Sent for charter after meeting. Issued May 20, 74, 140 (circled). Received 5/26-239. Notice in newspapers, at expense of organizers-73, 144 (circled), 288. Had 164 cards at end of meeting, some having been signed at Puckett's house and some at the meeting-77, 81, 140 (circled), 144 (circled), 207. Voted to prefer charges-171, 237 (circled). Some dropped out of Union-165. 135 members at time of hearing-260. Grocer-201, 381, 2280. 170 members-list-1253, 1644, 1687. Joint meeting in Newberry Hall-1716. Other shutdowns: Shutdown in 1932 for about 6 months-92, 363. Shutdowns for inventory-96, 304, 408. In 1926-1931 for change of patterns-99, 2219. Always had notice in advance-93, 96, 99, 163 (circled), 304 (circled and crossed out), 195, 304, 430, 534, 796, 799, 1782, 2094 (circled), 2135 (circled), 2170 (X), 2212 (X), 2250 (X). Laid off in depts. as work was completed-94. Core makers laid off first-94, 297, 1512, 2041, 2212, 2220, 2221, 2502 (circled). Other long shutdowns preceded by reduced schedules, but not this one303, 430, 439, 2135, 2222, 2318. Notices usually on bulletin board-310. Floor usually cleaned up-363, 556. All pipe removed from moulds-488. Some employees laid off who had worked all through other shutdowns-916, 1514, 2590 (circled). Company *Owes ab. 11 million dollars-1971. *Ab. 30 warehouses-1971. *Ab. 150 consigned stocks-1971. *Other plants making same radiation as Litchfield-many of them closed1980. *Estimates for first 3 mos. of 1937-500,000 sq. ft. in excess of actual sales— 1985. *Inventory up nearly 5 million sq. ft. at end of March-1986. *Had to cut down ab. a million ft. in production. Could cut down that amount only by closing first Buffalo & later Litchfield-1987, 2056. *Sales still behind estimates-1990, 2056. *Bayonne reduced in production-1991. *Bayonne makes kinds of radiation not made at Buffalo or Litchfield—1991, 2034, 2059. New type made at Bayonne has become so popular, R considering making it at other plants and has estimated cost of production at Litchfield-1993. *Largest inventory at close of May 1937-1996. *Bayonne largest plant-2000. *Business very seasonal, depending on bldg. industry-2010. *Expected upturn in business in winter of 1936, hence estimated excessive inventory-2010. *Litchfield closed at beginning of seasonal upturn-2012. *Treasurer & prod. mgr. & sec. knew about closing day or two after it was closed-2021, 2052, 2389, 2436, 2439. *Knew ab. Buffalo a day or two before-2029. *Sales about 11% below estimates, so closed Buffalo, cutting off ab. 30% of total production. Still running about 11% below, so closed Litchfield, cutting of ab. 45% of total production-2025. *Hope to take ab. 8 million out of inventory carry-over-2027. *Litchfield in pretty steady operation for several years-2031. *Highest inventory on hand since 1929-2047. *Bayonne production cut down-2057. *Altho sales were good in 1936, had still to close Litchfield to reduce Inventory-2066. *Notices posted day plants were closed-2074. *Clarence Wooley, Ch. of the Bd. of R, telephoned D. H. Locke, V. P. in charge of mfg., May 7 directing him to close Litchfield plant-2077, 2148. Locke 'phoned Benedict-2469, 2563. Production less in April than in March-2412. Figures do not inc. shipments by truck-2415. *B. went to Springfield on May 7 to discuss ventilating system. Got 'phone call message from Locke when he returned-2468, 2560, 2565, 2576. Knew about Union meeting the night before-2564. Waited a couple of hours before posting notice-2566. *B in Litchfield May 7 to 20, but had no conversations with anyone about ind. union-2567. *Left on a trip May 20, date ind. union was formed-2567, 2576. Returned May 25, day after first organization meeting of ind. union-2568, 2576. Went to St. Louis May 26, returning same evening. Was handed petition by Fellers 2568. Answered it May 27 from Baden Springs-2570. Only letter he ever wrote about ind. union-2571. Met C. I. O. boys & was handed proposed agmt. of Assn. on same day-June 9 -2571. Demands given B. by ind. union (the words "ind. union" are crossed out) Assn. afternoon of June 9, passed upon rank & file evening of June 9 (?)