by Laurel | July 29th, 2009
July 29, 1900 page 8
Herbert Ballantine, treasurer of the Ballantine brewing company, and Mr. Rich, the New York based agent for the concern, were in Holyoke yesterday, but failed to bring about a termination of the bartenders’ strike, which has been in progress for a week, because of the sale of that company’s ale. They met last evening in conference with the central labor union, a special meeting of that body being called for their benefit. An amnesty agreement was made whereby the strike will continue in Holyoke only until the representatives of the company can make satisfactory arrangements with the National brewing association, which has had the Ballantine company on the unfair list for some years. The central labor union has agreed not to assume the aggressive, pending the negotiations between the company and the National brewing association, though this does not mean that the strike is declared off. The visiting representatives submitted an agreement last night, which embodies satisfactory concessions to organized labor, and if the company is willing to prove its good will by ratifying this agreement with a similar agreement with the national brewers an amicable settlement will be reached, and the goods once more dispensed over the bar by union bartenders. Messrs. Ballantine and Rich are aware of the gravity of the situation and realize that the labor organizations in Western Massachusetts are such a powerful factor that they cannot continue to antagonize them. They feel, nevertheless, that the present uprising against them is uncalled for and unjustified, inasmuch as their employes receive all the privileges received by the union laborer. Mr. Ballantine said that he did not believe a man had been discharged film their employ for five years, that the utmost satisfaction was prevalent in the establishment. He hoped and expected than all difficulties would, be Immediately settled. The labor men claim that the company In endeavoring to conciliate other unions in the larger cities through their actions in Holyoke, and the they regard it as a great victory for the Holyoke labor union, if such a result is accomplished. The central labor union will hold a special meeting to-morrow afternoon at 3, when they will expect to get a final answer from the National brewers or from the Ballantine company. Meanwhile there are five saloons in the city selling unfair ale, and eight bartenders affected thereby.
From The Springfield Republican.
