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| "For several years back, wages and trade rules went all to smash, but now we won." "Non-union men are flocking in to join us." |
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More Dates May/Jun 1899 Mar/Apr 1899 Jan/Feb 1899 Nov/Dec 1898 Sep/Oct 1898 Jul/Aug 1898 >May/Jun 1898 Mar/Apr 1898 |
In the early part of 1898, The Carpenter celebrated the advances being made across the continent.
In the past few months, some of our local unions, and some cities particularly, show a decided increase in membership in the carpenters' unions under the jurisdiction of the United Brotherhood.
Seattle, Wash. - On March 15th, Carpenters' Union 131 secured a scale of wages of $2.70 and eight hours a day, and the rule to work with none but union men. For several years back, wages and trade rules went all to smash, but now we won.
Syracuse, N.Y. - Eight hours a day and a minimum rate [are demanded this spring]. We have three Carpenters' Unions-one American, one German, and one French-and are pretty well organized.
Scranton, Pa. - Union carpenters had a row this month with the Peck Lumber and Manufacturing Co. for violation of union rules, and we came out on top. Result: Non-union men flocking in to join us.
Springfield, Mass. - Contractors have been notified after June 1st carpenters' wages will be $2.50 per day for nine hours-an advance of 25 cents per day.
Ouray, Colo. - Carpenters established the eight-hour day and 42 1/2 cents per hour as the scale, May 2. Union 234 started a month previous and only five carpenters here are outside of it.
State Island, N.Y. - We won the eight-hour day, $2.75 per day, and carried the rule to pay on the job. Our demands from the Carpenters' District Council went into effect May 2nd. Over half the bosses willingly agreed in advance of that date. A number, however, held out against us through the Builders' Exchange. At last, they came to terms by a vote of 19 to 9, and our men went to work.
Indianapolis, Ind. - Unions 60 and 281 are growing immensely. Union 281 has more than tripled its membership this year so far. Contractors agreed to union rules this season fully recognizing the eight hours.
Portland, Ore. - The boys begin to see that they cannot get their wages raised to the old standard without banding together. Of course, there are the usual outsiders who will tell you how a union should be run and will accept a 50-cent raise in wages per day and refuse to part with 50 cents a month to help keep them up.
- P.J. McGuire
Founder of Labor Day and the UBC - Leadership & Vision
The struggle for the eight hour day - A Century Ago
100 years ago in Union History