—1271, 1289, 2572. (See R. Exc. 12.) Co. never acted on Assn's. proposed agmt.-2575. B went to Buffalo June 15-2575. B in Detroit June 3 and 4 for conf. with counsel. Ret'd evening of June 4. Easterly went to Springfield next day and got bylaws-2578. Never discussed unions (The word "unions" is crossed out) organization of ind. unions with city officials, members of C. of C., merchants, etc.-2578. Considerable shipping first 2 wks. after plant closed-2584. Similarity of proceedings at Springfield indicate a general labor policy directed by Locke from Detroit-2603, 2617. Two copies of Springfield bylaws. One copy in Co. safe, other kept by Pres. of ind. union-2606. Easterly & Timmons called at Springfield June 5, Sat. morning. Told cashier if they got a majority in Co. union that ("that" is crossed out) they could get plant reopened. Needed about 12 more members. Asked cashier to use influence with his Litchfield friends. Spoke to officials of Springfield ind. union. Got copies of documents-2608. Spr. plant closed ab. July 1-2613. Overstocked-2613. Spr. ind. union negotiated a contract-2614. Got bylaws thereafter (?)—2615 Spr. plant worked fairly (The word "fairly" is crossed out.) steadily thru April-2618 Bd. Ex. 173-B called (the word "called" is crossed out) telephoned Hayes at Springfield twice & Locke at Detroit once on May 7-2619 Discrimination: Dave Murphy discharged. Taken back when Crosett, Puckett said he did not belong to Union-111, 186, 1389 (X), 1508, 2237, 2508, 2510 (X) For sake of family-1517, 2238 Mayor Millhouse-only 3 charges, one against the fellow that was fired for neglecting duty, one had left town, and the other had refused to do the work -110 Puckett active in unionization 24 yrs. but was not fired-166, 125. Others active, but not fired-131, 329, 389 (circled), 435 (circled), 542 (circled), 994, 1121 Davis thrown out of saloon-373, 383 (circled), 537, 2087 (circled), 2129, 2597 Davis watched by boss-376, 2842 (X) Criticized for conversing-569, 580, 2092 (circled). Threatened to close down-571, 2094 (circled). Want jobs back-209, 326, 366, 382, 412, 434, 788. Stipulation-464, 2554. Thorton said he would not hire a Puckett man-606, 609, 2207 (X). Organization: Tried to organize in 1913. Lasted about a month. Attempted meetings of Progressive Organizers, A. F. L., in 1933, about saine time as Plan. Mayor broke up one meeting by offering free beer. 1923 (X). Tried to organize themselves. Run out of town, next meeting, by Alex Johns & a deputy sheriff about a week later. Organization discouraged. 34, 39, 59, 61, 272, 1032, 1063, 1929. Discouraged by a member's discharge. 35, 125 (circled), 2164 (X), 2228. Management ordered Puckett discharged but foreman Hern intervened-38, 2235. Plan distributed by foremen about Aug. 18, 1933. 38, 243, 273. To conform with NRA-331, 498. Increase in pay & change of hours when NRA went into effect-573, 2514, 2530. Notice posted about Aug. 21, 1933. 40. Foremen told men who to vote for-1138. Forced to vote for representatives on Co. time and property. Day workers paid, not piece workers. 42, 274, 330, 2204 (X). 9 reps., 1 for every 50 employees, elected Jan. 1934. 45, 1120. 5 employee reps., 3 Co. reps. 499, 561, 1120. Met with Co. reps., 46. Most of them from office force-50. Mass meetings had to be held in shop-47. Expenses borne by management-2044. Co. paid reps. regular pay-48, 156 (circled), 244, 340, 1715, 2058. Foreman eligible to be employee reps., if elected-50. Co. financed Plan-59, 340, 1715. Motion for an increase about Aug. 27, 1934, by Houlihan? who was removed as rep. at next election, about 5 months later. Seconded by Kennedy, also removed. Withdrawn with apologies. Benedict promised raise as soon possible-51, 1029, 1068, 1118, 1120, 1142, 1903, 2445, 2529. B. denied making promise-1030, 1121. Another motion for an increase made by Whitley Aug. 26, 1935. Removed as rep. by petition or "would have to shut the plant down." 563. Other reps. not permitted to see petition. 