The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-06-12
Officials Say 1t Would Be of
Sympathy Nature.
Unions Claim They Are Not
Recognized Properly.
LINEMEN GO OUT MONDAY
But There Is Uncertainty About
Operators Strike.
WalkOut Was Discussed by the
Industrial Council.

Telephone service in Topeka may be
completely paralyzed next Monday as
a result of a threatened strike on the
part of the 200 local operators and
as linemen.
Altho definite information regard
ing the threatened strike could not be
procured today, it was learned from
both labor circles and telephone COM
pany officials that a strike is being
contemplated. Officials of the South
western Bell company admitted a
strike was possible. but stated if 1t
should be called it woulG be only be-
cause of a sympathetic attitude to-
wards the striking telegraphers. They
asserted the local employees have no
grievances and have every reason to
be contented and satisfied with their
pay and hours. pointing to the fact
that a 20 per cent increase went into
effect on May l. ........
Have n Grievance.
From labor sources, however. it was
learned that the employees have a
grievance against the company arising
from the fact that their union organ
izations have not been recognized and
that this will be responsible for the
walkout If one occurs.
Labor officials were not inclined TO
talk about the proposed -blTlh6 anu hhS
head of the operators union when
asked if the girls at the switchboards
expect to quit next Monday replied:
Il am on duty and cannot talk
about it" -.
Call To Go Out Monday?
From unofficial labor sources 1t was
learned that a call to strike has been
received by the local linemen's organ
ization and that this call instructs
them to go out next Monday morning
II is also reported that the operators
have received a call, while still an
other report was to the effect thas
they have not actually been called
out but have been asked to quit work
when the linemen do.
Labor men admitted the strike
question was taken up at meeting
of the Topeka Industrial Council
Wednesday night at its meeting at
Labor hall and was discussed al
length. Clyde Tresner, president of
the the Topeka Industrial Council.
said he was present at the meeting
wednesday night, but that he left be-
fore it was over and did not know
what action was taken.
No Union Recognition.
1t is stated by those in touch with
the union members that a delegation
called on officials of the telephone
company and assured them that there
would be no strike if the union organ
izations were given official recogni-
ton.
Company officials denied this and
sta ed that no delegations had called
upon them. They also stated the at
ttude of the company is that no ac-
ton can be taken towards recognizing 6
unions as long as the company is un-
der government control.
Officials said if the operators and
linemen here walked out, the COM
pany would be absolutely helpless and
that the event would result in a total
closing down of the plant and no tele-
phone service ior the city.
The general opinion among officials
seems to be. however, that the en-
ployes here will remain loyal to the
company. 1t is pointed out that the
situation here as regards the advan-
taEes enjoyed by operators and en-
ployes is above the average and that
the company is eXerting every effort.
and has continually been doing so, to
pay employees good wages consistent
with the company's revenue and give
them good hours