Legalization of Polish Jewish Artisans Sought

A United Committee for Jewish Artisanship has been formed here, comprising representatives of the Joint Distribution Committee, the Ica, Ort, Central Jewish Artisans Union, and the Jewish Cooperative Societies, to undertake action to legalize the unregistered Jewish artisan workshops that now exist, and which will have to close when the recently revised Industrial (Guild) Law of 1927 enters into effect on August 15, unless they have in the meanwhile been registered.

Thousands of Jewish artisans were for several reasons unable to adjust themselves to the requirements of the Guild Law, and for that reason did not take out the necessary papers, with the consequence that their workshops were counted in the category of illegal workshops. The revised industrial law adopted a few months back by the Sejm created new difficulties for this class of illegal artisans, and if they do not legalize their position within the next few months, they will be thrown into the ranks of the unemployed.

ENLIGHTENMENT SOUGHT

The committee is therefore starting a campaign to enlighten these artisans with regard to their rights and duties, and it will afford them legal aid to enable them to carry out the necessary formalities for legalizing their artisan workshops.

The committee will seek to rouse public opinion on the question. It will establish local committees in the provinces which will carry on legalization work. The legal commission of the committee will shortly publish details, clarifying the position of the Jewish artisans under the newly amended industrial law, and giving them practical suggestions how to act, in order to obtain their legalization by August 15.

The committee is arranging a series of lectures intended for the social workers in the big towns, who will have to engage locally in organizing the work.