On June 8. after extended negotiations the strik
ers, longshoremen and others, signed the agreement
releasing Alaska shipping. It was effective immed
iately and until September 30. It gave the strikers
practically every recognition demanded. It gave the
International Longshoremen's Association complete
control of work so long as it is able to supply a
sufficient number of competent men. It provided
that all stevedores be hired through a union hiring I
hall. It established a six-hour day at existing
wage scales, on the condition that the whole wage
question be submitted to arbitration — with the
understanding that any change finally agreed upon
should be retroactive. It included a clause that
any dispute arising during the truce period should
be submitted to arbitration.
That agreement was signed by President Ryan
of the I. L. A., by the Northwest representative of
the same organization and the executives of all
other unions affected. It was overwhelmingly rati
fied by the Northwest unions. Commenting upon
the settlement. President Ryan of the I. L. A., de
clared: "We're very glad we've reached this agree
ment so that we can resume commerce immdiately,
because all of us recognize the emergencies exist
ing in the isolated communities of Alaska.''
i
No charge has been made that the operators
have not lived up to the agreement both in the
spirit and to the letter. In neither word nor deed
have they violated it. The only accusation made is
that Mayer Smith, in attempting to open the port
of Seattle to other shipping violated a pledge made
to the unions. He denies making any such promise.
