meet "serious public health prob- additive is put on the market— The Republican platform does not NATIONAL ECONOMY Arizona 1577 lem." No food additive should be and there should be no loopholes The tremendous potentiality of mention a federal standard for un- Arkansas 1062 used, they declared, until stringent in this requirement." the American economy can mean employment or workmen's com- Florida 1654 governmental laboratory tests Hearings on such a bill were constant advancement for our way pensation nor disability insurance Georgia 1333 have proved them safe. held in the last Congress, but cer- of life. The achievement of this and its only mention of health in- Iowa 1577 Consumers Union, a non-profit tain chemical manufacturers in- ever-growing standard of living surance is to call for re-insurance Mississippi 946 research and testing organization, sisted on major loopholes. As a re- can be realized only if our govern- and pooling arrangements to speed Nebraska 1540 reported in a recent article that soft the bill died. ment takes steps to bolster maxi- the progress of voluntary health Nevada 2434 "among the 400-odd chemicals now Mintener also urged a "very mum employment, maximum pro- insurance. Labor opposed the re- North Carolina 1236 being used in processing many of substantial increase" in the FDA's duction and maximum purchasing insurance plan in the 84th Con- North Dakota 1372 the foods we eat, at least 150 are staff and scientific facilities. Only power; and it is never satisfied gress as a sham, benefitting only South Carolina 1108 of doubtful safety." in this way, he made clear, can with the easy economic complacen- the insurance companies. South Dakota 1245 The Food and Drug Administra- the full safety of food and drugs cy of "second best years." This The Democratic platform pledges Tennessee 1256 tion hasn't been able to test these be ensured. means the adoption of specific leg- efforts to increase social security Texas 1614 150 additives yet, the article noted. islation to broaden the purchasing benefits across the board; to work Utah 1553 "The FDA's scientists do not power of city workers and farmers for a stronger unemployment sys- Virginia 1535 know whether they are safe cc not, and protect the economic invest- tem with broader coverage and but suspect that some of them ment and well being of the small increased benefits and it favors Know Officers ought not to he in use," it added. (Continued from Page 1) businessman. protection against the temporary STILL BEING USED The Republican platform, placing wage losses due to short term ill- 600,000 Farms Other older chemicals have in organizing and the CIO held the its reliance on "an atmosphere of nesses. The platform pledges sup- some cases only recently been dis- contract so Ed had to catch his confidence" inspired by its pro big- port for all efforts, public and pri- covered to be harmful, Consumers sleep on a car seat while organiz- business approach, contains no pro- vate, to wage war on diseases but Lost in 4 Years Union also reported. It cited sev- ing during the day after working gram or promise for the achieve- it contains no pledge of national The Family Farms Subcommit- eral "softening" chemicals which the graveyard shift on the job. health insurance. In 1950, Ed served as Business ment of prosperity based upon high tee of the House Agriculture Com- "now are banned from most breads, consumer purchasing power. It The record clearly shows that Representative for Local 1324, mittee, after extensive hearings salad dressings and mayonnaises- demonstrates no vision of the support for social security im- foods for which there are stand- IBEW. great prosperity which can be provements has uniformly come throughout the country, has warn- ards of identity. But these same Upon the amalgamation into sys- America's through wise and proper from a majority of Democrats and ed in its report that the disappear- chemicals are still used as emulsi- tem-wide Local 1245, Ed became utilization of atomic energy, auto- opposition has come from a ma- ance of 600,000 family farms in the fiers in such non-standard food Business Representative and served jority of Republicans in Congress. mation and the new knowledge of last four years (coincidental with products as commercial cake mixes from 1951 to 1954 when he return- our laboratories, AID TO 'EDUCATION ed to his job as First Operator. the Republican administration) is and ice cream." The Democratic platform sets as The labor movement for more Another example is three widely Ed has continued to work as than a century has fought for the a serious threat to the American its goal a full prosperity economy, economy. used coal-tar dyes—Orange Nos. 1 Shop Steward and Organizer since with an increase of 20 per cent or principle of free public education 1954 and now assumes his duties Headed by Rep. Clark W. and 2 and Red No. 32. "During the as better in the average standard of and for effective programs which Executive Board Member. Thompson (D., Tex.), the subcom- Christmas season last year," the living. It seeks a $500 billion na- would implement that. principle. mittee said that the supplanting of article noted, "some 150 children He is due to retire in seven years tional economy, fully realizable if The shortage of decent, safe the family system of farming by were made ill in California