The Connecticut labor press., October 25, 1919, Image 4

About The Connecticut labor press. (New Haven, Conn.) 191?-1921

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THE CONNECTICUT LABOR PRESS
THE CONNECTICUT LABOR PRESS
A NEWSPAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.
Published by Connecticut Labor Press Company
286-288 York Street, New Haven, Conn.
Telephone Colony 1082.
Entered as second class matter December 2. 1916, at the postoffice at New
Haven, Conn., under act of March 3, 1879.
Three Cents per Copy
$1.50 per Year
24
NEW HAVEN, CONN.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1919
NEWSWRITERS FAILURE TO JOIN
LABOR MOVEMENT DISASTROUS
Once more the futility of attempting to improve wages and. work
ing conditions without affiliation with the trade union movement is
demonstrated, this time by the apparent failure of the strike called
on .New Haven daily newspapers by the Newswriters Equity League
which made an attempt to rectify intolerable conditions on a lone
hand fight.
, That the strike is a failure must now be admitted. The news
papers are going serenely on their way with staffs which, while fail
ing to measure up to a high standard of efficiency, seem to be wholly
satisfactory to the employers and which appear to be growing in
size and strength right along. There is apparently not the slightest
intention on the part of the publishers to treat with the strikers and
the incident, according to their viewpoint, is at an end.
jl The Reporter, the newspaper which was started by the strikers
to inform the public of their cause, passes into the han,ds of a private
corporation. It will undoubtedly give employment to quite a num-
tier ol-tbe men ito quit tbeir jobs to go on strike but the rest are left
jobless so far as New Haven is concerned.
That the result would have been far different had the reporters
been content to form a trade union and wait until it had the strength
which comes from continued existence and the backing of the entire
trade union movement can hardly be doubted.
' Unions of 'newswriters affiliated with the American Federation
of Labor come tinder the jurisdiction of the International Typo
graphical Union and in other eities where they exist they are a subor
dinate union of that body, affiliated with the Typographical local
and; in most instances, with the central body of the city in which
they are located.
.This is the situation in Bridgeport where the newswriters gained
a signal victory. When the publishers sought to discharge members
of the union, following the granting of demands, representatives of
the Connecticut Federation of Labor and local labor men of other
organizations visited the employers for a conference and the men
were quickly reinstated.
That was a striking illustration of the difference between being
in the trade union movement and being out of it.
In New Haven the newswriters decided not to affiliate with the
organized labor movement because of a rule of the International
Typographical Union which provides that no strike shall be inaugur
ated by a subordinate union prior to at least one year after the issur
ance of its charter.
They felt that they couldn 't wait a year and would therefore
get along without affiliation with the trade union movement. Several
issues of their paper, The Reporter, stated definitely that the News
writers Equity League of New Haven had no connection with the
American Federation of Labor 'and that there would be no such
affiliation in the future. This was naturally glad news for the pub
lishers and helped to stiffen the backbone of the opposition tremend
ously. - It is unfortunate that this position was taken as subsequent
events have demonstrated. The moral would seem to be that quick-
called, lone strikes are decidedly inadvisable and that no My
of workers can hope to succeed along the lines of permanent im
provement of conditions so long as they elect to remain outside of the
bona fide labor movement as represented by the American Federa
tion of Labor and its affiliated organizations.
ago will realize, if he stops to think, that the trolley company is doing
the same thing.
In connection witli this subject it is worthy of note that of the
five trolley companies in this state three are in the hands of receiv
ers. Another, the Bristol system, also sells electric power, light and
gas, which helps its revenue. The remaining one, the, Connecticut
Company, can continue to operate only by increasing its fares. The
condition of the others, which is many times duplicated in other parts
of the country, is definite proof of this fact.
An alleviating circumstance for the workers is found in the
example set by many Hartford manufacturers who announced that
they would make up to their employees whatever they were required
to spend in increased fares through the zone system for the first six
months of its operation. It is expected that this most worthy example
will be followed by other employers throughout the state.
POOR PEOPLE MUST SUEFER COAL
FAMINE IF CITY DOES NOT ACT
NATIONAL
SS
W3JSTKALWCt)-
ASSOCIATION
Central Office, Murray Bldg., Grand
Rapids, Mich.
Candler Bldg., 220 West 42nd Street.
New York City.
433 Lemcke Bldg., Indianapolis, Indiana.
The National Labor Press Association
has exclusive charge of our foreign
advertising.
