The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-02-02
LABOR TROUBLES.
Beginning OF what Is Thought to BE q
Protracted Strike.


Protracted Strike.
Brockton, Mass, Feb. 2.--Brockton has
q fight between the shoe manufacturers
and the unions on its hands, and is I'm
practically the same position as the
town. of Stoneham. except that few
factories have announced their inten-
tion of moving away.
Charles A. Eaton q Co, who operate
ono OF the largest shoe factories in this
city, discharged 300 employees yesterday
morning. and issued notice that the
factory would be closed indefinitely. 1t
Is understood that several other manu-
facturers will close. in order TO lessen
the power OF the unions, IL possible.
The affairs at the factory Of T. d.
Parry & Co. are still unsettled, although
200 employee were at work yesterday,
leaving Mr.. Barry so men short OF q full
crew. The union officials say that Of
the number who are at work, only
rs were employed there previous to the
trouble, and that no union men went
back yesterday. Union pickets are
keeping an eye on the factory
Mr.. Barry says that he is satisfied with
the situation, and that he Will continue
out half of the orders hereceives. The
work of the lasters is being done by ma
chimes. which were put in last week
The closing Of Eaton e. Co.'S factory
was big surprise, an@ehanges the situ-
alton entirely. This shop has been run
ming steadily for nearly five years, but
the union claims ii has not paid union
prices. No excuse was made TO the en-
ployes this morning. although they be-
lieve that it was the beginning Of fight
against the unions.
Mr. Eaton, last night, said 10 a re-
porter that he had been contemplating
making change for some time and that
In order to do business safely. he would
have TO be allowed To deal with the help
as individuals, and not with the unions.
He said that he had made arrangements
TO employ non-union men, and will re-
open when enough are secured to operate
the factory. He said the manufacturers
or Brockton were obliged to do some
thing. as they are not able to compete
with manufacturers in other places. be-
cause of the high price paid for labor
here. They were constantly losing con-
tracts and were underbd on large or
ders by firms in other places. where
labor was cheaper. He declared that he
would go out of business rather than
give In to the unions.
The unions and several other manu-
facturers have differences In regard to I
the price lists still unsettled, and bust
ness men here fear that other factories |
Will close. The union officials do not |
think the situation is serious, and saw |
that the closing OF both Barry's and |
Eaton's factories were part Of a plan TO |
scare the unions.
The shop crews Of T. ID. Barry e. Co.,
c. A. Eaton & Co. and Joyce e. Fletcher |
held meeting last night. at which |
President Tobin. Secretary Eaton and !
treasurer Il. Howes Of the National
Boot and Shoe Wokers' union were pres.
ent The whole situation was discussed.
ana the employees of e. a. Eaton g. Co.
voted not 70 go back. President Tobin
has Issued the following statement:
Mr. Barry makes what IS apparently
fair statement regarding the matter.
N which he asserts that no discrinina-
ion shall be made against his former
employees III he is willing TO stand bv
his statement. we are willing to meet
lin, and. as soon as he recedes from
his present position and will conform "a
lis former statement. we will order the
men back. The old conditions must be
estored, and the old men reinstatAd.
This much we are willing To concede for
he best interests OF the city mt large"
The situation in the other two fscto-
les Is very bitter. and both sides are
preparing for long fight The officers
4 the union declare there is no other
lternative.