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consin State University Library to which the writer was very kindly given access. The principal source of information for the history of the later organizations is the documentary material to be found largely in the administrative offices of the union. Much of the information concerning the structure of the organization, its methods and policies, as well as the present industrial conditions had to be gained by personal conferences with trade union officials and with employers. The writer desires to express his appreciation of the courtesies almost uniformly extended to him in the collection of the information for this thesis. He is especially indebted to Mr. John G. Meiler and Mr. D. D. Mulcahy, General Secretary and General President respectively, of the Amalgamated Wood Workers International Union, who very kindly granted access to the records of the organization and whose assistance was most cordially given in answering many problems concerning the structure and policies of the union. But more particularly the writer desires to express his sincerest thanks to Professor John R. Commons, who first suggested the study and who has continually aided by wise counsel and invaluable suggestion. Finally, the writer desires to acknowledge his obligation to Professor Richard T. Ely whose interest and encouragement very materially assisted in the completion of this study.

Evanston, Illinois,
June 20, 1910.

F. S. DEIBLER.

THE AMALGAMATED WOOD WORKERS' INTERNA

TIONAL UNION OF AMERICA

INTRODUCTION

This thesis proceeds upon the idea that an intensive study of the origin and development of an individual union will reveal to the best advantage the principles of unionism, and the workings of organized labor. Unionism is regarded as a social phenomenon which requires for a clear understanding of its social importance, the same sort of treatment that has been given to other social institutions. The economist, in his study of society, should lay bare the institutions of society and show their social significance in much the same way in which the surgeon lays bare the organs of the human body in order to understand their functions. By applying this method of investigation to this subject, there appear two points of view from which to consider the union. In the first place, the union may be regarded as a social institution, having very definite relations to other institutions of society, as for example, the relation of the union to the state, or, in a more restricted sense, the relation of one union to another. Secondly, the structure of the organization may be studied, that is, its legislative, financial, and judicial systems,-also its industrial policy and the relation of this policy to the industry itself. These are questions with which an analytical study of a union will concern itself, and which, it is believed, will throw light upon the larger problems of organized labor.

The larger part of this thesis is devoted to the study of the structural side of the union for the two following reasons: (1) Until within recent years, less attention has been given to this phase of the study of organized labor than its importance deserves; (2) it is believed that judgments formed concerning

the broader social significance of unionism will have a stronger claim for recognition when based upon an intimate knowledge of the internal workings of the union. This is especially true when the policy of a union is criticised and remedies are offered for the correction of evils which are thought to exist in the management of its affairs. Frequently a union may take action on some question of vital interest to the community, which results in serious financial loss both to the union and to the community. The public will invariably blame the union, when, as a matter of fact, the union has followed, because of influences beyond its control, the only course of action that was opened to it. This situation is illustrated by a strike of the cabinet-makers in New York City in 1892. In 1890 the carpenters had inaugurated a movement for an eight hour work-day, and called upon the cabinet-makers to make the same demand. But the cabinet-makers refused to comply with the request on the ground that their trade was much more seriously affected by competition outside of the city than was that of the carpenters. The carpenters, however, were successful in their efforts to introduce a shorter work-day, and owing to the close connection between the cabinetmakers and the building trades, and especially with the carpenters, difficulties arose continually between the two unions. The eight hour question was kept boiling and finally the cabinetmakers gave way to the pressure and engaged in a struggle which resulted in a loss to both sides. This is only one illustration from many that might be cited, and goes to strengthen the position that the attitude of a union toward any question should not be condemned until facts have been produced to explain this attitude. The union should at least be given a fair hearing.

In selecting a union for treatment two considerations have been kept in mind in determining the choice: (1) it was thought desirable to choose an organization concerning which there was sufficient historical data available to make possible an adequate treatment; (2) then, to select a union that would illustrate as

1 10th An. Rept. N. Y. Bu. Statistics of Lab. 1892, Pt. II, pp. 189-190. The facts are taken from a report of the secretary of the union.

many phases of unionism as possible. The latter consideration was the primary reason for choosing the Amalgamated Wood Workers' International Union of America. This organization is an international union, with locals situated in the United States and Canada; it is also an amalgamated union, having been formed from the Machine Wood Workers' International Union and the International Furniture Workers' Union. Furthermore, the wood-working industry is one of the most important industries in the country, and, from the point of view of organization, it presents many interesting phases of the problem.2 The extended introduction of power machinery into the industry about the middle of the last century greatly facilitated specialization, and gave rise to large factory production in almost all the specialized lines. As a result of this new condition a more minute division of labor was made possible and profitable. Former trades were modified and new trades were formed, which resulted in conflicting interests and new trade lines had to be drawn. For instance, prior to this period, the manufacture of sash, doors, and blinds was the work of the carpenter. The building material was brought to the site of the building and the carpenter proceeded to manufacture a house. Today sash, doors, and blinds are almost exclusively factory products, and the work of the carpenter to that extent has become that of an assembler of a house. Even more striking than this is the case of the cabinet-makers in furniture factories who formerly were highly skilled workmen, but who have now become almost exclusively assemblers. The union has brought together these men, employed in widely varying branches of the trade. The work of the ordinary "sticker" in the planing mill is not very much like the work of the highly skilled carver or finisher in the furniture factory. The natural result of this situation has been to create conflicting interests and demands among the workmen themselves. The union has had to adjust itself to this condition and devise methods of treating widely different demands, as will be shown later. Growing out of the shifting lines of the in

In the 12th Census lumber and its re-manufacture ranked fourth in point of value among all our industries with products valued at $1,030,906,579.00. Cf. 12th Census, Vol. VII, p. cl.

dustry has developed one of the longest and most bitterly contested jurisdictional disputes that has existed in this country. Then, the union has had one serious conflict with capital, which gave rise to a conspiracy case of more than usual importance. In fact, from almost any point of view the experience of the Amalgamated Wood Workers' International Union furnishes important and instructive phases of trade unionism.

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