Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1912-04-25
mo INCREASE
FOR STRIKERS
Shirtwaist Plant Refuse De-
mands- Ready to Close.

l. Koch, local representative and
manager for II. Kottler brothers,
waist, skirt and blouse manufactur-
ers, today refused demands for more
money and better working condt-
tions OF about sixty women and girls
who went on strike from the local
plant of the firm In Park avenue,
near Washington street, yesterday
afternoon He declared the factory
was not rushed and would be closed
for at least three months If the EN-
ployes did not resume work under
present conditions within eight days.
He declared the same wages were
paid here as at the firms two New
York factories and conditions were
good. He declared the girls had to
be watched as many Of them took
time from the employers for idle
ness and play.
Strikers Hold Meeting.
The strikers, about sixty girls en-
ployed to sew and clip, and six men
employed as expert cutters, held a
mass meeting in Union hall at LAG
Smith street at O'Clock last night
Talks were given and articles OF
agreement were formulated where
by an advance of 81 on the present
wages was demanded and an I'm
provement of working conditions
was also provided for. 1t was sigh
ed by a committee of three, COM
posed of Samuel Schlesinger, /.
Levinson and Abraham Schlosberg.
The strikers were Informed that
they had the support of local labor
unions, the Socialist party and the
Workingmen' Circle of this city.
What the Strikers Want.
The articles of agreement adopted
by the strikers follow:
To II. Kottler Brothers.
Gentlemen: -
We agree to settle on the follow
ing conditions:
I. Each employe should be raised
50 on the present wages.
2. Working hours should be from
eight to six, an hour OFF for dinner,
on week days, Saturdays from eight
to one
8. If piece work should be given,
we want 80 per cent. Of the union
price of New York City.
4. We wish to have better treat
ment. ESPECIALLY no scolding).
5. All previous employees, with
out exception, must be taken back.
We promise to be present every
day and promptly unless for good
reason, which shall be explained.
When this Is fulfilled We are ready
to go back to work.
THE COMMITTEE.
The striking girls declare they
are often scOlded because they do
clared today the wages paid were
from SO to S. n week and said de-
ductions were made for every min
ute they were late. They are most
Iy Hungarian, Polish and Italian
girls, from about fifteen years old
and upwards.
Manager Makes Statement.
According to Manager Koch the
cause for the strike might have been
an order issued that commencing
next Saturday pay would be given
for piece work, but the present
wages would be guaranteed. He
said this change was made 20 pre-
vent the employees from being idle
and to give good workers an oppor-
tunity TO make moro than their
present wages. He said the employ
ers hoped such a scheme, which Is
similar to that of most New York
factories, would be beneficial to the
employers and employees as well.
! Mr.. Koch said the local plant had
lost money In comparison with that
made in New York shops. He visit
ed the NEWS office today and de-
clared $3.50 was recently lost or
work which would have brought
that much in the firms New York
shops. He declared the fifteen low
est paid girls were inexperienced
clippers who received SO week and
were learning a trade. Others re
ceived up to Sc according to theil
experIence. He stated those work
ling on machines received $4 and up
wards a week.