WILSON
ANNEX
551881
461
22
Workers' Report of the Sessions of the
PRELIMINARY
WAGE CONFERENCE
between the
National Bottle Manufacturers' Association
and the
Glass Bottle Blowers' Association
of the United States and Canada
1922
Held at Atlantic City, N. J., Marlborough Blenheim Hotel,
May 2d to 5th, inclusive, 1922.
UNION /LABEL
SUNION

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WORKERS' REPORT
of the Sessions of the
Preliminary Wage Conference
between the
NATIONAL BOTTLE MANUFACTURERS'
ASSOCIATION
and the
GLASS BOTTLE BLOWERS' ASSOCIATION
of the United States and Canada
UNION LABEL
PANDER
Held at Atlantic City, N. J.,
JUNION LABEL
Marlborough Blenheim Hotel,
May 2d to 5th, inclusive, 1922.
LIBRARY
거
​FOREWORD
The readers of the following arguments and debates will
please bear in mind that it is presented to you in a condensed
form and not verbatim. The atmosphere of this Preliminary
Conference from the employers' point of view was anything but
optomistic.
W. W. CAMPBELL,
1
Secretary of Executive Board.
520428
REPORT
of the
Preliminary Conference held in the Marlborough Blenheim Hotel,
Atlantic City, May 2nd to 5th, inclusive, 1922.
TUESDAY MORNING,
May 2nd, 1922.
The Conference was called to order by Mr. Geo. W. Yost,
Chairman. The following gentlemen representing the Manufac-
turers:
GEO. W. YOST, Chairman, Bellaire, Ohio.
GEO. S. BACON, Millville, New Jersey.
C. J. Roor, Terre Haute, Indiana.
CHARLES GARWOOD, Baltimore, Md.
Jos. NESTER, East St. Louis, Illinois.
A. F. REED, Rochester, New York.
J. W. KRAUSE, Millville, New Jersey.
P. W. SCHOFIELD, Chicago Heights, Illinois.
C. W. B. HUGHES, Marion, Indiana.
W. E. TIBBY, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
W. B. SWINDELL, JR., Secretary-Treasurer, Baltimore,
Maryland.
The Workers' Representatives were as follows:
JOHN A. VOLL, President, Philadelphia.
James MaloneY, Vice President, Scranton.
HARRY JENKINS, National Secretary, Philadelphia.
Arthur MUHLEMAN, Coshocton, Ohio.
ROBERT VANSANT, Baltimore, Maryland.
JOHN ROBERTS, Terre Haute, Indiana.
A. C. MCLAUGHLIN, Parkers Landing, Pennsylvania.
6
M
THOMAS B. EAMES, Millville, N. J.
WILLIAM WARREN, Montreal, Canada.
W. W. CAMPBELL, Secretary of Executive Board, Rochester,
New York.
Machine Conferees.
James MCCLAIN, Terre Haute, Indiana.
LAWRENCE TYLER, Rochester, New York.
EDGAR HANN, Millville, New Jersey.
WALTER DUNLAP, East St. Louis, Illinois.
PRESIDENT VOLL at this time paid a very splendid tribute to the
late Mr. Jacob Meyers, in which he brought out the sterling
qualities and great achievements of that true man.
MR. YOST also spoke of the many strong characteristics and the
high ideals of the late Mr. Meyers.
The Conference then proceeded to discuss and list the fol-
lowing bottles:
BLOWN WARE.
BRANCH No. 7, MILLVILLE, N. J.
Bottle No. 1. Spirit Lamp, ground on outside of neck. Up
to this time this has been paid for as grinding ware, but the firm
refuses to pay the price at present.
MR. BACON stated that heretofore this ware was ground for
stoppering purposes; that his firm paid the Grinder price when
so made. That when this bottle is made for cork or rubber stop-
pers, as was done in the case in question, they would only pay
the price carried by cork or rubber stopper finish.
1-
PRESIDENT VOLL: The men at Millville inform us that the
same work and conditions now surround this bottle and the
requirements are the same now as when made and paid for
stoppering purposes.
A Worker made the point that the neck of this bottle was a
Grinder neck and had an extreme Taper neck, and regardless
of what it was used for should pay the Grinder price, as the
neck was ground.
MR. BACON stated that it was not necessary to make a stopper
neck on this bottle, that any ordinary neck would answer the
purpose.
A Worker then suggested that a larger plug be used in the
tools.
Deferred to Final Conference.
Bottle No. 2. Liquid Soap B. O., 15-ounce capacity, 11½-
ounce weight. The firm offers Prescription price. The work-
men want it rated as a Toilet.
MR. BACON presented a bottle similar to this bottle and said it
was listed as a Round. But when this B. O. Liquid Soap was
introduced by their firm they, of course, used the bottle listed as
a comparison to establish a price on the bottle in question.
Deferred to Final Conference.
BRANCH No. 9, BALTIMORE, MD.
Bottle No. 1, Round, 32-oz. capacity, 20
(6
Bottle No. 2,
(C
16
112
3
3
Bottle No. 3,
Bottle No. 4,
2
214
66
"C
(C
(C
=
(C
(C
(6
oz. weight.
(C
"C
("
(6
(C
-
66
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These represent an entire line of other sizes, but the others
were not obtainable. We therefore ask that the action on these
be made to cover the other sizes.
The firm rates these as Round Prescriptions, while the work-
men ask that they be classified on the Parke-Davis Round,
Heavy Lip Bracket, page 63.
MR. GARWOOD stated they made this ware for years and always
paid the Prescription price. We will not concede this is an
extra heavy ring; it is a much lighter lip than the Parke-Davis;
there is no comparison.
A Manufacturer stated that his firm made a similar line with
just as heavy a ring and they pay the Prescription price. The
Workers argued from the point of the extra heavy neck required
and the great amount of work for the finisher to get such a
heavy ring.
Deferred to Final Conference.
Bottle No. 5. Round, stoppered, 42-ounce capacity, 44-
ounce weight. The firm rates this as a Prescription; the men as
a Tincture.
-
Bottle No. 6. Round Lubin, 9-ounce capacity, 10-ounce
weight. The firm rates this as a Tincture; the men want Cologne`
price.
MR. SWINDELL offered for comparison a series of four bottles
that pay the Prescription price.
The Workers claimed the comparison was far fetched and
argued for the Tincture price for Bottle No. 5 and the Cologne
price for Bottle No. 6.
MR. GARWOOD stated the men often claim the Tincture price for
certain Prescriptions and the Toilet price for Tinctures; also
9
claim the Cologne price for Toilets when it works out to their
advantage, or vice versa, and urged the consolidation of the
Toilet and Cologne Brackets.
SECRETARY JENKINS explained why the Lubin Bracket was
eliminated in answer to a question from a Manufacturer.
Bottles No. 5 and 6 from Branch No. 9, Baltimore, were de-
ferred to the Final Conference.
BRANCH No. 10, ROYERSFORD, PA.
Bottle No. 1. Angostura Bitter, 9-dram capacity, 24-ounce
weight. The firm pays 66 cents per gross. This bottle is already
listed on page 67 at 73 cents per gross, but the firm protests that
price.
VICE PRESIDENT MALONEY, during a talk upon this bottle, said
there was no more Sample Wines in existance. That this firm
by placing the word Angostura on the bottle and placing extra
weight in bottle did make it an Angostura Bitter, and it should be
rated as same. This regardless of the fact that the mould was
originally a Sample Wine mould.
