Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-15
or nine-hour instead of ten-hour

for a nine-hour instead of ten-hour
working day
ut was understood ever since the or
ganization of the Butcher Workmen $
Union.'' said Bakersmith. that upon the
termination OF the period of any existing
agreement. If either party desired
change at the beginning Of the new fiscal
year they would notify the other party
at least fifteen days in advance of such
date.
Accordingly. June Is l mailed TO Presi-
dent Keane and Secretary Pfiuger a mott
fication that the butchers desired new
contract. 1t was their duty. under this
unwritten rule. to arrange for con-
ference with us. Up to the present time
We have received not one word of a reply
to our letter.
obviously, We cannot come to an agree
ment If We continue sitting here while
the employers transact their business else
where and make no move to secure
conference. Besides. We had authentic in
formation that the employers intended
forcing the issue at the end OF the pres
ent week anyhow. by declaring lock
out.
Nearly all of them had imported I'M
usually large numbers of hogs. II is our
belief they intended to have us butcher
these animals and get them safely IN
cold storage. and then. with An ample
out.
And so. in walking out last THURSDAY
We sought only to anticipate this move by
the packers
Demands of Employees.
The agreement which the union offered
TO the packing-house managers as its
ultimatum provided in its essentials as
follows:
That only union men should be en-
ployed.
That nine hours should constitute tho
working day. with straight pay for over
time and pay and One-half for work on
Sundays or the six principal holidays.
That the same rate OF pay should obtain
for nine hours as was formerly allowed
for ten hours.
That sickness should be no cause for
discharge.
That there should be no discrimination
against employees serving as members OF
committees of the union.
That employers should have the right
to discharge help at will. provided no
man should be dismissed for manifesting
an interest in union matters.
That every man on the first day OF his
employment should call upon the shop
steward and sign an application for MEM
berslIip in the union.
the ages of sixteen and twenty years.
must register with the union, and that
there should be no more than one appren-
tice to every six journeymen.
HAT dfly ulueTenCes SHOulO De SuDtllt-
ted to a board of arbitration composed OF
two representatives of the union and two
representatives of the employers. with
fifth member to be chosen unanimously
by the four in event OF a failure to agree,
the latter's vote to be final and binding
upon both parties.
That no strike or lockout should be de-
clared. except for causes beyond the con-
troll Of both parties: except for a violation
Of the terms of the agreement, and not
then without reference to the board Of
arbitration the board to meet within six
days and give a decision on the point at
issue:
That the agreement should he i'm force
to a date to be stated at the time of its
adoption:
That the agreement should continue in
effect indefinitely after the date OF its
expiration unless either party should
serve upon the other a notice in writing
Of a desire for change, such notice to be
given at least fifteen days prior to the
time set for alteration, modification or
termination.