Evening star., 1947-04-05
N Unions Open Drive
To Organize Home
Building Workers
BY Robert J. Lewis
Reel Estate Editor Of The si1f


A drive to unionize the open
shop" home e-building industry in
the Washington area has been
launched by the Districts 20
construction trades unions. it
was learned today.
Union officials made it clear the
full weight of their $4,000 members
and TOO agreements with supply
houses and subcontractors will be
placed behind the drive.
Thousands of dwellings are now
under way Or proposed for con-
struction in the District area.
Picketing Begins.
In what was described as the FORE
runner of other similar actions,
picketing has begun on one apart
ment project, and IS supply houses
employing union workers have been
notified to cooperate in the organ
izing campaign by Withholding ma
terials from any builder placed on
an unfair list" So far only one
firm has been labeled unfair"
Union and builders spokesmen
gave sharply divergent views as to
the purpose Of the campaign.
A union spokesman described the
drive as an effort to make union
labor available to relive the hous-
ing shortage.
A spokesman for home builders
said the aim was to keep union
men for the commercial builders
and contended the drive was in
spired by fear that union workers
will desert the union" because of
offers of higher pay for residential
work.
Predominantly "Open Shop"
For about 20 years, the home
building industry here has been
predominantly "open shop" while
virtually all commercial builders
operate under union contracts.
Shortages of certain craftsmen is
said to have led to competition
recently between home builders and
commercial builders for this labor.
Charles I. Kaplan, secretary
treasurer Of the Standard Con-
struction Co., Inc, builder of a
63-unit apartment project on East
ern avenue between Juniper street
and Georgia avenue NV, which is
now on the union unfair list,
said he had mo dispute of any
kind" on The job.
He explained the project had not
been delayed, nor had materials
cost more $50 far" as a result Of
the union action.
1--WE just happened to have been
singled out" he said. Were work
ing on veterans housing, and this
drive isn't helping us any"
Letter Sent Out.
Disclosure that the unionization
campaign had started came through
a letter sent by the construction
trades council to subcontractors and
building supply companies employ
ing union members.
1t said:
THE Washington Building and
Construction Trades Council is now
in the process of campaign to
organize the residential home con-
struction field, and in connection
with that program the council has
established an unfair list in which
certain operative builders and their
jobs will be listed.
From time to time, you will re-
ceive notification from our council
advising you Of the builders and jobs
under course of construction by
these builders who have been placed
on our unfair list
I'VE give you this information be-
cause our members will be advised
not to work on, or to deliver any
materials which are to be sold or
delivered to builders where nom
union employees may jeopardize the
wage scales and working conditions
in our industry.
For your information and guid-
ance. the Standard Construction Co.
has been placed on the unfair list,
and pickets have been placed on
their job at Eastern avenue, near
Georgia avenue NV.
Trusting that you will give this
matter your earnest consideration,
We beg to remain,
Yours very truly,
FRANK r. HOWARD,
Executive Secretary"