The San Francisco call., 1910-05-07

| ~<lAtoz zEE4Hfr;s> -Four years ago
s-ssag gssGs logyEs5s last May plumbers
ssAN3As union Nos 442. with
the consent of the master pBrmbers'
association, colsed the apprentice
snip rolls, as there was then a
surplus of apprentices All help
ers working at the trade at that
tlme became registered, more than 500
IN number. This gave about two help
ers to one journeyman. In order to
regulate the supply-protect the me-
chanic-the union adopted the appren-
tlceship rules, in conformity with the
rules and regulations of the interna-
tlonal association, which require an ap-
prentice to serve four years at the
trade. and if a competent mechanic at
the end of that time, he is admitted
to membership in the union for a nom
mai initiation fee. Ninety per cent of
these apprentices have served on an
average five years at the trade I'm
fortunately some of the larger shops,
employing 25 or 80 mechanics, also have
employed like number of helpers, so
that the work in many instances has
been done by. cheap and inferior labor
to the detriment of mechanics who
have served a lifetime at the trade
In order to eliminate this abuse the
plumbers union and master plumbers
association agreed that on and after
May /, 1910, one apprentice should be
employed in each shop and one addi-
tional apprentice for every five men
employed. This is done so that the
trade will not be overrun by inferior
Workmen, and the present apprentice,
who will be the future mechanic may
thoroughly learn the trade of plumbing
and gas fitting.
Many of the larger cities in the east
have abolished the apprenticeship sys-
tenn entirely. Not wishing to deprive
the American boy of an opportunity to
learn a trade the local union of plumb
ers and master plumbers association
believes that the proposed restriction
adopted by both organizations will
safeguard the interests of the boy and
the public.
Those employers who were hiring
more than the agreement called for
were forced. to dispense with the serv-
ices of some of their helpers and pre-
ferred to discharge them all rather
than discriminate.
at the next meeting of the plumbers
union and some way be devised to
settle the matter amicably.
The compromise agreement submit
ted by the joint committee of the
journeymen book binders union and
employers is now under consideration
The union has asked for an increase
in wages. The outlook is favorable
for an amicable settlement.
At the last meeting of electrical
workers union No. considerable time
was taken up in discussing the best
way TO prevent labor disturbances,
especially as the prospect of bringing
the anama-Pacific exposition bright
ems. Resolutions upon the subject
were passed 1t is the intention of the
= H.
sition by subscribing for stock. The
matter will be taken up at the next
meeting. Following are the resolu-
tions:
Whereas an effort is now being made by
the active and well meaning citizens of our
city to bring about worlds fair 10 be held
in this city in 1915; and
whereas, in the event of the success of
said effort organized labor of San Francisco
will play small part: therefore. be it
Resolved, by local union No 6, i. B. E.
W, in regular session assembled, that we
pledge our effort 10 prevent any strike or
labor trouble this project in so far
as electrical workers are concerned; and, be
Resolved, that the executive board of
local union No. be instructed to bring in
report on the advisabity of this union
sition; and, be it further
Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions
be furnished to the directors of the Panama
Pacific exposition and the public press.
Albert E. Cohn ". Fl. Urmy
Milton Lazarus IL. L. LoomiS
j. NJ. Boyd G. NJ. Fisk
2. A. Clifford
The building trades council is in
receipt of a communication from the
free federation of Porto Rico stating
that that far away labor body had
taken action against Ballinger's meth
ods in the Hetch Hetehy water propo-
Sition.
The council has subscribed for the
White Man, magazine published in
the interest of the Japanese exclusion
league.
Elevator conductors and starters
union No. 1 at its last meeting sub
seribeJ $3.50 for stock in the proposed
Panama. Pacific exposition and appoint
ed a committee of three to take charge
of same. Two candidates were obli-
gated and four applications received.
Last Saturday the local gave high
jinks in Sheet Metal Workers hall.
The next meeting will be held May
Is in Eureka hall, Building Trades
temple. Matters of moment to the
entire membership will be up for dis
cussion and a full attendance is re-
quested
The cooks union, No. "A, at its meet
ing Thursday night donated $3.50 to
the joint executive board. Interna-
tional Vice President Robert Hesketh
addressed the union on its duties
toward the parent body and his talk
created a good impression. 1t was