Montana labor news., 1935-05-30
Missoula Is Showing
Large Union Gain
Continued from Page y

seem that with all OF the matchmaking
this in in the air, some of the old bench
warmers should not be too particular
now when they have a chance. They
should realize that they are not get
ting any younger and there are other
and fairer prospects still on the beach.
The Hotel and Restaurant Employ
ees' Union has shown steady gain
through the diligent effort OF its Of
%ficers, especially that of the secretary
and business agent, Mrs. Reva Walter
skirchen. With but few exceptions the
restaurants and dining rooms in Hotels
are employing Union cooks and wait
%resses. The outstanding exception is
the Florence Hotel which has been on
the unfair list for several years on
that account. Recent attempts to ne
gotiate with the management OF this
Hotel for a change of policy has not
met with success and an appeal has
been made to organized labor and their
friends to refrain from having any
dealings with this hotel until there is
a change of labor policy by the mana-
cement.
One of the meetings of most recent
Interest was the special meeting of the
Central Council held last Sunday even
ling at which Pres. James d. Graham,
appeared at the invitation Of the Coun-
lcil.
AS usual Mr.. Graham's talk inspired
his listeners to new effort in behalf
of labor. In going over the experience
within the labor movement of Mon
tana for the past several years it be-
comes more and more apparent what
~tireless effort has been exercised by
Mr.. Graham and a few of his immedi-
ate associates and friends. Consider
able measure of success has been the
fruit OF this effort and for which the
younger element within the labor move
ment should be %appreciative to say the
least. To have a mar of such wide
experience within the labor movement
as the head of the Montana Fedora
ton Of Labor is indeed very fortunate
and we certainly hope that members
of the several labor unions which are
members Of the Federation will see to
it that he is reelected as long as he
is able and willing to serve.
That there are some within the Mon
tana labor movement who realize the
importance of Mr. Graham's work is
evidenced by statements which have
recently come to our attention. Here
is what Mr. Arthur l.. Quinn, chair
man, Montana Fire Fighters Legisla-
tive Committee, has to say in the In
ternational Fire Fighters" for April.
Full credit must be given to our af-
~filiation with the international Assoc
iation of Fire Fighters, our local trades
and labor council, and last, but not
least, to the wonderful cooperation that
the fire fighters of the state received
at the hands of the Montana State
Federation of Labor, whose president,
Mr.. Jimmy Graham, and his able as
~sistant, Mr.. Sam IRWIN, who worked
~valiantly and intrepidly, in the face Of
great odds, to help the fire fighters Of
the state secure the three-platoon sys-
tenn" From the Biennial Report Of
the Railroad Brotherhood State Legis-
lative Board for 1888 we read with re-
ference to the committee hearing on
proposed legislation for repeal of Plan
2 of the State Compensation Act"
But there is no question that Graham
has developed to the point where he is
more than a match for any attorney in
Montana on matters of this kind and
with SO many members Of the Legisla-
ture present at the hearing the opposi-
ton helped the proponents"
Coupled with this experience and alb
ility is the unquestioned and proven
integrity of Mr.. Graham as a mar
which commands the respect of even
his most ardent opponents OF the la
Dor cause His ~tireless effort and vigi-
liant watchfulness in behalf OF the
working men and women doubtlessly
are not fully appreciated and perhaps
never will be until the unfortunate day
when his services no longer are avail
able.
~ Aduu MS dCtlGNCllNllS ny maui
quate words do not suffice. Let the
labor movement of Montana show their
real appreciation by rendering him the
largest vote possible at the pending
election OF officers for the Montana
State Federation Of Labor.
Here are a few of the recent news
items pertaining to labor activities in
and around Missoula:
Mr., S. H. IRWIN, executive board
member of the Retail Clerks Inter-
national Union, recently organized a
Retail Clerks Union at Havre, Mont.
The Ladies' Society to Firemen and
Enginemen of Montana held a one day
convention at the Labor Temple on
May 3rd.
Mr.. James O'Brien Of Butte spent a
couple of days in Missoula in behalf
OF the Auto Mechanics Union.
The Relief Workers Benefit As
ISOLATION have taken over the manage
ment of the Elite Ballroom where they
hold their regular meetings as well as
leasing out the hall for other &C
Invites.