Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-07-21
Officials Of Industria !
Unions Indicate Purpose
of Workers to Demand
Share of Manufacturers
Big Profits.
Baldwin Plant May Be Among
First to Feel Pressure Of
Men Seeking Better Condi-
tions-German Influence De-
MED.

Feveribh activity In organized laboi
circles IN this city 10 believed to presag'
demands by labor on employers fol
higher wages and share in the profits
or the immense war contracts being com.
pleted here While the utmost retlcence
Is being maintained by officials Of the
various unions whose men have been
engaged In the production OF munitions,
II became known today that an active
propaganda for organization has been
carried on since Il became apparent that
manufacturer in this country would
profit by the sale Of munitions Of war to
the Allies
That this campaign has borne ready
fruit is evidenced by a report OF the
Labor Forward Committee that upward
9f 10000 men have been added TO the
ranks Of organized labor. When asked
whether this indicated that a general de-
nhand would be made on employers for
higher wages and better working condi-
tions, a member Of the committee today
replied.
do you realize how much money is
coming TO the manufacturers Of this city
for war contracts? Do you think they
want TO lose these profts7 DO YOU know
livelihood from these contracts anu
that these immense profits are going into
the pockets OF the manufacturers7
III you realize those things you will
see that labor can not remain qulescent.
We realize that this is an opportunity
or a lifetime to obtain union recognition
and better working conditions for the
men. The unrest that is making Itself
felt in the ranks of the workers will put
raf and
ammunition unless the manufacturers
are wise enough to grant the demands
which will surely be made upon them in
the very near future"
BALDwIN's MAY FEEL PRESSURE
II was said the Baldwin Locomotive
Works would be the first plant to feel
the pressure of labor The plan appar-
entity ia to wait until tho completion OF
the Eddystone plant. At that time there
will be A demand for skilled men In the
machine trades. At che present time
more thun half OF the men in the Bald
win plant are organized. When it comes
time to MI the new plant the concern
viii hnd that virtually all the available
men will be members OF the unions. The
plant will begin operation and a short
time thereafter a concerted demand will
be made by the workmen for higher
wages. 1t will probably be refused. y
strike will be Immediately called
While this plan could not be Officially
confirmed 1t is generally believed that
It Is the system which will be used to
force the Baldwin plant to meet labor
demands.
The reported activity of German agents
In this city, In the ranks of organized
labor. was declared a myth by members
Of the local unions. The men declare
that the only influence behind their pro-
posed demands is the desire OF labor TO
participate In the immense fortunes pour
ing into this city.
Frank Morrison. secretary OF the Amer
lean Federation Of Labor, stated in
Washington today that II was to be ex-
pected that German agents would at
tempt TO interrupt the manufacture OF
munitions in this country.
GERMANS coUNTERING ON ALLIES.
"The Allies are doing everything they
can to expedite the manufacture of war
munitions IN this country and It is to be
expected that the Germans will do every
thing they can TO interrupt this business"
idydorrison, referring to persistent re-
ports that the strike at the Remington
Arms plant at Bridgeport. Conn, and the |
unrest at other munltion plants is due to !
German influence.
1.-The agents OF the German Government |
n this country surely could not be blamed |
for reRorting TO any device by which they |
could serve the cause OF their country"
Mr.. Morrison said that the federation |
was not yet prepared TO make any state |
ment in connection with the Bridgeport |
strike.
Samuel GOmpers, president OF the feder-
alton. refused 10 make any statement at
all about the Bridgeport strike or any
matterh connected with Il.
other labor leaders in Washington doubt |
Iflat proof is obtainable showing that Ger
nan agents are In any way connected |
with the labor troubles in the munition
plants,
Administration officials in Washington
expressed the BELIEF that President viii
Ion would not attempt mediation in
ne strike unless requested TO do 50.
Secretary Wilson. OF the Department
II Labor, and other officials are giving
lose scrutiny to the difficulty. especially
o reports that German money has TO-
nented H. but they said the matter was
Iot YET before the Government ofieially.