
American Federation of Labor [Day 1]
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Opening session of the 71st annual convention of the American Federation of Labor.
Cardinal Spellman delivers the invocation.
Martin Lacey, teamster leader, welcomes speakers and delegates. Speaks of the importance of political unity. Discusses the struggle of trade unions and the importance of "friends" in political office.
Governor Dewey - speech starts abruptly - welcomes audience to New York state.
Mayor Impellitteri announces plans for city employees work week to be reduced to 40 hours, to be advanced by a 42 hour work week. Impellitteri encourages delegates to experience the city of New York.
Bill Green, AFofL president, thanks Dewey and Impellitteri for the welcome.
Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection
WNYC archives id: 69303
Municipal archives id: LT602
This is a machine-generated transcript. Text is unformatted and may contain errors.
From all of the Commodore Hotel the orse of the station brings you the opening session of the one nine hundred fifty two convention of the American Federation of Labor. Among the prominent speakers to address this presidential specialist MORNING will be Cardinal Spellman they are intent on color Terry. And William Gray. There now is our chairman Martin lacy little will introduce the speakers at the moment and Mr Lacy is chasing a few Petaca for his who have brought it around the speakers day is here. To tame and have our own house. Gives me great pleasure. To introduce to you one who doesn't necessarily need an introduction. Evocation by Cardinal Francis Hayes archbishop of the New York diocese. Stomach my era it has never been the first and I don't believe it'll be the last. I'm. Proud of the work or. The lot known to man as a worker in the shop. As a cop and a by trade. Laboring in the sweat of the eyebrow. Living by the toy with my hands preaching the gospel of work. Now did sin noble work by becoming a labor of. The who need not have labored. For the law to create or producing without a way by. Creating my own I would alone. Yet gets down me but to teach man to labor through the holy example. Working in a card with my priest stamps living by my commandments. God of the work and assist device all the trouble with God. That he may know the saving gospel of toil. Teach dignity to the worker that he may know and act agreeable to the holy will for He is the instrument. Teach duty to the worker who is able to work through the. His products from the he is dying to spend said. Teach destiny to the worker who lives and works for the his loved ones and his neighbors he is the glory. Teach wisdom to the worker who will have to follow the that by Will may be done on earth the worker is lying agent. Give you no god of thy spirit to spare the at all times giving and forgiving. Langan to five very self with ever enduring in love justice and peace. Not of the work here. Diop grows this night in which men one day and transgress by more living in fears and frenzy in the DOT this in here is an error in this night of was and. Scoring by plans for peace in the held last the power of. Power over men so. Hidden is the vision of like Glory which can bring peace into a world it was. Which can come the tempest of hatreds now reaching which can salvage the hopes of the workers now hurrying to slay and be slain. Thought of the worker bring peace back into the will last man perish from the. Bring back race the way to walk among men to show man the truth of his way his way to brotherly love and to peace Amen. Thank you Your Eminence see. I must. Come to join. Man public very. Distinguished officers and leaders of the American Federation of Labor. Fellow delegates. And friends. It is a high privilege and a great pleasure for me. So welcome you to the seventy first union will convention of the great American Federation of Labor. I give you my assurance. That dissent pro trays and Labor Council great and the often vicinity of which I have the honor of being president. I spare no effort to make your stay here not only enjoyable but memorable. Because it is expected there will be in attendance here so many hundred delegates representing more than eight million members in Raleigh and one hundred national and international union dues filling in for the American Federation of Labor. Ozzy's the money astronomy. Free labor in all oil. It is fifty seven years and then you know the convention of our American Federation of Labor was held in this city. And this time the labor movement has become a poet fought. With great economic political and social influence. And what still greater chance you know. It is unthinkable that we'll this movement should go on being pushed around and betrayed by a lot of political punch primers. This convention will start to notice you know uncertain times. That those days are gone for ever. It will serve notice that we are determined so much salad guaranteed in the industrial field. Which simulate solidarity on the political field. And it must be one for all and all for one politically. How to use as it is one for one and zero for one industriously. It was to this city that the great immortal Sam Gompers came as a leg in his only team. It was here he was introduced to trade unionism. Here Larry first journal a B. only on. And near where he first became a union official. It was here that the first headquarters OK new bone American Federation of Labor was located. A few minutes by automobile from here where we are meeting Sam was voted and then you know a salary of one thousand dollars. And used the family kitchen table for a desk. And up box for a chair. It is a far cry from those days of poverty and struggle to our own day when so much has been accomplished by the wage earner in the nation at large through the efforts of organized labor. But it would be funny indeed. To conclude that back oh wow. Gains Yes all reflective survival. These are. By well organised heavily financed. The stupid reactionary forces. They constitute a response followed ruthless enemy reaching out for control of the entire federal government. But dominance of the nation. Half time to leave is still with us after five years. And there is little chapter at least on the stock two books of many states. Some of them worse than every book. And we are one. That shouldn't Charlie have a Congress Bialek it in November. Industrywide bargaining may be outlawed and upgrade and you know and international unions reduced a few fragments. That would just about finish. Chaffed properly thought. It was the end of the chapter at least which I think Dean forty seven San Francisco convention of the American Federation of Labor to the formation of Labor's leaked political education. This was to put more teeth into traditional partisan political policy the American Federation of Labor rewarding friends and punishing the enemy. Was. I say we got us a party label Caerphilly action. We have