Executive Order No.6 of N.J. Gov. Driscoll

Authorizing the seizure and operation of certain plants and facilities used in the production, sale and distribution of gas for home and industrial purposes.

WHEREAS, after investigation I find as a matter of fact that there is now in progress a strike of the employees of the Public Service Electric and Gas Company, employed at the following plants:

Camden Gas Works, 2nd and Cherry Sts., Camden, N.J.
Camden Coke Plant, Front and Chestnut Sts., Camden, N.J.
South Jersey Gas Company, Glassboro Division, Glassboro, N.J.

WHEREAS, I do further find as a matter of fact that such strike will result in the failure to continue the operation of the above named plants and the consequent production of gas necessary for home and industrial use and as a result thereof the public interest, health and welfare would be interfered with.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power conferred upon me by Chapter 38 of the Laws of 1946, as amended and supplemented by Chapters 47 and 75 of the Laws of 1947, and particularly Section 13 thereof, I, Alfred E. Driscoll, Governor of the State of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim and order the following:

(1) The Commissioner of Labor of the State of New Jersey, Harry C. Harper, is hereby authorized and directed to take possession of the plants, equipment and facilities of the said Public Service Electric and Gas Company located at the places hereinabove indicated, or such part or parts of each of said plants and facilities as may be necessary and to the extent that may be necessary for the purpose of carrying out the purposes of this order, and to take possession of any real or personal property and other assets wherever the same may be situated, which are used or shall be necessary to be used in connection with the operation of such plants and facilities, and to operate and arrange for the use and operation of such plants and facilities in any manner necessary in order that the manufacture of gas may continue and that the public interest, health and welfare shall not be interfered with.

2. For the purpose of carrying out the processes of this order the Commissioner of Labor is authorized to select and hire such employees and agents as may be necessary and suitable to carry out the same; to exercise any contractual or any other rights of the owners of said plants, facilities and property incidental to the operation thereof or the production, processing, manufacture and distribution of the products and services thereof; to do any and all other things that may be deemed necessary or desirable for or incidental to the use and operation of said plants, facilities and property or the production, processing, manufacture, transportation, sale and distribution of the products and services thereof, and to take any and all other steps that may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this order.

3. The Commissioner of Labr as aforesaid, shall operate the plants, facilities and property mentioned herein under the terms and conditions of employment lawfully in effect at the time possession of such plants, facilities and property is seized by him under the terms of this order and shall continue to operate the same until otherwise directed by me.

4. The Commissioner of Labor, as aforesaid, may permit in his discretion and upon such terms and conditions as he deems advisable, the management of the plants, facilities and property taken under this order to continue its managerial functions to the extent consistent with the processes of this order.

5. This order shall take effect immediately.

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 6