The sooner some steps are taken by the municipalities of the
state to prevent suffering among the poor from a coal shortage this
winter the sooner a most important matter will have been attended
to and an imperative public duty discharged.
In New Haven the matter has already been brought to the atten
tion of the board of aldermen by the Mayor and referred to a com-
i i mi . -t
mittee. mere it has apparently come to a standstill.
People whose circumstances have compelled them to buy coal in
small quantities, by the hod or small bag, have always had to pay the
long price, usually an extortionate one. Last winter with the pre
vailing nign prices xney were under a neavy burden. This winter,
with a serious shortage and extremely high prices probable, they are
threatened with actual suffering.
Several persons interested in welfare work have suggested that
J.T- -'J. 1 'i Ml ft 1 n
me cny taKe some means oi making it possiDie tor this class oi pur-
cnasers to buy as close to actual cost as teasibie. The establishment
of citv coal stations, similar tn t Vi ritv sta-Hm-ia rk-P 1sa an-m-mo'..
has been one of the plans discussed and it was to get some definite'
plan in operation that the matter was placed before the board of
aldermen. -A 1
Surely no project could be more important than this. Yet the
time within which a supply of coal' may be obtained for this purpose
Deeomes criricaiiy snort, witn a vast coal striise scheduled tor Novem
ber 1 and transportation problems threatening there is no time to
be lost.
Immediate and efficient action is imperative.
EMPLOYERS' GROUP WRECKS
HOPE OF INDUSTRIAL PEACE
During: the war there existed a very definite belief that collec
tive bargaining had come tok be recognized--as necessary.
That it must be generally adopted in order that the complicated
business conditions of the present day might be satisfactorily met
was presumed to be an accepted fact.
Now the national industrial conference, upon which the pros-
perity and safety of the country depends, stands wrecked by the
absolute reiusal o the employing group to accept collective bar
gaining as a principle.
The resolution recognizing the right of the workers to bargain
collectively was defeated by a vote of a majority of the employing
group. The kbor group, forced to recognize what had for some
time been apparent, the employers' determination to refuse any sort
of recognition to organized labor was compelled to withdraw from
-the conference.
The result is yet to be seen. That it will be disastrous is feared.
But one thing is sure the issue is fairly and squarely up tp capital.
It has thrown down the gauntlet to labor and labor has accepted it.
THE WAGE-EARNER AND THE
NEW ZONE SYSTEM OF FARES
No other class of citizens are so directly affected by the newly
announced zone system of fares for trolley service as are the working
people. As has been repeatedly pointed out by this paper the street
cars are primarily the workingman's vehicle and the increased fare
hits hardest the wage earner who must rely upon it as a means of
transportation between his home and his place of employment.
The. increased expense added to an already burdensome cost of
living naturally gives rise at first thought to a vigorous protest but
in' order to be fair the facts in the case must be given honest con
sideration. ' . .
The workingman must have more pay to meet the increased cost
of living-.
It is equally self-evident that the street railway company must
have more income to meet the increased cost of operation.
That the cost of operation has increased, during the past two
or three years and increased tremendously nobody can fail to
recognize.
The average workingman will admit that the employees of the
Connecticut Company have had to have more money to make both
ends meet under the increased cost of living. Recently the company
showed its recognition of this fact by a voluntary raise of pay and
got itself censured roundly from certain quarters which don't be
lieve in increased wages. Nevertheless it knew the men actually
needed more money and it gave it to them.
The Connecticut Company employs 2,500 union motormen and
conductors and it is paying them today $2,700,000 a year more in
wages than it did in 1917, an increase of 63 per cent.
In 1918 these union employees received two and nine-tenths cents
(practically three cents) of every six cent fare paid by passengers.
In August there was the 12 per cent, increase so that now over
three cents of every fare paid goes to the men, over half.
The rest of the income from fares doesn't meet the rest of the
expense of operation and the company is getting for its share
nothing.
The stockholders who have their money invested in the company
haven't seen a dividend since 1916.
The company hasn't been able to pay its taxes, which is a burden
- i -t , i t -i -l iL " a.
on tne community ana, tnis, in turn, is a Duraen on me citizen.
It hasn't been able to buy much needed new cars and equipment
and this is a hardship on the public.
