The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1925-07-08
l'CONCILIAT|ON'
OF CAL A CURSE
TO THE WORKERS
Department of Labor
Breaks Cloth Strike
BY WILLIAM sIMoNs.
Especial, 10 The Daily WorksrJ

BRIDGEPORT, Conn, July e.-sev,
eral weeks have gone by since tho
strike Of the weavers in the Salts
Textile Mfg. Co. was settled thru the
Intervention Of the U. S. Departments
Of Cancellation. According to the Fed
eraI conclIiator, il was a 100 per cent
victory for the strikers. The strike
was against the Defer unit system,
worker being required to turn out a
certain amount Of work, to get 62e an
hour. Otherwise, SIC.
The strike settlement under which
Miss Weinstock forced the workers
back was as follows: In the South
Shed, the unit system was to continue
for two months, after which vote
would be taken by the workers in
volved on continuing or not with the
system.
In the North Shed, the unit system
was not to be introduced for a year,
but at any time the company could
take vote in any trade or depart
ment on introducing it in that trade
or department. A fake settlement.
But it was pushed over.
Company Triekery.
Already, the company is showing its
hand. 1t aims to show that some
workers are able to make more money
under the new system. Some workers
received a premium, others none.
One got $2.41 as premium in one day,
and his record was posted on a bull
letin board as an incentive for others.
According to this, he was turning
out 17h yards a day. But when
workers asked the prize worker about
it, he admitted that he didn't make
that yardage. 81 don't know anything
about it myself" he replied.
The workers held a meeting Thurs
day night, and when the company
was confronted with proof Of their
fraud, the officials gave the lame ex-
cuse: 1T was a mistake"
According to an active worker,
those in the South Shed are losing
from So to 50 per week.
The company is planning to intro
duce a nightshift in the South Shed,
with outside workers. The workers
insist that the eight men laid off be
taken back before any night shift is
put on, If the company statement is
true that they have more orders.
While the Shelton strike was on. the
company was recruiting workers from
Shelton for the night shift.
Night Shift a Ruse.
But why the night shift? When
looms are free during the day. and
workers are to be had. To put over
a vote favorable to the company,
when the vote is taken in the near
future, on the continuance of the
Defer unit system. II all the men,
VIII be on the job. the plan will I'M
doubtedly be voted down.
But if the work is completed. the
company can reduce it's force in the
South Shed to a minimum Of loyal
workers. A vote taken then would
be in favor, and then other workers
would be taken on, under the new
system. On the day of the settlement,
the writer warned some strikers
~oNoh NhAo oShCAACs Uul lut9 were
new to the game, and were roped in.
Active Worker Fired.
The company was to show no dis
elimination against any striker, but
already, young Italian, day weaver,
fixing piles, was fired. He is the one
who before the strike, went to the
and inquired IL the man
agement was planning to put the sys-
TEN into the North Shed. For his
daring, he has been discharged. 1t is
hoped that the workers will take UP
his case. and demand his return.
The strikers are being told to do
nothing until the two months period
is up, when they can again call in the
Federal. Conciliator. By this time.
they should realize that the concilia-
tor has worked in the interests Of the
company and not in their interest.
Now is the time to act.