.MjA4.NDcwMzI

There is considerable militancy in the rank and file of the National Maritime Union_some of it of the best. But I notice a move on foot to curb that militaney or neutralize its beneficial effect upon the organization. In a recent issue of their publication the "National office must again remind you that the program of efficiency and economy is not being carried out." It seems the membership in some parts held special meeting recommending that Dispatchers be placed on payroll, Janitors pay be raised and stenographers be hired. All these are a necessary part of a militant union that wants to grow and retain its self respect and the respect of the thousands still unorganized. There is no excuse profits especially in view of the fact the membership was using its own money and finally, membership knows best being directly in contact with any condition that may obtain in the several ports. I see further "the National Council at its last meeting passed a resolution that the National Maritime Union, as such, would not tolerate any longer any members carrying books of dual and hostile unions. This was later ratified in the several ports by the membership then being present-the force of the law rests on the words "would not". But it seems the National Council, that instigated this drive for intolerance and against militancy fails of seeing drive for intolerance and against militancy, fails of seeing that the National Maritime Union is itself a dual union. I do not see in view of the above items how the NMU can afford to purge any part of its membership unless it wishes to surrender to the shipowners soul, body and baggage, create a body of milkfed youth and mollycoddles - live in a fantasy of union purge while the masters rig up a greatest labor turnover the maritime world has ever known_a reality I do not believe any great number of the NMU endorse said program_even on the strength of those brand new books; a part of the program at double cost. Economy hey?