Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-05-25
TORN Up ALL AROUND.
Striking Timers Dissatisfied With
Their Organization.
THE BOSSES GIVE THEIR STORY.
Miners and Operators Fail to Bring About q
Settlement.
BUILDING TRADES COUNCIL MATTERS

Dissatisfaction has arisen among a few
Of the journeymen timers who went out on
strike three weeks ago. 1t is charged that
the strike has not been managed properly or
it would have been settled. One of the
strikers, George L. Muhler, said he would
resign from local Union No. IL on this ac-
count, and that more would follow him. In
speaking of the matter to DISPATCH re-
porter, Mr.. Muller said:
"Local Union No. II has violated certain
rules of her constitution in this strike, and
has dealt unfairly and seifshly with some
of her best mechanics. Some OF her methods
have been of an intimidatiDg character. In
the first place the public is not aware that
the timers have been idle for three weeks
by reason of an order given without the
union having voted TO strike. The desire of
Local Union No. II is to place the inferior
mechanic on level with the superior work
man. 1 was granted my advance, but am
not permitted to work because the objections
are raised against the employers for refus-
ing to grant the demands of unskllled me-
chanics.
MORE OF THE CHARGES.
"The union insists that all men dis
reinstated at the so-called minimum OF
wages of 50 so per day whether they are
worth it or not Some Of our members have
been imposed upon, and l understand that
the members of Union No. II would like to
get rid of the Indiana emigrants. of whom
am one, or compel them to organize an exo-
dus. While am Hoosier, 1 am ready to
show the public that our union is controlled
bv emigrants from all nations.
81 wonder if the Supreme Council of the
International Association is aware of the
manner in which affairs are being conduct
ed? l can assure members OF Union No. IL
they need have no fear of Indiana, and L
am sure that when they see the 40 first-class
mechanics from that noble State who will
be here shortly, they will change their
minds on emigration. In regard to the
financial affairs of the union, they have
been unfairly handled, with view to re-
tain its money in some cases, and in others
to pay to unworthy members. The Execu-
tive Committee even went so fa- as TO ask
some of the needy to receive their strike
benefits as loan. and to pay them back
after the strike. 1t is with some regret that
leave the organization, but the best of the
brotherhood will go with me in time"
Mr.. Muhler's action created quite stir
among the other workmen yesterday and
last night. MIR. McMasters, of the union
said IN relation to Muhler's reference to the
financial affairs of the union that he had re-
ceived all the benefits due him, and more
too. Yesterday morning it was reported
that Muller was sick, and his strike benefits
were sent to him.
AS to the ordering of the strike Mr.. Nc
Masters said majority of the union was
present the night the action was taken, and
that the motion to strike was passed unani-
m0uSlV Secretary Goodwin said.
THE UNIONS SIDE OF 1T.
every member was notified to be present
the night the vote was taken, and if any
favoritism has been shown in the distribu-
tion of money, Mr.. Muller must have been
a decided favorite, as he has received three |
times as much as the great majority of the |
members Mr.. Muller, by his action to- |
day has violated his obligation. The whole |
matter is so thin that any person can look |
through and see beyond it prominent mas
ter timer looming up, who undoubtedly is |
at the head of the whole scheme.
"Mr. Muller talks of 40 men coming from |
Indiana. Well, it will be no use, for they |
will not be allowed to work. Our union is |
all right We paid off every man who |
wanted benefits to-day, and l guess we have |
enough money to make another payment or
two."
There were no new developments in the |
strike yesterday. The master timers have |
appointed a committee with full power to
act in arbitrating the matter, but the timers |
say they will not appoint any such COM
mittee.
THE MASTERS HAVE A WORD. |
A committee of the master timers called |
at THE DISPATCH Office last night and |
stated their side of the present difficulty |
with the journeymen has never been prop
erly placed before the public. They are |
willing now, and have been all along, to |
treat the men fairly and do everything in |
their power to bring about an amicable set |
but the men do not seem to show |
the same willingness. Said one of the COM
mittee:
'The journeymen have gone into this
strike irregularly and contrary to the rules
governing their organization. They have |
not lived up with their constitution, which |
provides that when a difficulty arises be- |
tween members Of any union and their en-
ployers the members shall lay the |
matter before their union and no
strike can be ordered until legal |
has been received from the Ex-
ecutive Board. 1t has come to a point
where something definite must be done, and
our committee, which has been given power
to settle the strike, will give the men until
Tuesday next to return to work, and if they
fail to do so their places will be filled by
l.