Chapter 3 No.3

Word Count: 22567 | Released on: 01/12/2017

he Letter Carriers' insurance. More important differences are due to the age grouping of the membership. Thus the Firemen, whom old-line companies, for the most part, classify as extra-hazardous,

junior to take his place." The grand secretary-treasurer states that the membership practically changes every seven years, due to promotions to the position of engineer and to withdrawals of older men for various reasons. The withdrawal of old men conduces to a more favorable age grouping, to a decrease in the death rate, and to a consequent decr

offered by old-line companies. The following table shows the cost of insurance per $1000 in a typical life i

oyees. Rate p

eers

ctors

men

nmen

aphers

hmen

-of-Way Emp

Carrier

t in the unions. The conductors pay their union twenty-five per cent. less than they would have to pay to an insurance company and the locomotive firemen pay considerably less t

he rapid growth in membership has brought into all the unions in this class in recent years a proportionately large number of young men. The limitation on the age of the insured has contributed to this result. As these members grow olde

e, or to the family of a deceased member, is frequently the means of maintaining the standard of living of the unfortunate family. The risks to which the railway employee is exposed are due to the nature of the trade, the negligence of a fellow workman, or the negligence of the employers. Compensation for only the last class is given by the law. Against the other two kinds of accident the railway employee must himself make provision, and this provision is amplest and surest when made by insurance. The organizations, as

h their employers is largely measured by the strength of the organizations, and that strength is usually in direct proportion to the development of their insurance systems. Thus not only is insurance a prime support in the collective ba

PTE

BENE

al trade unions maintain death benefit systems. In 1904, out of a total of one hundred and seventeen national unions affiliated with the American Federation o

essments, and the yield varied according to the membership. Thus, the Iron Molders paid a fluctuating benefit from 1870 to 1879.[88] Upon the death of a member, an assessment of forty cents and later of forty-five per capita was levied. At Detroit in 1873 the Cigar Makers inaugurated an endowment plan which p

preferred, therefore, not to guarantee the payment of any amount. The character of the first death benefit in the Granite Cutters' Union illustrates the reluctance of the Union in assuming the responsibility of guaranteeing fixed benefits. In 187

amount he would receive, and this uncertainty was aggravated by the voluntary character of the association. Even

ment of one hundred dollars was guaranteed by the Iron Molders in 1879 on the death of a member, and in 1882 the voluntary organization known as the Beneficial Association, which had maintained the system of special assessments, was d

unions, they have in most cases paid from the beginning death benefits of fixed amount. The benefit is a definite sum in all the unions except the Watch Case Engravers' Association and the Saw Smiths' Union, which in their consti

possible, by a per capita assessment of ten cents, the payment of four hundred and forty-four dollars upon the death of each member. The assessment of twenty-five cents levied by the Glass Bottle Blowers for each death benefit upon a memb

to pay death benefits, was, for example, entirely optional.[94] The first constitution of the Granite Cutters provided for an additional voluntary benefit.[95] In both of the above named unions the voluntary idea was short

he United States immediately after the Civil War. Only in the railway brotherhoods did the plan result in any considerable increase in membership. In the other un

iderably. In some cases there has been an increase in the minimum amount paid, together with provision for the payment of larger sums to members who have been longer in good standing. In other unions, such as the Iron Molders and the Pattern Makers, the r

eir families. The grading of the benefit is accordingly a crude but fairly effective device against a danger which presents itself as soon as the amount becomes large enough to be attractive to "bad risks." A more important reason,

; the Carpenters of $200; the Pattern Makers of $400; the Germania Typographia of $200. In all these cases except that of the Glass Bottle Blowers the benefit i

od of Leather Workers on Horse Goods, the Tailors' Union, and the Metal Polishers' Union. In the case of the Carpenters the death benefit which was

ed and as paid at present in certain of the more important unions which have adopte

F DEATH

ducing Death Benefits Amount of Death Benefit Pa

$50 for six months' membership

embership. $100 for t

82 $250 for six months' membership

ne year's

a 10 cent per capita assessmen

ive years'

en years'

fteen years

ters 1877 1

x months'

ne year's

ive years'

en years'

a 40 cent per capita assessment.

ive years'

en years'

fteen years

rse 1896 1896 $40 for

embership. $40 for o

membership. $75 for t

membership. $100 for

ght year's

0 for six months' membership.

wo years'

six months' membership. $50

e year's m

wo years'

ree years'

our years'

7 $100 $50 for on

wo years'

hree years

our years'