Deferred to Final Conference.
BRANCH No. 70, WALLACEBURG, ONT.
Bottle No. 1. Round wide-mouth, 1½-oz. capacity, 2-oz.
weight. Firm rates as Round Prescription W. M. Men want
it listed on Parke-Davis Round, Heavy Lip Bracket, page 63.
Rated as Round Prescription W. M.
BRANCH No. 71, HAWTHORN, PA.
Bottle No. 1. Taper Oblong, 1-ounce capacity, 2-ounce
weight. The firm rates this as a Short Blake and the workmen
as a Toilet.
10
Bottle No. 2. Tall Square, 2-dram capacity, 2-ounce weight.
The firm rates this as a French Square and the workmen as a
Toilet, basing their claim to that bracket on the fact that the
firm had always heretofore paid Toilet price.
The Manufacturers refused to consider these bottles as this
firm is not a member of their association.
BRANCH No. 81, CHICAGO HEIGHTS, ILL.
Bottle No. 1. Oblong shape, 8-ounce capacity, 7-ounce
weight. The firm rates this on the Oval Bracket while workmen
desire it rated on the Short Blake Bracket. Inasmuch as the
Paris Squares, which this bottle strongly resembles, are rated on
the Short Blake Bracket, the contention of the men is held to
be correct, from which decision the firm appeals.
MR. SCHOFIELD stated the production on this bottle is good,
that it has the oval edges and the rounding corners, thereby
there is no loss by breakage and the moulds deliver well.
The Workers claimed it resembled the Paris Square and that
the Paris Square was transferred at a former Conference to the
Short Blake Bracket, hence this bottle should pay the Short
Blake price.
A Manufacturer stated his plant made a similar line of ware
and were rated as Ovals, but was formerly known as the St. Paul
Oval.
Deferred to Final Conference.
Bottle No. 2. Atomizer, blowover, 1-ounce capacity, 134-
ounce weight. We request this bottle be governed by action
taken on ware from Knox.
PRESIDENT VOLL at this time made an explanation why he made
such a decision on the similar line of ware from Knox, Pa.,
11
stating that the firm (Knox, Pa.) showed no disposition whatever
to adjust or reimburse our members for the great loss on
breakage on this line of ware, and the Knox firm paid the price
set by President Voll on the finished price. That this decision
had traveled around the trade, hence such requests as the above.
MR. SCHOFIELD brought out the point that the B. O. on the
Knox line of ware was entirely wrong, therefore the excessive
loss when chipping and when delivering from moulds. The Blow
Overs were not the proper form.
:
Deferred to Final Conference.
BRANCH No. 98, KNOX, PA.
Six styles of blowover Atomizers, each 2½-ounce weight and
varying in capacity from 12-ounce to 22-ounce, and numbered
22, 29, 30, 41, 49 and 401.
No. 16, blowover Atomizer at 2-ounce weight.
No. 26, finished Atomizer, 24-ounce weight.
This blowover ware has been in dispute nearly all season. A
decision was made by President Voll in January, 1920, that owing
to the light weight of this class of ware, which made it extremely
difficult to file or chip without excessive loss, Paragraph C of
Section 2, did not apply, but that it should be paid for net. The
company accepted this decision inasmuch as they did not protest
it and paid the finished price until the present season. We
request a bracket be made to govern Atomizers and that those
now appearing in the miscellaneous bracket, page 70, be included
therein. We would also request the prices be made net.
The Manufacturers refused to consider these bottles as this
firm is not a member of their Association.
{
12
BRANCH No. 116, UPLAND, IND.
Round Lettered McCord Brady Co., 2-ounce capacity, 2½-
ounce weight. Firm rates as Round Prescription. Men desire
to rate as Sample Oil, Castor Oil, or Lemon Syrup.
Conference rates as a Round Prescription.
TUESDAY AFTERNOON
May 2nd.
Manufacturers at this time presented their paper of requests,
which reads as follows:
To the President and Members of the Committee of the Glass Bottle
Blowers' Association.
GENTLEMEN :-The disastrous condition in which we find the
trade today makes us hesitate to request the drastic reduction
we know is necessary to preserve your trade for you and our
present form of manufacture for us.
We sincerely hope that after you have heard our reasons and
arguments you will be so convinced of their sincerity and
soundness that your organization will be willing to give us as
great a reduction as is necessary to preserve this branch of our
industry.
1
Furthermore, we consider the following specific requests
necessary for the successful operation of our plants:
7
~
1. That there should be a greater proportionate reduction
on all ware 12-ounce and over, in order to more nearly equalize
automatic competition.
2. That the Wide Mouth List be abolished.
13
3. That the Sterilizers be made on the same list as Pre-
scriptions.
4. That there be a modification of the prices paid for screw
finished ware.
5. That there be a modification of the price to be paid for
extra weights.
6. That there be a revision of the sections on weight
tolerances.
7. That there be a consolidation of the Cologne and Toilet
Lists in both Tank and Covered Pot.
8. That there be a greater proportionate reduction in the
Cologne and Toilet Lists to compensate for the failure to give
these lists the full reduction given the other lists last year.
9. That there be a modification of the sections on working
time so that they will read: "Where a factory operates only one
or two shifts, it shall be allowed to operate each shift nine
hours instead of eight, the nine hours to be divided into two
shifts of four and a half hours each."
10. That the Saturday half holiday be abolished.
Wage Committee of the
National Association of Bottle Manufacturers.
GEO. W. YOST, Chairman.
All Hand Blown ware being disposed of and the Machine
Conferees not having as yet arrived, the Manufacturers' paper of
requests was next considered.
MR. TIBBY stated that at the Manufacturers' meeting such
places as Hawley, Pa., Binghamton, N. Y., Marienville, and
others urged the adoption of Section 1, which reads:
14
1. That there should be a greater proportionate reduction ɔn
all ware 12-ounce and over, in order to more nearly equalize auto-
matic competition.
VICE PRESIDENT MALONEY asked the Manufacturers if the
margin on the selling price of ware above 12-ounce was closer
than that under 12-ounce. Manufacturers answered that it was.
VICE PRESIDENT MALONEY: Well we know it to be a fact that
the automatics are not making the number of large size bottles
the past couple of years that they did in previous years, and there
is a reason for it. During this depression in business and in-
dustry the public is not purchasing the larger packages. They
buy more of the smaller sizes.
MR. SWINDELL requested the Workers to seriously consider the
fact that the larger sizes of bottles were going from the hand
factories to the automatic machine factories. He stated it might
be well to present this situation to our Convention for discussion.
Deferred to Final Conference.
2.
That the Wide Mouth List be abolished.
SECRETARY JENKINS made the point very clear that reductions
in wages or modifications in rules did not bring business to the
Manufacturers, or did it put our people to work.
Manufacturers stated there was no difference from the selling
point as between Wide or Narrow Neck.
Deferred to Final Conference.
3. That Sterilizers be made on the same list as Prescriptions.
A Manufacturer in comparing the Tank and Covered Pot
Lists proved that this class of ware pays more when made from
tanks than when' made from covered pots.. Also stated they sold
to the buyers at the same price as Prescriptions.
15
Workers stated it impressed them as though advantage was
being taken of every rule and every opportunity to reduce the
wages of our people.
Deferred to Final Conference.
4. That there be a modification of the prices paid for screw
finished ware under 8-ounce capacity.
