The Butler County press. [volume] (Hamilton, Ohio) 1900-1946, 1918-06-07
As Many Of Them Say They VIII Seek Jobs
Elsewhere Unless Request For Higher
Wages Is Granted.

tlme, reminding them OF the fact that
10000 of their brother machinists are
now in the service of their country
that some of their brothers had al
ready given up their lives in the
struggle in which this country is en-
gagged and pointed out to them the
importance of every minute Of labor
to war production He also promised
that he would visit the shops involved
and use every effort to adjust matters
satisfactory.
The men agreed unanimously tc
comply with Brother Nicholson's re.
quest
The shops where the machinists
have asked for an increase in wages
are: The Long & Allstatter Co, Ham
ilton Machine Tool Co, Hooven,
Owens, Rentschler Co, and the CO.
lumbia Machine Tool Co. They are
asking for 10 cents an hour increase
over the present rate payed
Brother Nicholson called at shops
where the increases are being asked
for on Monday He was very enthus-
iastic in his praise of the courteous
manner and consideration given him
| by the officials Of the concerns at
which he called with one exception.
At this shop the general manager was
abusive to q certain extent, saying
that he didn't propose to let organized
labor nor anyone tell him how to run
his shop. He stated that he had set
tied everything with his men by post
ing a notice in the shop that he would
make individual increases in wages
as merit warranted it but that up to
date none warranted an increase.
He also stated that the shop was be-
ing run at a loss. This is not surpris-
ing if he conducts his shop as he does
himself when approached by gentle
men, What this shop needs more than
|
anything else is a general manager.
Brother Nicholson left the city
Wednesday night for Cleveland on his
way to the American Federation of
Labor Convention to be held at ST.
Paul, Mimi, next week. Before leav-
ing he made this statement | have
called at the shops where increases
are being asked for by the machinists,
| was kindly and courteously received
by the officials at all but one place
At all places a few days time was
asked for consideration of the re-
quests made. | believe that every
thing will be satisfactorily adjusted
l regret that / am compelled to
leave the city before definite under
standing is reached. | am however
going to urge on the men not to be
hasty in anything they may decide on
especially if the firms involved give
them no satisfaction.
"There will be no strike, the ma
chinists are 100 per cent Americans
They will not stand in the way Of
maximum production, rather, they
want to assist to this end. Just this
though, unless the firms involved meet
the requests of the men for the in
creases asked, many of the most
skilled mechanics will pack their tool:
and leave Hamilton.
Think of it, machinists in Hamil
ton are receiving from % cents to 81
cents an hour If this is the most The
employers in Hamilton can pay, fee
it my duty to take about 500 skilled
mechanics out of the city and plac,
them on jobs doing government worl
at 80 cents an hour. now have CALI
for as high as 5000 men in one shol
and 1900 in another at the same time
1900 in another at the same time.
have jobs for every Hamilton MAJ
who wishes it in the city of Dayton a
70 to rs cents an hour
Il didn't come here, as stated b,
several of your citizens to Great
trouble, l come that trouble may, i
possible, be ayerted AS | stated be
fore, there will be no strike of ma
chinists in Hamilton, simply that tn
men will quit and go where they ca
get fair wages And surely they ar
not to be criticized for such action"
Since the departure Of Brothe
Nicholson the situation has assume
serious aspect. The committee
one Of the shops has requested tha
an answer be given them as to th
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