Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
Employers to Organize.

The first steps were taken in New York
last night toward the formation of a great
organization of all the employers of the
building trades of that city, representing
capital of from 500 ,000O 600 to 500, 900, 900,
for the purpose of combating alleged en-
croachmsnts of the trades unions. 1t is
evident from the reports Of the meeting
that the employers are deeply agitated
over the problems which now press them
for solution. They feel that Unless some
decisive action is taken soon the dominion
of the unions over the trades will be-
come intolerable. Already the frequency
with which strikes are ordered for what
the employers assert are trivial causes
and agreements to adjust differences with
out strikes are broken by the workers has
resulted in state of general uncertainty
among those whose capital is invested in
large plants There is no assurance of
continuation of work, even though the en-
ployers may be willing at all stages Of the
enterprise to grant the reasonable demands
of their men. A loss of time on construc-
ton contracts means heavy money loss
to the contractor and to the owner as well,
so that the present attitude of the build
ers represt nts a general condition affecting
enormous interests
1t was made clear at last nights meet
ing that only through complete organiza-
ton of all the building trades can the
troubles which now confront the business
interests of the metropolis be successfully
assaied Even with such an organization
it is difficult to see just what can be &C
complished short of an absolute lockout
of every worker engaged in the building
rades in the event that the unions. indi-
vidually or through their central bodies,
fail to agree to some system of adjust
ments which will prevent useless strikes
and tie-ups. At present a total lockout
of the workers is practically impossible.
owing to the fact that many builders and
contributing producers prefer to remain
free to compromise and thus to be in po-
sition to finish important contracts. The
chief purpose of the meeting. it would now
appear, was to persuade these individuals
that their ultimate interests lie along the
lines of a general aggressive movement, to
precipitate conclusive campaign, II neces-
sary and to lead to a permanent settle
ment with the unions.
The complaints of the employers embrace
three conspicuous items. the interference
of 1.-THE walking delegate" with their af
fairs. the tyranny of shop rules which bind
them more strictly than their own regula-
tions bind their employees, and the unrelia-
biIity of the unions in the matter of agree
ments While the New York builders were
discussing ways and means for the forma-
ton of their great organization the Brook
Ign builders. representing practically the
same line of interests across the bridge.
were in session voting to exclude the
walking delegates" from their shops and
yards. This is sample. perhaps. of what
will be attempted by the larger organiza-
ton of employees. whether it is confined to
Manhattan or spreads to other cities, as is
now contemplated.
/ OF course such large capitalistic interests
as are represented by the employing build