Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 November 1897 — SUCCESSFUL ARBITRATION. [ARTICLE]

SUCCESSFUL ARBITRATION.

How Labor Disputes Are Settled in France at Present. .. There is a successful system of arbitration to settle labor disputes In France under a law that was passed three years ago and has been In operation about eighteen months. When a difference arises between ai\|employer and his workmen, says a writer in the Chicago Record, either party may file with the justice of tut? peace of the canton a written declaration of a desire to submit the matter to arbitration, setting forth the names of those Involved, tbe subject of the controversy and the motives or reasons by which each side is governed. A list of five delegates, who may or may uot be involved in the dispute, is also submitted as a committee to manage and present the case. Within three days thereafter the justice must serve a copy of this declaration upon tbe other person, who has three days, to reply. If no reply is received the notice is repeated, and three more days are allowed for an answer. If the second person replies he is expected to submit his side of the case, and select five persons to represent him. These ten delegates then sit as a board of conciliation with the justice of the peace as the presiding officer. If an agreement is reached it is drawn up in writing, signed by the justice and the committee, and copies are filed in court and with the ministry of industry and commerce at Paris.

If the board of conciliation fails to accomplish its purpose a board of arbitration is selected by the delegates, which consists of two, four or six persons who are not involved in the controversy, but are recognized as men of judgment and distinction; They select an odd man ns umpire. If they fail to agree upon the umpire he is selected by tiie presiding judge of the Civil Court. The case is submitted by the representatives of either side in written briefs and by oral arguments, and the decision is rendered to- the justice of the peace, who furnishes a copy to each side, files one with the court and sends another to the minister of commerce and industry. The decision of q board of conciliation and a board of arbitration is binding upon all concerned for at least one year. In case one party refuses to accept conciliation or arbitration the law requires that after ten days the justice of the i>eace shall call before him the recognized representatives of both sides, and after ascertaining the grounds of the dispute he uses his influence toisecure a settlement or persuade the parties to submit to arbitration. His summons carries the same force as the subpoena of a court, and although neither party is compelled to submit to-his judgment both are required by the law to submit statements. It has been found by experience that such a proceeding brings out the facts in the controversy and awakens public-sentiment, which is always influential in securing a settlemeait. The party that refuses Is generally in the wrong. The expenses of the proceedings are paid by tbe municipality. There have been over 600 cases under the new law. In 309 cases voluntary application for conciliation was made by the workmen, in 165 by the employers. In the other cases the justice of the peace intervened, and in thirty-nine cases he succeeded in securing arbitration by moral suasion. In only two instancs, so far as known; have the workmen refused to abide by the decisions.