Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-04-01
TEE STRIKE IS ON.
UNION CARPENTERS QUIT WORK YESTERDAY
AFTERNOON.
About One Hundred and Sixty Members Of the
Union Are Efected-Sevsral Contracting
Firms Pay the Advance De-
mandsd By the Hen.

The strike is on and most OF the union
carpenters of the city shouldered their
tool boxes, when the work for the day
was finished at five o'clock yesterday
afternoon, to resume work only when
their demands are acceded to, or the
differences between them and the con-
tractors are amicably settled.
Those who built their hopes upon the
carpenters regular meeting last night,
were doomed 10 disappointment. Dur
ing the day some rumors were heard
that the members OF the union would
reconsider their previous action last
night, and would make another PROPOSE
ton to tho contractors The rumor ap-
pears to have had no foundation IN
fact. A well attended meeting was held
in Trades Assembly Hall last night, at
5 o'clock, continuing until about $3.50.
The situation was discussed and som
plans outlined for the conduct OF the
strike, but no action was taken regard
ing the withdrawal or moderation OF the
demands made by the union.
The result is that about one hundred
and sixty union men are to-day on a
strike, and building prospects are par
alyzed for the time being. None OF the
large contracting firms have agreed to
pay the increase asked, as nearly all
are members Of the Builders Exchange.
Several firms employing from three to
ten men, however, will pay the
wages asked, and about forty
carpenters will thus find en-
ployment. This, with the 70 or IS non
nnion men not affected by the strike,
will constitute the entire number OF
carpenters who will do the work out
lined for the season, in case the strike
is prolonged.
The carpenters employed by Beltz,
Fladlng 81 Co. are not members OF the
Carpenters and Joiners Union. Yester-
day the firm granted an advance OF 10
per cent. in wages, to take effect from
and after to-day.
A prolonged strike will do incalcula-
BILE injury TO the business interests OF
the. city. Considerable uneasiness has
already been manifested among persons
who have started work upon new opild-
ings, and others who have work
of this character in contemplation. a
number of dwelling and business houses
are in different stages Of work, and
many persons fear that the strike II
continued for any length Of time, Will
prevent a completion Of the work be-
fore winter arrives, with consequent
postponement until next season.
The carpenters are not the only per-
sons affected. All of the building
trades will be Inconvenience more or
less. Aside from the fact that many
projected new buildings will probably
be abandoned, in the event OF a pro-
longed strike, the bricklayers, masons,
timers, roofers, painters and others,
will be prevented from finishing work
upon buildings in process of erection,
without the aid of the carpenters.
Said prominent contractor yester-
day: 1.-THE demand OF the carpenters
for increased wages at this time is UNI
reasonable. Aside from the fact that
the prospects for good building season
are the reverse OF bright, the carpen-
tiers are paid higher wages in Wheeling
than in any city OF equal population in
the country" Several carpenters denied
this, but assuming it TO be true, argued
that men engaged in the other building
trades are paid much higher wages,
and their wages shbuld be accordingly
increased.