30,000 locked out : $b the great strike of the building trades in Chicago — John Locke — John Shaqi
30,000 locked out : $b the great strike of the building trades in Chicago
John Locke · en
3. This association earnestly recommends all its affiliated
associations to secure, as soon as possible, the adoption of a
system of payment "by the hour" for all labor performed, other than
"piece work" or "salary work," and to obtain the co-operation of
associations of workmen in this just and equitable arrangement.
4. That all blank forms of contracts for buildings should be
uniform throughout the United States. That such forms of contract,
with the conditions thereof, should be such as will give the
builder, as well as the owner, the protection of his rights, such
as justice demands. That whenever a proper form has been approved
by this association, after consultation with the American Institute
of Architects, and the Western Association of Architects, we
recommend its use by every builder and contractor.
5. The legislatures of the various states should be petitioned to
formulate and adopt uniform lien laws and every organization
represented in this association is recommended to use its best
endeavors to secure the passage of the same.
6. Architects and builders should be required to adopt more
effectual safeguards in buildings in process of construction, so as
to lessen the danger of injury to workmen and others.
7. We recommend the adoption of a system of insurance against
injuries by accident to workmen in the employ of builders, wherein
the employer may participate in the payment of premiums for the
benefit of his employes. Also in securing the payment of annuities
to workmen who may become permanently disabled, through injuries
received by accident or the infirmities of old age.
When this declaration was sent out it set the laborer to thinking, and
the public generally to reflecting upon the relation between the
employer and the employe, especially in the building trades.
The first paragraph affirming "that absolute personal independence of
the individual to work or not to work, to employ or not to employ, is a
fundamental principle which should never be questioned or assailed," was
regarded as a declaration of right, justice and liberty that ought to be
universally accepted. And yet it has not been so accepted. It is utterly
rejected in practice, if not in so many words, in almost every case of
strike. In one way or another the strikers prevent others from
exercising that right to work and to employ, or attempt to do so, thus
assuming for themselves superior rights and despotic powers.