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DINING HALL STRIKE POSTPONED 36 HOURS

Leader Stefani Persuades Employees Not to Walk Out, Believing That Day's Negotiations May Bring Decision on Working Conditions

Reluctantly giving in to the pleas of their organizers and of James Moriarty, State Commissioner of Labor, 300 cooks and waitresses last night voted to report for duty as usual this morning. In view of gains made in yesterday's negotiations, they extended the deadline for a "satisfactory contract" from midnight last night to noon Wednesday.

The eleventh hour meeting, held in the Kirkland House Dining room, was called by Moriarty after news of the intended strike reached his office yesterday morning.

As concrete evidence of the progress he had made, Stefani brought before the assembly a six-point statement of the University's present attitude which will serve as the basis for continued negotiations today. On two of the workers' three demands the statement made definite concessions, although not enough to satisfy the union.

With reference to the demand for a closed shop, the University offered to hire kitchen and dining-hall workers exclusively from the A. F. of L. provided such workers could be obtained within 48 hours. Otherwise outsiders would be employed and retained on condition they joined the union in three weeks.

Concede Wage Increase

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Regarding wage increase demands, the University made small concessions to be based on seniority. Workers receiving $14, who include waitresses, pantry, help's hall and glass and silver women were offered a 50 cent raise as of September 1, 1939, provided they had been employed for one year. Two year's service would bring a dollar's

From a reliable University source it was learned last night that in case a settlement of the present labor strife is not reached, the University will not attempt to break the strike. Students will be forced to eat outside of the dining halls, and an appropriate reduction will be made on the term bill. raise and so on to a maximum rate of $16 for those employed four years or over.

A similar scheme was worked out for workers now receiving $17 and it was agreed that all other employees should be given similar increases. New workers were to be hired at present rates and allowed to work up to the maximum.

"Because of present uncertainly as to national legislation affecting pensions generally," the University would make no move towards abolition of the compulsory pension plan, the workers' third demand.

Although lacking the militant leadership afforded them Sunday night by officers of the Cambridge Central Labor Board, the workers were in a belligerent mood, requiring all of Stefani's persuasive powers to obtain the final vote authorizing him to continue negotiations for 36 hours

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