Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-27
FOLLOWING A RULE.
How Local Building Contractors
We're Forced to Organize.
WITH AUSTRALIA.
The Cork workers Strike Is Growing More
Interesting.
MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRIAL ITEMS

The publication in yesterdays DISPATCH
of the fact that the cutstone contractors had
reorganized their association caused consid-
erable talk among contracting builders and
others interes ted in the building trades.
1t leaked out that the stone contractors
mad only been following the instructions
OF the National Builders Association,
which passed resolution at its recent meet
ing in New York, providing that all the
trades snould form an independent orgaDiza-
ton. Those previously organized were the
dealers in bui lders' supplies, the carpenters.
rooiers, painters, timers, plasterers, plumb
ers bricklayers, brick manufacturers,
lumber dealers and planing-milI men.
Every trade is complete now.
The resolution referred to, which has been
responsible for the combinations OF many of
the master builders, was first introduced
at the st. Paul session and was re-
affirmed at New York. At the same meet
ing it was decided that the association
would favor arbitration as means ior set
tling all disputes, but when this fails
through the obstinacy of employees lock-
out is to follow, and when lockout occurs
in any one trade it is understood that all
other trades will close down.
Each Trade Thoroughly Organized.
This is one of the objects of the organiza-
ton, and each trade is about thoroughly or
ganized. The local Builders Exchange is
in about the best condition that it has been in
since it was organized. 1t now has about $50
members, with 81 applications on hand. After
the next meeting the Exchange will have over
800, with prospects of reaching the 6OO mark by
the first of July.
This puts the Exchange on basis where 1t
can command the situation, in case trouble
arises between the employers and the men, In
visw OF the prospective demand for eight
hours made by the carpenters, this is very I'M
portant. While 10 contractor wishes to
see trouble arising between the men and the
employees, it Is very evident that If the latter in
sist upon trying their strength, there would i'm
mediately be sudden stop in all building
trades and no work would be done until the
difficulty could be arranged.
BY another resolution passed at the session at
New York it was recommended that all local
Builders Exchanges eldcavor, as far as posi-
BILE. to settle the wage question in the future
on a basis of SO much per hour. From this it
would seem that the master builders are will
ing to grant the demand for eight hours, pro-
Viding the men are willing to accept the pres
ent wages per hour. OF course, the men are
fight will be the result
One of the Significant Features.
The manner in which all building contractors.
not only IN this country but Canada and other
countries as well. are beginning to work in har-
mony, is significant. There has lately been
considerable amount of correspondence be-
tween the local Builders Exchange and the
Federated Builders and Contractors Associa-
tion of Australia, and similar organizations in
Canada and it is hinted that there is to be 4
closer affiiation with the contractors OF all
countries than has ever existed before.
1t is understood that President Gompers has
given the local carpenters the assurance that
they have the support of the entire affiliated
bodies aud urged them to make the fight for
eight hours openly determinedly and positively,
and not to give up until they win. There have
been some interesting developments among
the carpenters recently that are likely TO be
considered at meeting to be held tonight.