Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1915-07-12
Union MEN CLAIM
MONOPOLYIS AIM
SAY Proposed Electrical Ordinance
VIII Stle Competition, Favor
ing Contractors.
SEND RESOLUTION TO COUNCIL
Measure Scheduled TO Come Up for
Consideration Tonight VIII Have
Opposition OF Labor.
SEND RESOLUTION TO COUNCIL

Opposition 70 the passage OF the
proposed electrical ordinance as now
drawn up is promised this evening at
the regular meeting Of the city coun-
Gil when the measure is up for con-
alteration. At a recent meeting Of
the International Brotherhood Of Eiec-
tricaI Workers, Rock Island local No.
i0g, resolutions were passed which
will be presented TO the council
Charges that certain clauses in the
bill as now proposed, would tend to
favored few and that it would stifie
free competition, are made.
The union men also say in the com
munication to the council that the
privileged class created when the pro-
posed ordinance becomes a law, would
be able 10 fix and increase the price
for service at its mere caprice"
The Resolutions.
Following are the resolutions:
Whereas, It has been proposed that
the city of Rock Island pass an ordi-
nance providing for the licensing,
persons, firms and corporations en-
gagged or engaging in the business OF
electrical contracting, or installation
of electrical materials and inside wir-
ing and other electrical work of such
nature, and whereas, said proposed or
dinance among other things requires
the taking OF an examination by such
person, firm or corporation, the pay
ment Of license fee of 800 and the fl
ing Of a bond in the sum of $4,000 with
sufficient suTeties as a condition prec-
edenC to the right of such person, firm
or corporation. performing the service
aforementioned and whereas, the said
ordinance if passed. would be harsh
oppressive and unreasonable and
would work hardship on the compe-
tent electrical workers residing in the
city Of Rock Island, and would neces-
sariIy tend to create a monopoly in
said trade for a favored few; stifle
free competition among said electrical
workers and unduIy restrain the great
majority Of said electrical workers
from freely exercising their honorable
trade, and also tend to create a priv
LEGGED class, and who would have the
power to control, fix and increase the
price or rate for said electrical ser
vice. at it's mere caprice. will or
pleasure, TO the great annoyance, in
convenience and additional expense Of
the general public in need of said ser
vice
Therefore, be it resolved by local
union No 100, International Brother
hood Of Electrical Workers in regular
meeting assembled 10 vigorously pro-
test against the passage Of said or
diuaace and to urge and request the
honorable mayor and honorable COM
missicners Of the city Of Rock Island
not to pass said proposed ordinance for
the reasons aforesaid and for the fur
Their reason that the proposed license
fee Of 500. is unreasOnably exorbl-
CaDt and excessive.
Ana be it further resolved: That
copy of this resolution be read to the
said city council at their next regular
meeting and that such other honorable
steps or means employed by this or
Eanization as may be found proper and
necessary to prevent the passage Of
said ordinance.
Done at Rock Island this 28th day
c. June 1913,
J. c. LYON,
President International Brotherhood
Of Electrical Workers.
c. FRENCH.
Secretary.