The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-10-29
TRADES COUNCIL
 HOLDING SESSION Union Labels and Cards Will
 Be Improved Upon EVERYBODY FINDS WORK Markey Home Almost Paid For-Re- ligious Service We'll Attended.
 Labor Conditions All Right,
 Except Machinist Strike.
EVERYBODY FINDS WORK

At the regular seni-monthly meeting of the Birmingham Trades Council at the hall on North Twentieth street yester- day afternoon. most of the session was devoted to a general discussion of union labels, working cards and the best meth cd of creating more active interest in these matters, not only among union men but the public generally. AS it is now nearly every labor organization has a distinctive label. shop or working card, and it Is with a view of strengthening some of the weaker organizations that this question was considered. To push this work during the coming months, President James H. Leath augmented the committee on organization by adding thereto Delegates M. D. Friedman of the Musicians union. and l.. s. Harper of the Retail Clerks association
 In the absence of Secretary Drake, Mrs. NJ. Wise of the Garment Workers union presided at the desk. The roll call showed a good attendance of officers and dele gates Several delegates whose creden- tials had been presented at previous meetings assumed the obligation and took their seats.
 Few Grievances Reported.
 Chairman Andy Marx of the grievance committee reported that a complaint of the Painters union had been satisfac- torily adjusted since the last meeting. It was noted that comparatively few grlev- ances are now being brought before the Trades Council by affiliatlng unions, in- dicating an unusually satisfactory condi- ton of affairs in. the ranks of organized labor in the Birmingham district at the present time.
 The committee which has in charge the funds for paying an indebtedness on the home of the late Harry Markey, for years a prominent member of the Trades Council, reported that a few notes were stlll outstanding. and all unions that have not yet contributed to the fund were urged to do so at once. 1t was stated that notes to the amount of several hun dred dollars had already been cancelled, and it was hoped to be able to turn over the home. free of debt, to Mrs. Markey before Christmas.
 It was reported by the committee which had in charge the religious services at Gelders hall on Sunday. October 21, at which the Rev. l.. D. Patterson delivered a special sermon to workingmen, was well attended. and it was intended to hold a service of this character under auspices of the Trades Council at least once year
 Improved Labor Conditions.
 Under reports of chalrmen of union del- egations several statements were made which indicated an improved condition About the only trouble in the district is the strike of the machinists at the South ern railroad shops. All trades are well employed, many working overtime, and there are no idle men. The wage scales have an upward tendency, and the Bir- mingham district, judging from these re- ports. is becoming each year a more de- sirable place of employment and place of residence for skilled mechanics
 A number of interesting talks were made under good of the order, and much interest was taken in the meeting by all present.