Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-20
Editorial Comment
an Francisco's Great Achievement
(Boston News Bureau)

, (BOStOn News Bureau)
San Francisco points with pride
to its record in getting rid Of strikes.
In 1921 under closed shop conditions
! there were % strikes in the city. en-
failing a loss to the public Of S22,-
100000. In 1922. the first year after
the inauguration of the American or
strikes was cut in half. and the loss
was reduced to less than a quarter
of that of the preceding year. or to
$5,375.O00. In 1923 the number Of
strikes again was cut in half and the
| losses were reduced in the same ratio
five strikes and s2,490,000. And
for 1924 up to the present date there
have been Just four small strikes and
the loss totals the relatively negligi-
BILE sum Of $68.000.
Thus the Industrial Association Of
San Francisco rounds out the third
calendar year of it's existence. The
association came into existence in
the midst Of one of the most savage
labor struggles in the history OF the
country. Almost unbelievable condi-
tons reused the business men Of the
city to action. How the union auto
cracy was dethroned is one Of the
epics of community effort. And now
the association cites a long list of
reforms and constructive accom-
plishments. from which we mention
the following.
The American plan in the building
industry established in the late sum-
mer Of 1921 has abolished all artifi-
cial and autocratic rules which limit
output and curtail efficiency. includ-
ing the regulations which had rigidly
restricted the admission of appren-
tees to the various building trades.
The association has maintained
free trade schools for plasterers.
plumbers. painters. paperhangers.
settlers. and others: these have grad
uated 1000 apprentices and are still
!, training 700.
The association has provided Inn
partial machinery for the establish
ment of wages in building trades and
for the enforcement Of the wages
this arranged. 1t has settled num-
erous incipient controversies which
otherwise might have brought about
serious strife.
The Association has established
supplementary safety services which
| have reduced the hazards of indus
try to the smallest possible minimum.
1t has maintained a free employment
DuIedu lIOtIl WHICH lIlOIe tilhH SV'oVV
men have been placed. 1t has effect
ed plan of employee insurance at
low rates. which has become very
popular. 1t has instituted compre-
hensive improvement program for
foundry operation by means Of which
the American Plan foundries Of the
city have become the best on the
coast and among the best in the
United States.
Besides the building industry. the
association has effectuated its plan
in whole or in part in the lithograph-
ic. cigar, shoe. garment. taXicab.
metal. warehouse. glass. lumber. no.
tel and restaurant. and candy indus
tries of the city.
1t has protected the workers inter-
ests in manifold ways. including the
absolute enforcement of the eight
hour day. good wages and working
conditions; and 1t has protected the
public in many ways besides the
elimination of strikes.
THE only large known city in the
Anglo Saxon world where union and
nom union workers. in the same craft
, work side by side on the same job"
is San Francisco.
The city has right to be proud.