The San Francisco call., 1904-10-04
UNION SIGNS
ARE DISPLACED
But Five Butchers Refuse to
Abide by Decision Made
at Meeting of Exchange

AS a result of the action taken at the
meeting of the Butchers Exchange
Sunday afternoon the Union Shop"
signs which have been displayed con-
spicuously in local meat markets were
removed and in their place is a blue
card which in bold type makes the fol-
lowing announcement:
Headquarters Of the Butchers Exchange Open
Shop, San Francisco. Oct. 1, 1904
To Whom 1t May Concern: From this date
this shop will be run as an open shop. the
owner or owners reserving the right to hire
whom they please whether they be union or
non union men, and to discharge them when
their services are not considered satisfactory
or for any other just reason.
We will not discriminate against organized
labor nor will We compel any employe TO join
labor union against his wish.
We will not recognize the business agent or
walking delegate OF any labor union, and what
ever privileges they may have had these
premises in the past are hereby revoked
The owner of this shop is willing at all times
to listen to any complaint or grievance pre-
sented by employe. The employees will have
a right to file complaint with this exchange
when they think that any shop owner is not
treating them fairly such complaint 10 be filed
as an appeal from the decision of the shop
ewner eT and we agree that any complaint so
ton il deserves
This card is signed by the San Fran
cisco Butchers Exchange, the Citizens
Alliance and the Wholesale Butchers
Association.
Early yesterday morning agents were
started out from the headquarters Of
the Butchers Exchange to distribute
the cards and but five dealers refused
to sign the agreement and substitute
the 'open shop" for the union shop"
cards. Owing to changes in names and
addresses all the meat dealers In the
city were not approached yesterday,
but they Will be located within a few
days and requested to put the blue card
in their window
At meeting of the executive board
Of the Butchers Exchange last night
reports were received from the agents
and notes made of the names and ad-
dresses of those who refused TO accent
the new cards. 1t is broadly hinted
that these men will find difficulty in
procuring fresh supply of meat when
that on hand is exhausted.
The Butchers Exchange comprises
all the wholesale and retail butchers
and sausa gemakers in this city. It's
membership is abou 400 At last nights
meeting word was received from the
Butchers Exchange in Oakland that
the organization on this side of the bay
would receive its hearty support. so it
will be impossible for backsliders from
the ranks to secure a supply Of meat
from Alameda County.
The journeyman butchers have as yet
made no hostile move. A meeting will
be held Thursday night at the carmen's
headquarters, when the open shop will
be discussed. The men, so far as can
be learned, are satisfied, as there are
no changes in their hours or wages. A
prominent official of the union said
last night that he did not consider a
strike imminent so long as wages and
hours remain the same. A careful
watch will be kept by the exchange and
any member violating the rules by
keeping open late or underpaying his
employees will be punished.