The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-02-03
GOOD SHOWING
OF LABOR UNIONS
Extracts Taken from the Reports
of Labor Comm ssioner
Doheriy.

Following is an interesting extract tax
I'm from the advance sheets Of the annual
report of Labor Commissioner Doherty on
the subject of labor unions:
Continuing the investigation begun
when this bureau started pertaining to
the growth OF organized labor and the
benefits derived thercfrom. schedules were
sent TO lS2 unions. and responses received
from 12l- IN the previous report only 80
reported. and this increase il. the number
of replies received this year would indi-
cate an increased interest in the bureau
and desire for its success.
OF the III reporting 80 reported an in
crease of wages ranging from . to 90 per
cent, and not one reported a decrease.
Two unions reported an increase in the
hours of labor, and il reported a decrease.
The two referred TO are unions which
have adopted the piece system
The amount paid for assistance aGgre-
gated $50 40. 50. Of this amount only Sio
was expended in supporting Il strike; the
balance went to beneficial and other pur-
poses This embraced what is termed
sick. "out of work and death bene-
fits, and this feature of the unions APP
pears to be managed in the most careful
and business-like manner. The dispense
ton of the large amount referred to did
Incalculable good. and this special feature
bids fair to increase the popularity and
usefulness of the unions.
The TACT that only one StIIhe "tt.S re-
ported. and that many unions secured in
creased wages for their members, would
Indicate that the affairs OF these orsani-
EationS were managed with discretion,
conservatism and success.
The total membership reporting was
1864 as compared with 1885 in The prev
ious report With t1t number Of organi-
cations not reporting, which are in full
sympathy with those reporting, the total
gnembersilip would be Increased TO about
1900 and the amount Of financial AID
distributed would he corrcSpcrdinSly aug
sncTlted.
In the mana cement Of their affairs the
question of arbitration was generally
adopted and it might be said played
most important part in the settlement
of controversies and differences between
the employer and eInploye
About SO per cent. of the unions recon-
snended legislation. These desired the
passage of the employers LIABILITY DIE,
and the bill providing for the inspection of
steam boilers, which two measures failed
of passage by the last Legislature Ihey
also recommended the passage of child
labor bill. and u bill providing for the
stamping of convict made goods
In response 10 the interrosatory, have
the general conditions of your trade or
calling been improved owing TO the eNlsi-
ence of your organization. all Responder
m the affirmative. paying tlisa tribute TO
what has been accomplished by -, labor
alnions in behalf of t.?e wage Garner
The tables that follow Will give repiles
in CONDENSED shape to the i1lterroSatoIles
pronounced by this bureau. and this lnfof-
5nation is the fullest compilation that has
seen made for publication in this state.
Two reports were received too late Tor
classification. one shows an increase oil
o per cent in wages, and the othes: IL per
cent Total amount paid out by bo'h
unions FOR assistance was SI4--9o. 1iitS
also re77ort that great benefit has &C
icruct from organization.