A Worker: This class of ware has paid an extra price since
the birth of our list. There has never been a reason presented
why it should not.
Workers asked why this request comes at this time, and why
specify ware under 8-ounce capacity.
A Manufacturer in answer to above questions agreed that
when the list was being built up that this ware, for some reason
at that time, paid a premium or extra price for the screw finish.
But conditions in the industry have changed and necessarily we
must make provisions to meet these changes. Reasons advanced
by Manufacturers for change in price on ware under 8-ounce
capacity: This like other lines pays no more in the selling
market, that they were no more difficult to finish than other lines
of ware.
But conceded that this did not apply to the ware above
8-ounce capacity.
MR. BACON stated his firm years ago enjoyed a big business
in this line, but now it had almost entirely gone.
had almost entirely gone. He also called
attention to the fact that all screw finish Tablets have gone to
the automatic.
MR. SWINDELL believed a portion of this business might still be
maintained by the hand manufacturer and perhaps some of the
lost orders be again secured if this extra price was removed.
A Manufacturer also referred to the screw finish ware dis-
placing the Duplex Finish, and this too would be advantageous
to the hand manufacturers.
16
:
1.
PRESIDENT VOLL Are we to understand here that the auto-
matic firms are actually under-selling you: people in the market?
Manufacturers answered yes, and furthermore the automatic
manufacturers pay no attention to shape, finish: or style of bottles;
they sell on a strictly weight and capacity basis.
Dorog to be
an ins
:::
A Manufacturer stated that during the past year he lost
orders amounting to between two to three thousand gross on
account of the wide difference of price as between the cost of the
hand and automatic methods of producing. He cited one order
of 86,000 gross in New York City their firm lost to an auto-
matic factory. He stated their first bid on said order was $2.25
per gross, but the buyer returned bid informing us we must
shade this price to secure the order. We then submitted a price.
of $1.99 per gross, which was cost of producing. Later
they informed us they contracted with an automatic concern at
$1.40 per gross. This price we believe was hammered down by
the fact that two automatic firms entered competition for this
order.
-
VICE PRESIDENT MALONEY: The case just cited by your side
is deplorable; such competive methods will undermine the in-
dustry. They may call that progress, but I question its sound-
ness. The Vice President illustrated the destruction in the
mountain districts of Pennsylvania, where glass factories were
located and towns and communities were prosperous, but just
such methods had been responsible for the closing of factories
and the decay of the towns on account of the elimination of the
industry. Those communities felt keenly the depression in busi-
ness.
1
Mr. Chairman I have been taught to respect government,
and men of importance, men who fill important places in the
world. When men have the executive ability to do things, to
build up gigantic industries, they deserve respect, but I have not
the proper respect for many of our great capitalists. Those big
men are not doing their duty toward society, humanity or govern-
ment. I speak now of the interests who control the wealth of
the country and of certain large captains of industry.
17
⠀⠀ Those men are responsible to a great extent for the vast
amount of bitterness to be found among the working people.
In our own industry, for instance, we find some concerns who,
having secured mechanical devices to produce, bottles, throw.us
out like an old shoe. They do not consider the human aspect
of the situation by at least giving us an opportunity to operate
those machines and continue to earn a livelihood in the industry
in which we helped to make, and in which we worked all our
lives. This is a calamity to say the least. Understand, I am not
finding fault, they may think they are doing right. I suppose
the blame rests with the system, but the system is wrong..and
should be changed. Of course, we are aware it can not be
changed over night, but understand, it will be changed. It may
take fire, iron, and blood to change it, or it may be changed by
evolution; but changed it will be.
..
*
This order of affairs can not continue, as there is no justice
in the present system for the common people. So let us use our
efforts to change this system by the natural way of evolution,
and these conferences are a great help to that end. I sincerely
believe that if the entire bottle industry in this country was
organized, both the Workers and Employers, and we could meet
all Bottle Manufacturers here in Conference-understand, I mean
automatic, flow and hand manufacturers-all of them without
exception, I feel we could correct the abuse of price cutting
spoken of by a member on your side. That we could reach satis-
factory agreements, create a better feeling in the industry and
make better conditions for all concerned. Reductions in wages
will not remedy the evils in this industry. But the conference
system meetings, like this we are holding here today, if all
interests were represented, would go a long way toward eliminat-
ing said evils. Reductions in wages are not the way out, there
must be some other way found.
way.
A Manufacturer: We who employ your people are in a bad
We do not desire a reduction or modifications of rules
just to be arbitrary or for sake of taking wages from the workers.
We presented those requests because we believe they are abso-
lutely necessary, that we will be in a position to compete with
18
}
the interests who do not employ your men. The mentioned
modifications and reductions would permit us to hang on a while
longer in the hope there may be an improvement in the bottle
business. We recognize too that these requests above will not
save us if granted, but we must work along other lines as well
to reduce our costs, that we will be required continually to be up
and hustling for business.
A Manufacturer: I realize that in the long run reductions
in wages hurt; they are not beneficial to the community or to the
country, to business, or to the people in general. Personally it
matters little to me, as I have not much longer to go along in
this business, yet I am in a position to know that my colleagues
in the hand method of producing bottles must have some relief
in the way of costs to remain in business. It is therefore very
essential that your people consider well at your convention what
we say to you here.
A Manufacturer again argued for uniformity of Workers'
list being applied to all screw finish ware. He called attention
to the fact that this business had been almost entirely absorbed
by the automatic firms, yet was inclined to believe if prices on
this line could be brought to the price of general lines this busi-
ness could again be secured by their people; at least a part of it
would come back to the hand manufacturer.
A Worker during a discussion brought from the Manufac-
turers the fact that screw finish bottles, likewise all wide mouth
bottles, sold in the selling market for the price of Narrow Neck
ware. There was no extra price obtained on account of any
change, style or design of finish. This because the automatic
makes no distinction in price for finish on bottles.
PRESIDENT VOLL: I desire to say, as I understand it, the auto-
matic factories have not operated this season in full. They have
been running considerably under their capacity. Now if those
concerns using the automatic or flow methods can under-sell you
people, as you say they can, then why did they, not go out this
year and get business enough to operate their plants in full
instead of allowing some portions of them to remain idle?
19
A Manufacturer: The answer to Mr. Voll is: There are very
few large orders in the market at this time. Buyers are buying
close or ordering as they need the ware; they do not contract for
large amounts at this time. This has its effect upon the large
producers of bottles.
Section 4 of Manufacturers was deferred to Final Conference.
5. That there be a modification of the price to be paid for
cxtra weights.
A Manufacturer: We request this change for the reason that
the automatic makes this ware very successfully. Now we are
forced to meet their price, and as they sell upon a capacity or
weight basis you can readily see how we are penalized for
putting extra weight in bottles.
A Manufacturer: Our plant is equipped with both machine
and hand blown shops. When we make extra weight bottles on
the machines, of course we are governed by the Machine List.
But if we are compelled for certain reasons to make the same
ware in hand blown shops your list provides for the payment of
six cents per ounce extra weight. However, we are forced to
sell the blown product for the same price as when made on our
machines. This penalizes us to produce these extra weight
bottles by hand; consequently we do not make them by the hand
blown method except when we are forced by circumstances to do
So.
A Worker asked the question if there was no extra price
when extra weight was put in bottles, if it would result in return-
ing this line of ware to the blower.