reached the child. When it is beyond question that politics is him really number one trade union business. And when the body has become our most important weapon in the struggle for effective survival up I don't have to tell you the road is scared that played in trade union struggles scabby much better not only and just deal feel. But at least even worse today in the political field. If we are to present a united front to our enemies on the political field there must be no political scampering. To trade you'll use. Who vote for a candidate who is not a dependable friend of labor is breaking at the ballot box. Politically speaking the instructing the picket line. Socially being a stabbing his fellow workers in the back. Where in public office there are enemies they must be replaced by friends it's just simple as that. The enemy is fully using political power in an op campaign to reduce us to important. The only effective way we can meet this threat is by our only united use of the bow. It was compass who said the ballot is the one way. Surely to reach the conscience of a politician. There is something seriously wrong with a wage earner who fails to see the Baikal connection between the ballot box and the bread box. We all know that the American Federation of Labor submits proposals really appropriate committees at the two recent conventions. Political Party. One of these proposals call for the repeal of the chapter. The Republican Party. Proposals. Frankly very caption. Happening. The Democratic party reacted sympathetically to our proposals and even more flattering. The repeal of the cap. Using almost become a language of the American Federation of Labor representative. I do not see how any trade unions can support a party and candidates who support. It should not be difficult they're far to determine who our friends in the great campaign of nineteen fifty to love. And respect for our policy politically biased and chip require that we should go on but does who have gone far enough. That's what damper said that's what the labor's leak the political education said this is no time Politico. These issues are too great for equivocation of any kind. We mean are they pull our interest sponsors to which this convention will make historic decision. But I think you will all agree with me when I say that none will be more important to won the national labor and the nation yes to the free will then what we shall say and resolve here about labor and politics. Mississippi has compelled off. To a wider into the political arena. There can be no retreat. This much in such in your deliberations you have different trying to break out insincere special issues. And let the console and the approximate million members of organized labor we represent. I have enjoyed my relationship with the State Federation of Labor. I think I know most of the men who lead it. And I don't think there is any one of them who does not know the DA is welcome. And with whom I have not worked in one good cause or another I think we have served the people well. It is my hope that as you come to this state. For this first visit in altogether too many years. You will enjoy something more than the good food of the Commodore Hotel and the uninterrupted flow of oratory you are Hilary will hear from this rostrum. I assume that by the end of the third day you will find it almost impossible to sit still I am very glad I got here so early so you nobody can well have a good excuse to walk out. You're going to hear. From a great man I hope also that while you're here you will take the trouble to look around to visit some of the rest of this city and this state America. On behalf of the city of New York and I'm sure he will tell you that you are welcome in every nuffin corner of it. And I would like to add that I hope that while you're here you will not neglect the opportunity to take a look around this the finest the most highly organized the most beautiful and the greatest city in the world and then that you will look around some more of the state from Jones Beach on Long Island all the way up through the Adirondacks and the Catskills and mountains and Finger Lakes of unequal beauty and on out to Niagara Falls even though you're not on a honeymoon and come back again sooner please don't wait another fifty seven years. Thank you Your Honor. I know Governor it is not my intention to went to render any kind of a debate with you politically or in the light. However I wish to thank you for your remarks. And recommend to the delegates to abide by a suggestion and look the town over. It is not my great pleasure to introduce to you. The mayor of the city of New yacht. Mary politics. President placing. Your Eminence Cardinal Spellman on. Your excellent government doing president green. Secretary meaning officers and members of the American Federation of Labor. This is one of the most privileged moments in my career to appear as Mer of this great city to welcome me representatives and convention of the largest group of organized workers in the entire world the American predator ration of labor with its more than one hundred great national and international unions and its numerous affiliated state and local councils. To me it represents the opportunity to grade in a body one of the study has forced us up wholly not democracy and among the stunt just defenders of a free society. In extending these greetings to all of you. It is equally an honor for me as Mer of the city of New York to join with the host of this convention the simple Trades and Labor Council of Greater New York and its president one of the most robust Fosco colorful and be loved it citizens of our entire city my good friend Monte like thank you I might point out in line with those remarks that it was mighty Lacy in the political campaign of one thousand fifty who was one of the few labor leaders who supported me as Bay as candidate of the experience party for mayor of the city of New York thank you. I would like to know give you some tangible evidence of my feelings which I think very appropriately should be announced first to the representatives of Blake. This is distinctly a labor matter and it affix thousands upon thousands of our city employees this morning I received the report and recommendations of a fact finding committee I appointed just a few weeks ago to ascertain whether inmate planned transition to a forty hour week for all city employees which I have directed. The step calling for a forty two hour week could be at Banstead and instituted before June thirtieth one thousand nine hundred fifty three originally when I sent out the directive. I pointed out that it should be accomplished not later than June thirtieth of nineteen fifty three. The committee recommended at least for the department most seriously after active and presently on a six day for you know a week that a pop in the sanitation. That the institution of the forty two hour week be at think Spike six months