Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1886-04-07
More Labor Troubles Probable.

For several months past it has been as.
serted by the mass Of Washington mechanics
that after the third of May they would en-
deavor to put in operation an eight-hour
law in that city, and as the day draws near
or tho anxiety regarding the result of this
proposed move grows more intense. The
labor organizations pretend to be closely al.
lied and unanimous upon this subject
They say they intend to work with all their
power to carry out their views and exert
their utmost strength to make the move
ment a success. Those who employ the diff
fercnt classes of artisans are endeavorlpg to
meet the coming crisis as best they can, and
the issue is looked forward to with interest
by some and apprehension by Others The
employers in the various trades have be-
come toerably well organized and united
by means of the Master Builders Associa.
ton, which is composed of delegates from
the respective organizations OF contractors
in the various trades connected with build
ing in Washington. A general meeting of
employers was held last Friday evening to
consider the eght-hour movement, at which
probably four-hfths Of the contractors in the
city were present and at which the follow
ing preamble and resolution were passed:
Whereas, That we view with alarm the unusual
and arbitrary demands of the mechanics and la
borers of the District of Columbia for d reduction
of the hours Of labor from ten to eight, which
they claim should constitute days work after
May ), 1856, and while we believe and are fully
convinced that there arc no adequate or just rea-
sons existing for such demands, and that the dis
cussion of this subject has already materially in
terfcred with the building operations and the
al - rSpt md oh
such demands for 4 reduction in the hours of la
Dor be complied with the cost of all necessares of
life will be greatly increased thereby without any
advantage to the general public, business Of all
kinds will be more or less suspended, cntailing
unusual and severe hardships upon labor in all
branches therefore be 1t
Resolved. That we, the Master Builders of the
District Of Columbia. in convention assembled,
believe il to be for the best interest and for the
welfare Of the laboring classes in all brancheE,
and for all parties concerned to continue our pre-
sent rule of ten hours per day except Saturdays,
when eight hours shall constitute days work,
and VIC pledge ourselves 10 resist all demands for
a further reduction in tho hours of labor, and in
sist upon our present rule, which has proved so
beneficial to our mechanics and laborers and
brought prosperity to our country.
At the meeting of the Master Builders
Association Saturday night, the above reso-
luton was UNANIMOUSLY adopted.
AT lne close oil the meeting the suO'con-
tractors held a session which was auxiliary
to the first, and passed similar resolutions,
protesting agains; The demands Of the work
men and ayowing their determination 10
resist them to the uttermost.
The contractors say they are strong
enough 10 contest the eight hour movement,
even TO the extent Of meeting strike. A
number of the large firms and manufactures
OF the city. notably the Washington Brick
Machine Company, several brick manufac
lures, stone men and lumber dealers, have
announced their intention to second the
efforts of tho contractors, and it is very
probable that 4 serious contest will occur
between the contractors and the labor or
ganizatious when the latter's demands are
made.