[Newspaper]
Publication: Latrobe Bulletin
Latrobe, PA, United States
vol. 7, no. 31, p. 1, col. 5-6
The First Strike Occurs At The New
High Tension Insulator Plant At Derry
Derry, Jan. 27.—Things eventuated thick and fast at the plant of the Pittsburg High Tension Insulator Company yesterday afternoon. About 30 employees went on a strike, and were informed that they could consider themselves as on a “permanent” strike.
According to the story of the strikers, it appears that the girls employed at the plant have been paid $0.80 per day for turning out insulators, while the men and boys who were employed in handling the “mold-boards” were paid $1.50 per day. Yesterday these employees were placed on a piece work basis, and were informed that the girls would receive $0.27 per thousand for making insulators, while the men would receive $0.52 for each set of moldboards containing 1000 insulators.
The employees allege that it is impossible for girls to turn out much more than 2,000 insulators per day, and of course the men cannot carry away more than are made. Hence the girls claim the new rating would only allow them about $0.54 per day, and the men would only receive $1.04 per day. About nine men and a number of girls walked out after the noon hour, and refused to return to work at the new rates. They claim to have asked to be put back at the former rates, but their demand was refused.
The strikers claim that more employees will walk out today, and that the officials of the company will have to accede to their demands. On the other hand, the officials claim that the change in rates was for the purpose of allowing the employees more money, and that as soon as the matter could be adjusted, which would take a few days, they would be making from $1.25 to $2.00 per day instead of $0.80 and $1.50. The strikers were told that everything would be all right in a few days, but refused to listen to any explanation, according to the officials, and simply walked out.
It is hoped, generally, that the matter will be amicably adjusted.