Manufacturer answered no, but it would be instrumental in
keeping what still was made by hand in the hand shops.
SECRETARY JENKINS stated he could not agree with the speaker,
as it was his conviction when orders were large enough to make
it worth while to make machine moulds, that the orders would
0
✩
20
go to the machines regardless of the difference of price as be-
tween the Hand Blown and Machine Lists.
A Manufacturer at this time pointed out the position they
were in this past season on account of the placing of short
orders. Heretofore you were able to secure business enough of
one color glass to justify running a tank on amber, say for
illustration, or flint or green glass. But this past year orders
came in for such small quantities we must run on one color glass
and turn our other orders over to the larger concerns to fill.
I know absolutely that many of us this year have been com-
pelled to buy many bottles from automatic firms, while under
normal conditions we should be producing these bottles in our
own plants and giving employment to your people.
Section 5, Manufacturers' paper deferred to Final Conference.
The hour of adjournment having arrived, Chairman Yost an-
nounced they had made arrangements to meet Mr. Clark, Presi-
dent of the Flint Union, with his colleagues of the Mould Makers
the following day. It was then arranged that we meet Thursday
morning.
~
,
THURSDAY MORNING,
May 4th.
6. That there be a revision of the sections on weight tolerances.
The Manufacturers requested a modification in the weight
tolerances on account of the extensive advertising campaign the
automatic firms were making by educating the buyers of bottles
and creating a serious demand for actual weight and uniform
capacity, thus placing the hand manufacturer at a disadvantage.
A
21
The Workers called attention to the foot note at bottom of
each page of price list. They claimed it is utterly impossible to
keep any closer to weight; stated too that the automatic ware
was not always correct in capacity.
VICE PRESIDENT MALONEY: Mr. Chairman, we recognize the
necessity of working as close to weight as possible. Now I
desire to ask you if at any time or place you can truthfully say
our people do not comply with the foot note on each page of
list. We are also aware of the State and Federal laws which
govern capacity, and I am sure our people co-operate with you.
by trying to comply with said laws. It is natural they should.
as it is to their own interest as well as yours. I fail to see where
any change is required in this rule.
PRESIDENT VOLL: I have in mind a Conference held at the
Bellevue-Stratford Hotel relative to tolerances brought about
by Federal and State laws and investigations. There is no reason
for any change from, this angle, as the present tolerances do
comply with the laws. Of course, if men work entirely on the
light or heavy side all during the day, then their ware will run
either over or below an average capacity, while if they are care-
ful of weight they can have the capacity and weight average very
nearly correct for the day's work.
President Voll termed it propaganda to promote sales and
talked interestingly upon the methods used by certain corpora-
tions, countries, interests, and projects, who used to advantage
the twelve news agencies of the world to publish their canned
propaganda. President Voll claimed that regardless of what we
might do this method of propaganda could not be stopped..
Money and canned press stuff will put the propaganda across
regardless of any efforts we may make.
A Manufacturer told of a large order he lost on account of
14-ounce variation in weight.
A Worker: It matters not what variation we agree to here,
it will have no effect upon the workmen, as they are at all times
22
1
I
trying to make the scales balance. You may change this varia-
tion if you desire, yet it will not bring you the desired results.
The men can do no better than they are doing now, regardless
of any rules we make here.
A Manufacturer: We make certain lines of ware that we
dare not ship according to this tolerance rule, as they would come
back to us.
We have placed the situation before our workmen
and they have ignored the rule and keep just as close to weight
as possible; in other words they do not take advantage of this
rule.
A Worker made the point where a bottle carries a heavy
lip, and a heavy neck is required to get this lip, this condition
would cause a variation that perhaps was not provided for in the
making of the mould.
Deferred to Final Conference.
7. That there be a consolidation of the Cologne and Toilet
Lists in both Tank and Covered Pot.
A Manufacturer called the Conference's attention to the
failure of President Voll and Mr. Yost to comply with the
instructions of last Conference, whereby a committee be ap-
pointed during the season to devise some means of consolidation
"of the Toilet and Cologne Lists. President Voll, as did Mr. Yost,
confessed they overlooked the suggestion of the last Conference.
It was now decided to appoint said committee and hold meeting
at the offices of the Glass Bottle Blowers' Association at Philadel-
phia on May 23, at 11 o'clock A. M.
MR. YOST appointed the following to serve as committee for
Manufacturers: Mr. Bacon, Mr. Garwood, Mr. Swindell, Mr.
Schofield, Mr. Krauss.
PRESIDENT VOLL named the following to represent the Workers:
Secretary Jenkins, Executive-officers Vansant and Eames, and
stated he wold add three others at a later time.
1
1
23
8. That there be a greater proportionate reduction in the
Cologne and Toilet Lists to compensate for the failure to give these
lists the full reduction given the other lists last year.
A Manufacturer as a matter of illustration named the Hudnut
order as one of many they lost to the automatic on account of
price. This is not only a loosing proposition for the blower but
it also affects the stopper grinders.
Deferred to Final Conference.
9. That there be a modification of the sections on working time
so that they will read, "Where a factory operates only one or two
shifts, it shall be allowed to operate each shift nine hours instead of
eight, the nine hours to be divided into two shifts of 4 1-2 hours
each."
IO.
That the Saturday half holiday be abolished.
The Workers talking on the two above resolutions told of the
inconsistency of such requests while our men in great numbers
are out of work. They countered by suggesting shorter hours
instead of longer. This brought the statement from a Manu-
facturer that some of our members who he employed told him
they preferred to work nine hours in order to overcome the loss
suffered by the reduction of last Conference.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON,
May 4th, 1922.
MACHINE MADE WARE.
BRANCH No. 27, READING, OHIO.
Bottle No. 1. Paneled Pickle or Horseradish. The dispute
between the firm and the workmen is on payment for Panels
according to foot notes, pages 34, 35, 36, Machine List.
24
BRANCH No. 78, EAST ST. LOUIS, ILL.
Bottle No. 1. Paneled Pickle or Horseradish. The dispute
between the firm and the workmen is on payment for Panels
according to foot-notes, pages 34, 35, 36, Machine List.
Bottles from Branch No. 27 and Branch No. 78 are identical.
A long discussion followed. Manufacturers claimed foot note on
Pages 34, 35, 36, Machine List, applied to Panel ware only.
Workers contended foot note applies to all bottles with
panel sides or edges.
Motion to rate above bottles as paneled was carried.
Manufacturers reserved the privilege of opening up this
question for discussion at the Final Conference.
?
BRANCH No. 94, PITTSBURGH, PA.
Bottle No. 1. Olive Oil, 4½ to 5-ounce weight. The men
who made this ware were put to a loss for some time owing to
faulty molds, blanks, etc., and the firm refused to pay Day Work
according to rule. They finally made new blanks and the work
went along satisfactorily. The men want pay at Day Work rate
for all the time the ware was made up to the time the firm made
the new molds.
Workers claimed this to be a violation of the Conference
agreement.
PRESIDENT VOLL: We would be within our rights to call our
men out in this case. But we believe in patience and did not care
to cause friction between men and employer. We know time is
a divine healer. We felt this firm would submit their case to this
tribunal. This they have failed to do and we are dissappointed.
