A proposition was made for the organization of a new Union of the
Bricklayers' and Stonemasons' which should recognize the principles of
right and justice laid down in the platform of the National Association
of Builders, and approved by every organization of builders in Chicago.
Blanks were printed and placed in the hands of the members of the Master
Masons' association upon which to procure the signatures of their
respective employes. The blanks were in the following form:
We believe in the right of workmen to organize for mutual
protection and all just and honorable purposes, and assert our
right.
We recognize the right of every man to work or not to work, to
employ or not to employ.
We recognize the right of every boy to learn any lawful trade.
We recognize that strikes and lockouts are baneful and may be
prevented by arbitration.
We believe that all matters of joint interest to employers and
workmen should be discussed and acted on by joint committees,
representing organizations of both employers and workmen.
We believe that by organizing upon the principles set forth the
foundation to future harmony is laid and the best interests of all
conserved.
Now, therefore, do we, the undersigned, agree to attend a meeting
to be called at an early day, to form ourselves into the "Chicago
Union of Bricklayers and Stonemasons."
This paper was circulated among the bricklayers and stonemasons who
were working under the rules of the Master Masons' association, and in
three days the signatures of two hundred and fifty men were procured.
On Tuesday, June 21st, a committee issued a call for a meeting for the
organization of a new union, which was as follows: