The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-23

The fourth week OF the strike of the local
steam and hot water filters and their
helpers, for an increase of wages, begins
today, and, according TO the statements
of prominent members OF the unions, the
outlook for a settlement Of the differences
between the workmen and their employers
is very slim. At the last conference be-
tween representatives OF the union men
and the Master Steam and Hot Water
Filters Association, a compromise was
effected as to the rate of wages, but 1t is
stated that other conditions imposed by
the employers were not acceptable TO the
union men.
Since the strike was inaugurated 1t is
said by the local steam filters that the
bosses have imported about a dozen non
union men and put them 10 work in the
places Of the strikers. One of the condi-
tions Of the settlement proposed by the
employers, 1t IS stated, is that these nom
union men shall be admitted to member
ship in the local unions upon the recon-
mendation OF the bosses, without expense
10 either the applicant or the master
steam filters. This condition, it is said,
includes not only the non-union men now
IN the employment of the master filters,
but also any others which they might put
to work between Low and October J. at
which time It is proposed the agreement is
10 90 into effect.
In speaking OF the matter yesterday
prominent local labor leader said that the
proposition is looked upon with suspicion
by the steam filters and their helpers, for
the reason that some time ago. in COM
munication to them, the master filters
stated, "as far as unions are concerned,
We completely ignore them, as they ceased
70 exist for us when our past proposition
OF April IS was ignored By themselves, and
We recognize no union OF either filters
or helpers"
The initiation fee in the steam filters
union, it is stated, is $l5, and it IS claimed
that II the dozen men now employed by
the master filters were to be admitted TO
membership without cost It would viz
tually be contribution Of $3.50 to persons
who are assisting to defeat the purpose
OF the local steam filters. There are, how
ever, it is said, TWO classes OF steam fit
tiers now at work for local bosses. One is
what is known as nOn-union men, and the
other as scabs. There will not be an?
objection to the enrolment Of the non
union men, It is said, but the scsbs,
Il is understood. would have 10 right
themselves with the union to which they
formerly belonged before the local steam
filters could entertain their application for
membership.
Aside from this there is another phase
Of the matter which the steam filters say
they do not fully comprehend. In COM
nunication received by the steam filters
on last Thursday from the Master Steam
Filters Association it is stated that, be-
ginning October /, the pay Of steam filters
should be 1925 per day and the helpers
Sl.75 per day provided the other terms OF
the proposition were agreed 10. Solar as the
increase Of wages IS concerned the steam
filters say that they are unable 10 under
stand why the increase Of pay should not
go into effect Immediately because they
are informed that the nOn-union men and
scabs now at work for the master filters
ere being paid according TO the scale pro-
posed to the strikers. but Of which they
are refused the benefits for more than a
month Had the master filters agreed to