We carry out the policy of justice to all employers in our deal-
25
:
ings. We did it in this case, yet they have failed to recognize that
justice. We felt this Conference could adjust this matter; we
always have. During the many years of dealing with you here as
employees and employer our relationship and final agreement
during the past forty years has not required the assistance of a
mediator or conciliator. We have lost out at times and taken it
gracefully. If the same methods as practiced here could be
carried out in all industries and instilled in the minds of
capitalists and captains of industry there would not exist any
danger for government or country.
If we called those men out it would jeopardize the interests
of all concerned and the industry to a great extent. We have
confidence in you men and did not use any drastic methods. This
firm should have the same confidence in this Conference and
present its case.
The Manufacturers felt satisfied the rules covered this case
but stated it was possibly an oversight. They suggested the
matter be taken up with the firm by their Secretary.
This was agreed to. Matter will come up at Final Con-
ference if not definitely settled before.
+
ļ
BRANCH No. 95, TARENTUM, PA.
Bottle No. 1. 2-gallon Milk, opening 2-inch, capacity 64-
ounce, weight 412-ounce, height 114 inches.
The half-gallon Milk has never been listed and the men
ask it be listed at the above dimensions at 672 cents per hundred
plus two 10 per cent. increases, making the price 83 cents per
hundred; extra weight to be paid for extra.
:
BRANCH No. 128, SAPULPA, OKLA.
Bottle No. 1. ½-gallon Milk, opening 2-inch, capacity 64-
ounce, weight 36-ounce, height 11-inches. The workmen ask
70 cents per hundred.
Both above bottles go over to Final Conference for further
information; also to allow discussion by Convention.
Proposed Amendments to the
Working Rules
BRANCH No. 9, BALTIMORE, MD.
Blown Ware Department.
We recommend the list of 1920-1921 for the season of 1922-
1923 in the Blown Ware Department.
Wage question was discussed at times all during the Con-
ference.
Deferred to Final Conference.
We recommend that we be paid for all ware properly made
when being condemned for being cordy or stony, or glass of off
color, melted, bursted, or for any other cause beyond our con-
trol.
A Worker: This condition of affairs does actually exist.
Whereby men can not get any redress for ware lost on account
of reasons beyond their control.
1
An incident was cited where a shop worked an entire week
making sample oils and packed less than 300 dozen for week's
work.
A Manufacturer: The case just mentioned was an excep-
tion. We can show by office records where during the last two
month's period the average of lost ware has been six per cent.
President Voll: This is a condition in our trade that works
an injustice to our people. The piece work system is responsible
26
27
for this. Men work hard all day and give their labor, yet at the
end of the eight hours they are not certain of pay for their
efforts; they receive pay for only what is packed. We are the
only craft in existence who spend their energy and receive noth-
ing for a great portion of it.
Deferred to Final Conference.
We also recommend that where blowers are compelled to
report for work and then to wait around for glass, boys or any
other cause beyond their control, we be paid 814 cents per hour
or fraction thereof.
A Worker: This is another aggravating thing that cause
men to spend their time around the factories with no recompense
for same.
Manufacturers stated they always did the best they could
to have boys to keep shops steadily employed.
Deferred to Final Conference.
We recommend that $6.50 per day be the minimum wage in
the Blown Ware Department.
Secretary Jenkins: This is an old friend and carries much
merit with it. We have endeavored for years to get you to agree
to something in the form of a minimum wage in the Blown
Department. This is provided for in all other departments. If
the Machine men are idle on account of glass, machine or other
causes, after an hour lost time they receive pay for all time lost,
and as a matter of justice some such arrangement should be
made in Blown Department.
Deferred to Final Conference.
We recommend that Section 19 of the working rules in the
Tank and Covered Pot lists be changed to read, "There shall be
no bottles blown during the month of August, 1922-1923."
Deferred to Final Conference.
28
We recommend that Section 23 of the working rules in the
Tank and Covered Pot lists be changed to read, "All ware shall
be credited to blowers within seventy-two hours after it has
been made, and the workers cannot be held responsible for any
ware after it has been assorted or shipped; they must also be
credited for all ware before it is steamed or washed, or for all
ware before it is retempered, and for stoppered ware before it is
ground, and for all blowover ware after it has been chipped."
J
2
ا
ޕ
We recommend that owing to the amount of ware being
made for cutting on one side and the extra assorting on same,
the ware selected for cutting on one side shall pay 25 per cent.
above the regular list price.
Deferred to Final Conference.
Grinding Department.
We recommend that this new rule be inserted: "No firm
shall be allowed to form a pool of grinders or shall discriminate
against any member of this Association for not working in any
pool, and each man shall work for himself if he is so disposed.”
Deferred to Final Conference.
BRANCH No. 20, ZANESVILLE, OHIO.
Machine Department.
As there is such an excessive loss of ware due to causes
beyond our control, we recommend that we be paid for 75 per
cent. of all off ware over 10 per cent. per hundred dozen, which
we believe is reasonable as it allows the firm 35 per cent. off per
hundred dozen.
We recommend that we receive the same scale of wages
for the season of 1922-1923 that we received for the blast of
1920-1921.
Deferred to Final Conference.
29
女
​BRANCH No. 22, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Machine Department.
We recommend that the wage scale of 1921-1922 be main-
tained for the season of 1922-1923.
We recommend that workmen be paid for 90 per cent. of all
off ware not due to the fault of the workmen, the firms to be
held responsible for ware lost for the following causes: stones,
melts, checks due to the machine, ware that cannot be made at
the given weight or all faults due to faulty blanks or molds. The
men to be held responsible for all blisters or ware made beyond
the tolerance allowed-too light or too heavy.
L
Both recommendations being covered by the debates during
this Conference they were deferred to the Final Conference.
We recommend that when two men work on a one-man
machine they shall be paid the two-man price.
Deferred to Final Conference.
C
BRANCH No. 26, ROCHESTER, N. Y.
We recommend that the lists of 1921-1922 prevail in the
Machine and Blown Ware Departments for the season of 1922-
1923.
We recommend that workmen be paid the list price for 75
per cent. of all off ware over and above 10 per cent.
We recommend the summer vacation be equalized in all
departments, and be taken between June 15th and September
1st, vacation period to be not less than three weeks.
We recommend that it be made compulsory on the part of
all employers to inform each member in his employ at the
30
beginning of his vacation period whether or not he will have a
place when his vacation expires. This rule to apply also when
plants close for repairs or for other causes.
All deferred to Final Conference without debate, as most of
them had been covered earlier in the Conference as coming from
other branches.
BRANCH No. 34, TARENTUM, PA.
Blown Ware Department.
We recommend a 10 per cent. increase in wages for the
season of 1922-1923.
Deferred to Final Conference.
We recommend that the bracket of Brandies, Whiskies,
Irish Whiskies, Tom Gins, and Wines be stricken from the list
and said ware be rated on the Round Prescription and French
Square Brackets.
Manufacturers claim many of these bottles are still made.
This especially applies in Canada. Deferred to Final Conference.
We recommend that no apprentices be taken during the
blast of 1922-1923.
Deferred to Final Conference.
We recommend that we be paid for all melted, lehr bursted
and stony ware and all other defects beyond our control.
Deferred to Final Conference.
Machine Department.
We recommend a 10 per cent. increase in wages for the
season of 1922-1923.
31
We recommend all ware spoiled through the management
shall be counted and paid for.
We recommend any time men are asked to come back for
second turn they shall be paid for first turn at the rate of Day
Work.
We recommend there shall be no knocking off during the
eight-hour shift for the change of molds.
