Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-07-12
WORKERS OF THE WIRES.
New Rules as to TeIegraphers' Work
Strike Reported and Denied.

ST. LOUIS, July 1.-THE Post DisDateb
mas announced on what it considers re-
liable authority, but which has not vet
been verified, that the Brotherhood of
Telegraphers will inaugurate a general
strike at noon next Monday. 1t is said
there are upwards of 5000 operators in
the Brotherhood, and if they 90 ont the
result Will be hardly less than a nublic
calamity. 1t is not known here whether
any direct demand has vet been
made on the telegraph company.
but 1t is alleged that one
VIII De presented embracing seven
hours as a nights work, extra paw for
Sunday work, and greater uniformity if
not an increase in wages. 1t is also
stated that the Brotherhood is strongly
opposed TO the introduction of girls or
women into the business. The telegraph
officials here have no definite in
formation, and show no inclina-
ton to talk about the matter.
The general office of the Brotherhood is
at flttsDurg, and 1t is understood that all
orders are issued from that place A dis
patch from Pittsburg, however, saws that
the telegraphers and telegraph officials
there profess entire ignorance of anv in
tentlOn on the part of the Brotherhood to
inaugurate strike.
NEW YORK, July 1.-THE Western
Union Telegraph Company has for some
tlme had In contemplation new rules for
the management of its business. The
committee having the matter in charge
mas reported a code of rules, which has
been adopted by the company. One
OF the most important rules
is that regarding the hours of
duty. This matter has heretofore been
lett largely with superintendents, whose
practice has varied according to local
considerations. The following is the new
rule: At all Independents Western Union
omces, winch may be required
nine hours actual service in the
DAY, SIX days in week, and seven hours
actual service at night, seven nights in
the week, will constitute a days work.
All service in excess of the above named
hours, including Sunday, will be regarded
as extra, and will be paid for at regular
salary rate, on basis of seven hours to a
day. The above order is interpreted
by some operators as having been forced
from the company by the fact that the
Brotherhood of fTelegraphers had demand
ed certain concessions and threatened a
general strike unless their demands were
complied with. The cOmpany's officers
say that no such demands have been
made, and it was necessary to issue the or
der now, becauseits operation affects ac-
counts for the coming month. 1t was intend
ed to have the new rules take effect at the
beginning of the company's fiscal year,
July 1st but the printing of the rules was
unavoidably delayed until this time. The
committee had the subject under constant
consideration for the past three months.
PITTSBURG, July 11.-ThOmas Hughes,
Secretary of the Telegraphers' Brother
hood, says the report that telegraphers'
strike was imminent is unfounded. 1--WE
have not decided to demand an increase
in wages or anything else, he said, ''and
if any demand should be decided upon, it
will not be made secretly, and no attempt
will be made to take a snap judgment on
the telegraph cOmpanies." Other persons
assert that the strike will take place next
week, but Hughes statement is regarded
as authoritative.