Negroes in the various trades, to include: (1) skilled as well as unskilled workmen, (2) northern as well as southern workmen, (3) government as well as civilian employees, (4) women as well as men workers. We would have Negro labor handled by the American Federation of Labor in the same manner as white labor; (1) when workmen are returning to work after a successful strike; (2) when shops are declared "open" or "closed"; (3) when union workers apply for jobs. We would have these assurances pledged not with words only, but by deeds--pledged by an increasing number of examples of groups of Negro workmen given a "square deal." With these accomplished, we pledge ourselves to urge Negro working men to seek the advantages of sympathetic cooperation and understanding between men who work. II. We would also address ourselves to the Labor Bureau of the United States Government. In our national effort to speed up production of articles essential to the conduct of the war as well as the production of other goods, let us not lose sight of our duty to our country in quantity production by an unreasonable prejudice in many quarters against the use of Negro labor. Negro workmen are loyal and patriotic, cheerful and versatile. In some sections there is an oversupply of such labor; in other sections a shortage. We would urge the appointment of one or two competent Negroes in the Department of Labor to serve as assistants in each of the bureaus in distributing Negro labor to meet war and peace needs. III. We would urge Negro workmen to remain cheerful and hopeful in work; to be persevering in their efforts to improve in regularity, punctuality, and efficiency, and to be quick to grasp all opportunities for training both themselves and their children. Success lies in these directions. IV. We would impress upon employers the fact that the efficiency of their employees during work hours depends very largely on the use made of the non-working hours. Most of the complaints against Negro labor can be removed if proper housing, decent amusement, fair wages, and proper treatment are provided. These resolutions were presented to the executive officers of the American Federation of Labor on February 12, 1918, by a committee composed of E.K. Jones, Director of National League on Urban Conditions among Negroes, Robert R. Moton, Principal of
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