53, 128, 499, 561, 564, 576, (circled), 1030, 2093 (circled), 2255, 2262, 2285, 2289, 2446, 2531. Discharged ab. 1 wk., 2 wks.-later-1031, 2450. Reelected Jan. 1937-565. Coatney refused to sign notice of election for man to take Whitley's place. Fired Sept. 10, 1935, few hrs. before meeting was scheduled. 55, 129 (circled), 1137, 1153, 2534. B. told Coatney W. was too radical-1154. Had been trying to organize. Scared by Coatney's discharge 61, 1033. Puckett refused to resign as rep. at Benedict's request-62. Minutes of meetings kept by Co. reps., copies sent to Detroit-46, 53, 1140. Puckett fired July 6, 1936, but taken right back-57, 132 (circled), 2463 (circled). Vacation with pay notice posted about May 1, 1937, April 30, 1937-196, 307, 944, 2005 (crossed out), 2487. Will give vacation money to employees as soon as hearing is over-2006. So busy, didn't know when they could have it-1489. Last meeting about April 26, 1937. 64. "Bargaining" ineffectual. 277, 332, 481, 1024, 1028, 1428, 1467, 1500, 2287. Benedict met with Whitley & Puckett April 26, went to Detroit April 27, returned April 29, with letter-2465, 2542, 54. Letter about Wagner Act read April 30, 1937-48, 155 (circled), 176 (circled), 281, 336, 436, 2089 (circled) 2466. Benedict's conf. with foreman-2090, 2131, 2169, 2200, 2466. *Had to abandon Co. union-49, 155 (circled), 497. *Could form or join any org. 49, 155 (circled), 176 (circled), 282, 284, 337 (circled), 507, 2549. Outside-339 (circled). Letter not posted-2558. Vote of thanks for vacation with pay circulated by straw boss, Moore, May 3, 1937, at Benedict's sug.-196, 49, 157 (circled), 403, 523, 531, 943, 951, 977, 1001, 1203, 2489. Vacation notice posted-2558. Vote of thanks posted. (Crossed out.) Two wage increases between Dec. 1936 and Feb. 1937-158, 181, 213, 541, 1117, 2514, 2530. Petition passed around for Ind. union, May 3-401; May 6-552, 484, 544, 551, 598, 829, 930, 942, 976, 1666. *On bulletin board-514, 524, 628. No coercion to sign-517, 531, 544, 597, 843, 866, 898, 936, 943, 1666. No connection with Assn.-1333. Suggested formation of ind. union-1237. Had majority then-1307, 1703. Waited till Sept. 12 to apply for a charter after charges had been filed1308, 1366. Charter obtained Sept. 16-1336, 1746. By laws adopted June 9, called for monthly meetings. Next meeting held Aug. 24-885, 1275, 1306, 1308, 1910. Delayed sending for charter & holding meetings because not yet recognized by Co.-1308. Would not function if not recognized by Co.-1311. Goddin pd. by City & by Bank-1840. Gave Assn. free police protection-1842. G. afraid of radicals & trouble-1843. G. an A. F. of L. man-1846. By laws comm.-Godfrey, Easterly, Mumme-1711, 1713. (Barrow, Eskra, Houlihan-1401.) Membership lists-158 slips-1939, 1941, 1942, 2077. Association: Sug. by pet.-1237. Tried several organizations-172. Inducements to join offered Union members-200, 587, 1003, 1473, 1692 (X). Meeting at John Easterly's house ab. 3 wks after plant shut down, ab. June 1 (formerly a foreman). About 100 present. Mayor present-618, 870, Vallee Fellers present-765, 858 (X), 871 (X), 1939, 1347 (X), 1415 (X), 1655 (X), 1689 (X), 1750 (X), 1840 (X), 1882 (X) Seemed sure Co. would reopen right away if Assn. got majority-201, 258, 316, 318, 348, 459, 476, 523, 587, 598, 599, 618, 634, 662, 700, 711, 743, 747, 763, 787, 851, 920, 925, 1411, 1473. Would give raise & vacation-316, 348, 459, 476, 588, 624, 662, 687 (circled), 747, 763, 1413 (X), 1473. Took up collection to pay for newspaper ad.-471, 1005. Could continue to wear C. I. O. buttons-763. Easterly admitted Union had majority, May 29-318. No dues charged, altho by laws provide therefor-883, 1287, 1311, 1315, 1316, 1378, 1716. Refused to return white slips-463, 715, 716 (X), 1362 (X). Stated it was sponsored by officials, in hearing of a foreman, who did not deny it-494. Meeting at Parkview ballroom ab. June 21 (The words "June 21" are crossed out), May 24-853, 598, 622, 1259, 1268, 1305, 1699. Officers elected-598, 621. Collection taken for rent of hall-623, 1287. Chief of Police & Officer Goodman present at Mayor's inv.