Omaha daily bee., 1918-09-26
FlREMEN STAND
PAT FOR UNION
CONTINUED From Page One.)

ment having for its object the form.
alton Of union or other organiza-
ton among members of the police
force or fire department OF this city
when afhliation with organizations
of different classes of labor is con.
templated, would be detrimental to
the best interests of the city of Oma-
ha, would result in divided allegi-
ance, and would be destructive OF
discipline in the respective epart-
ments
Resolved, further, That this coun-
Gil does and will regard any action
contrary to the spirit or letter of this
resolution, as characterization, and
calling for proper discipline under
the rules of the respective depart
ments.'
Both Sides Stand Pat.
The conduct Of fremen yesterday
afternoon stated that they fully re-
allied the gravity of the situation
and stood ready to defend their po-
sition and to meet any action Of the
city council. On the other hand
Superintendent Zimman of the fire
department said he and associates
of the council have given the matter
mature deliberation and are ready
to meet any emergency which might
arise by reason of the adoption OF
the mayors resolution this morn
ing and the determination of the
fremen to maintain their attitude.
Position of Firemen.
In the conferences yesterday aft.
ernoon the spokesman for the fire,
men admitted that under the present
city administration they have beer
receiving fair treatment and also ad'
mitted that working conditions have
been improved by purchase o.
100000 of motor apparatus during
the last three years. They explained
that they wished to be affiliated
with the American Federation o.
Labor so that they could have "a
million men behind them and BE-
able to speak in the future"
The whole proposition of the eth
les of policemen and fremen having
unions affiliated with other union:
was discussed in a meeting Of city
council committee of the whole and
recess was taken at the suggestion
of Arson H. Bigelow, for the fire.
men, that a conference might be
held in the mayors Office. The
mayor and commissioners con
tended that policemen and hremer
are semi-military officers and owe
an undivided allegiance to al
classes of people in a community
Mayor States Views.
After the conference yesterday
afternoon Mayor Smith issued the
following statement on the situa
ton:
Mr.. Ringer, Mr.. zimman and myself
had a conference with representatives OF
the police department; also representa-
tives Of the fire department and some
members Of the Central Labor union ant
their attorney, Mr.. Bigelow. The members
Of the police department represented thai
they were willing to forego any affiliatior
with the American Federation Of Labor
but desired the right to organize unior
among themselves,
There was no definite conclusion reached
az to whether they should be per
mitted to do this, or not Personally.
stated to them 1 was unalterably opposed
| to any unionism Of the police department
| carrying utilization with the American
| Federation Of Labor. Whether or not I
union among themselves would be per
mitted, will depend largely upon the Judg
ment of the new chief Of police, who will
| take charge Of the force October !. I an
disposed to accept his Judgment as tt
whether or not an organization among the
men locally would or would not be detri'
mental to the force.
The firemen have within the last few
| weeks, obtained a charter from the Ameri
can Federation Of Labor. Mr.. Zimman. Mr.
Ringer and myself all agreed and SO stated
| to them that this could not be permitted
Mr.. Zimman and the chief Of the fire de-
partment make no objection to unior
among the men locally. that does mo-
carry with 1t affiliation with any outside
| labor organization. That being their judg
ment, am disposed to acquiesce, but nons
| affiliated with the American Federation
| of Labor.
I do not believe the firemen will defy
our authority. We will not make any
threats or statements as to what will hap
pen until we have proof that they do defy
our authority, and are guilty OF insuoor'
dlnation, and then we will deal with ina
| matter as 1t deserves.
| 1t may be accepted. however, as settled
fact that neither the policemen nor tbs
| firemen will form any organization and be
come or remain affiliated with the Ameri