Labor Unions Demand Political Pledges
Seattle labor organizations unite to demand that city political candidates pledge support for a labor commissioner and the initiative.
The adjourned meeting of labor unionists at Central Labor Union hall yesterday afternoon to consider measures to be advocated at the city election was rather slimly attended in consequence of the inclement weather, but it went ahead with the business. We submit for the indorsement of the various political candidates the following propositions, pledging our support to those candidates who pledge themselves to them: Charter amendment No. 11, providing for a labor commissioner for the city of Seattle; charter amendment No. 6, known as the initiative. We recommend that the committee of nine appointed by this convention personally interview all candidates for office and demand pledges from them that they will faithfully carry out the provisions of the various laws of the city of Seattle if elected to office.
“We further pledge ourselves to oppose all those who have placed themselves on record as opposed to measures introduced by organized labor for the benefit of the masses.”
The quest for a 'labor commissioner' and the right of the initiative in 1894 shows the early organizational power of Seattle's labor movement. The strategy of demanding specific policy pledges from political candidates remains a staple of Seattle grassroots organizing today.
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