Take it alj. in all it means that an increased income is an abso
lute neceSSitji "Without it the motormen and conductors cannot con
tinue to receive the wages they must have in order to live. The state
and city cannot be paid their taxes, which means that they must
come out of the pocket of the people in some other form. The com
pany cannot buy new equipment and maintain satisfactory service
in fact it means in a nutshell that the company must quit ; and this
would mean one of two things loss of employment by 2,500 union
trolleymen, together with many otherx employees, and the cessation
of trolley service or the operation of the lines by the state or munici
palities. The experience of other communities under the latter plan
has not been such as to encourage the experiment.
"With the necessity for increased income established the super
iority of the zone system over any other form is the only question
left. It may be safely assumed that the company gave the matter
most careful consideration and thorough investigation.
The principle that the further a passenger rides the more he
should pay appears to be eminently just. Upon that principle the
zone system is based.
That the increased fare, especially to persons residing at a con
siderable distance from the city, will work a hardship must be ad
mitted but this is also true of the increased cost of food, clothing,
coal and rent. .
It would seem that the situation calls for just consideration and
co-operation. Wage earners who believe that their fellow workmen,
the trolleymen, should receive the pay that is necessary for them to
live decently will realize that it is necessary for them as passengers
. PTrnense. Thev. and the rest of the people, will also
realize that in order to benefit from the other increased costs of
Deration they will have to help meet those also. The man who is
today paying about twice as much for his coal as he was a few years
Great Leaders of the
Union Labor Ivlovenaent
SARA A. C0NB0Y
Secretary Textile Workers of America
The women of America are fortunate
in having such a splendid representative
in American Federation of Labor con
ventions as Sara A. Conboy. As a lead
er of her sex for many years, as an
official of an international union, and as
a delegate to American Federation of
Labor conventions, she has through her
untiring efforts secured many conces
sions for women and children. She has
also taken part in discussions on all
questions for the benefit of labor as a
whole.
As a member of the committee on
organization, she has shown wonderful
powers of reasoning. Many old and
tried international officers are on this
committee, but Mrs. Conboy's deep
knowledge of the trade union move
ment and of proper methods to pursue
. j. .fr i. ,;..$iisi..l. .fr .issjijjsgfrfr ; .; ;
in the organization of "the unorganized
made her selection as secretary almost
inevitable.
No question affecting women and
children comes up in the conventions in
which she does not take thedeepest
interest. Leading men delegates find
her a source of needed advice when they
are puzzled over some knotty trade
problem.
As secretary of the textile workers
she has aided in building up that or
ganization despite most bitter opposi
tion from powerful influences.
When President Gompers was re
quested to name someone to christen
the Afel in the Hog Island Shipyards
on June 28th last, he selected Mrs. Con
boy as a representative of the American
Federation of Labor and of the highest
American womanhood.
MICKIE SAYS
TfcKe VT rRONV NVE, REPORTING
reft k r4ENrma aim Nd tm
OUR. REPOR-fER SATS "THE. M(VS
OF SOME PEOPLE ."VVAet
OOf CURAOSlfi, INSTEM) OF TRt-
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UoriMA
THOMAS A. RICKERT
President United Garment Workers and Sixth Vice-
President American Federation of Labor
No labor official has had a more diffi-
cult task in guiding an international
union than Thomas A. Rickert, pres
ident of the United Garment Workers.
More than two scores of nationalities
make up that organization, and it re
quired diplomacy and executive ability
of the highest order to keep-it intact
President Rickert has had his enemies
both within and without the organiza
tion. Some of these are found in other
unions and central bodies. With a won
derful command of himself, Rickert has
moved ahead through all difficulties with
confidence in the outcome.
It is such battles that make men big.
It was not, therefore, surprising that
when the Atlantic City, convention met
he was made chairman of the adjust
ment committee. While jurisdictional
controversies raise more disturbance
than all the different nationalities in his
own organization possibly could, he was
very successful in adjusting disputes.
No one without such an experience as
his could serve on such a committee.
Rickert's experience has therefore
proved of great assistance to the labor
movement. He declared the policy that
nothing be done in secret, and which
met the hearty favor of those dele
gates with jurisdictional disputes to
settle.
FRANK DUFFY
Secretary Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of
America and Third Vice-President American
Federation of Labor
5-
t X $ $ $
Prank Duffy is secretary of an or
ganization with nearly 300,000 members
and has held that position for 18 years.