to January first nineteen fifty three and I am pleased to announce that I shall adopt this recommendation forthwith Moreover. I shall direct that the forty two hour week be installed for all city employed East beginning the new year January one nineteen fifty three thank and. Of course this leaves one more step to my cherished goal of a forty hour week for all Minister Paul employees is my it is my OBGYN hope that the city finance its welcome at this step to be completed in the course of the next fiscal year beginning on July eighth one thousand nine hundred fifty three I want to make it clear that at all times I recognize and stated publicly that city employees were entitled to a five day forty hour week. At all times. I said publicly that the only thing that stood in the way was the question of the money with which to finance it. So it's a great pleasure for me on this occasion to tell you now that the fact finding committee has made its recommendation that the city will be in a position to put the forty two hour week in not later than January first of fifty three and we hope we sincerely hope that our finances will justify putting in the final step the forty hour week which is the step that will cost the most money as soon thereafter as is humanly possible. Thank. The governor has pointed out the great charms of the entire state of New York and I fully subscribed to everything he had to say about it. New York City which is a part of the state of New York as a great many attractions I know that all oh you haven't been in convention here in the city of New York and the seven years. I know that most if not all of you have had occasion to visit this city time and time again I know that from your past experiences you'll know that New York City. Is a very hospitable town. You know in addition to that that New York City is a great labor town. You know that during your entire stay here in the city of New York. Everything humanly possible will be done to make your state a most pleasant one. There's very few pleasant parts. Of this city that I know you will all met. And most of my that way in spite of what you might read in your local press because sometimes unfortunately. It's sate one or two little bad spots either in a labor organization or in the minister polar state government or otherwise that attracts newspaper headlines don't pay too much attention don't because in spite of one of two of those spots you will find New York City clean decent town one of the cleanest towns in the entire country here in the city of New York you'll find churches where you can worship your god in the way you choose just as nice churches if not better churches then and many other communities in our country you will find wonderful places of entertainment you'll find one of the nice parts of my job and there's not too many in that are nice as you cruise around the water line of the city of New York today somebody will point out Gracie Mansion That's the American official residence and I'm curious that one of your brother delegates coming from New York City will nudge you and say look at where the mayor lives what a wonderful job he's got. So don't be misled by it it's a very comfortable a very pleasant place to live but I don't get a chance to win Joy Very much so please bear that in mind as you cruise around New York City I hope that you have a wonderful time here in the city of New York I hope that your convention and its deliberations just a little baby very fruitful not only for the American Federation of Labor but also for your cities for your states and for the and I did States of America thank you very much to go. Thank you Mr Mayor. I take this opportunity. And behalf of the central Trades and Labor Council and the civil service employees of the city of Najaf. Accomplishing their challenge well done thanks for not only the council but for the employees of the city. District. It gives me great pleasure. It gives me great pleasure. To present to the president of the American Federation of Labor. And union made Gallo given to me by the chairman of the company's Joint Council of the city. I wish to present to the president of the American Federation of Labor. Brother William Green. After his presentation. I wish I wish him many many years. Interestingly Nick Allen conducting the meetings of the American Federation of Labor It gives me great pleasure. Jamey images you now the president of the American Federation of leader Bill break. Oh Mr Chairman. Your excellent said the governor of the great state of New York. And all of the marrow of this great city. I love a good card all Spelman. All her distinguished guests Representatives operate on that honest labor movement in the city of New York. I know I express a personal feeling of every officer and delegate on visitors and not ten months at this meeting this morning. Laughter You may all deep appreciation. Because of the warm welcome you have extended us to this seventy first on your convention. We are deeply touched. By. An up feeling of the motion. Because those who came from a remote section saw a great country. As well as those coke come from nearby settings. Expected that they would be extended. For a while encore your welcome. But the sincere words of all the speakers this morning. House exceeded our ponderous expectation therefore were moved by a feeling or emotion. Of deep appreciation I cannot come out and language. That will extend to you thanks in a proper way for the Core Duo room Welcome to you Rob extended us through this convention. It was. All right in the transaction of our business will find it possible to measure up to a high standard of excellence and when we complete our walk go to our homes to our cities why our states and our communities teenager short that we have built up. An estimation standing in the strength of this great American organized labor movement American Federation of Labor. We have just passed through a great year since we held the fiftieth out of all convention obviously only confederation of labor not the extremism the organization the Pacific coast and sound from Cisco. Now we're here I think Eastern limitations of our great country. We. Realize that we have passed through a tremendously important year it is different as being different in some respects I think in many respects. Two other year or so which we have passed since the American Federation of Labor was fought. The economic conditions have been different. That has of course been variations. Wages have gone up very few times wages have come down. Economic conditions have improved. Some of them have not been so what. We have succeeded in the series has succeeded in bringing about the passage of some desirous legislation we have failed in others but the longer he better disappointment that touches them. Behind Thomas sold all that when I walk around America has been our failure toppling about the repeal of the office not just ducky how to talk lay low.