as a and sincerely hopes to see the sound economic programs are schoolrooms and the shortage of an industrial-type agriculture — a result of eating popcorn colored PG&E 100% organized by that adopted. It proposes domestic pol- qualified, well-paid teachers is a trend which has increased in recent with Red No. 32." time. icies which the trade union move- national tragedy and a horrifying years—would be a "serious blow Later the FDA finally banned (Editor's Note: We hope we ment has urged to realize labor's waste df the nation's most precious don't have to wait until Ed retires to America's free enterprise sys- use of the three dyes in most foods, goal of a true prosperity, shared resource—its children. tem." but is unable to prevent Red No. for this great day to arrive.) by all our citizens. The American labor movement 32 from still being used to color TAXES will not withdraw from this fight "This subcommittee is convinced that the proportion the nation per- the outside of oranges. Another The necessity and the economic until we have achieved for every German mits a lessening of the number of danger flows from the growing use Shipyards advisability of an immediate cut in child, without regard to race, color Order books of West German opportunities for venture into in- of penicillin to cure sick cows, the taxes for low and middle-income or economic status, a sound edu- shipyards are filled far into 1960 dividual enterprises — for one to article said. FDA studies show families and for small corporations, cation, in a decent classroom, from and customers are being turned own his own farm or his own busi- that from 6 to 12, per cent of all plus a simultaneous plugging of a teacher who is adequately and away. The yards have some 3% ness—then by an even larger meas- milk tested now contains traces of tax loopholes which give unfair justly paid. This goal can only be may va- million gross tons on order, 2% ure will the free enterprise system penicillin—which produce advantage to special interest achieved by a federal program of rious disorders in million of which is for foreign ac- be weakened," the report said. people allergic groups, has been repeatedly em- aid to education including school count, mostly U.S. The committee said that the de- to this drug. phasized by the trade union move- construction, teachers' salaries, the economic struc- ment. and loans and scholarships for terioration of The Republican platform, which worthy students. ture of the family farm was due pri- Sacramento Div. Griev. Committee pledged tax reduction with particu- The Republican platform only marily to the technological devel- lar consideration for low and mid- promises to "renew its efforts to opments and the general weaken- dle-income families and small in- enact a program based on sound ing of the farm economy. It called dependent businesses, adds the principles of need and designed to for immediate action by the fed- proviso that such a reduction must encourage increased state and local eral government "to assure each follow a balanced budget. This efforts to build more schools." In family size farm its share in the pledge does not square with the contrast to this narrow and un- nation's agricultural production record of the Administration, suspecting promise, is the record and in the prosperity which the Which gave tax relief to wealthy of two years of delay before the American system has provided for corporations and individuals far in Eisenhower Administration offered the nation's general economy." excess of that granted average cit- a school-aid program. That pro- The major benefits of the na- izens and with no regard, at that gram was woefully inadequate and tion's farm program, it said, should time, for balancing the budget. characterized by the Council of "be limited to the output level of The Democratic platform prom- Chief State School Officers as the family-type farm," and the ises tax relief to small independent "written in the tone of a mortgage rights of tenants as well as those business and small individual tax- banker lending money to a of landowning farmers must be payers. Its program is specific, pauper." This year, a school con- protected. providing for an increase in the struction bill was killed by Re- personal exemption from $600 to publican votes in the House of $800, an equitable tax relief pro- Representatives after a shameful Missing Plates If you one or both of the gram sought by the trade union display of cynical political ma- lose MoVement. neuvering involving a civil rights license plates on your car, the law rider which Republican requires that you must obtain sub- SOCIAL SECURITY leaders Left to right: George Branham, Everett Rypinski, Verna Leonard, supported to gain opponents for stitute plates. Take your registra- The tremendous value of Social Edward Mills. the school bill. tion card and the one remaining Security, economically, socially and * * * morally, has been clearly proven The Democratic platform, pledg- plate (if only one has been lost) during the years since this social ing equal educational opportunity to an office of the Department of One of Local 1245's outstanding Grievance Committees is the Sac- justice legislation was first en- without discrimination to all chil- Motor Vehicles. Substitute plates ramento Division group pictured above. The members have