later by the Brotherhood’s 1921 Convention in St. Louis. The NECA took similar action at its Cincinnati Convention in 1922.

The Council on Industrial Relations has been a going concern ever since. The use of the Council procedures has been greatly increased in recent years particularly since the end of World War II. During the first 25 years of the Council’s existence it handled 45 cases. In the second 25 years, 1,849 cases were heard and decided. However, there is a much bigger story behind this statement of fact. The fact that the Council has ruled on 7337 cases cannot begin to measure the scope of the Council’s influence. Many cases are settled in advance of Council hearings because of the fact that the Council stands ready to hear cases. Many thousands of cases have been settled amicably by the employers and the local unions bargaining in good faith, knowing that as a last resort this “Supreme Court of the Electrical Contracting Industry” is open to them. The basic code of policy which has evolved from decisions of the Council rendered through the years, has set a pattern for local contractors and unions to follow, in solving their differences, making appeal to the Council unnecessary. This code recognizes the fundamental rights of the employer and the employee and their mutual obligation to each other, to the industry and to the general public. “It sets forth the policy of the industry on such vital matters as wages, union recognition, peaceful solution of industrial disputes, sacredness of negotiated contracts, worker cooperation with management, and the obligation of both parties to strive for efficiency in production.”

All who serve on the Council are thoroughly acquainted with the problems and practices in the industry. They know that real stability can be attained only by rendering decisions which recognize the legitimate claims on the industry made by management, by labor and by the public it serves. When the members of the Council are in session they do not represent either NECA or IBEW. They represent the Electrical Contracting Industry.

Obviously, the decisions made by the Council cannot always please both disputing parties, and frequently they please neither. The record shows, however, that while complaints have been few, those registered are almost exactly divided between management and labor, which indicates that a fair, objective job is being done.

That in brief is the Council on Industrial Relations story. It is a story of dignity and strength and accomplishment. It describes how employers and workmen got together in good faith and set up a program which has been of true benefit to them and to the general public for over half a century.

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