The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1927-08-25

Local 100 of the Cigar Makers
International Union, which has
Just been expelled from the In
:ernational for alleged deficit in
funds, is making stirring appeal to
all organized workers to assist them
IN gaining reinstatement. This local
which was formerly the independent
'Amalgamated Tobacco Workers
Union, has always been fighting
organization and the labor takers
have only awaited this opportunity to
sxpel these workers.
The cigar makers make the follow
ng appeal.
Brothers and Sisters:
We, the progressive local of the
Cigar Makers International Union,
Local 100, New York City, were re-
gently suspended by the president
shortly before the international con-
yention, which is to be held in Au-
gust.
The reason sgiven for the suspen-
Son Of our local is that it is def
,ient in funds to the amount of
S142.60. A closer examination of the
facts leading to our suspension will
reveal some interesting facts.
Once Independent.
Until about months ago local 100
vas an independent organization
Known as "The Amalgamated Tobac-
% Workers Union" This organiza-
lion had, for the past several years,
% fight for its existence on the
picket line not only against the
bosses, but also against the Interna-
ional bureaucrats. Our local raaliz-
ng the necessity for unified action in
The industry in order to better defend
he interests Of the workers, agreed
70 confer with the International Cigar
Makers Union, upon the initiative of
Santiago Iglesias, with the idea in
view of the joining the A. F. OF L.
organization.
After a series of conferences be-
tween the two organizations the fol-
lowing main points were agreed up
on: ~ Conditions and prices prevail
ng in the Amalgamated shops before
utilization be maintained. ~ Imme-
iiate organization campaign be start
I'd. ~ That the "Amalgamated" re-
,eive charter as a separate local.
All these points were granted and the
former Amalgamated Tobacco Work
ers' Union became known as Local
100, Cigar Makers international
Union.
The Old Game.
At the time of the granting of the
charter as q separate local a strike
was in progress in one Of the biggest
cigar shops in New York, Blooms
shop. The International took over
his strike and agreed to do it's Ut
most to carry it to a successful con-
:lusion. But instead a shameful set
Element was effected by International
Organizer Simons and even this dis
graceful settlement was broken by
the firm as soon as it started to oper-
ate. Local 100 thru it's delegates to
the Joint Advisory Board demanded
that the terms of the settlement be
recorded in the minutes of the J A.
B. and that the firm be made to live
lp to it. Mr. Simons flatly refused
10 state the terms of the settlement
stating that it was not he, but the
International president who effected
his settlement and signed the agree
ment without the knowledge of the
strikers. This was a revelation to
the J. A. B., as it was not known that
the president was holding secret con-
ferences with the firm. Local 100 de-
manded that the secret agreement be
disclosed. The Joint Advisory Board
~ unanimous vote instructed its
secretary to demand of the president
J copy of the agreement. This agree
nent was never received by the j. A.
B. and one week after, as punishment
for the audacity Of our local to know
he contents of the agreement, was
suspended by the International pres
dent.
Unorganized Condition of the indus
try.
The deplorable unorganized state
nf the cigar industry is appalling.