The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1901-05-25
EPOCH / IN HIS / 0RY
MACHINIsTs STRIKE SOUNDS DEAT1
KNELL OF TEN HOUR DAY. - -
Machinists Are Fully Prepared Foi
Strike-Their Treasury Large and
Members Cupboards Full-Whe.
They Win Other Trades Will Fol.
low in Their Footsteps, and the
Ten Hour Day Will Vanish.

Several years ago the American Fed,
GRAFTON of Labor decided that, the first
union to make an effort for the univer-
sal shorter work-day should be the ma
chinists. It was at first intended that
the strike should take place infth May
following, but on account Of the de-
pressed condition Of trade at that time,
the movement was postponed until
now. One year ago the machinists,
served notice on their employers, that
on and after the goth day of May. 1901.
they would sell their labor for no long
er period than nine hours per day.
During the past year all preparations
were being made for the inauguration:
of their movement. President O'Con-:
nell and his assistants have made every
effort for settlement without the pain
full necessity of a strike. In some cases
they were successful, but in others. a.
will be seen by the daily press reports.
they were not. Now the strike is on,
and on in earnest. Forty thousand
earnest, intelligent and determined ma
chinists on Saturday evening last laid
down their tools and resolved to not
work until their demands were accept.
ed. " -.5.., =.
This is the kind of strike that counts
and wins. It is and will be a difficult
matter to get 10000 non-union men to
take their places. The machinists have
been planning this for years. Their
cupboards are full, little bank &C.
count is awaiting the emergency call.
Their International treasury IL ade-
quate to meet the occasion, and hence
ho "a etc ha TO 1,o =
to work. The strike will be Of short
duration, the machinists will win and
then milestone in the progress Of the
labor movement will have been passed.
This incident will be an epoch in the
history of the modern lapor movement,
closely followed by another trade which
Is in a. position to stand q national
strike, and then there will be another.
and another, and SO on, until the old
inhuman, tiresome ten hour day shall.
have been a. thing of the past among,
all Wage-earners. - - -, IA Ia
The next in kin to the machinistS are
sthe II molders. .{544ss To see the machinists.
quitting work one hour earlier Will
make them more or less rsStl l4ss. Pose
athlK II The
1T MI a Icy HI
10, they too VIII win. ..8 Efs
According to the press reports; the
machinists are meeting with success ut
every corner. President O'Connell says
that by Monday ninety per cent Of their
number will return to work.
At the Union Iron Works, San Fran
cisco, the company is making bitter
fight against its men. This firm is en-
gagged in the construction Of several
linen of war" for our government.
Were they carrying out the present
eight hour law as they are supposed to
do, instead of their men striking for a
nine hour day, they would be enjoying
the government eight hour day.
In New York the Metal Trades asso-
citation, which is the organization Of the
employing machinists, are comforting
with the machinists union and PROS
poets are bright for an early settle
ment Of the strike there. -, =.
In Minnesota the strike effects but
st. Paul and Minneapolis, as other ma
chinists' union are located In small rail-
road towns. In the Twin Cities every
thing indicates an early and successful
termination Of the strike. The unions
there are thoroughly organized, and
the employers have already made over
lures for conference. Before another
weeks rolls by we predict the settle
ment Of the strike. -