All deferred to Final Conference.
BRANCH No. 81, CHICAGO HEIGHTS, ILL.
Blown Ware Department.
We recommend that work shall cease at noon on Saturdays
through the entire season.
We recommend that no apprentices be allowed for the
season of 1922-1923.
Both deferred to Final Conference as they enter into the
general question of hours and wages.
We recommend that the brackets for Minerals, Weiss Beers,
Ginger Ales, Brandies, Irish Whiskies, Tom Gins, Wines and
Flasks be stricken from the list and this ware placed in the
brackets they most resemble.
We recommend that all ware coming off the lehr melted,
broken or chipped be counted and the men to receive pay for
all such ware.
Both deferred to Final Conference, having been covered by
previous argument.
We recommend that shops shall be paid Day Work for all
samples made.
Deferred to Final Conference.
1
32
1
A
We recommend that all Wide-mouth Toilets,
Toilets, Talcum
Powders, and Creams shall pay 3 cents extra per gross.
We recommend that $6.50 per day be the minimum wage in
the Blown Ware Department.
We recommend that the 1921-1922 list be maintained.
All deferred to Final Conference without debate.
We recommend that the following prices govern the
Cologne Bracket, and be inserted in the price list:
16 oz. capacity, 12 oz. weight, $1.78
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(6
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CC
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13
1.85
20
14
1.93
22
15
2.06
24
16
2.19
26
17
2.40
28
18
2.47
30
19
2.54
32
20
2.61
66
((
((
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CC
(6
(C
(C
(6
66
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((
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CC
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This recommendation deferred to Final Conference pending
the results or action taken by the Joint Committee appointed by
this Conference.
Stopper Grinding Department.
We recommend that the list of 1921-1922 be maintained for
the season of 1922-1923.
Deferred to Final Conference.
BRANCH No. 92, ALTON PARK, TENN.
We recommend that there be no reduction in the wage lists
for the season of 1922-1923.
Deferred to Final Conference.
33
BRANCH No. 95, TARENTUM, PA.
Machine Department.
We recommend the wage list of 1921-1922 for the season of
1922-1923.
Deferred to Final Conference.
We recommend that when a shop loses thirty to forty-five
minutes on account of faulty machine and the rest of the sixty
minutes is required to heat molds, that shop shall be paid for
all time lost until ware is packable; inspector of ware to be the
judge.
Deferred to Final Conference.
BRANCH No. 110, CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, N. J.
We recommend that New Years day and night be included
in our holidays.
We recommend the Saturday half-holiday for the entire year.
We recommend a one-month's summer stop in both depart-
ments, to be taken during the month of August.
We recommend that the wage scale of 1921-1922 be main-
tained throughout the season of 1922-1923 in the Blown Ware
and Machine Departments.
We recommend that workmen on any shift, after losing one
hour from any cause, shall receive Day Work including the first
hour, unless the manager instructs them to lay off. Should the
delay be occasioned by bad glass the manager shall use every
effort to get the glass in proper working condition. At the
expiration of the hour if the glass is not in proper working
condition the same shall be reported to the manager and it shall
be understood, unless the workmen are instructed to lay off,
they shall receive Day Work.
34
All deferred to Final Conference without debate, having
been previously been covered by arguments.
We recommend that the wage scale of 1921-1922 be main-
tained.
year.
BRANCH No. 128, SAPULPA, OKLA.
Machine Department.
1
We recommend the Saturday half-holiday during the entire
We recommend that no apprentices be taken during the
season of 1922-1923.
We recommend a one month's summer stop to be taken
during July or August.
We recommend that Day Work on a cut-off machine be not
less than $12.00 per day on each machine.
We recommend that operators shall receive pay for all off
ware not due to fault of the operator.
We recommend that half-gallon Milks be listed and placed
on the Milk Bracket.
All recommendations from Branch No. 128 were deferred to
Final Conference without argument, having been presented by
other Branches and acted on earlier in the Conference.
President Voll requested the privilege of diverting at this
time from the routine order and talked very touchingly upon the
passing of the late Mr. Meyers, of his honesty, integrity of pur-
pose, of the wonderful power of his influence for good. President
Voll expressed his regrets at the loss to these Conferences, to
the industry, to his family, and the community in which he lived.
A
Vice President Maloney: In conjunction with my colleagues
and you men, knowing Mr. Meyers as we did, we cannot but
recognize him as the type of man who did things. It was men
35
of Mr. Meyers type who built this country of ours. A man with
a strong but tender heart. With the courage of his convictions
at all times.
Vice President Maloney now drew a word picture of the
funeral and its impressive church service; also of the life of Mr.
Meyers as he heard it related by his intimate acquaintances
and business associates.
President Voll presented the following expression of our
feelings toward Mr. Meyers:
Almighty God in His infinite wisdom, during the present
season, has seen fit to call to His reward our kind employer
and esteemed friend Mr. J. J. Meyers.
As we convene here at the Preliminary May Conference,
and know that our friend is gone, we find that words cannot
give utterance to what we feel.
Mr. Meyers was great in his kindliness, his forgiving
spirit, his desire to be of help, his modesty and lowly minded-
ness.
His christian faith and sterling character rather than any
surpassing intellectual endowments shone brightly to those
who loved him and whom he loved.
He held the respect of all people with whom he came
in contact, and died in the midst of his people.
It was not merely the things he believed in, admired
and loved, but rather the thoroughness and intensity of his
conviction, from which sprung the purest spirit of Mr.
Meyers' life.
His heart was tender as a woman's, and his soul as
dauntless as a hero's. He knew and felt intensely, that the
good which we cherish for ourselves we should not take
from others.
His task is done, his place secure, he was a generous and
true American.
Signed:
THE GLASS BOTTLE BLOWERS' ASSN.
JOHN A. VOLL, President.
HARRY JENKINS, Secretary.
36
Mr. Yost talked feelingly of the high regard their side had
at all times for Mr. Meyers, stating the Manufacturers appreci-
ated the above resolutions from the Workers. The Chairman
ordered the resolutions as presented by the Workers be spread
upon the minutes of the proceedings of this Conference. A copy
forwarded to his family, also to the Glass Worker and Glass
Budget.
FRIDAY MORNING,
May 5th, 1922.
Chairman Yost suggested we now take up in a general way
the question of wages, hours, and all things of importance to
both sides.
President Voll: The entire matter has been pretty thorough-
ly covered during the previous proceedings. Therefore, I do not
intend to dwell at length upon the general questions. How-
ever, we will be pleased to hear all your side has to offer in the
way of information. Your paper here contains requests for
reductions in wages, thereby placing us in a somewhat defensive
position, so we feel your side should tell us why you desire this
reduction.
A Manufacturer complained of the condition in the Toilet
and Cologne branch of the industry, claiming this line has always
been listed higher than the general lines of ware. This should
not be so now, the automatic firms sell them for the same price
as they do Prescriptions. If you go through our factories now
you will find it running about twenty-five per cent. Toilets and
Colognes, while in years gone by we worked our plant about
sixty-five per cent. on this line of ware. The answer is the auto-
matics have this business. That is the reason we desire a greater
reduction on Toilets and Colognes to bring them to a more uni-
form price with other lines.
37
A Manufacturer: In reading your resolutions here I find
you are asking for a minimum day's wage for difficult or odd
shapes. Well, do you realize that most of the large orders of
Toilet and Colognes of the standard shapes have gone to the
machines? That all left for us is the distinct or odd shapes?
