The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1917-02-24
important Decision Made by Ref
cree of Pennsylvania Com
penSation Board.
ALL is CLASSED AS WAGES
Company Terms Are Disregarded in
the Opinion Handed Down-Elec-
tricaI Workers Union Asks for
Adequate Protection Against
Labor That Is Dangerous.

putting DSHSulS ulueL TIC SoihpS"A
ton law. A workman was killed in an
explosion at the plant of chemical
company. The work is dangerous and
a portion Of the high wages paid to
hold men was referred to by the COM
pany as a bonus" The referee dis
regarded company terms and ruled
that benefits should be based on wages
received.
The Electrical Workers union has
asked the Washington state public
service commission to pass rule pro-
hibiting work 0n lines carrying more
than 5000 volts, unless the wires are
dead" The unionists say they are
compelled to work on wires carrying
5000 volts and that they want rules
that will permit greater degree or
safety from death by shock.
Hundreds Of Italian orchard and
vineyard lahorers in California have
organized a union and affiliated with
the American Federation of Labor.
Last season :he wages of these work
ers was 50 fer an 11-hour day. They
are now demanding $3.50 for an eight
hour day.
The A F. Of L. declares that the
right of schQltteachers to organize and
affiliate witt labor must be recog-
nized." The executive council has been
instructed t. work to secure represen-
tatives of labor on boards of education
and as directors of state universities.
The first convention of the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor was held in
Baltimore Ia 1887. 1t was attended by
55 delegates. who represented 100000
Organized workers. At the recent con-
vf:htion in that city there were 3S9
delegates, representing 2,072,7O2.
| A decree promulgated in the prin-
elpality of Lippe, Germany, threatens
| all women who refuse to work in the
Selds as aarvesters with punishment.
3i1ose who as wives Of ~seldaeas 4sst''tffe
front, are drawing separation allow
Snces will be deprived of them.
The Morgan Lumber company of
Oshkosh, Wis, manufacturing sash
and doors, Distributed among its 400
factory employees $4,000 as a bonus,
under an agreement made nearly a
year ago In lien ct an increased wage
scale.
The first yea' md a half of the wy
oming compensation law shows a sur
plus of over &3GO,000. The expense
of enforcing tho saw was LA per cent
against 45 pc: cent cost TIC private
companies.
An appeal Is being made by the
training department of the British min.
istry of munitions to women Of educa.
ton and leisure to enter upon the ur.
gent national work in the munition
shops.
A board of arbitration has adjusted
differences between the Peoria Qll.)
meat cutters union and shops that re-
fused to sign an agreement. Wages
will be Sk6 a week with a 6 10 closing
hour
John W. Hays, secretary-treasurer
of the international Typographical
union, has been elected president of
the label trades department of the
American Federation of Labor.
Female workers in Great Britain
munition factories are supervised by
a national welfare department, sup
ported by the government.
Population of the Argentine repub-
lie has almost doubled during the last
20 years. Most of the increase is due
to immigration.
Clydebank (Scotland) town council
is to make a revision of the employees
war bonus system on account of the
ever-increaslng cost of living.
Brantford (Canada) Trades and La
Dor council has indorsed the efforts
Of the women to obtain equal franchise
Carpenters at Lansing, Mich, will
ask for an eight-hour day and in.
creased pay April l, 1917.
Boilermakers on Canadian govern
ment railroads have minimum rate
of 48 cents an hour.
More than % per cent of the 1925
factory workers in New South Wales
Australia, are females
A special court of arbitration has
been created for seaport workers al
Genoa, Italy.
Toronto, Canada, has 172 local trade
union organizations.
Sweden grants a state subsidy t.
public employment Offices.
South Africa has established fac
tory for the extraction of rubber from
the roots and vines Of rubber plants.
} Organized actors, stage employee.
, and musicians have formed an ALI
ance.
Toronto, Can, machinists will de
J mand 45 cents an hour.
Factories yearly pay $140,943, 900 Ii
wages In California.
. People placidly contented are usual
iy too busy to be anything else.
Australia has 39,029 women and girl
engaged in agriculture.
Boston may cut saloons to $50 II
! number.