The Union Seeks a Seat at the Table
Tacoma’s Carpenters' Union works with the incoming mayor to secure a voice in the city's building inspection process.
In accordance with an agreement made with Mayor-elect Wright, the Carpenters' union met last night and selected the names of five members who are eligible for appointment to the position of building inspector. The names were submitted to Mr. Wright today and from the list he will make a selection. The names proposed by the union are as follows: J. D. McCabe, Ed Morton, Scott Snyder, Ed Selby and A. Sherman. When the selection was being made the name of O. L. Tuell, the present inspector, was mentioned, but he does not desire to hold the position any longer. The position of building inspector is among the most important the mayor will have to fill. It pays a salary of $85 a month.
“The position of building inspector is among the most important the mayor will have to fill.”
This 1904 interaction captures a pivotal moment in civic history where organized labor successfully negotiated for direct input into municipal oversight—a precedent for modern discussions on how government and labor share the responsibility of city planning.
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