St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-10-13
A STRIKE THREATENED.
Ene demand Made by the SWitchs
men of Minneapolis.


The impending strike of the switchmen
employed in the railroad yards of Minneapo-
lis seems to be coming to a focus. Last Sat-
urday demand was made upon the superiu
tendents of the Milwaukee, Northern Pacific
and Minneapolis u st. Louis roads, through
the medium Of committee from the Trades
and Labor assembly, for an advance
of pay. While the committee wal
courteonsly received, no intimation wal
given upon the part of the railroad
officials that the demand will be complied
with. Notice was then served that unlesi
a conclusion was made within five days
strike would follow. The FIVE days notice
expires to-day. 1t. is anticipated that the
strike will begin, although some delay may
may occur owing to the hesita-
ton OF non-union men to join.
Some think that the effort should
have been made earlier, as winter is ap-
preaching. There is. however, a unanimous
feeling that the increase of pay asked is just
ana reasonable The foremen are receiving
900 and their helpers $55 for night work. The
aay toremen receive $50 and their helpers
600. 1t is asked that the pay of
tae night foremen be increased
to SIS, the day helpers TO SIS, day foreman
to $40, and helpers to S65. These are the
prices paid in Denver and Chicago. and the
men do not see why they should be paid less
because they work in the Northwest, Both
the men and the railroad officials have re-
fused to give any particulars to
the press as to their Intentions. The
switchmen held meeting last night, and
have probably decided upon a plan of action
That Will be outlined to-day. The Milwaukee,
men show considerable hesitation in Joining
the strike and may not walk out TO-DAY. The
employees of. the other roads are more deter
mined than ever, and will insist upon the
strike, which, if inaugurated is to in
clude the switchmen in the rail-
road yards of ST. Paul as well as
Minneapolis. The number of men employed
at Minneapolis is 300 and in St. Paul even
larger, and the complication in the event of
strike will be quite serious, and if pro-
tracted the other labor and railroad
organizations will join in the effort to
bring the railroads to time. This
is shown by the fact that the demand comes
through the Trades and Labor assembly.
which is delegate body composed Of mem
bers from all unions. At present no resort
to violence is expected, although the railroads
have prepared by massing their
police from different points along its
roads. The police are, however, Kept in Sc
ciusion so as not to aggravate the men by
their appearance. ''We only intend to pro
tect the men who want to go to work il
strike comes and do not mean to act on
the aggressive said prominent
railroad official. The switchmen are equally
emphatic in diSclaiming any intention of re-
sorting to violence to carry their point.At the
present writing it cannot be said that the
strike will be inaugurated to-day, al
though there is strong probability
that the word to quit work will be passed this
morning. The attitude of the railroads is
against the granting of any concessions what
ever, although their action depends largely
upon what strength and support the strikers
develop.