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
The Hodcarriers became disgusted. Their feeling against the Bricklayers
was very strong, and they said if the Bricklayers were possessed of more
sense all the employes in the building trades would be at work at good
wages and the Hodcarriers would be getting all they asked for. They were
out of work and out of means, and the funds of the union were so low
that little or no relief could be obtained from that source. The union
funds had been exhausted for some time, and the weekly assessments upon
men employed did not average over $200, while there was a demand for
more than $10,000 per week to pay the $5 weekly, which was guaranteed to
every member of the Hodcarriers' union who was on strike and in need.
The outcome to the most of the men looked bad, and serious trouble was
expected. Men with starving families and no prospect of getting work
were not likely to long keep quiet. Only a few men showed themselves at
headquarters, but there was an undercurrent of discontent that could not
be kept down. Fears were entertained that it might lead to riot, and
efforts were put forth to keep the rougher element out of the way. There
were good grounds for apprehension, and it required careful manipulation
to keep the dangerous element subdued.
LISTING THE JOBS.
On Friday, May 27th, the executive committee of the Master Masons'
association appointed a sub-committee to make a list of jobs in the city
giving the names of all the contractors, the location of the work, the
number of bricklayers, stonemasons and laborers required, and the number
at work, and this sub-committee rapidly got its work in shape. It also
kept a memoranda of the character of material needed, and the quantity
supplied from time to time, with the names of the dealers from whom it
was procured. It was empowered to designate members of the association
to visit jobs as often as necessary for the purpose of rendering any
service that would facilitate the work, and contractors who were
resuming business were requested to report to the committee what
progress was being made. The executive committee realized that it would
take no little time to get the business in good running order, and the
organization was put in such shape as to make it effective in a long or
short campaign.
FALSE STATEMENTS.
In order to create a break in the ranks of the material dealers, who
were bravely supporting the Master Masons, the strikers circulated a
report that permits for the purchase of building materials would only be
issued to members of the Master Masons' association. When the attention
of President Downey was called to the fact he said with considerable
earnestness: