Steam Engineers Eye Unionization
A committee of local engineers is interviewing workers across the city, hoping to bolster professional standards and gain representation in the Trades Council.
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Steam engineers of Walla Walla are contemplating the organization of a union and becoming affiliated with the Walla Walla Trades Council. A self-appointed committee of two yesterday interviewed some 20 steam engineers employed in the city and received so much encouragement that a meeting will likely be called within a few days to effect a temporary organization. Application for a charter will be made to the national organization, upon which a permanent organization will be perfected and application made for representation in the Trades Council. According to one member of the committee, there are several engineers employed in Walla Walla who are not qualified for the position; in one instance, a man was found in charge of a plant who knew absolutely nothing of the workings of his engine. There are some 25 steam engineers employed in the city, and if all can be prevailed upon to join a union, the new organization will start off with a fair membership.
“In one instance a man was found in charge of a plant who knew absolutely nothing of the workings of his engine.”
This early labor effort reflects the push for occupational licensing and collective bargaining that defined the early 20th century. It highlights the recurring struggle to balance professional expertise with fair labor representation.
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