Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-05-02
DEMANDS Of LABOR
May Brings Its Usual
Batch of Trouble.
REDUCED HOURS OF LABOR
Big Strike of New England Granite
Workers Is Now On.

BosToN, May with the first OF May
comes the, OF late years, usual movement
OF organized labor for a reduction OF work
ing hours aud an increase in pay In Bos-
toA , nj vicinity the short-honr strikes
will not be of such magnitude as In years
past. Several trades will today make de-
mand for an increase in pay or reduction
of hours.
The plumbers will make demand for
an increase in pay to 81 dav. They have
been receiving $3.50, but since last fall
have been very much dissatisfied, it is said
believing that thev were entitled TO more
money. II their demands a y Lot granted
there will be a strike in which from 300 to
300 men will be involved. A special meet
ing OF the Plumbers Protective union was
held yesterday afternoon and this de-
cision made.
At q meeting of the Amalgamated
Building Traaes Council yesterday, il was
voted to support the plumbers in case Of
strike. II is likely that the steam filters
of Boston will also become involved IL the
plumbers go out, as the two trades are
closely connected.
The boiler makers, iron ship builders,
machinists, pattern makers wood turner's,
cloth hat and cap makers and other trades
also intend to ask for reduction in their
hours of labor or an increase in wages.
Wood carvers in Boston have for the
past few years worked fifty-four hours a
week. They have recently decided that the
condition Of their trade will warrant u rc.
duction OF their weeks work to fifty
hours. AS Il consequence, their employers
have been asked to make this reduction.
The men employed in the cloth hat and
cap industry think the condition OF their
trade will enable them to reduce their
hours Of labor To nine. They have pre-
sented n request for nlae hours TO their
employers -Four Of the manufacturers
have already granted the request.
It was expected that the carpenters
would m axe demand for the cight-bour
working day, but IL seems that they have
decided nc to do so. The failure OF last
years strike still stares them in the face.
The West End employees have sent "A re
quest to President Whitney that their
hours OF labor he reduced to nine. con
ference on this subject will be held during
the week.
Big Granite Strike Inaugurated.
One OF the largest strikes that has
probably ever affected the granite indus
try of New England has been inaugurated.
The business generally may not feel the
effect at once, but the first move has been
made. move that IL the game is played
on the plan as now laid down by the manu-
facturers and men will within few weeks
bring that business to a standstill. and re
suit in the idleness OF over 1900 work
men.
IL is the quarrymen who fire the first
gun in this battle between capital and la
Dor, and when the echo reaches the stone
cutters. blacksmiths and polishcrs, the
big labor gun will be got ready for the
battle Rumors of dissatisfaction among
the men and probabilities Of strike have
been prevalent In the large granite cen
ters the past few weeks, but there was
hope even up to Saturday that the greater
part OF the trouble could be averted.
But 1t has come, and with all likelihood.
TO remain. This morning 1900 quarrymcn,
including those at Quincy, Cape Ann,
Mantle n. l., Milestone Point, Conn,
Relstonc n. H., and Hurricane Island,
NJ. went out, and the l30 quarrymen at
Westerly, X. l., are just as firm In their
demands as when they quit work on
April I.
The cutters in these places aud the
wurkmen in all other departments are
far - they will not handle any stone
qurrried by non-union men. The men are
not doing all the asking this year, either.
TIE manufacturers have made n request,
AMI that IN more In the form OF mani
fesio, and a resolution which the mem
ber- Of the Granite Manufacturer asso.
citation Of New England have voted 10 en-.
force. IL is to have all bills go into effect
on Jan. instead OF May I.
All the unions are opposed TO t,and this
will be the great issue. probably, TO which
the question OF n general strike will later
cOniiue itself IL has not come up at Cape
Anu nor at Quincy. for no bill has yet
been agreed upon. bu, II there should be
any mutual understanding regarding q
raise. then 30 surely will this issue be
raised and NJ surely will both sides fight
IL.