Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-01-16

umn is prepared by the officers of the
Federation of Labor.1
The Ottumwa Trades and Labor As
sembly has endorsed the resolution
adopted by the American Federation
of Labor. which recognizes nothing as
uLion unless it bears the union label.
Heretofore many institutions were said
to be fair" because they employed
part union men and part non-union men.
Hereafter all such institutions will not
be entitled to the patronage of union
men, unless the product of such insti-
tuition bears the union label. The
resolution also carries with it, an in
timation to union men who have been
careless in regard to demanding the
label. Such men will not be consid-
cred union men by organized labor in
this country. Where there is no label
the card must be demanded, and the
member exhibiting the same must be
in good standing with his local. This
step was taken for the purpose of put
ting an end to the argument that the
label was not supported by some mem
bers OF organized labor. While it may
appear to be trihe arbitrary to
those not in touch with the movement,
it is expected to remind those who have
been careless and eventually work
the greatest good to the greatest num-
Der.
The National Building Trades Coun-
Gil has adopted a union label to be
placed upon all buildings erected by
union labor. The emblem is beauti-
full one and will be an ornament to all
buildings. 1t is of a circular design,
made of Mexican onyx and silver. The
plate across the silver is of the latter
metal, and bears the inscription,
Erected by union labor" and the
date in which the building is erected.
President Dold of the National Build
ing Trades Council says the present de-
mand for the label cannot be sup
piled.
Again we all know the concomitants
of ''cheap" work. There are the close,
unhealthy sweatshops where factory
acts are laughed at and where life and
hope and Joy are crushed out by pois-
onous atmospheres and slavish toll.
There are the over-long hours; the
employment of children Of tender age;
the home-working where father, moth
er and children (some babies almost)
all work from dawn till midnight on
work taken at rates which are abso-
| lutely impossible in all but these foul
and unnatural surroundings and con-
ditions. -International Woodworker.
Judging from the correspondence
that has taken place between the rep
resentatives Of the carpenters organi-
cations of Great Britain and our gen
eral Office, it seems that there is little
desire on the part of British contrac-
tors and dealers to handle the products
of unfair American labor. The demand
on the other side of the Atlantic is for
woodwork bearing the label of the
| Amalgamated union.
The report Of the delegates to the
Trades and Labor Assembly shows an
increase in the number of men en-
ployed in the various Trades in this
city, of about Is per cent, and an in
crease in wages ranging from 10 to so
per cent. All of the organizations have
recovered from the hard times of a few
years ago, and all are growing rapidly
in membership.
The recent visit of President Sabine,
of the United Garment Workers, will
result in demand for better quail
ity Of clothing bearing the label. His
explanation to the local unions of the
cost of union made clothing was an eye
opener.
The Trades and Labor Assembly
will meet in special session next We'd
nesday evening, for the purpose of
adopting a new constitution and by
laws. All members are urged to attend
this meeting.
The Iron Molders' union of North
America now wants to do away with
the piecework system and in place es-
| tablish minimum rate of So per day
| for eight hours work.
All the brewery workers in the vi
cinitv of Pittsburg and Allegheny have
with drawn from the X. of i. and join
ed the American Federation.
The cigar makers of Oskaloosa are
usino every effort to organize that
city, and things never looked brighter
| for success