had wide If the acted. But achievement of a fully dren, supports federal financing to will be issued for a $2 fee. and varied experience in the Union. the adequate American system of com- aid schools and to provide better plates have been stolen, notify George Branham has been an prehensive social insurance means teacher training. police. "A" Member of the Brotherhood tomer's Records Dept., is a capable we must increase the benefit lev- The record clearly shows that since 1929, is a former Steward Steward for the Clericals and is els to balance the increase in liv- support for federal aid to educa- dates will run. These are the phil- and is presently a Substation recognized as the Office "spark ing costs. tion has come generally from the osophies which will guide the ac- Maintenance Sub-Foreman; Ever- plug"; Ed Mills is a Fitter in the America must, as well, adopt a Democratic ranks, while the ma- tions of the candidates during their ett Rypinski is a Field Clerk in the Gas Dept. and serves as Chairman Uniform unemployment insurance jority of the opposition to these terms in office. Water Collection Dept., is an acting of Union's Grievance Committee, System to end the inequities of 51 vital measures has come from the The candidates have accepted Steward and has served as a mem- is an active Steward, Sacramento competing state and territorial Republicans in Congress. their party's platform. They have ber of Union's Negotiating Corn- Unit Vice Chairman, and is the Systems, which do not provide ade- These are the key items in the committed themselves to the pro- mittee in 1953 and 1954; Verna Policy Committee Member from quate protection for unemployed platforms upon which the candi- grams therein outlined. Leonard is a Clerk "B" in the Cus - Sacramento Division. PAC; THE UTILITY REPORTER October, 1956 General Construction Committee Business Manager's6 YOUR By RONALD T. WEAKLEY COLUMN BP' One of the functions of modern job on public relations. We do not interested in good and continuous American organizations is that of have the finances for high-power- utility service and take It for ed salesmanship and we have a granted. They pay for it and have "public relations." Webster's de- continual bombardment to counter a right to expect it. Should they fines this as "The activities of a from many sources of big capital. be inconvenienced by a cessation corporation, union, government, or Labor, under the, leadership of of service or get a bigger bill, they other organization in building and such men as George Meany, Walter get interested. They have compar- maintaining sound and productive Reuther, our own International atively little interest in our rela- relations with special publics such Officers, and many Local Union tions with employers. as customers, employees, or stock- Officers, have been stepping up When they read of big profits, holders, and with the public at Labor's public relations program. they are pleased if they are stock- holders and rising dividends. large, so as to adapt itself to its Labor is identified with the ad- see environment and vancement of the nation as a Or, they want rate reductions if interpret itself whole rather than just for the sale not stockholders. They sort of as- to society." of labor for the highest fee. We sume that the employees have Just as an are active in foreign affairs in co- good wages and conditions but are individual e n - operation with the United States not carried away by the same is- deavors to be Government. We cooperate with sues which our members may feel are the most important. well thought and assist the religious bodies of of among his our country. We work at getting We must become more and more community friends, neigh- better schools, better legislation, a part of the general ' bors, and other better housing, and a host of other of interest if we expect to obtain people, so do worthwhile activities for the com- understanding and support of our mon good. worthwhile objectives. Left to right: Earl K. Meseher, Warehouseman Ed Elmore, the leaders and Mechanic; Robert Morgan, Field Clerk, 1st. Pictured here is the Union's Yet, Labor's story is not Participating in the National members of or- told Committee on Job Definitions and Lines of Progression for General T. Weakley enough in enough places. Safety Council, civic organizations, R. ganizations. All Every Construction employees at the Davis Yard and Warehouse. The Com- time some unpleasant or deroga- educational groups, and other pub- groups have special interests which mittee met at Ed Elmores home on Wed., Oct. 24, for the purpose of tory item affecting Labor lic spirited groups are necessary must be protected and advanced comes formulating proposals to be submitted to PG&E. through sound public relations. up, there are those who pounce and vital functions of our Union. This phase of organizational ac- upon it and have a field day. The We have made some gains in that tivity can also be a prime one in results of peaceful collective bar- direction as shown by some of the that groups and individuals som4 gaining or the great contributions records of our people in fund rais- times perform this function as a made to community life do not get ing activities such as United Cru- CALIF. AFL ASKS VOTE FOR full time job. We hear of lobby- sufficient notice. sade. ists, advertising