The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1927-05-02
Building LabGGrS
Of Worcester Strike
If Bosses Obstinate


WoRCHESTER, Mass, May L.
At special meeting Of the Building
and Common Laborers Union held at
Victory Hall, it was decided to refer
the matter Of calling strike in this
city to the next special meeting to
be held in the same hall on Sunday,
May first.
More than 500 building and COM
NOR laborers, Italian, Portuguese,
Negro, English speaking and others,
came to the meeting despite the
heavy rain, and expressed their de-
termination to strike if necessary to
enforce the demands of their union
which is now eleven months old.
Push On Officers.
The international President, More
schi, and the International Secretary
treasurer, A Persian, both addressed
the gathering. President Moresch's
speech was mild, and was received by
the workers in a like manner, but the
talk of the General Secretary treas
urer, Persian, was interrupted, and
waving fists and shouts Of ave want
to fight" I'VE want to strike" pune
tuated his sentences. He tried to
soft-soap the determined efforts Of
the rank and file to fight for their
demands, but their determination was
too great and they drowned his pussy
footing talk with their cries Of
"Strikew
Local 620, is the first building and
common laborers union ever organized
in Worcester. Despite the continued
negotiation with the local bosses who
refuse to recognize the union, there
has been no pessimism in the ranks,
which is unusual for a newly or
gsnized union. Up to date there are
over 700 members enrolled, with
about 800 in good standing, composed
Js several races and nationalities.
Paraded With Band.
Local $40, Notwithstanding its in
fancy, was the only union in the
city that paraded thru the streets of
Worchester last labor day with band
of music at its head and over rs ban
ners, signs and placards carrying
slogans and demands Of the most
militant and conscious nature
being held aloft by the rank and file.
Besides this, local $40 contributed
more money for the relief of the
striking textile workers in Passaic,
erd for the striking British miners
tran any other local union in this
city, and is now doing more than the
otfer local unions for Sacco and Van
zetti.
Make Demands.
The rank and file are determined
to make the bosses come across this
time, and when the strike is called
there will be 100 per cent solidarity
in the ranks. Among the demands
(which the workers consider to be
very modest and entirely within rea-
SOM are: Recognition of the union.
annual agreements, employment of
members who are in good standing
only, eight hour day. Al hour week
time and half for overtime. double
pay for Sundays and holidays: no
work on labor day; steward on each
job to be appointed by the union.
toremen to be members of the union
grievances to be submitted to Joint
committee before firing a man. etc
In its fight against the arrogant
bosses and their association, it is
hoped to secure the support of the
other local unions in the building in
dqstry, particularly the Hodcarriers
who are members of the same in
ternational. Frank Lapriore, Presis
dent Of the Hodcarriers union, speak,
ing at the special meeting, told how
his local enforced its demands sue
cessfully every time they asked for
something and promised support of
his local in the event of a strike
which is almost certain next week.