The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1902-07-19
SHOWS PROGRESS
ANNUAL REPORT OF SEC'Y. RICH
ARDsON, OF TRADES ASSEMBLY.


Almost Every Union at the Head Of
the Lakes Has Materially Inn
proved Its Condition During the
Year-Construction of a Union
Labor Temple is Warmly Recon-
mended to Organization.
At the meeting: of the Trades Assem-
bly, on July II, Secretary J. w. Rich
ardson submitted his annual report,
containing much valuable and interest
ing information regarding the condi-
tion of organized labor in Duluth and
Superior, and the progress which the diff
1erent trades have been making in the
last twelve months in securing better
wages and shorter work day.
One of the most interesting recon-
mendations contained in Secretary
richardson's report is that urging the
formation of an Incorporated company
in the ranks of organized labor for the
purpose of erecting union labor tenn
pie. No action has been taken by the
assembly as yet on this subject but
1t will probably be brought up in the
near future. The report in full reads:
The constitution requires that the
meetings shall be held at 7:3O D. m.
The minutes show that the meetings
seldom opens before 8 o'clock, and often
later. Considering that many delegates
enjoy the shorter work day, I deem it
possible that the delegates could at
tend on time, which would enable US
to do more work at the meetings. or
close earlier, which is quite as desir-
able
There being no statistician elected,
although the constitution provides for
same, 1t is difficult to give the average
wages and hours, also number of men,
bers affiliatde herewith, but I will be
safe IN saying that almost every union
has Increased in membership this term.
The bookbinders are thoroughly organ
lied. So also are the boilermakers.
They have acquired a shorter workday
after brief strike, without asking the
assistance of other trades unions. The
brewery workers have decreased in
membership, owing to the brewery
teamsters joining the Team Drivers
union in accordance with the instruc-
tions of the American Federation of
Labor.
The Building Trades council is still
represented here, and has done good
work for the trades directly interested.
HAVING added $50 members to the list of
members affiliated. They have en-
ployed an organizer for four months
at great expense. They have assisted
in settling several Strikes in every case
satisfactorily to the union men inter-
ested, in the. unions favor.
d. d i would Hze. t. see the: two central
1bodiesT more closely allied and all an
der one charter-the great American
Federation of Labor.
The Builders Laborers have a laree
membership. and have secured a reduc-
tion in working hours, which took ef-
feet on April /. Although their dele
gates have not attended we'll to their
duties, the officers of this assembly
have attended their meetings and given
them assistance. The unions that could
have given them the most assistance
are not affiliated with the assembly
of the Building Trades council or the
American Federation of Labor. I hope
some action will be taken to induce
these unions to join hands with or
ganized labor to more thoroughly union
ize all wage workers and patronize the
union label. I refer to the Bricklayers'
and Masons' union and the Plasterers'
union. The only time in the year we
hear Of them is on Labor Day. Then
they join the parade. but take no other
part in the celebration. Is this union
ism?
The Carpenters union, / presume. is
ho Low IN, os&
bers in good standing, with an 8-hour
day and a minimum wage rate of SO.
They have formed council with the
Superior local to equalize trade con-
ditions at the head Of the lakes. They
are also the backbone Of the Building
Trades council. They are affiliated
with every organization of labor that
seeks their support.
The Cigarmakers at last take pleas
ure In reporting that eevry workman
IN the city is in the union, and the blue
label is in demand.
The Retail Clerks union. has increas-
ed 20 per cent and secured early closing
and holidays.
The electrical workers also have every
man IN the union: have established
the eight-hour day, and have secured
an increase of wages, taking ~cfeect
April 1. with all foremen in the union.
They were on strike only two and one
half days.
The iron molders have acquired the
rline-hour day, with increased wages,
after a severe strike Of a few weeks,
in which the machinists gave them sub
stantial aid. to-. the extent of striking
against unfair castings.
The longshoremen had to strike be-
fore they could convince their employ
ers that wages must be increased,
which they finally did. Their scale
now is 5211 cents pen hour. I presume
some time they will be able to report
a reduction Of working hours.
The machinists have been organized,
or re-organized, this term, 50 therefore,
are too young to expect report of gain.
The painters have always had a weak
union, owing to many causes, but the
Union embraces some Of the most de-
vout union -principled men to be found
and the result of the seasons work
shows great success; membership has
increased 200 per cent: wages increased
cents per hour, and the days work
been reduced one hour, with fat treas