New-York tribune., 1901-06-02
EMPLOYERS DECLARE WAR.
ANNUL ALL AGREEMENTS WITH MA
CHINISTS' ORGANIZATION-WILL NOT
TREAT WITH IT HEREAFTER.

The manufacturers of the Metal Trades As
sociation have thrown down the gauntlet TO the
International Association of Machnists. In the
midst Of a strike which has extended through
the entire country, and during which the As
sociation Of Machinists has shown itself capable
OF closing up great Industrial establishments in
every part of the United States, the manufact-
urers issue a sweeping statement, in which
they denounce and annul every agreement that
has existed between the machinists' union and
the Metal Trades Association, and declare that
hereafter they will have nothing to do with the
union. and will absolutely refuse TO recognize
the right of its officials to represent their en-
ployes a party in any agreement between the
latter and themselves.
This attitude Of defiance was determined on
by the members of the National Metal Trades
Association at a meeting of its administrative
council which was held this week in Chicago
resolution, couched in the strongest terms
which declares null and void every agreement
existing between the association and the ma
chinists. adopted, and a declaration Of
principles drafted. Both were given out yester
day afternoon by Henry F. Devens. secretary OF
the association who returned from Chicago yes
terday
To take further action and prepare the manu-
facturers in the East for the fight that undoubt
edly will follow, a convention of machinery
manufacturers has been called in this city for
June II, at the Gisey House.
The resolution annulling the agreement with
the machinists states that the agreement was
made between the National Metal Trades AS
sociaton and the International Association OF
Machinists OF. May Is. 1900 TO avoid strikes
and lockouts by arbitrating all disputes be-
tween employers and employees. it being agreed
that, pending arbitration. there should be
strikes and lockouts, and that the strike
declared in violation of this compact
The declaration OF principles begins by saying
that the National Metal Trades Association are
alone responsible for the quality of work made
and sold by them, and that consequently they
alone must determine the conditions under
which their work shall be done. Briefly. they
insist upon managing their own business. While
they absolutely disapprove Of strikes and lock-
outs and refuse TO arbitrate with strikers, they
will make discrimination against any union
who Will work for them satisfactorily and
peaceaby. They alone will determine the num-
ber Of apprentices, helpers and handy men TO be
employed. They VIII require from these a fair
days work for fair days pay. Employees will
be paid at an hourly rate by premium system,
piece work or contract, the employer sees ft.
In case of disagreement in cases not covered by
the declaration the association advises the men
to arbtrate their differences before a board
composed Of six persons, three TO be chosen by
the employer and three to be chosen by the en-
ploye or employees
The association expressly states that all en-
ployers must pay their men a fair wage.
Mr.. Devens said that a copy Of the resolution
and declaration of principles would be sent to
Business Agent George II. Warner. of the
chinists. Monday.
This will close our relation with the Interna-
tional Association OF Machinists." said Mr..
DeYens. We shall bother with them longer
Up TO the hour of adjournment OF the session
Of the Executive Board of District No. 15 In
ternational Association Of Machinsts. yesterday
afternoon. official information had been re-
ceived of the declaration OF war Issued by the
Metal Trades Association.