The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1895-07-27
AN APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM.

The Mason Builders Association and
the Bricklayers' Unions of Boston have
an apprentice system that has been in
operation several years. is satisfactory
to both sides, and is large factor of har-
mony. Some outline of the system may
prove of interest to readers, since the
scheme comprehends the education of
the apprentice and the idea of trade
school in the near future according to the
terms of the compact. Since the estab-
lishment of the system there has been no
friction between the employers and the
unions. from which we must conclude
that the scheme is one that Is accepted as
entirely just and fully equitable. 1t may
be that knowledge of the working Of this
plan may suggest the carrying of a
similar scheme into other trades with
benefit.
To prevent taking on apprentices at
immature ages, when not physically
strong enough. nor sufficiently educated,
it is provided that all apprentices must
be able to read and write and be 16 years
old, and that no apprentice shall be taken
on after he is 20 years of age; but an ap-
prentice taken at Is must serve until he
is q. No apprentice is taken except he
agrees to the rules of the compact and
promises to abide by all its conditions.
No mason builder shall take an appren-
tics except be binds himself to keep him
under legitimate instruction for the full
term provided by the rules.
When builder desires to take an ap-
prentice he notifies the Secretary of the
association. giving all the necessary de-
tails in writing. The Secretary then no.
titles the clerk of the Joint Committee
and record Is made of the facts. The
Joint Committee then issues to the ap-
prentice card showing that he has been
properly proposed and registered.
The Joint Committee, which makes all
the rules regarding apprenticeship, fur
nishes the youth with a copy OF the rules,
so that he is fully informed Of as to his
duties, privileges and obligations. This
Joint Committee has authority to settle
all issues which arise, to hear and deter
mine appeals and to terminate any ap-
premiership for cause. 1t has power to
place an apprentice with a new master
for an unexpired term in case of the
death or retiracy of the builder, or if
from any other cause it becomes nsces-
sary. The committee also prepares and
delivers graduation papers when the
master certities to the excellence of the
work of the apprentice and his fitness to
become journeyman.
An employer may appeal 10 the Joint
Committee to terminate an apprentice
ship in case of incapacity. insubordina-
ton, addiction to strong drink, idleness
or dissolute habits or want of care for
the builders interests. So, too, the ap-
prentice may appeal to the committee
against the master If he is not dealing by
him fairly and giving him needed in
struction and opportunity to advance,
etc.
For the frat year the apprentice is paid
at the rate of IL cents an hour, II cents
the second year, ID cents the third year
and 10 cents for the additional years that
the youth may be obliged to serve to
learn the trade. All payments are made
weekly, and deductions may be made for
absence from work without sufficient ex-
cuse, or additional time may be exacted
as penalty. but it shall not be more than
double the time of original work.
If the apprentice presents himself but
is unable to work because of stress of
weather or failure of the employer to
provide work, he shall not be cut short of
his wage. In addition to the wages above
indicated, each apprentice who stands
we'll is allowed $50 for the first year extra
and S75 for each other year; and these
extras are payable in quarterly INSTALL
ments. To every apprentice there must
be granted one week of vacation In each
year without loss of pay. or two weeks
with one weeks loss Of wages, but no