The Day Tacoma’s Streetcars Stood Still
When the streetcar workers of Tacoma laid down their tools to demand fair pay, a showdown at the rail house sparked a tense labor confrontation.
The impending strike on the Tacoma Railway & Motor Company came to a focus this morning. When the time came for running out the cars, not a car was manned, and the majority of the conductors and motormen took up positions on the track leading from the house. They looked determinant and did not offer to budge when Superintendent Tibbits jumped on a car and started from the house. A few of the men gave way, but the leaders held their ground. President Schulze was soon on hand with Chief Ellis of the police. Schulze started to advise with the men and told them he would concede any reasonable demand rather than see the road tied up. He then explained the situation to the chief, and General Manager Craigin talked to the men. After a little more talking, the leaders of the movement were asked what they wanted and were given fifteen minutes in which to explain their action. They stated their case, and the motor company, making a fair concession, the men advanced half way and an agreement to last till the month's end was reached. That is, the total payroll should not fall below that of the previous one, and in case it should, the difference would be divided pro rata among the men. This was satisfactory and the cars were soon all in motion.
“They looked determinant and did not offer to budge when Superintendent Tibbits jumped on a car and started from the house.”
Today’s debates over the 'gig economy' and wage fluctuations echo the 1892 struggle of these Tacoma workers. Just like these transit operators, modern service workers continue to fight for guaranteed pay floors in an era of corporate consolidation and shifting economic instability.
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