New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-19
A BIG STRIKE BEGUN.
THE HOUsESMITHS AND BRlDGEMEN
LEAVE WORK.
MEN IN OTHER BUILDING TRADES MAY JOIN
THEM-THE DEMANDS OF THE UNION
MEETING or THE STATE BOARD
OF ARRITRATION.

OF ARBITRATION.
The long threatened strike of the Housesmiths
and Brdgemakers Union began in earnest yes
terdev morning when nearly one thousand
men belonging to the organization refused to
work at about twenty big buildings in this city
and I'm Brooklyn. Work at those buildings was
beine done bv the iron firms OF J. -. & J. NJ
Cornell of this city. and Mken Brothers, of
Rrooklyn The strike is directed at present
AGAINST those two firms but it is likely to
spread. and "sympa thetic" strike may affect
Il 900 men employed in the building trades.
No violence or disorder was caused by the
strike yesterday. but policemen were stationed
at all Of the buildings affected by it. There
seemed to be an impression that the strike
would continue a long time. 1t was directed
at the Iron League. which has been a hated foe
Of the workmen's organization. and neither side
Is expected to yield point until there has been
q long trial Of strength The strike was ordered
on SUNDAY because tho Cornes and Millikens
refused 10 grant the demands OF the workmens
organization for a general advance Of wages.
shorter hours and the signing Of agreements
which were alleged to be essential for the pro-
lection Of the men.
THE WORKMEN'S DEMANDS
The following are lHe dfilCIrS VIM" piN
Housesmiths and Bridgemakers' Union wanted
the employers to sign:
II Is desired to have better UNDERSTANDING be,
the employers and employees IN the strhctural
work industry IN this city and vicinity for their
Section |. All WOrkmen employed as housesmiths
or brligemakers shall be employed by the day;
eight hours to constitute a days work between the
hours of m. and p. m. ono nour for dinner
Sec 2 All overtime TO be paid double time; all sun
day and legal holiday work 20 be abolished, except
n CaS absolute necessity,
he paid but Labor Day no work shall be done.
AID man to be discharged for refusing 10 work
Sec B. Employers agree 10 employ none but mem
bers o: the United Housesmiths and Bridsemakers
Union.
hired I'm his place without Just cause. either Of tho
following being deemed sufficient cause for dis
charge: If proof can be given thar any man negiectS
his duty neglects TO study the bes interests OF ms
employer. or Is guilty u gross carelessness de
ness deliberate characterization. of using intoxi
eating lln,Iors TO excess also the employers agree
~ 10 ~ hoc,usc no haonos "a tho IN on
See ;. Timekeepers and clerks are not to act as
foremen superintendent or 70 Interfere with the
employees.
Sec. 6 stewards to be maintained for the purpose
OF looking after the interests OF the union on all
jobs; all complaints OF stewards TO be made to the
walking delegates Of tae union: stewards shall not
interfere with the men during working hours.
See. I. All 70 be pad weekly. and not ID be
kept waiting; all men kept waiting 10 be laid over
the job where they work
Sec. 5. The walking delegate Of the IIousesmiths
and Hridgsmakers Union 10 b permitted to visit OIL
Jobs al al times during working hours to look after
the interests Of the union.
Sec. I? Wages scale: Settlers. 81 80: derrckmen and
good all-around men. g. helpers on derrick 81 So
Tlveters s.: heaters. 50 %: foreman ansher 81 So
hnishers. 50; fnshers' helpers s. %; blacksmiths
50 %: becksmltbs' helpers e. -.
The above Is The minimum scale of wages: re-
ductlon of wages to receiving tnan this
scale calls ter while tais agreement - in force.