The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1909-12-09
THE CUTTERS SIDE.
State From Montpelier Branch, G. c.
II. A.. Relative to Granite Situation
CITE Former Agreement.

the afternoon papers of last Saturday
from the press committee of the Barre
Granite Manufacturers Association,
relative to the dispute now In pro-
gress over the action of the shed
owners in locking out their employ
ees and that of the cutters at North
field in leaving the shed of Cross
Bros, on account of their unwilling
ness to use the tool called the bum
per- the Montpelier Branch, G. S. l.
A., has handed into the Journal the
following statement, which is printed
in full:
I'm a statement from the press
committee of the Barre Granite Man
ufacturers' Association, which ap-
peared in the Saturday papers, we
have looked in vain for any reason for
the present lockout in Montpelier, al
though much space is used in refer
ence to Mortified and Cross Bros,
shed.
mo part of their statement has any
reference to their violation o. an
agreement signed by their represen-
tatives, with the Montpelier Branch,
G.. G. 1. A.. in April, 1909, whereby
both parties agree to arbitratc any
grievance or contention that may
arise during the existence of the pres
ent bill of prices. Pending such arbi-
tration, it is mutually agreed that
there shall be no strike, lockout or
suspension of work"
"It is further agreed that any
grievance that may arise during the
existence of this agreement. that is
not covered by the bill of prices, and
agreement, shall be referred 70 the
adjustment committee, and any agree
ment they may come to in the matter
under consideration, shall be accept
ed by both parties. Pending the con-
sideration of such questions, by the
committee, it is mutually agreed that
there shall be no strike, lockout, or
suspension of work
Montpelier Branch has kept its
part of the above agreement TO the
letter, but how much regard the other
party to the agreement has for its
pledge, is shown by the present lock-
out of our branch.
Now, as far as we are concerned,
the question at issue is whether we
are to remain idle, as We have for he
past three weeks, or whether the
manufacturers will open their SHOPS
and resume operations. In carei Il
study of the agreement above stated
we fail to find any reference to North
| field, or to bumpers unless the lat
ter may come under the head of sur
face cutters mentioned in Article of
the regulations. If .he latter is the
case, the article states plainly enough
how they shall be used
THE press committee of the Barre
Granite Manufacturers Association
is evidently trying to dodge the Issue
and delude the public into the belief
that they are the aggrieved party in
the present unpleasantness
(Signed)
! Montpelier Branch, G. G. |. A.
The statement OF the Barre Gran
tie Manufacturers Association, to
which the Montpelier granite cutters
take exception, is as follows:
"In view of the recent statements
that have appeared in the press re-
garding the present labor trouble, we
feel that it is our duty to make a
statement of our efforts to bring
about an adjustment of the matter"
"At the recent meeting in Boston OF
our National Executive Committee
with Secretary Duncan and represent
tatives from the Executive Council
of the G. c. l. A., every effort was put
forth by our executive to find some
solution of existing conditions. II
was apparent that no proposition
agreeable to both committees and
which they could recommend to their
respective bodies, could be ag; eed
upon. We note that proposition
submitted by Secretary Duncan has
found its way into the columns of the
press, which may lead the pubic to
believe that it was the only proposi-
ton offered. We wish to state that
our National Executive Committee
during that conferences Offered that
following solution-'We agree to ar
bitrate the question as to whether or
not Mortified Branch broke their
agreement with this association. If
the arbitrators decide that that
branch did not break their agreement
the manufacturers will resume oper-
atoms, reinstate the men at Cross
! Bros plant without prejudice, and
not ask the men to use the tool in
dispute, pending the decision of the
adjustment committees; If the arbi-
traitors decide that Northneld Branch
did break its agreement, they are to
return to work under conditions ex-
listing at the time of the contention,
and the matter settled as our agree
ment provides for. We consider that
| in Offering arbitration as remedy,
our National Executive placed them
selves on record as Offering a solu-
ton that is recognized by all fair
a. loI i