-1275, 1838. Meeting in August in Park-599. Meeting at Elks' Club, at end of July (the words "at end of July" are crossed out), June 9—1271, 622, 631, 1270, 1276, 1305. Hall donated-623, 1274. Proposed contract (the word "contract" is crossed out, recognition, agreement, & demand adopted read-624, 631, 1288, 1293. No dues (crossed out). By laws adopted-885, 1295 (crossed out). Almost exact copy of Springfield by laws-1278. Mayor Millhouse & Officer Goodman present at Mayor's inv.-1274, 1332, 1838. Name changed from Union to Assn.-1221, 1224, 1277, 1321. Newberry Hall & Parkview ballroom same place-848. Association (2). Easterly frequently visited by Fellers-321, 350, 1240, 1347 (X). Saw Benedict, who bot coal for E's son-1242. Letter to Timmons about reopening-590, 663, 691 (circled), 706, 1350, 1419, 2483, 2486. Timmons discussed letter with G. before testifying-1423. Proposed recognition agreement presented to Co. ab. June 9-721, 1289, 1295 May 26-2480). Also told nothing to bargain about-2506. Conf. between Mayor of Kincaid and Easterly to find out how to do away with C. I. O.—740. Easterly: No trouble at other plants-745. C. I. O. could not hold out-no relief-746. Meeting with C. of C.-746. Meeting: Griffin, city official & police officer, at meeting at Easterly's house-764, 870. Stripling, relief officer, said C. I. O. would never get anywhere, should be run out of town, etc.-767, 1932 (X). Could not get into meeting without white slip-765, 777, 891 (circled) (X), 1345 (X), 1415 (X) 1655 (X), 1832, (X). Co. said they could not work with charges ag. them-789, 791, 792, 1005. Signed white slips just to get back to work-788, 793, 918, 1004. Told men if they signed would get few days' work-918. Signed just for that reason—920. Fellers sorry-no work-919. Have merchants. C. of C. and city officials behind them-946, 962. Merchants told to discourage outside union affiliation-1162, 1186 (X), 1869 (X), 1870, 1945 (X). Patterned after ind. union at Springfield plant-went to Springfield June 5-1221, 1277, 1306. By-laws & contract & demand copied from Springfield plan-1288, 1290, 1294, 1333. Demand not presented-wanted to be recognized first-1294 (crossed out), 1291, 1294. Incorporated-1223. Restricted to Co. employees-1223, 1313. Name changed-1224 (Crossed out). Exec. Comm. named by pres., ratified at gen. meeting-1226. Ind. union at Bayonne and Buffalo-1227, 1230, 1250, 1260. First meeting at Easterly's house May 20; invited sec. of C. of C. Mayor (who had experience in org.), rep. from a bank where Co. banked, Godfrey, Officer Goddin, no one connected with org. labor. Town sups., Goddin invited by Mayor-1833. Union men-1836-1228, 1231, 1232, 1305, 1329, 1331, 1415, 1654, 1696. Thot Co. would open with ind. union-230, 1699, 1768. Thot other ind. orgs. satisfactory since plants were operating-1320, 1699. Easterly holds no office, only on exec. bd., but hdqutrs. of Assn at his house & he was most active leader-1606, 1231, 1350. Main idea of Assn. to "get back to work." CIO org. 2 wks. before, didn't get anywhere-876, 1234, 1719. Have pd. Godfrey nothing opt.-1280. Confo, in Godfrey's office-1281, 1336, 1344, 1364, 1702. Advised by G. they ought to have a charter to be incorporated-1285, 1337 (X), 1374 (X), 1746. $10 filing fee advanced by Bill Davis. G. got the papers-1285, 1337, 1707, 1736. Gas & oil expenses out of pockets of organizers-1286. Letter to Co. telling about org.-promised copy of by-laws to Co., but never sent them-1296, 1333. Meeting at E's house Aug. 24. Comm. of ab. 5 men appointed to visit Puckett & request pressing or withdrawal of charges, George Mummy appointed chairman. Thot Co. would not open as long as charges were outstanding. |