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San Francisco 2, Calif. - EXbrook 2-1671
Flood Building • 870 Market Street
Los Angeles 14, Calif. — MAdison 7-3873
810 South Spring Street
October 28, 1960
PERLUSS’ VIEWS ON FORTHCOMING LEGISLATION VIEWED WITH INTEREST
In order to clarify a number of questions concerning recent "discrepancies” in wage
survey results and techniques, Irving Perluss, Director, State Department of Employ¬
ment, was invited to the last meeting of the Council’s Board of Governors. After
the survey situation had been thoroughly covered, Mr. Perluss commented on possible
forthcoming legislation. Here, briefly, is a summary of Mr. Perluss’ comments and
predictions:
A MINIMUM WAGS BILL FOR AGRICULTURE will not be proposed by the Governor’s office.
It was stated, however, that such legislation "may be introduced” from "some other
quarter" and that agriculture might well anticipate the introduction of such legis¬
lation.
In this vein, Mr, Perluss mentioned that discussions had been held, and will continue
to be held, ivith the Governor, Director of Agriculture Warne, and Perluss along the
lines of other wage "possibilities." One such possibility mentioned was the
"regulating" of agriculture along the lines of a "public utility." This would set
wages in much the same way as gas-water-electricity rates, etc. are established.
Perluss stated that the "group" felt this would, perhaps, result in "too much
government intervention," but have stated that it is a possibility.
STRIKES AT HARVEST TIME LEGISLATION must, Mr. Perluss indicated, also consider the
side of organized labor. He stated that, in his opinion, were labor’s position not
considered, and, were a bill introduced by agriculture that would simply attempt to
prevent strikes at harvest time, such a bill would never pass.
COMPULSORY ARBITRATION has also been discussed with the Governor, Warne and Perluss.
In reporting on these discussions, Perluss indicated that the "group" felt such
compulsory arbitration devices should only be used as a last result
ШЕИ
ALL OTHER
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ATTEMPTS HAD FAILED.
HOT CARGO AND SECONDARY BOYCOTT LEGISLATION could also, Perluss indicated, be pending.
It was stated that "growers might well consider protective legislation in this field"
and not discount the possibility of the Teamsters and AWOC from "getting together,"
iLT^NGER PICKETING was summarized by Perluss with the recommendation that agriculture
get together 1 with industry and come up with a plan to eliminate stranger picketing.
If such a plan could establish a legislative precedent, overthrowing two existing
State Supreme Court decisions, Perluss indicated that his Department would recognize
RUMORED WITHDRAWAL OF UNION FROM TULARE COUNTY FALSE
Reports to the contrary, the AWOC has not withdrawn from Tulare County. Pickets
have not been removed from five or six "struck" farms, nor, at this writing, have ne
packet lines been established. There is, at present, an ample supply of workers
willing to cross the picket lines and the olive harvest in proceeding in good order.
No violence has occurred and none is anticipated. The Sheriff’s office is, however*
reported to be maintaining a watchful eye on the proceedings.
LOCAL ACTION GROUP FORMED BY CORNING AREA GROWERS
One of the newest local farmer "action" groups formed in the State went intn