The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1907-09-05
PRINTERS OLD AGE PENSION FUND
Adopted by the International typographical Union Convention
at Hot Springs Last Month-Wn be Voted
on by Referendum.
on by Referendum.

The following report of the COM
mlttee on the old age pension plan
submitted at the Colorado Springs
Convention of the International
Typographical Union, was adopted
and referred to Il referendum vote:
Your Committee on Old Age Pen
sion Plan, appointed pursuant to
resolution introduced at the Colo
RADIO Springs Convention, respect
fully submits the following:
From the expressed sentiment of
the membership at large, gathered
through correspondence and through
The journal, pension for the old
members of the craft seems to meet
with general approval.
1t IS therefore Incumbent upon the
International Typographical Union
ito devise some method for caring
for oar old and infirm members who,
through their steadfast loyalty and
many sacitices to the l. r. u, have
made our present organization pos
Isiblc-a plan that will insure tiicln
against abject poverty and public
or private charity; a pension suita-
bic to their needs.
Such a system is in keeping with
the dignity and policy of the organ
iHation, and we confidently believe
shat the referendum will heartily
support proposition that will ulti-
mately bring about the desired re-
suits.
The recent cight-hour struggle has
left many old men who gave up the
last position they would ever have
for the principle and honor involved,
and for these benefits lasting and
positive to the young men, the old
men have sacrificed their all, thus
placing the International Union un-
der heavy mortgage to them, since,
without their aid, the eight-hour
struggle would not have been so sue
cessful.
Considered from a purely senti-
mental standpoint, there is every
reason why the members who have
carried the burdens and fought the
battles Of the l. r. U. in past years
should be provided for in some man
ner by the organization they have
supported and preserved, when their
failing powers make it impossible
for them to earn competence.
The membership must be cogniz-
ant of the fact that there are many
aged and incapacitated members who
are unable to avail themselves of the
benefits of the Union Printers
Home at Colorado Springs, because
of family ties and long associations
in their respective localities. The
committee, mindful of this condi-
ton, believes that an Old Age Pen
sion is a solution of the question
that confronts the l. Il. U. in dis
charging its obligation to such mem
bers as cannot take advantage of the
Home and its blessings.
Aside from the sentimental fea-
lures involved there are at least two
other points in the Old Age Pension
plan that should appeal to every
member:
First-As an organizing factor
its value to the international would
be inestimable. To the printer out
side the ranks it is sure to be so at
tractive, once it is established. that.
instead of remaining outside, con-
slant menace, he Is sure to identify
himself with the Union.
Second-Because, as its basic fea-
ture, it has provision for twenty
years continuous membership.
lapses for any cause are sure to be
reduced to minimum. The fact
that the International will reward
| the loyalty of its members by pro-