Building a Solidarity Stronghold
Everett’s labor unions propose a new, worker-owned headquarters to accommodate the city’s rapid industrial expansion.
The story, cleaned up
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The directors of the Labor Temple Association are urging local unions to prepare for the city's future growth by purchasing a site for a new, modern labor temple. As Everett's population climbed from 8,000 in 1900 to 30,000 in 1910, the number of local unions grew from a dozen to over thirty, leading to overcrowding in the current facility. The association argues that purchasing land now is essential, as business property values continue to rise. By re-incorporating and issuing new stock to member unions, the directors hope to secure a larger, permanent home that prevents unions from being priced out of the city or forced into expensive rentals, ensuring that organized labor remains a cemented force in Everett's future.
“You might as well try to emulate the old woman of legendary fame who tried to sweep back the rising tide with a broom as to keep back the growth of the city.”
Everett's turn-of-the-century struggle to provide affordable space for labor organizations mirrors the modern city’s urgent, ongoing fight to secure permanent, non-market community spaces amidst skyrocketing real estate costs. Then, as now, the goal was to keep the community from being dispersed by rising rents and displacement.
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