The Labor Council Tackles Wage Rumors
Everett labor leaders confront local management over alleged wage cuts at a downtown retail store.
Council was called to order at 8 p.m. by President Olinger. Mr. Busher, local manager of the B.P. Charlton Co. 10 and 15c store, was granted the courtesy of the floor to explain rumors circulating that the new management had reduced wages of female staff. The gentleman stated that the reports were untrue as the same wages, and in a few cases higher, were paid by the new management as by Mr. Landers, the former owner. He suggested the council should have verified the rumors before circulating them. Several delegates noted that as none of the clerks were members of the retail clerks union, it was not the council's place to take official action. It was pointed out to him that members and friends of organized labor look for union cards when making purchases. Asked if he had any objection to his clerks joining the union, he replied, 'None whatever.' Mr. Busher was tendered a rising vote of thanks for his willingness to appear before the council and his apparent friendliness to organized labor.
“Several of the delegates pointed out to the gentleman that as none of the clerks were members of the retail clerks union, it was hardly the council's place to take official action.”
This 1911 encounter at the Everett Trades Council highlights the early 20th-century struggle to establish union representation in retail environments. Today, workers in Everett's retail sector continue to navigate similar tensions regarding wage transparency and the balance of power between store management and organized labor.
From readers
No comments yet. If you know something about this story — a correction, a family memory, a source — it belongs here.