Striking Cincinnati department stores clash over wage demands and war rules
Correspondence between Burton B. Tuttle counsel for the struck stores and W. R. Fairley federal conciliation official documents the dispute over wage demands and adherence to National War Labor Board principles during the World War I strike by Department Store Drivers and Chauffeurs Union No. 161 against major Cincinnati stores. The letters discuss union vs nonunion practices, living wage declarations, and the agreed pause on parcel post as a wage-related concession.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Burton B. Tuttle
W. R. Fairley
Cincinnati
National War Labor Board
United States
National Council of Defense
Lawless Cincinnati department store strike inflamed by union demands
City documents detail a wave of strikes staged by the Department Store Drivers and Chauffeurs Union backed by the Teamsters Joint Council. After union demands to unionize hauling and delivery, several stores including The Alms & Doepke Co and The John Shillito Co faced work stoppages. Federal Conciliation Commissioner W R Fairley visited, negotiated, then left, with the strike continuing. The letter to Secretary Wilson and Fairley’s reply are printed here for the public.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Red Cross
Cincinnati
Department Store Drivers’ & Chauffeurs’ Union
Teamsters’ & Chauffeurs’ Joint Council of
Alms & Doepke Co
Mabiley & Carew Co
Rollman & Sons Co
McAlpin Co
The
Fair
H. & S. Pogue Co
John Shillito Co
Federal Department of Labor
Washington
Wilson
W.R. Fairley
Department of Labor
Fairley
Burton B. Tuttle
Wage debate over unions and wages during strike
The record details wage offers and refusals in a strike context. It notes $16.50 and $12.00 demands, offers of $8.00, apprenticeships for light delivery helpers, and union officials weighing back-to-work demands. It mentions stores using parcel post for retail deliveries as a cheaper alternative during the strike.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Department of Labor
Burden of Indefensible Strike Falls on Union Leaders
A city editorial condemns a warehouse drivers strike that halted parcel post deliveries for four days. It accuses union officials of disobeying a federal conservation stance and placing employment above patriotism as war effort demands mount. The piece cites Fairley’s stance, urges loyalty to government war measures, and names local firms: The Alms & Doepke Co. The Mabley & Carew Co. The Rollman & Sons Company The Malpin Co. The Fair Store.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
National Council OF Defense
State War Board
RED Cross Fund
MR. Citizen
Alms & Doepke Co
Mabley & Carew Co
Rollman & Sons
McAlpin Co
The
Fair
H. & S. Pogue Co
John Shillito Co
Rollman & Sons Co
Pogue Co
Shillito Co
James Boyle
Teamsters
Joint Council No. 26
Cincinnati
Burton B. Tuttle
Alms & Doepke Company
Mabley & Carew
Rollman & Sons Company
McAlpin Company
the Fair
H. & S. Pogue Company
John Shillito Company
Parcel post cut truck deliveries amid labor strike
Government favored shift to parcel post to cut costs and conserve labor, gasoline, and materials. Several companies reported truck reductions, with several firms cutting fleets from 19 to 7, 12 to 4, or to a single unit, while promising reemployment if the strike ends.
Conciliation Commissioner Fairley Replies To Labor Secretary
Commissioner of Conciliation W R Fairley writes to Secretary of Labor Wilson in Washington May 24 1918 to confirm the accuracy of Burton Tuttle Doepke Manley conference notes and the union dealings. The letter approves Tuttle’s statements and the reported results and facts.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
W. R. Fairley
Wilson
Washington
Cincinnati
Washington, D. C
Burton
B. Tuttle
Tuttle
Doepke
Manley
Economize to Utmost Plea from President Wilson
President Wilson urged Americans to save materials and labor for war needs and buy only essential goods. He asked volunteers to act by National Thrift Day, June 28, and to invest in War Savings and Thrift Stamps or other securities. The aim is broad industrial adjustment to war and increased production of war essentials.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Wilson
Also Mentioned on This Page
Mr. W. R. Fairley
Ohio
Mabley & Carew Company
Fair Company
Pogue Company
Council of National Defense
U. S. Department of Labor
City OF Cincinnati
the Malpin CO
the Fair Store
W. R. Wilson
Secreary of Labor
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