1889 $50 $50 for o

wo years'

hree years

ive years'

even years

ine years'

even years'

irteen year

fteen years

98 $50 for six months' membersh

ive years'

en years'

hree months' membership $25

membership $40 for o

wo years'

ree years'

our years'

ass Bottle Blowers pay five hundred dollars without requiring a preliminary period of membership. The term of necessary membership varies from thirty da

age at the time of admission. Where such an age limit is imposed i

ns imposed upon the payment of the dea

Limit. Preliminary Term

0 years

50 years

hoe Worker

ttle Blo

s 50 year

ers 50 ye

Cutters

lders 1

and Tin Work

ers on Horse

aphers

ists 6

olisher

orkers

50 year

kers 50 ye

Organ Work

ers 6

utters

rs 6

rkers 60 y

hical Un

lastic Gor

rs 60 year

Union, the Brotherhood of Painters, and the Pattern Makers' League, provide a smaller benefit for those not eligible at time of initiation. In the Brotherhood of Carpenters any apprentice under twenty-one years of age, or any candidate for membership over fifty years of age, in ill health and not qualified for full benefit when admitted to the union, is limited to a funeral allowance of fifty dollars.[99] The B

n because they are in ill health and are anxious to secure insurance which they could not otherwise get. None of the unions provi

ble grounds, and the small increase in the cost of the benefit occasioned by the lack of strict physical requir

rganizations that they are practically a single benefit. This combination of death and disability benefits is found chiefly in those trades in which the workmen are exposed to great danger of being disabled by accident.[102] The princ

rovide for a greater maximum benefit in case of disability. The period of good standing required to draw a particular sum is usually greater in the case of the disability benefit than in the case of the death benefit. The provisions of the Brotherhood of Carpenters are fairly typical.[105] After six months' good standing members become eligible to a death benefit of one hundred dollars, but

and disability benefits in the more important uni

TH AND DISABI

nt Paid Originally.

ility. Death

assessment. Yield of a 40c. per capita

yrs. 150

0 yrs 175

5 yrs 200

250 for 6 mo. $100 for 6 mo.

yr. 200

for

$50 for 6 mo. $100 fo

for 1 yr. 150 for 2

yr. $100 for 1 yr. $ 50

mo. 200

yrs. 250

yr. $500 for 5 yrs. $75

mo. $150 for 1 yr. $150

175 for 2 yrs.

$50 for 6 mo. $50 for

yrs 100

ptions. First, the disability must not have been caused by dissipation, and secondly, the member must not have been disabled before joining the Association.[107] The Granite Cutters' Union, however, when establishing their voluntary insurance association in 1877, limited the benefit to members disabl

otherhood of Carpenters, pay only where the disability is incurred "while working at the trade." Under this system, in the case of the Iron Molders, the claims for disability were so numerous that in 1882 the term "permanen

disability as "total blindness, the loss of an arm or leg, or both, the total disability of a limb, the loss of four fingers on one hand, or being afflicted with any physical disability resulting from sudden accident."[111] The Amalgamated Glass Workers as late as 1900 had made no attempt to give definite

ess with which the officials construe the rules. In those unions where the injuries entitling to a benefit are not specifically defined, the officers have great discretionary power. Indeed, even if they have the best intention, it is in many trad

r death and disability claims in certain u

DEATH AND DISA

enefits Paid. Percent

ility. Death

ters 1894-1896 $ 58,5

9,108.44 11

9,249.98 7,9

,218.25 16,70

,295.44 28,25

1890 2,894.00

,900.00 750

,548.00 1,47

,150.00 600

,307.00 3,05

,711.25 1,85

,855.50 4,25

1900 2,850.0

0.00 250.

5.00 500.

4.00 750.

890-1895 56,172

,899.00 3,60

,414.38 2,60

59,554.86 1

g the benefit. In general, the amount paid for disability ranges from five to ten per cent. of the total paid for both benefits. T

American unions were reported to be paying this benefit in September, 1903, and eleven in September, 1904.[114] The following is a list of the unions reported as paying the benefit in 1904: Bakers and Co

ed in the same year by the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners[116] and in 1887 by the Painters[117] and the Cigar Makers.[118] For the year ending September 30,

ons in which it is important. The following table gives the minimum amounts of the wife's funeral benefit paid under the original and under the pre

T OF WIFE'S D

on. Origina

f Membership. Amount. Req

50 6 mo.

s 50 6 mo

rs 40 2 yr

25 6 mo

ia 25 1 y

minimum benefit is twenty-five dollars for six months' and fifty dollars for one year's

hief objection to the benefit was that unmarried members were taxed to support the benefit although they did not participate in the advantages. In 1898 Secretary Lennon declared that the benefit "was based on real injustice, giving one member more benefits for the same dues paid than to another."[119] In other unions which maintain the benefit this objection has been met to some exte

ibility to the benefit, that the wife be not in ill health at the time the member is admitted to the union. In the unions which have had the benefit l

ms paid by the Painters for wife's and member's

Death Benefits. Percentage

890 49

892 43

1894

896 37

900 35

902 32

904 32

uneral benefits has steadily fallen for a considerable number of years. The experience of the Painters

eath benefit. This increase is greatest in those unions in which the wife's benefit is relatively large in amount. T

FE'S AND MEMBER'

Death Benefit. Mem

d for Death Benefits. Expended. Percentag

1888-1889

75.00 26.8 $

075.00 23.1

912.00 27.7

50.00 19.1

025.00 18.3

050.00 16.3

700.00 20.4

025.00 18.6 4

ters 1890-1892 23,650

750.00 14.2 1

525.00 18.7 5

725.00 10.2

545.00 15.6 1

892.60 16.1 2

525.00 12.9 3

93 17,075.00 32

.00 29.5 8

.00 23.6 7

.70 25.9 4

t in these unions range from twelve to twenty-five per cent. of the total sum spent for

even of the older unions, as the Typographia and the Cigar Makers, separate reports of the cost of the wife's

