The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1925-04-07
ASKS
BANkSF()R
VIEWS
Wants to Know If Financiers
Mean to Take Sides in
Buildings Strike

Washington banks were today
asked by the Central Labor Union
whether they intended to take
sides in the disagreement between
operative builders and union work
ers who are demanding increased
wages.
A letter, sent to practically
every financial institution in the
city, stated that the Central Labor
Union had learned that the build
ing interests had requested the
cooperation of financial leaders.
First Action of Union.
This is the first action taken by
the central body in the labor SIT
uation since the inception of the
trouble.
Some Of the banks have replied,
non-committally, that they would
certainly not consider taking sides
with any individual or body of men
intended to work against the best
interests or the city,
Other banks,\ notably several large
downtown institutions, have practi-
cally informed the Central Labor
Union that they are definitely not
in favor of increased wages at this
time. Still others have not framed
a reply, and probably will not.
Mediator Sees GaIIiher.
John Colpoys, DEPARTMENT of
Labor mediator in the case, con-
ferred with William II. Gallihcr,
chairman of the fair wage commit
tee, for more than an hour today,
with a view toward bringing about
a satisfactory adjustment Of the
trouble. No definite action was
taken.
Mr.. Galliher, as chairman of the
board of the Federal American Bank
said that to his knowledge, no let
ter from the Central Labor Union
had come to his bank. This was
looked upon by those in close touch
with the situation as meaning that
the central body had associated Mr..
Galliher definitely with the builders.
The action of the Central Labor
Union in sending the letter is the
first sign of recognition by that
body of the wage disagreement.
Heretofore the organization has
adopted a "hands off, policy, and
it has been stated by officials of
the c. L. U. that the matter would
be handled, as far as possible, by
the District Building Trades Coun-
Gil.
Banks Would Keep Out.
A large number of the banks are
of the opinion that they should not
have been drawn into the labor
trouble, maintaining that they have
no direct interest, except to conducs
the regular run of business.
The builders were interested, how.
ever, in knowing what would hap.
pen If the Sub-cOntractors who re-
fused to pay increased wages to
union men would be faced by a
strike, with no immediate returns
in sight and notes falling due
Rufus S. Lusk, secretary of the
Operative Builders Associa ton, said
today that the strike of painters
and paperhangers has apparently
had little effect upon the members
of his organization. A question
nafre mailed to all members of the
association and filled In by them
showed today that only two paint
ers were needed.
Refuse to Pay Increase.
AS a result of the building con-
ference in the City Club yesterday,
eleven contractors have definitely
asserted that they will not consent
to an increase in wages at this
time.
These contractors are w. f..
Mooney, Henry Davis. f. w. Davis.
James T. Kenyon, r. T. Taylor,
Frank l.. Wagner, S. ]. Prescott,
Louis Sholtes, James c. Robertson.
George K. Wyne and d. j. Duni-