SET ASIDE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 June 1943, Page 4

SET ASIDE

PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT’S VETO ' ON ANTI-STRIKE BILL. FIGURES OF CONGRESS VOTING. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) WASHINGTON. June 25. President Roosevelt vetoed the Antistrike Bill, but the House of Representatives later, by 244 votes to 108, overrode the veto. The Senate also, by 56 votes to 25, overrode the veto, and the measure thus becomes law. Mr Roosevelt said the measure had an entirely praiseworthy purpose, but would in some cases produce strikes in vital war plants which otherwise would not occur. He declared that it was intended to use government powers to prevent interruption by strikes, and formally recommended an amendment to the Selective Service Act whereby men between the ages of 45 and 65 could be inducted into noncombatant military service. Mr Roosevelt said he would approve legislation dealing with strikes harming the war effort. He criticised the provision in the Bill for a secret ballot after 30 days’ notice of intention to strike, and said that this completely ignored the no-strike pledge given by organised labour, and provided in effect for strike notices and strike ballots. These would stimulate labour unrest and give Government sanction • strike agitations. ) Declaring his unalterable opposition to strikes in wai’ time, Mr Roosevelt said he would unhesitatingly use his powers to prevent them. He said in conclusion that labour and business had kept well to their pledge against strikes and lock-outs, with the exception of the United Mine Workers’ Association. President Roosevelt said he would not recognise or accept the October 31 deadline set by the United Mine Workers’ Association for continued coal production under Government control. Addressing a Press Conference, Mr Roosevelt explained that he was chiefly concerned to see that the coal was mined, which must be done. He pointed out that many persons were prone to forget that the nation was at war and that its life was very much at stake.

Mr Roosevelt declined to say whether he would sign the anti-strike Bill.

SECOND SETBACK SUFFERED BY ADMINISTRATION. WASHINGTON. June 27. The Administration suffered its second defeat within two days when the Senate, by 39 votes to 37. prohibited payment of Government subsidies to reduce retail food prices. The House of Representatives passed the Bill on Friday.