agencies, consult- Recently, when we concluded The cardinal point to remember ants, and "front men." Most large months of bargaining on a con- is that if you believe in your or- THE FRIENDS OF LABOR ganization and take pride in it, business enterprises use these indi- tract with the nation's largest util- The pre-General Election convention of the California viduals and groups more and more ity, comparatively little interest you can convince a great number these days. was developed over the settlement. of people that it is good. When you Labor League for Political Education, held Sept. 14 at Cali- Our Union, both nationally and Rather, the main question raised knock it or fail to raise a voice of fornia Hall, heard the rallying cry of Samuel Gompers, ". . locally, depends primarily on lead- by some of the newspapers was protest against unfair criticism, you serve to harm- It. When you Elect the friends of Labor-defeat our enemies," repeated ership and membership to perform whether or not utility rates would in various ways by speakers who addressed the 400, delegates these functions. be raised as a result of the wage harm your Union, you harm your- As a vital and forceful part of increases. We should take a good self because besides being a neces- present. the American scene, Labor some- look at this. sary and accepted part of the The following slate was approved 20. Thomas A. Maloney (R) times does not do a good enough The general public is primarily American way, your Union is the by the LLPE convention and rec- 22. Bernard Brady (D) champion and defender of your ommended for support by all union 24. Edward M. Gaffney (D) personal welfare and that of your members in California at the elec- 25. W. Howard Hartley (D) family. tion on Nov. 6. It is reproduced 26. Carl A. Britschgi (R) Here's Another Old Timer Good public relations is the job here for your information and 28. OPEN The greatest thing that ever of every member=every day. guidance: 29. William J. Harris, Jr. (D) happened in Texas was when the 31. Gordon H. Winton, Jr. (D) stork dropped Brother Frank President of the United States ADLAI E. STEVENSON (D) 33. Charles B. Garrigus (D) Fleming down the Fleming chim- 35. Myron H. Frew (D) ney on Feb. 17, 1897. Vice-President of the U.S. 36. Thnoth I. O'Reilly Frank boomed around the West Larson Reports on ESTES KEFAUVER, (D). until August, 1929 when he went STATE PROPOSITIONS California to work for the PG&E Co. in Sac- 7th Governor's U.S. Senator from 1. Vet Bond Issues YES ramento as a Street Car Repair- RICHARD RICHARDS (D) 2. School Bonds YES man-working nights 12 hours a U. S. Congress 3. Construction Bonds YES day, 7 days a week. Traffic Safety Meet Dist. Name Party 4. Oil Conservation NO He worked his way up through The Seventh Annual Governor's 1. Clement W. Miller (D) 5. Food in Bars Repeal .._ YES the progression to Machinist sand traffic Safety Conference was held 3. John E. Mess, Jr. (D) 6. Church Tax Exemption YES was recognized as No. 1 Machinist in Sacramento on October 3, 4, and 4. James L. Quigley (D) 7. Assembly Name Change NO on one of the largest lathes in 5, 1956. Brother GLENN LARSON, 6. H. Roberts Quinney (D) 8. Sessions ....No Recommendation Sacramento. Electrician for SMUD attended this 7. Laurance L. Cross (D) 9. Borough ....No Recommendation With the advent of the Diesel conference as a delegate from Lo- 8. George P. Miller (D) 10. Architects, Engineers YES Buses, he now does most anything cal Union 1245. 9. OPEN 11. Counties .. No Recommendation of a mechanical nature-specializ- The conference opened on the 10. William H. Vatcher, Jr. (D) 12. State Indebtedness NO ing on wheels and brakes. evening of October 3rd with a ban- 11. John J. McFall (D) 13. Repeal Alien Land YES Frank has a few more years to quet which was attended by 450 12. B. F. Sisk (D) 14. Employees ...... No Recommend. go before retirement from the Interested persons. The highlight 13. William Kirk Stewart (D) 15. Water ...... No Recommendation Sacramento City Transit Author- of the evening was an address by 14. Harlan Hagen (D) 16. Civil, Criminal Appeals YES The boys who work with Frank ity but is looking forward to the David 0. Selznik, Hollywood mo- 18. OPEN 17. Judiciary Nil Recommend. day when he can sit back and take all say, "It's been nice knowing tion picture executive, who pointed State Senate 18. Inferior Court Judges NO it easy. you and working with you." out the terrible toll which traffic Dist. Name Party 19. State Boundaries YES accidents take in California. He 11. Nathan F. Coombs (R) stated that this year over 2700 V. George Miller, Jr. (D) persons have been killed in the 21. Harold G. Robinson (D) CALIFORNIA PICKETS state, an increase of nearly 12 per 23. William L. Mathson, Jr. (D) Bro. Robt. Clarke, cent over the like period of 1955. 29. Ursin (Perk) Perkins (D) He called on the conference to do State Assembly ELECTED A PRESIDENT something to end the apathy and Dist. Name Party Reno Member, Dies For a tense 48 hours after the suade Hughes' local backers to indifference of the people to this 1. Tom E. Gair (D) ROBERT M. CLARKE, former polls closed on the presidential move tliteir affair from the Club terrible situation. 