New Britain herald., 1915-08-21
MACHINISTS' STRIKE
 HERE IS TINTED AT
New Britain Situation Discussed
 at Conference in Bridgeport
CHARGES OF UNFAIRNESS
Union Publication Says Six Members of New Organization have been Dis
 charged From Shops for Activity

According to the Labor Standard ' which in "an advocate of the nrinci- pies of organized labor as expounded by the Connecticut Federation of La bOr," organizers of the International Machinists union have been highly successful in this city with the resu,, that a large number of machinists employed in local plants have become affiliated with union labor.
 Charges are made that six members of the~new union, mostly officers, have been discharged from shops since it became known that they had joined the union. As much secrecy as possible is being maintained by the organizers, the paper says, as it IS feared that others may meet a fate similar to those whose utilization with the union became known to the manufacturers
 The article bearing on the local situation which appears in the cur rent issue is as follows:
 ''Much Enthusiasm Manifested"
 Several years ago an effort was made to organize the machinists of New Britain but owing to the lack of enthusiasm caused by strenuous op-
 
 ufacturers, the organization did not materialize. It was not until recent ly. that the machinists of this city saw it was for their betterment to become organized, thereby getting the benefits derived therefrom. Several weeks ago an organizer from inter- nation headquarters came to New Britain and started a campaign in hnh of he had secured enough backing a call for a meeting was issued. The first was largely attended, ma chinists from nearly all the factories in the city being present. Plans were discussed for the formation of a lccal lodge and there was much enthusiasm manifested.
 Six Members Discharged from Shops.
 "At another meeting held week later, thirty signed the necessary papers and the organization was formed and temporary officers elect ed. The daily papers of New Brit ain got wind of what was going on and aired it up with double heads tie factory 'supers' be- gan to do some 'gumshoeing' and as a result of their scouting and 'peel-
  officers, of the new organization have been discharged from the local fac tories. Despite all these obstacle the list is still growing and the men are determined to assert their rights. The agitation will be kept up and members are being taken in with as much secrecy as possible, owing to the unfair opposition.
 Local Situation Discussed
 New Britain is one of the towns taken into consideration as con- ference held ir Bridgeport a few weeks ago by twelve of the interna- tional officers of the Machinists' un- ion. It is said that certain com- panies in the city are making ma chlnery for the manufa cture of mu- nltlons ot war and that in the near future 1t is the intention of carry Ing on a campaign similar to the one which has just been held in Bridge port. It is stated by those who are in position to know that there are more men joining the machinists' union than the manufacturers are aware off,
 State Wide Movement.
 Toledo, O., Aug. 21.-Steps Were taken at meeting here last night to bring about a state wide movement to organize machinists for an eight hour day.