The Brunswick news., 1912-10-29
MEN DEMAND REINSTATEMENT
OF DISCHARGED lEMPLoYEs
AND RECOGNITION OF UNION.
1870 MEN REFUSE TO WORK
The Men Claim the Trouble Was
Caused by the Company's Refusal
to Reinstate Men Who Took Part
in Organization of the Union.

OoSA5OAAf AAAOS W. 20 EAbOuL LOU
OF the 230 motormen and conductors
OF the Jacksonville Traction company
struck this morning at O'Clock. The
company was able to secure crews for
but five or six cars, about one for
each of the principal lines in the city.
The remaining number are standing
in the barns. Several policemen are
on guard at the sheds. No trouble has
resulted, the men being content to
await developments.
The trouble, it is said by the strik-
ing carmen, wa caused by the COM
pany's refusal to reinstate twenty
five men who took part in the organ
ization of the union and to recognize
the workmen's union. The motormen
and conductors began the organiza-
tion of their union several days ago.
Sunday afternoon the men in charge
brought matters to a head. AS fast
as the men came in from their runs
they were asked to join the union,
and by 2 O'Clock this morning, 1t is
said, 143 of the 230 employees of the
company had signed. At a. m. Of
ficers were elected and the men voted
to strike. -.
Conference Was Asked.
Late Saturday the leaders of the
movement claim they asked Manager
Hardy Groom for conference. It is
said he informed them that he would
be glad to meet representatives of
the men, but in no case would he dis
cuss their differences. After receiv-
ing this information, the motormen
and conductors rushed the work of
completing the organizations, and as
soon as officers were elected decided
to strike.
The title of the union is the Anal
gamaeed Street Railway Employees of
America, Jacksonville branch No. COS.
In other words, the employees of the
Jacksonville Traction company, who
serve as motormen and conductors,are
now an integral part of an organiza-
tion having six hundred and eight
branches.
Demands of Strikers.
The strike was brought about, ac-
cording to the men, because of the
fact that twenty five or more of their
number were discharged by the COM
pany as soon as it was learned chat
they had cast their fortunes with the
union; and because of the further
fact that the company had refused
to recognize the union. No increase
of pay has been asked. Neither have
the men demanded shorter hours of
labor, according to the men
AS soon as the company learned
that the men had refustd to take the
cars out this morning, a guard of
police was asked for. Several blue
coats went to the barns at once. No
trouble had occurred up to date. The
police guard was relieved at O'Clock
this morning by fresh men. The mo-
eormen and conductors who are col
lected at the barns awaiting develop
ments, made no demonstration. The
few employees who refused to strike
nave UtGD dllOMSO W III CuC OOlh
pany's cars without being molested
In fact, no trouble of any kind has
occurred, and the leaders of the men
declare that none is expected.
In a statement issued this morn
ing by the officers of che street car
mems union, an offer to arbitrate
the differences between the company
and its employees is made The fact
is mentioned that The company's earn
ings have increaced 500 per cent dur
ing the past few years, and that the
employees receive an average pay for
ten hours work of II cents per hour,
but no mention is made of a demand
for higher wages or shorter hours.
Situation Discussed.
Various city officials, including
Mayor w. S. Jordan, chairman Of the
board Of bond trustees w. NJ Bost-
wick. Jr., Police Chief w. d. Vinzant
aad the police committee Of ehe board
II bond trustees held a meeting to-
day in Chairman Bostwick's Office IN