The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1907-08-15

The members of the new Street
Car Union are on strike. The
cause which lead up to that ac-
,iou have been discussed from both
>taudpoiuts in the daily press. but
We think that there are MANY
phases that are not understood by
the citizens and members of the
company.
The movement to organize had
been on loot for some time, and Il
number of signatures had been
secured 10 the application for a
charter before Mr.. Alexander, the
superintendent became aware of
the fact, but just as soon as he
found out the names of the four
men who were active in advocating
the formation of the union they
were >ummarily discharged.
When asked for his reasons for dis
missing them from the service he
said that they had been disloyal to
the company, inaSmuch as they
were trying to organize union.
This nuwarranted action on the
part of Mr.. Alexander resulted in
ih" men Incoming more determined
than ever To organize, which they
did according TO the laws of the
International organization. The
same day the organization of the
union was perfected, the superin-
tcnd"nt placed five new men on the
ears 10 learn how to operate them
ami the information was freely
given ont by those connected with
The company that ten more would
be put to work the following day
an" that they expected Il number
oi experienced men from Hunting
ION ANA other points within IL few
days. MI this occurring before the
men had formally notified the com.
IailN that they had organized or
making any demands whatever on
'i' company made the men some
what uneasy and Il meeting of the
union WAS called and a committee
appointed To wait on the officials
"' 'hr company and request them
/" either rclnState the men dis
charged or give some reason for
'hrir discharge or recognize the
shlon and let the matter of the re-
i">l'i"mcnt of the men go to arbi-
jratiun.
W hen the committee called on
superintendent Alexander, he re-
'H>'d 10 either reinState the men,
XIV" amy reason for their discharge
"' recognize the union. Other Of
"'l'li> were waited on by the COM
"'''."r h"t stated that they were
unable to take any action what
','f' as Mr.. Alexander had sole
'h'iG" of the men and been in
.'rt"d by the beard of directors
~ NAY" no negotiations or to recog-
W." no labor unions.
II was stated that the new men
N'r" placed to learn as the COM
p''l\ WAS III need of more men to
maintain their line. and were not
'''' ior the purpose of taking
me p'tccS of the union men, but
.,"'"lIhStanding this statement.
~" Nuperlntcndcnt fatty stated to
''l' men that he wanted no union
l'iS.N anu
NJ" men hired was required by
,'I'' L" sign an agreement to be-
'""% l" no labor union while in the
employ of the company.
=, hcSc facts very plainly show
'IidI the union men had no other
- 'crlatlvc but to refuse to work
under the circumstances and no
! I'of'y loving American citizen can
"ail'e them for their action.
he company has attempted to
j "N'liy It's position in refusing to
.%'"Gnlzc the union by stating that
'i''N had inaugurated "A beneficial
"'S;iiilZatiom among their employees
" '''ch would protect and assist
~, mem III case of sickness and death
!. i. i''> may possibly be a good thing
','' The employees, but it seems
i'">>ihS strange that it become
;.t'.'.>Sary to organize it and have
i.> ~ hr>t meeting right upon the
ilet'> OF the organizing of the un-
.o"' !o The activity displayed by
'"e versatile superintendent in or.