Secretary Jenkins: You men know the mental strain re-
quired of workmen to produce this peculiar line of bottles, you
realize the skill they must exert You have been told in Presi-
dent Voll's talk that no other crafts give so much labor gratis
as we do. You know too that a minimum day's wage is justified.
We have been here proving this to you year after year, still you
refuse to grant it; in fact, this appears to be a meeting of the
gloom club. It does seem that the time has come when some
attempt should be made by your people to arrange a day work
price for those difficult lines.
Vice President Maloney: I am inclined to believe the firms
making Toilets and Colognes have enjoyed their share of that
business. We must take into consideration the fact that many
people are idle, many others have been reduced in wages. That
luxuries are the first to be eliminated from the family budget
and this naturally has had its effect on the Toilet and Cologne
business. Of course, we recognize your anxiety about this busi-
ness, but there has been a great depression in the business world
and I believe it is passing now, that we are going along the road
to normalcy again, and when this depression has passed, when
conditions have returned to normal you will find that you have
not lost this line of business to the automatic machines.
A Manufacturer: The automatic companies can duplicate so
near our line at a less cost to the buyer that the buyer will
sacrifice some distinct character of his bottle and buy the cheaper
bottles.
President Voll: The representatives of the automatic
interests are not here, you stated, through no action or wish of
yours, neither are they absent from any wish of ours.
We re-
gret their absence, they should be here. In time they will realize
38
their mistake but it may be too late. This is an economic ques-
tion; we are opposed to reductions in wages; they will not help
after all. When men are idle and those who are employed are
working at reduced wages, the result is the masses of the people
cannot buy, therefore the merchant cannot buy from the manu-
facturer, and there is a general depression.
A few years ago when wages was high and everyone em-
ployed the workers were criticised and condemned for wearing
silk shirts, buying perfumes and luxuries. Well, in my opinion
that was a good condition of affairs. Business was good, every-
one was working, making good wages. Now, let us look around,
let us notice the changed condition since the Open Shop drive
and the liquidating of labor. No, reductions do not help; better
to find some other means of reducing your costs. We cannot
agree with you in that a reduction is necessary.
A Manufacturer: It is not pleasant for us as employers to
be compelled to make those requests. We are groping around
for a way to reduce our overhead expenses, to secure the full
returns from our fuel consumption. The automatics are our
competitors, and the competition is getting keener all the time.
We would be glad to be in a position to reduce your hours of
labor and raise your wage scale, but we are engaged in a busi-
ness in which it seems we are continually forced to seek relief
from you.
President Voll: We realize, of course, your position, we are
aware the automatic firms control and govern the market prices.
But after the last analysis is made we must be convinced that
machinery is a blessing to mankind.
a blessing to mankind. Without machinery the
peoples of this world would be grappling each other's throats,
struggling for something to eat; without machinery the world,
in its present state, would starve. The abuses of machinery in
industry is apparent when controlled by autocratic and crushing
capitalism, failing in its duty to put back into society, but rather
take all out of society it possibly can.
Mr. Chairman, we have not progressed, it seems, so far from
the state of slavery. After leaving slavery behind we entered a
39
state of what is known in history as feudalism. From there we
developed into our present state of capitalism, which is selfish
and autocratic, so far as the masses are concerned. The present
system cannot go on; there must be a change-one of two things
is bound to happen-either capitalism must give way in its
autocratic method of control and administering, or it will be
swept out of existence by the masses throughout the world.
There is a great change going on in the social order of mankind
and it should be met, moulded and dealt with in such manner as
to preserve the governments throughout the world, so that the
human family will not be subjected to chaos and anarchy. The
masses of the world will no longer be the pliant tools and the
willing subjects in the hands of a few, and to try to force this
condition as it existed in the past simply means the confiscation
of property, the destruction of government and the ruination
of society. Trade unions believe in the private productive owner-
ship of property-this is proven by the labor organizations of our
country being behind this principle and sound government at all
times, as was so clearly shown during the war.
But of this I am positive, this open shop drive by capitalistic
interests has been a mistake, and capitalism in its present state
will either be curbed, controlled, or eliminated entirely. Military
power cannot prevent this change, the rank and file of people are
changing; they will change the system of capitalism somehow,
and it is well it be changed.
Blue blood has no meaning these times, we are all of the
same clay, rich and poor, and unless the christian spirit does
prevail, unless the church comes to the rescue of society, then
this civilization is doomed to fall. Invention and evolution
should benefit all mankind, not the privileged few. Machinery,
instead of carrying the fear of displacement of men, should be
the means of bringing us greater happiness and contentment.
This industry has lost its senses. The automatic interests
are selfish by not being represented here and assuming their
part to promote the welfare of the industry of humanity and
government. You men make a mistake when you do not allow
40
your unskilled workers to organize and meet their representa-
tives in these conferences. We know you are fearful of unjust
demands, but that could all be met and arranged in conference.
The stablization of this industry is of vital importance to us
both, your profits and your losses are our wages. We suffer when
you do, we prosper when you prosper. There are two ways of
bringing this about, one is to ruin it entirely then rebuild it. We
are in a position, if we so desire, to ruin this industry, your
business, and the business of the automatic interests. That is
not the wise thing to do. However, it is necessary sometimes
to tear down and rebuild. We can do this as an association, we
can do this by co-operating with you men if you would agree
with us, which would mean an expenditure of money on your
part and great sacrifices on the part of our people. The time
may come when we will both decide to adopt the plans I have
in mind to gain the desired results. In conclusion, I desire to
say your reducing of our wages will not help, it will not bring to
you that which you want, and we are apposed to any reduction
at this time.
A Manufacturer brought out and cited hand blown bottle
manufacturers who went in the market last fall and cut prices
below the automatic firms. At this time the market condition
is bad and prices are at a close margin, but the automatics are
not responsible. The blame rests with those hand manufacturers
who act as pirates on the market. You ask us why the auto-
matics do not take the business entirely. Well, I question if they
can do that on account of their large investments and expensive
equipment.
President Voll: We know who you refer to and have told
them what they were doing and the danger they invited in price
cutting methods, but they cannot last, they are pirates in the
market compared with scabs in our trade. Time and effort will
eliminate both.
Vice President Maloney: We have been meeting with you
men a number of years, we know each other, our affiliations and
1
41
our relations allow us to talk plain here. I remember in 1909
the Manufacturers felt their lives were short and our people
felt the same way. Yet here we are today, thirteen years since
then, and battling away. These conferences are the answer.
We have always met conditions with you, we have tried to
stay in this business, we have helped to keep you in business,
because when you go out we go with you, and I am frank in
saying I do not believe a reduction in wages or modifications of
the rules will help matters materially. You are asking for reduc-
tions, still you continue seeking cheaper methods of producing
bottles, and when found, in some cases, we have been tossed out
like last year's old shoes.
I have in mind men who used to sit here in these confer-
ences, men we did business with for many years, who now have
automatics, flows or feeds, and will not employ our people.
They will not allow us to be just machine tenders, they prefer
negroes or Mexicans. The policy in industry now seems to be
hard boiled, get the money, get ahead like a race horse on the
track; win no matter how you do it. You will claim this is self-
preservation, and we are not finding fault, understand, the whole
social structure seems to be so constructed.
