New Britain herald., 1915-09-22
UNION WORKS HIT BY STRIKE FEVER
 AS HOLDERS QUIT
Between 75 and 100 Foundrymen Demand Minimum Wage of 25
 Cents Per Hour, Then Walk Out
PRES. SMITH OF L. F. X C.
 TALKS ON THE SITUATION

Accede to Strikers Wishes and
 Hope to Compete With Concerns in
 the West-Police Guard Factories
 Day and Night--New Demands at
 Russell & Elwin's.
 One more local factory was affect ed today, when the holders at the Union Manufacturing company went out on srtike after their demands for an increase in wages to a minimum rate of twenty-five cents an hour were refused by the company officials, fol- lowing a conference between Presi- dent A. F. Corbin and a committee of the strikers which was held in the foundry. While the factory officials ssclaim that not more than seventy-five of the employees are out, the strikers maintain that numbers will reach con- siderably over three numerals.
 Strike Not Surprising.
 The latest aquisition to the ranks of the strikers does not come as sur prise to the officials. It has been in- Ptimated for several days that the trouble was impending, and surprise was expressed when the men did not go out Monday as prophesied Presi- dent Corbin said this morning that it was expected, but no later than last severing the foreman of the foundry had informed him that it was his opinion that enough of men would continue at work to allow the factory
 hot 1n entire force did not go out today, but 1t was necessary to close down the foundry for the day.
 Mr. Corbin spoke of the friendly at titude of the committee toward him during the conference, and said he be-, fieyed that some of the men who went out were entirely satisfied with the wages paid them. In answer to a question by a reporter whether or not the strike would affect the other de- partments of the concern, MT. Corbin said that a large amount of the com pany's orders was job work, and as it is nearing the end of the month most of it has been completed. These outside orders are usually worked upon as they are received, and the present trouble will mean that the concern will be forced to refuse any more orders.
 Demands An Injustice.
 In speaking on the demands of the strikers for a minimum rate of twenty five cents an hour, President Corbin said that in many cases this would prove to be an injustice to other work men who would have 10 bear the brunt of work for workmen who were not capable of earning this wage. He said it would also mean that the company would be forced to ask for @ greater price for it's outside job work, which would eventually mean that the con- cerns giving these orders to his com pany would seek for other foundries to do the work, which would not only effect the concern but the men.
 Concern May Hold Out.
 President Corbin believes that no trouble will take place providing labor sgitators keep away from the men. He said he expects that the differences will be settled in due time. From what was construed by his remarks, President Corbin and the other of ficials do not intend to give in to the strikers, and if the latter insist on re- maining out it will mean the ultimate closing down of the foundry.
 
 number of workEnen, some of them strikers from other factories, congre- gated about the concern, and peered through the windows while the dis cussion was going on, and when the molders walked from the factory, B cheer was sent up.
 MoIders Hold Meeting.
 Over 200 striking holders from the North & Judd Manufacturing, company, Vulcan Iron Works and the Union Manufacturing company gathered at the strikers meeting place in Beloin's block on Church street today where plenty of enthu- s1asm was manifested. A number of speeches were delievered, most of them in foreign languages. The re- marks of the speakers were met with much applause. One of the ring leaders, speaking in English, advised the men to continue to fight for the eight hour day. Noticeable among the gathering was two young Polish won - ger who are affected by the strike in one of the shops. Their ardour and enthusiasm was as strong as that of their male companions, and they cheered and clapped their hands when some remark or statement was made that met their approval.
 c. F. Smiths Views.
 President C.. F. Smith of Landers, Frary & Clark, in a lengthy interview p11 the strike situat%n, said that there was no further striking at his place
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