Rotteness in the Fresh Fruit Union

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

In your April 23 issue, page 2, column 6, you speak of Donald Henderson, "American Labor Leader," as saying "American Labor will not support an imperialist war" or some such noble line. I wasn't surprised.

I met Henderson in Salinas at a Joint Council of Local 78, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Workers, last summer. He resembles Elsenhower, is very charming and an excellent speaker--but he does not speak for labor. After being with him in saloons and at council tables I decided he was idealistic to fanaticism and blindness, yet without honor or scruples.

Our union had voted that all officers should take a non-communist affidavit. This was not a meddling 80th Congress but the rank and file of our 14,000 members in several states. The aforementioned officers refused, so we had to summon a council. Despite 81/2 hours of filibuster by Henderson and a fat gentleman, from the clothing workers union I believe, the delegates voted that all members of the council should take the non-communist affidavit or get. They got. Next day they called our charter, as the International could do legally, and our union ceased to be a democratic union. Our union now compares with the "new democracies" of Eastern Europe. And Henderson of the International "represents" us. But someday, comes the revolution . . . John Willis   2nd Stamper, Maggio Shed