Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 15.pdf/404

 A Solution of the Labor Problem. period may after a time have a more or a less value as a purchasing power. The earn ings of the employer may increase so that he ought to pay higher wages. His earn ings may decrease to a point where he must pay less or go out of business. The rate, established today, may be fair and satisfac tory to both parties; but in a short time, may become unfair and unsatisfactory. Wages and profits are changing relatively to each other all the time, so a decision binding longer than two years might work injustice. An appeal to the Court should act as a stay of all proceedings whatsoever in the dis pute; no employer should close his works or dismiss his workers, and no employe should strike against his employer, on pain of being treated in contempt of court and subject to fine or imprisonment. The awards of the Industrial Court should not be set aside for any informality, or chal lenged, appealed from, reviewed, quashed or called in question by any tribunal whatever. Voluntary arbitration is the most rational, reasonable and civilized plan for the settle ment of labor troubles. To bring about a condition where all differences between the employer and the employed shall be settled by a conference of the parties in interest, or be voluntarily referred to disinterested parties for decision, is the one and only ob

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ject of this plan. The fear of compulsory arbitration, represented by the Industrial Court, would be a constant menace to both employer and employe. Neither party, ordi narily, would dare to have the Industrial Court adjust their differences and render a judgment, which would be enforced by fine or imprisonment. And rather than submit to such a tribunal both sides would gladly consent to privately settle or to voluntarily arbitrate their differences. The adoption of this plan would secure: 1. The peaceful settlement of labor troubles. 2. The adoption of trade agreement which would settle the main points of inter est to employer and employe, and would provide for permanent boards of conciliation and the submission of all their controversies to arbitration. 3. The fostering of stable and kindly re lations between the employer and the em ployed. 4. The end of strikes, boycotts, lock-outs and industrial warfare. 5. The prevention of waste, the reduction of friction, and the stoppage of industry. 6. The end of injunctions, based on in sufficient or political grounds. 7. To the public, adequate and complete protection.