4. Tolbert E. Elliott (D) Sierra Power Co. employee, who election of 1916, the nation waited which displayed a large sign pro- The conference, which was at- 6. Paul J. Lunardi (D) retired on Sept. 1, 1956, died on to hear how California voted. claiming the "Open Shop" in de- tended by more than 1.000 dele- 7. Richard H. McCollister (R) Sept. 24, 1956. Brother Clarke had When California swung to Wood- fiance of the striking waiters and gates, was divided into seven divi- 9. Roy J. Nielsen (R) been in ill health for the last three row Wilson by the scant margin of cooks. • sions for the business meetings 10. Donald D. Doyle (R) months prior to retirement. Before 3,773 votes, the seeming victory of But they refused. When Hughes which were held on October 4 and 12. William Biddick, Jr. (D) retiring he held the job of Appren- Charles Evans Hughes was turned arrived, he was confronted by a 5. The sections were Education, 14. Robert W. Crown (D) tice Serviceman in Reno. into defeat and Wilson was. re- grim-faced group of waiters, cooks Enforcement, Engineering, Com- 15. Luther H. Lincoln (R) He first went to work with the turned to the White House. and dishwashers moving slowly past mercial Vehicles, Drivers Licens- 16. William M. Freeborn (D) Company on Nev. 28, 1927 as a Gas Political historians have usually the door. ing, Public Safety, Education and 18. James G. Whitney (D) Maker in the old Gas Plant and ascribed Hughes' defeat to his He made the fatal mistake of Teen-age. All of these divisions had 19. Charles W. Meyers (D) was one of the earliest supporters snubbing of Hiram Johnson and going through the picket line to a full schedule of panel discussions, of Local 1245 and did a lot of hard the Johnson followers on a cam- make his speech. addresses and demonstrations. work in organizing the Power This incident so incensed San keeping the public informed. paign visit to California -but only It was brought out in these The final afternoon of the con- Company employees. over the vigorous dissent of a top Francisco's union-minded working- men that they toiled as never meetings that the cost of traffic ference "as given over to a gen- Brother Clarke was a native of Culinary Union officer who de- accidents in California is nearly eral meeting in which the divisions Virginia City, Nevada, and is sur- scribes himself as "the sole sur- before to get out the vote that fall, urging those who responded to $1,000,000 per day. with a death submitted their recommendations vived by his wife, Mrs. Fern vivor of the episode which touched toll of an average of 10 persons to the conference chairman, Mr. Clarke. off the chain reaction leading to their call to vote for Wilson. Wilson carried California by only per day. The outlook for the future Louis A. Rozzoni. Mr. Rozzoni will Hughes' defeat." is even 3,773 votes - but San Francisco worse-lt is estimated that in turn submit these recommenda- Jack Weinberger, one-time pres- County gave Wilson 15,132 votes. in the next 10 years 45,000 persons tions to Governor Knight. ident of the Waiters Union and wil be killed and 1,500,000 persons I hope that this conference will Business Mortality now general secretary-treasurer of will be injured. Not a pretty pic- be of great help toward solving the Culinary International, is the Courtesy ture, is it? this terrible problem, however the Is Still Rising dissenter and he charges Hughes' Do yourself a favor when you Many groups and organizations, final answer to the reduction of According to the Wall Street defeat to a cooks and waiters drive, treat the other motorists both local and national are con- traffic accidents depends on you, Journal, business failures during picket line-the picket line that and pedestrians courteously. By tributing their efforts to help re- the drivers of our cars, trucks and August, 1956 rose to 1,101-the elected a U.S. President. driving courteously you will actu- duce traffic accidents. One organi- busses. Without your help this highest for any August since pre- He charges Hughes' managers ally make the job of driving a lot zation, the California Traffic Safety conference is only wasted words, war 1940. They were 8 per cent with misjudging "the temper of easier for yourself. Try courtesy, Foundation, was formed in Jan- money and time, so let us all help above July and 24 per cent over San Francisco workers so far as It works! uary, 1956, as a citizen's traffic to tame this weapon of death and August of last year. From Janu- to permit their man to cross a safety organization, privately fi- destruction which • we have so mis- ary to August of this year, 383,- picket line of cooks and waiters." Rich Strike nanced by California business in- takenly named the pleasure car. 215 businesses failed, an increase Hughes was scheduled to speak Dining the historic Gold Rush terests, to help control traffic acci- (Editor's Note: Many thanks to of 29 per cent from the like 1933 at a Chamber of Commerce lunch- in California, miners were allowed dents. Mr. N. R. Sutherland. Presi- Glenn for his excellent reporting period, eon at the Commercial Club. The only 16 square feet for a claim on dent of P.G&E., heads the group. of the Traffic Safety Conference. Is this the prosperity which we late Hugo Ernst, then president of Mokelumne Hill because the area The newspaper, radio, and TV in- It makes getting out a paper much hear so much about these days the Waiters Union, tried to per- was so rich in ore. dustries have helped greatly by easier.) from Ike and Dick?