The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1906-08-11
PLUMBERS To. CONTEST
CHARTER Of FILTERS
Secretary Tilman of the Plum
bers Files Protest Against
A. F. of L. Action,
Steamfitters Independent Or
ganization Will be Given
Battle in Minneapolis.

chicago, ILL.,, Aug. 9.-The charter
recently granted the International
Association Of Steam and Hot Water
Filters and Helpers by the American
Federation of Labor is not to remain
In undisputed possession of the steam
filters. 1t Is now certain that a bitter
fight will be made at the Minneapolis
convention Of the American Federation
Of Labor in November to have the
charter revoked.
the United Association of Journeymen
Plumbers, Gashtters Steamfitters, and
Steamfiitters' Helpers of the United
States and Canada, sent a strong pro-
test to Samuel Gompers against the
action of the executive council in issu-
ing the charter. At the same time he
sent letters to the executive officers
of all national and international un-
ions affiliated with the American
Federation of Labor urging them also
to write Mr.. Gompers and tell him the
laws had been violated through the
issuance of charter to the steam
filters.
Action Is Significant.
significant as indicating that the Un-
tied Association does not mean to
waive it's claims to Jurisdiction over
the steamhtters, and that the dispute
that has held the boards at several
conventions of the American Federa-
tion of Labor will again be thrashed
out at the coming convention.
The steamfitters will have an ad-
vantage this year that they have not
had in a convention since 1902, In that
they will be on the inside and fight
ing to retain their position, while
formerly they were outside and fight
ing to break In. They Will also have
the advantage OF having the executive
as the charter was issued by the coun-
ell. and 1t will be compelled to defend
its position. At the same time the
aggressive campaign started by the
United Association WILL in all prob
ability, prevent the steamfitters from
getting the string that is attached to
their charter removed.
Conditions Of Charter.
When the charter was issued a few
weeks ago to the steamfitters the fol-
rowing cond1tior were III :----sass'
I. That the United Association OF
Journeymen Plumbers, Gasfitters,
Steamfltters and Steamf1tters' Helpers
may retain all steamf1tters without
any Interference on the part of the
newly chartered association.
2. That each of the trades be per-
mitted to govern and control ell OF Its
own affairs with perfect freedom OF
action in SO far as they in nowise affect
or conflict with the freedom or rights
of the other trade.
8. In cities or towns where there is
an insufficient number of steamfitters
to form a local union under the laws
of the newly chartered association
they may become members of the
United Association OF Journeymen
Plumbers. Gasf1tters, steamitters and
Steamfitters' Helpers
In his circular letter to national
organizations, Secretary Tilden points
out that before any union can get a
charter from the American Federation
of Labor must clearly define its
jurisdiction, and that the constitution
provides that where the jurisdiction
claims conflict with those of an Or
ganization already chartered those
claims must be relinquished before a
charter shall be issued