A Victory for the Pile Drivers
A long-standing labor dispute between a local pile driving firm and bridge workers ends in a settlement.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The long drawn out fight between the American Pile Driving Co. and the local union of Bridge and Structural Iron Workers was terminated last Sunday to the satisfaction of all parties concerned. Mutual concessions were made which made it possible for both parties to get together and arrange a settlement. All union men wishing employment will be taken on and union hours and wages will prevail. The boys are glad to have the matter settled, as all agree that Mr. Collins is a liberal man to work for. A greater regard for the principles upon which unionism is based than for the friendship of one man or a dozen men kept them solidly together during their long struggle. Mr. Collins on his side has seen the utter futility of attempting to carry on a large business with green and inexperienced men and, recognizing the fact that the skilled men are inside the union, met the boys in a manly way and a settlement was quickly reached.
“A greater regard for the principles upon which unionism is based than for the friendship of one man or a dozen men kept them solidly together during their long struggle.”
Everett has a long history of intense labor struggles. This story depicts a rare moment of compromise where an employer recognized that skilled union labor was essential for quality work, a sentiment that resonates with modern debates on professional labor versus the gig economy.
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