Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1914-08-06

The following with regard to the
strikes in Vera Cruz in 1911 illustrates
the situation (Mexican Herald, July g.
IBID:
| mo demands were presented by the
stevedoress in Vera Cruz or the en-
ployees Of the San Rafael paper mills
when they struck 1t was only after
insistent inquiry on the part Of the en-
ployers that the demands of the men
were made known. In fact, at the San
Rafael mills most of the men were
frank in admitting that they went out
because some of their companions told
them that it was the thing to do
After striking at Vera Cruz and San
Rafael the employees held meeting
and decided on complaints to submit"
Thus far unionism. in Mexico has
been retarded by the lack OF a national
organization. Various attempts have
been made to correct this defect. Dur
ing the height of the strike activity of
1911 preliminary steps were taken in
the formation of National Confeder-
alton of Laborers at chihuahua. A
large meeting was held in the State
theatre, and the assemblage was adj
dressed by a number Of labor leaders,
such an organization It was intended
to effect a national organization and
establish branches throughout the re-
public. This plan failed to mature.
However, there is in existence in
Mexico City at the present time an
organization known as the Free En-
Fployees" (Empleados Libres) which
plans to establish branches throughout
the republic. The society purposes to-
accomplish the following things.
First: To obtain Sunday rest for
the employees of the capital city and,
if possible all over the republic, with
out any restriction.
Second: To shorten and regulate
the working hours in commercial es-
Establishments to the best advantage of
employers and employees.
Third: To protect and aid mem
bers = materially, intellectually and
morally looking always to their bet
terment, well-being and progress; to
accomplish which the society will do
all possible to find employment for idle
members, will establish courses Of
study on practical subjects, will look
to the establishment of a library, and
will give lectures on subjects tending
to the uplift of members.
Fourth: The society will give finan-
cial assistance to members in case of |
illness or death
Fifth: Attempts will be made to |
secure the passage of laws preventing |
employers from obliging members to |
sign contracts renouHcing articles of |
the law which .protect\ them.
Sixth: Efforts will be made to es-
tablish branches of the organization
throughout the republic.
Seventh: The management of the
organization is to be entirely in the
hands of employees.
Eighth: The society will hold itself |
aloof from political and DELICIOUS af
fairs
Labor unionism in Mexico today is |
in its infancy, yet the unions are exer-
cising an influence that is rapidly
being recognized by the leaders of in
dustrial affairs. In Orizaba the work
ing men have savings Organization,
and have recently started small cot
ton factory, of their own with bright I
prospects for the future. Thus far the
labor unions have taken little part in
active politics, although they have ex-
ercised their influence in bringing
about the passage of certain desired
laws. In this manner they have sue
ceeded. in obtaining a Sunday closing
law in number of eities.-Exchange