The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-09-21


on, affecting in all about 5000 work.
ers employed as carpenters and build
ers on ships, in shipyards and on
buildings of all characters, the Cen
tral Committee in charge represent
mig the Ship Carpenters, the Build
ing Trades and Metal Trades Coun-
ellis desire to issue the following
statement:
The strike was called primarily as
a protest against the action of the
lumber interest, who have refused
to comply with requests of both state
and federal governments to grant
the generally recognized working day
of eight hours. The appeal was
made to the lumbermen on the
grounds of both patriotism and hu-
manity, and fell upon ears that were
deaf and morals that were scared.
The workers are mindful of the
government needs; they are mindful
Of the fair attitude of the employers
against whom the present strike is
being waged and who are the inno-
cent sufferers. But the stand taken
by the workers is a part of the
sacrifice that is required by all in
order that civilization may move
forward. The sacrifice must be
shared by the employers until that
element in our local society - the
lumber trusts brought to a real
ization that it is standing in the
way of progress and the carrying
out of the governments war prep
arations.
Not only have the lumber interests
refused to heed the pleas of the
government in the present crisis, but
they have taken advantage of the
extremity of both the government
and the private interests to more
than double the price of the ma
terial so essential in the construc-
tion of ships and buildings.
Not only has the lumber trust
failed to fill the orders placed with
it, but nearly as many men are now
idle from this cause as from the
strike itself. Work for the govern
ment is hampered even now in the
Bremerton Navy Yard, is threatened
with entire suspension on the govern
ment railroad in Alaska, and in local
yards all are handicapped by lack
of building material, not to speak
of the blow that has been dealt to
local building construction in the
city itself.
The men on strike are coming to
the aid of the workers in the lumber
industry; are exerting their economic
strength in the interest of justice.
Union labor is the backbone of the
government. 1t has pledged its 10y
atty and its support. While the lum-
Der interests are prating about their
patriotism, union labor is enlisting
in the war on both the military
field and in the workshops. It's
action in the present case is prompt
ed by the desire to establish in local
industry what the government is un-
dertaking to establish throughout
the world.
The men who are on strike have
the unqualified and fully authorized
backing of all branches of labor in
the city. The Metal Trades Council
has already voted entire support to
the men who are at present leading
the way. The Building Trades Coun-
Gil at it's last nights meeting re-
iterated its endorsement. All labor
is united in its determination to use
no more ten-hour lumber.
The action taken by Seattle labor
is certain to be followed by other Sec
tions, some of which are already rep
resented by delegates here with
view to working out general plan
of action.
Never has Labor been so wrought
up and united over any question as
it is in the present case. 1t will
leave no stone unturned to assist in
the establishment of the eight-hour
day in the lumber industry.
We very strongly resent the action
taken by Judge Jury in refusing
citizenship papers to one of the
striking carpenters on the ground
that he did an unpatriotic thing in
voting for the strike. The reason
mig of the judge is of the most su-
perficial kind. He failed to see the
high motives that actuated the strik-
or. What had the striker to win
by the successful outcome of the