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Labor disputes

Settlement of the Railroad Wage Dispute

Presidential assistant John R. Steelman, seated at the head of the table, announces the settlement of the wage dispute between the railroads and fifteen non-operating unions after a night-long session at the White House. (L-R: seated): C.D. Mackay, Chairman Southeastern Carriers Conference Committee; Lawrence W. Horning, Chairman Eastern Carriers Conference Committee; D.P. Loomis, Chairman Western Carriers Conference Committee; Jon R. Steelman; G.E. Leighty, chairman and spokesman for unions; T.C.

President Truman receives word of railroad strike settlement during speech to Joint Session of Congress

Leslie Biffle (left), Secretary of the Senate, interrupts President Harry S. Truman's address before a Joint Session of Congress to hand him a note telling of settlement of the railroad strike. At the time, the President was asking for unprecedented powers to deal with the labor situation. Donor: New York Herald Tribune.

Political Cartoon on President Harry S. Truman and Labor by Jim Berryman

This photo of a political cartoon by Jim Berryman shows Harry S. Truman with images from "yesterday" and "today." The man labeled "yesterday" has the following text next to him: "Are we going to let a few men crush the American people?...Why doesn't he do something!!" The man labeled "today" has the following text next to him: "Are we going to sit by and see this man wreck organized labor?" The original cartoon was inscribed to Truman at the bottom: "With all good wishes to the President....Jim Berryman...and Admiration for the courage to stand by our democracy rather than the demagogues!"

Charles Sawyer signs orders directing the 74 steel companies that they are in the possession of the United States Government

Commerce Secretary Charles Sawyer signs orders directing the 74 steel companies that they are in the possession of the United States Government. President Truman had earlier seized the steel mills to prevent a strike set for midnight.

Defense Mobilizer Charles E. Wilson with Commerce Secretary Charles Sawyer and Labor Advisor John R. Steelman

Defense Mobilizer Charles E. Wilson (center) is shown leaving the White House with Commerce Secretary Charles Sawyer (left) and John R. Steelman, Labor Advisor to the President. The men are coming from a discussion with President Truman and his cabinet concerning the steel wage-price dispute which had an April 8th strike deadline.

Photo of General Motors Counsel Appearing Before President Truman's Fact-Finding Panel

General Motors Corporation, through it's Counsel, Walter G. Merritt, pictured here, told President Harry S. Truman's fact-finding panel that it will withdraw from the proceedings if the panel considers prices and profits in making a wage recommendation for settlement of the strike against the company. From: Beth Gore.