The call had been signed by 284 bricklayers and stonemasons, 225 of
which met and took the first steps necessary to an organization. All but
30 of those present were ex-members of the old union. A committee was
appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws. Another meeting was held
on Friday evening, at which a number of new members were received.
On Wednesday, June 30th, the new union met and adopted a constitution
which embraced as its basis the code of principles of the Master Masons'
association and declared the objects to be as follows:
The object of this Union is to carry into living effect the
principles set forth; to do away with labor disturbances, such as
strikes, lockouts, and boycotts; and to institute a practical mode
of arbitration; to give all moral and material aid in its power to
its members and those dependent upon them; to educate and elevate
its members socially, morally, and intellectually; to establish and
administer a fund for the relief of sick and distressed members,
and for mortuary benefit.
Other provisions were as follows:
"Members shall consist of active, passive, and honorary members.
Any bricklayer or stonemason who has worked in Chicago one week at
the minimum rate of wages for competent journeymen may become an
active member, or any journeyman who presents evidence of
membership in any other union in the United States or Canada, which
is founded on the same principles, may be enrolled as a member."
"Members employed as foremen shall not be subject to the union
during such employment."
The initiation fee was fixed at $5 and the annual dues at the same
amount. Provision was made for committees on arbitration, house and
finance. The powers of the committee on arbitration were defined as
follows:
The arbitration committee shall have full power to adjust all
grievances and make a written award after a joint meeting with the
arbitration committee of the Master Masons' association. This
committee shall have power to determine for the year all working
rules, including the minimum rate of wages per hour for all
competent mechanics, and for all overtime and Sunday work.
The constitution also provided for rules for running the union, and for
benefits for injuries received, and for the payment of funeral expenses
of deceased members.
Officers were elected as follows: President, Lewis Meyer; secretary, T.
D. Price; treasurer, T. J. Fellows; sentinel, Henry Annes.
The officers were directed to procure a charter.