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Motion Picture NeN^S
Volume XXXVI
NEW YORK CITY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1927
No. 10
Act Now!
Arbitration Board Necessary Immediately in Labor Crisis
By William A. Johnston
THE Chicago strike situation threatens to become nationwide, which might mean the closing of all picture theatres in which there are union employees.
In other words, it is entirely possible that, if attempts are made to reopen the Chicago houses with non-union help, the I. A. T. S. E. might step in and call a national sympathetic strike of operators, stage hands, musicians and others.
This might spread, of course, to other branches of the industry in which there are union employees, such as studio electricians and carpenters, and, in the East, cameramen.
If this happens, the industry will be completely tied up. Differences with unions on various matters have been in the air for some time, and the Chicago situation, as we go to press, has a])parently brought matters to a crisis.
In this grave situation, we believe constructive steps should be taken at once.
We urge that, following the precedents in other industries, a National Board of Arbitration should be formed immediately. It should consist of one
member of the industry, a leader representing union labor, and a representative of the public.
In creating such a Board, the parties in disagreement should be represented as a matter of course. But the public should also be represented, because the motion picture is a great public utility, and the public is vitally concerned in the present situation.
We believe the leaders of the industry should immediately take steps to form such a Board. Even if the Chicago situation should be adjusted by the time this editorial appears, we still believe the Board should be formed, ready to function in this or any other similar crisis.
This is by no means merely a local situation. It is nation-wide in importance and gravity and shoidd be dealt with through a National Board of Arbitration. It seems to us that no other method will prove effective in the long run; and we also believe that the suggestion we make is practical.
The time to act is now. The step suggested is constructive and fair to all. We urge immediate action.