The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1902-04-13
CONDUCTED BY n. W. BRUMLEY
A REVIEW OF
MACHINISTS' sTRIKF

The most interesting occurrence OF the
week is the agreement reached by the
Tho machinists will return to work
Great Southern Railroads settling the
trouble that was rounding out a year.
The machinists Will returned to work
Monday morning under the conditions
demanded when the strike was declared,
which was nine hours a day and an in
crease that Appropriated % cents per
day. About eighty men were affected in
Birmingham, but these were a small
percentage of the men all over the sys-
TEN, who were simultaneously engaged
in the demand and who are included in
the settlement, and who will return to
work without discrimination.
The result of the settlement is most
pleasing, both sides being satisfied with
the terms of the agreement In effect
it grants recognition to the union. which
is the most appreciated, as it opens
channels for peace and harmony in the
future, as well as granting the nine
hour day and an increase in wages.
1t brings to close an unpleasantness
of a years standing, and brings under
review all the circumstances connected
ton of Maehinists to which the Birming-
ham union is subordinate, determined
nearly two years ago to make univer-
sal demand for a nine hour day, and set
May 20, 1901 as the time to make 1t.
This date was decided on on account of
an agreement that had been reached be-
tween the machnists and the Metal
Trades Association, an organization of
the principal contract shops of the Mid
n 1n ndt rIn had jfIcf fhrnIIOh
a sharp conflict with their men. Good
and sufficient notice was given and the
men prepared for the conflict by
strengthening their organization in mem
bers and finance In some places an
increase in wages was demanded as
well as the shortening of hours. and on
the day set all men ceased work where
the employers had refused to enter into
negotiations or fatty refused the de-
mand, others held on until the point was
reached in the negotiations that to strike
was the only alternative.
This was the case in the Southern af-
fair, and the general strike was not de-
clared until May 30. The Birmingham
machinsts walked out as a man, appren-
tice boys and ALL The men remained out
with the same unanimity and daily meet
ings have been held since, and details for
picket duty maintained and the men pre-
sent as solid a front today as the first
day of the strike and the ultimate settle
ment follows on the heels of many 9TH
ers, upward of so per cent gaining that
for which they were struggling all over
the country. The most notable is the
settlement in San Francisco which was
affected about the first of the year. The
present settlement increases the percent
age considerably and brings to a close one
of the most stubborn struggles and prac-
tically clears the South of all large mis-
Understandings Atlanta, Chattanooga,
Memphis, Birmingham and a number of
other points being affected by the trouble
that has just closed.
The disagreeable incidents are passed
over, the spirit of accord hovers over all.
but 1t will not amiss from labor's
standpoint to look at the growth of the
Birmingham union in the last year or
more. 1t Is not so long back that the or
ganization got a set back that for while
threatened it's existence, 1t seemed, but
several untiring workers put their should
ers to the wheel and renewed interest
was taken in the union and the member
ship increased. The strike came on and
the men set their teeth with determine
ton and went in to win. With a mem
bership of 100 about a year ago, Fidelity
Lodge No. today has 2S5 members in
good standing. They have a business
agent In the field, and conditions are
most prosperous.