Open and frank in all his dealings, and
a thorough trade unionist, he is respect
ed by all who know him for his exten
sive knowledge of labor matters.
Duffy is one of the big men who in
conventions help to steer the labor craft
into safe harbor. His work on the
committee on organization has proved
of incalculable value to the American
Federation of Labor and its affiliated
unions. Having" aided to make the policy
which increased the membership of the
organization of carpenters, he was ably
fitted to act as chairman of the commit
tee on organization.
JAIL SENTENCE FOR
STRIKER IN ROCKVILLE
Woman Who Cannot Speak Eng
lish and Has Been a Picket
Gets 60 Days.
Rockville, Oct. 24. The first striker
to get a jail sentence in the police court
since the beginning of the textile strike
is Mrs. Katie Zyra, who was sentenced
to 60 days m jail by Judge jonn r..
Fisk. She appealed the case and bonds
were fixed at $450.
Mrs. Zyra has been supported by the
town for some time. She is a widow
and his five children. She cannot speak
English and has been a picket, working
mostly with Polish people. It was tes
tified in court by several women that
she called them vile names pn numer
ous occasions.
Michael Knebal was charged with
breach of peace and resisting an officer.
Told to move on by Officer Frank Gns
cinski while standing in front of Re
gan's mill Saturday with a group of
pickets, he refused. While be.ng
brought to the police station he resisted
the officers. He was found guilty and
fined $10 on the breach of peace charge
and $5 on the resistance charge plus
costs of $10.80. His case was also ap
pealed to the superior court by the union
officials and bonds were fixed at $200.
THAT
Great Advertising Authority
Printers Ink
The Leading Publication of It! Kind
in America, Says That
A LABOR PAPER
Is a Far Better Advertising Medium
Than an Ordinary Newspaper in com
parison of Circulation.
The Connecticut Labor
Press
Gives It's Advertisers the Co-Opera-
tion oi Thousands of Members of Or-
Kuized Labor. Every Reader hi am a
Reason for Patrotdzuig Those Who
Advertise in Labor. Own fie
You re an outsider if you don't belong
to The Labor Press family. Members
of organized labor and their friends are
joining through the subscription route
in large numbers every day. Do it now.
GOMPERS' LUNCH.
Served By Rockefeller Who
Didn't Have Waiter's Card.
Washington, Oct. 24. Samuel Gom-
pers, president of the American Fed-
eration of Labor, served by a non-union
waiter ! Seems almost unbelievable, but
'tis a fact. And the non-union waiter
happened to be the richest young man
in the world, John D. Rockefeller, jr.
A buffet luncheon was served to the
Industrial Conference delegates, and
young Rockefeller had consented to
serve as waiter,, carrying bountiful sup
plies to various tables. In one trip to
prospective diners, young Rockefeller
bumped into Gompers.
"Will you take this tray of food?"
asked Rockefeller of the A. F. of L.
head.
"Have you a card in the Waiters'
Union?" asked Gompers, smiling.
"No, but surely you won't refuse on
that account," replied the richest
voting man in the world. '
"Well," said Gompers, "I'll break the
rule of a .lifetime and accept your
offer."
1FTDINR Exposure to Sod, Wind,
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REPAIRING A SPECIALTY
J, WASSERMAN
A STORE FOR UNION MEN
94 WASHINGTON AVENUE
ON PAY DAY
Don't ever let a pay day pass without depositing
some part of your earnings in this old-established
mutual sayings
Whether your deposits are large or small, you receive
the same courtesy and the same fate of interest on your
savings.
We have no special favors for anyone this Bank" is
owned by and conducted for the benefit of the depositors.
Connecticut Savings Bank
47 CHURCH STREET
COR. CROWN STREET.
Open Saturday evenings 7 to 8:30.
Members New Haven. Trades Council Co-operation Campaign.
These are the Days o f ig Things
for LABOR and it is the duty of every trade unionist
to keep posted.
Big Employing Interests. Intent
on crushing- Organized Labor once and for all are arrayed
to give battle and Labor stands ready.
To Protect Your Own Welfare
you must watch every move you must be ready to dp
your share toward enlightening public opinion as to
Labor's real aim and object in this great struggle.
Knowledge is Power Don't be in
the dark have the facts. '
Don't Miss A Single Issue Of
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.19
Date ,
THE CONNECTICUT LABOR PRESS
286-288 York St.,
New Haven, Conn.
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