The San Francisco call., 1907-02-06

FTGSlQenI
Amalgamated Association of Street and
Electric Railway Employees is authority
for the statement that no other year
in the fourteen in which the association
has been in existence has been moro
successful than the one just closed
Twenty-one~ new locals were chartered
and six lapsed ones were revived, max
ing a total gain in membership of
SOL. The sum of $4,000 was paid
out for death and disability claims.
There were thirteen strikes and lock-
outs, seven of which were brought
by opposition to organization, FIVE grew
out of attempts to increase wages, and
one was caused by the discharge of a
motorman for alleged insubordination.
Three strikes were settled by agree
ment to arbitrate, the members return
ing to work pending the outcome;
seven were settled satisfactorily by
mediation, one was lost and two are yet
pending. These disturbances involved
twelve locals and affected $3.50 mem
bers. In the case where the strike
was lost the membership was less than
200 and the greater part of these went
back to work under improved condi-
tions.
From the defense fund there was paid
out in strikes and lockout benefits
S6445. The year was characterized by
a growing popularity for the written
agreements which were secured in
ninety eight local divisions. Many ex-
tend for two or more years and are
provided with wage adjustment clauses.
Forty per cent Of the agreements were
made for the first time. The number of
members receiving advances in wages
was 30,950, aggregating upward of
S1,600,000 annually, the increases vary
ing from a fraction of cent to S
=
wage of the entire membership is 500.
The average union scale is 23h cents
an hour, the average service day a
fraction less than ten hours. and the
average number of days worked a
year 800. The nonunion rates through
out the Ncountry range from to %
cents an hour. The open shop question
so far as street car employees are con-
cerned is adjusting itself. Employers
have voluntarily demanded the closed
shop in agreements. saying that they
wanted their roads either union or nom
union. On the closed shop question
President Mahon says:
Among the responsibilities imposed
upon the association by the closed shop
agreement is that of harmony among
employees. The organization becomes
responsible for the toleration of any
discord among employees that will in
terfere in any way with the service
The organization is subject to righteous
criticism if it does not discover the
source of such annoyance or injury and
punish the offending member. 1t de-
stroys any possible excuse for any
neglect of rigid adherence to the OBJ
legations of the organization. 1t be-
comes the duty of every member to
promote the workmanship of all. to the
end of promoting and safeguarding the
service of the company. Thus the most
intense interest of which the employe
is capable is exacted to the advantages
of the employing company, and the
most cordial respect for the Individual
rights of fellow employees must be OBJ
served"
A growing popularity of arbitration
clauses in agreements was noted. Re-
duction in hours was in many instances
followed by corresponding increase
in wages.
There was convention of delegates
from the various labor unions of this
city on Sunday afternoon at ESQ Jessie
street and Defense League to assist
Meyer, Haywood and Pettibone was
formed Twenty-four unions were rep
resented. j. Mum of Butchers Union
No. lis was elected chairman and S.
D. Seymour of Lumber Clerks Asso-
h.
of Carpenters Union No
1882 was elected secretary ry-treasurer of
the defense fund. Working commit
tees were appointed and it was decided
to give the imprisoned miners in Idaho
not only moral but financial assistance.
A benefit was given to the San Jose
Trades Council recently by
the management of the Theater Jose
The proceeds will go toward erecting
a Labor Union Temple in the Garden
City. A substantial sum was raised
President Guy F. Thurber was in the
chair at Monday nights meeting of
Steam Laundry Workers Union No 26
candidates were obligated.
Whenever there is a fifth Monday in
the month the local will give a social
dance for members only. The first Of
these affairs will be held on April 29
The committee in charge is already at
work to make a success of the enter
tainment. Another laundry will be
started in this city in about a month,
which will give employment to about
forty union laundry workers. Business
is good and all members are at work.
Painters Union No. 294 of Fresno has
decided to apply to the International