Everett Labor Leaders Discuss Cooperative Future
The Everett Trades Council explores expanding co-operative ventures with local granges, including a state-wide co-operative society following the success of Seattle's model.
President Moacur called the Everett Trades Council to order on Friday, July 8. New delegates from the shingle weavers, inside wiremen, stage workers, and carpenters were obligated and seated. A special committee reported that efforts to reach a settlement with Sumner Iron Works had failed, leading the council to place the firm on the unfair list. The council also intervened in a dispute at the Rose Theatre, which was successfully resolved. Guest E. M. Smith of the Snohomish County Grange spoke on the potential for direct legislation and the importance of cooperative economics, highlighting a Seattle cooperative department store. The council voted unanimously to send delegates to an upcoming convention in Seattle to discuss launching a state-wide co-operative society.
“The council was urged to send at least three delegates to this convention. The council voted unanimously to send three delegates to the convention, the delegates to be chosen at the next regular meeting.”
This meeting highlights the deep historical ties between organized labor and the agrarian movement in Snohomish County. The debate over 'direct legislation' and collective ownership echoes today's ongoing discussions about democratic control of workplaces and local economic autonomy in the Pacific Northwest.
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