Everett Labor Leaders Organize Against 'Fake' Union Labels
Amidst an ongoing strike, the local Trades Council urges members to vet their hats and local restaurants to ensure they are supporting legitimate union-made goods.
The Council was called to order in regular session with President Stambugh presiding. The credentials of George Jorgenson, of the United Brewery Workers, were accepted and the delegate was obligated and seated. A communication was read from Secretary Taylor of the state federation, announcing that his services as an organizer could be secured any time thought best. A motion was passed that the delegates be requested to take the matter up with their respective locals to appoint a committee to ascertain if members were wearing hats containing the Hatters' label. In view of the fact that there are many fake labels owing to the strike, organized labor is requested to make particular efforts to see that the merchants handle hats bearing the label of the United Hatters. It was also reported that nearly all restaurants were using Carsten's meat. Members were requested to shun meat not bearing government stamp No. 224.
“In view of the fact that there are many fake labels owing to the strike, organized labor is requested to make particular efforts to see that the merchants handle hats bearing the label of the United Hatters.”
This 1909 struggle over union labels highlights the early, intense efforts of labor organizations in Everett to establish collective bargaining power. Today, the fight has evolved into a global push for fair-trade labeling and ethical supply chain transparency in retail.
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