{
President Voll during his talk told you where the open shop
policy was leading to. I to feel it is a destructive policy and will
lead to the destruction of government, property ownership and
society unless it is curbed soon. The open shop was inaugurated
to destroy trade unions, but instead it will act as a boomerang
and destroy that which it was supposed to save, the capitalists
and autocrats of industry. We keenly feel the results of the
last Flow and Feed Conference, as well as the Packers' Con-
ference in different localities, whereby you saw fit to toss them
all overboard.
The Vice President dwelt at length upon the attitude of
the judiciary of the country and some of the arbitrary decisions
made, also the drastic injunctions granted detrimental to the
working people. The tendency seems to be to give more thought
to the material and financial elements of life rather than the
humane.
42
You have stated this is a buyers market, well, when next
August rolls around it may be a sellers' market. To support this
argument the Vice President referred to the articles in the Glass
Worker, The Budget and to Mr. Libby's report.
We will not die as an organization, neither will this Confer-
ence pass as an institution. I am sure we will be able to work
out our destiny here next summer. There is now an improved
market and rising all the time. In 1909 I felt a reduction of fifty
per cent. would stop the automatic machine, but I have since
changed my mind; I now believe reductions in wages are a detri-
ment to every one.
During times of depression, such as we are going through,
we too become depressed and want to quit, but that is wrong.
In war, when the tide of battle is going against you, when your
back is to the wall, then is the time to reason and bring all your
reserve forces into action. That is all that saved Washington
during his depressed winter at Valley Forge. This is our Valley
Forge. Perhaps in August the entire situation will be much
brighter and you may not be asking for a reduction at all.
A Manufacturer: You men are claiming here that reductions
do not help, but let me say to you the reduction you gave us
last summer did help; it was just the boost that put us over this
season and it put many of your men to work.'
A Manufacturer: When we ask for a reduction it is un-
pleasant but necessary to the employment of your people. There
are other methods now we can use to produce bottles, but we de-
sire to go along as we are now with your workmen if we can
make some small profit. Last year the automatic firms carried
large stocks made at high prices. This Spring these stocks are
cleaned up and the price of production is lower, so I am fearful
they may quote lower prices and we be forced to meet their
price. We expect you as officers to bring this situation before
your people in convention and impress them with the necessity
of excepting as large a reduction as they can possibly stand-
A Manufacturer talking of reductions not helping. Well,
last Summer, June, July, August, we run in full, price of produc-
43
1
tion was high, September prices dropped and business dropped.
So rather than kid ourselves we just charged off forty thousand
dollars ($40,000) of our stock. Did your reduction of last Sum-
mer help? Indeed it did. Yet, we tossed it all overboard at one
toss in checking off a loss of $40,000 on our manufactured stock.
A Manufacturer: Our loss this year is tremendous. This
year we had an $8,000 fire and are now paying extra price for our
power. We cannot get any relief from the common labor, they
are low now, so naturally we come to you, the skilled or highly
paid workers, for this reduction.
A Manufacturer: It is not a nice thought to feel you are
dying. Well, we are either dying or shriveling up. We believe
that if you men could reduce wages slightly and then make those
same wages up by lengthing your working hours from 8 to 9,
in that way we would all benefit; also bring Colognes and
Toilets down to the same level as other lines.
Secretary Jenkins: I have always been a conservative, but
as I look around and see so many out of work and suffering, and
the injustice of some manufacturers, I feel I, like most working
men, am changing. Something is likely to happen in a general
way in this country. You claim the last reduction put men to
work. We don't agree with you and know that reductions do
not put men to work. The idle man is a menace to the com-
munity and to government; you know it. We know we are un-
fortunate as being in the same category with paper, tin, and
wooden containers, and no reduction we might take will allow
glass containers to compete against said containers.
L
A Manufacturer: There seems to be a general feeling that
regardless of what reductions you grant us, we will install flows
or feeds any way. Now, we have no such intention, I do not feel
the bottom has been reached in the selling of bottles; hence we
are here asking for a reduction.
A Worker: We are satisfied that if a reduction is granted
that the selling price has not reached the bottom, neither will it
44
stop the downward trend while reductions are in order. We
believe as practical glass workers in and around the plant all day,
seeing and coming in contact with things as they actually exist,
that if the holes and leaks of waste and inefficiency in factory
and packing rooms were stopped, if the ware we do produce was
taken care of, if the management would be persistent and not
depend so much on his assistants or straw bosses, then we could
agree to take a substantial reduction in wages and still be more
content with our work and make more money than we now do.
No, a reduction will not help you men; what you need is to
remedy the bad conditions that now exist in many factories and
packing rooms. I say this with no intention of telling you how
to run your business. I trust you will not consider it criticism,
but just in a suggestive way for the mutual benefit of us all.
A Manufacturer stated the most important and larger inter-
ests in the bottle industry are not here. This is unfortunate for
us all, as I believe they would see differently could they under-
stand the situation as we do by listening to the debates which
take place here.
A Manufacturer stated he was conversing with a bottle
manufacturer a short time ago, who just installed a certain type
no-boy machine. Said manufacturer was confident in his own
mind that if the machine workers would except a slight reduc-
tion that he could compete with all modern devices for produc-
ing bottles. Continuing, the speaker stated, I have lost all hope
as I am aged and my business now has gone to the modern
methods. If I was a younger man I would put this machine in
my plant, I would insist that you grant a slight reduction on
machine list, then I would go out and fight to get my business
back. I believe it could be done and your people still make better
wages than most craftsmen.
President Voll: I say frankly to you, there has been more
open discussion here than any conference I ever attended. We
have learned a great deal of what you have to contend with and
the competitive companies you have to meet. We are convinced
you speak truthfully, but tell us, do you really desire to cheapen
this whole industry? If you do why just force a reduction in
45
{
wages, and let me say to you, the crushing method never bene-
fited anyone; temporarily for a time yes, but permanently no.
Mr. Chairman we are more convinced now than ever that
we can control the situation, that the industry can expand and
prosper and employ our people at a good wage, that they can
continue as members of a trade union without working a hard-
ship on you men. In fact, it will help you all. Labor unions are
not selfish institutions, they are built for the uplift of humanity.
All humane laws upon our statue books, State and Federal, were
championed by labor unions.
Vice President Maloney at this time ably answered many
of the arguments advanced by the Manufacturers' side. Among
other things covered by the Vice President during his talk was
the open shop, the absence of the automatic firms from this con-
ference, the wage reduction as requested by the Manufacturers,
the modifications of rules desired by the Manufacturers; in fact,
the Vice President covered the entire wage question.
A Worker: I desire to state to you men if the time ever
comes when we are driven to the wall by certain interests and it
becomes necessary for us to go to the very depths in the way
of sacrifices to preserve this organization and this industry, we
will stake our lives that our people will make the sacrifices re-
quired to preserve this industry, this conference system, and this
organization. When that time comes I say you will not find us
wanting.
No further business to come before the meeting, the Chair-
man declared adjournment, to meet in Final Conference Thurs-
day, August 3d, 1922.
W. W. CAMPBELL,
Secretary of Executive Board.
=
*

Photomount
Pamphlet
Binder
Gaylord Bros.
Makers
Syracuse, N. Y.
PAT. JAN 21, 1908
*
NHÀ THU NHẬN VÀ TH

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
wils yr. 1922
331.881 G46n
National Bottle Manufacturers' Associati
Workers' report of the sessions of the p
3 1951 002 128 962 G
*
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