Industrial Representation in the Standard Oil Co.

THE labor policy, of the Standard Oil Co. (New Jersey) is founded. first of all on paying at least the prevailing scale of wages in the community; on, the eight-hour day, with time and one-half for overtime; one day's rest in seven; sanitary and up-to-date working conditions; just treatment assured each employee; payment of accident benefits beyond the amount prescribed by the State compensation law; health supervision by a competent medical staff; payment of sickness benefits after one year's service; cooperation with employee in promoting thrift and better social and housing conditions; and assurance for a generous annuity at the age of 65, guaranteed for life after 20 years of service. Most of these features have been a part of the company's policy for many years, but it is only during the past two years that the cooperation of employees in determining these matters has been definitely assured through industrial representation. Industrial representation, in the Standard Oil Co., is a principle rather than a procedure. It is built upon the belief that personal association of those interested in any problem leads to a mutual understanding and a fair decision as to what is right. Fully believing in this, principle, representatives of employees and representatives of management evolved a simple plan, the basis of which is that it gives every individual employee representation at joint conferences on problems and fundamental principles affecting all those interested in the industry. It is based on cooperation, not antagonism; its operation makes perfectly clear both to management and to employees that their interests are identical, that mutual understanding and cooperation insure progress and success for all. Furthermore, experience has definitely shown that representatives of the employees are not only alert for the employees' interests but are as keen as the representatives of the management in determining and insisting upon fairness to the employer.