TA COST OF THE WIF

re for Wife's Funeral Benefit. Annual C

enters 1894-1896 29

30,600 6

1900

106,800 29

141,800 46

165,700 45

y 1, 1890-1891 3,7

1891-1894 7,5

200 3,6

600 2,4

600 1,6

1897 10,500

lars to members in good standing for six months and one year, respectively, costs each member about fifteen cents annually. The cost of the seventy-five dollar wife's funeral benefit in the Tailors' Union ran in the first year as high as eighty-six and two thirds cents. At the time the benefit was

ly developed systems as parts of a single benefit. In only a few unions are the payments for these several purposes separated. The unions thus differ so widely in the character of the death benefit paid that it is impossible to institute any comparison as to the relative expense of maintaining the benefit. So

hed in 1892, was fixed at sixty dollars, and has since been raised to seventy dollars in 1906. The annual per capita cost of the benefit has never exceeded eighty-four and has averaged less than eighty cents. This extremely low rate has been due to the large number of lapses. The beneficiary system of the union has not been highly developed and members of the uni

benefits are combined and a benefit is paid on the death of a member's wife. The benefits are

M OF THE BROTHERH

t. Wife's Death Benef

$25 on 6 months' membership.

$50 on 1 year's membership.

years' m

he age grouping. When the membership was at its lowest point in 1895 those who retained their connection with the organization were to a considerable extent the older members who were desirous of keeping their insurance. The number of claims (death, wife's death and disability) in 1895 was

uld have been. The increase in membership in prosperous times results also in decreasing the average amount of the claims, since in such periods the mass of the members have not been long enough in membership to entitle them to more than the minimum be

benefits but out-of-work and sick benefits. In both unions the membership is stable. In the Typographia periods of depression and prosperity do not affect the number of members. In the Cigar

a disability benefit varying according to the age of the member. This combination of benefits costs to maintain on the average about three dollars. The cost varies consider

hold their membership and the increase slackens, it may be expected that by 1912 the cost of the benefit will be much higher than at present. In 1905, a normal year, the death benefit, including a member's death benefit graded from $200 to $550 (two to fifteen years), a wi

OST OF THE D

graphical Union. Iron Molders. Leather Workers on

2 $

.35

20 1.0

.43 1

.23 2.

.06 1.

.03 1.

1 2.23 .

0 1.60 1

2.20 1.38

4.36 1.6

3.51 2.4

2.36 1.6

4.23 1.7

.63 1.80 .8

1.27 .99

3.13 .81 .

.09 .90 .72

58 1.10 .80

.25 .92 .72

26 1.18 .84

9 1.30 .84 .7

08 2.71

TER

BEN

iciary feature inaugurated by local trade unions, but, for several reasons, its adoption by the national unions was delayed. At the present time two systems of sick benefits can be found among American trade unions. In some unions this b

igar Makers, Compressed Air Workers, Foundry Employees, Freight Handlers, Fur Workers, Glass Snappers, Hotel and Restaurant Employees, Jewelry Workers, Leather Workers on Horse Goods, Machine Printers and Color Mixers, Machinists, Mattress, Spring and Bed Workers, Iron Molders, Oil and Gas Well Workers, Piano

organizations that pay national sick benefits, arra

Year Organized. Year S

Cutters

akers 1

phia 18

rs 18

lders 1

Workers

Makers 1

rs on Horse G

rgan Worker

hoe Worker

Workers

rs 188

ere eligible to membership.[122] An initiation fee, varying from two dollars for members under thirty years of age to six dollars for those fifty years old, was charged. The amount of the benefit was fixed at six dollars per week during sickness, without any limitation on the amount granted d

ooklyn local proposed that the sick benefit should be nationalized, but the convention defeated the plan.[125] At the convention of 1878 a committee was appointed to consider the advisability of establishing a national system of relief. This committee made a favorable report in 1879, and its plan was finally ad

benefits by the subordinate unions.[129] The system, however, was unsatisfactory, and in 1879 and 1881 unsuccessful efforts were made to remedy

a disability benefit, to which, he said, sick benefits might be added later.[130] Thirty years later, in 1895, President Fox advocated a national sick benefit as a necessary part of the Iron Molders' beneficiary system.[131] But both of these officials cautioned the National Union against extending the national benefits too far, lest the protective purpose of the association be sacr

essentially the same as that now in operation.[132] Provision is made for a weekly allowance of five dollars during a period of not more than thirteen weeks in

. The Tobacco Workers' Union introduced national sick benefits in 1896, one year after organization. Similarly, the Boot and Shoe Workers' Union at their fourth convention in June, 1899, established a natio

bers for twenty weeks, and the Bakers for twenty-six weeks; the Piano and Organ Workers, five dollars per week for eight weeks; the Pattern Makers, four dollars per week for thirteen weeks; the Garment

lways been an activity of the subordinate unions.[136] Although the Brotherhood has up to the present left the management of the sick benefit to the local unions, the national officials have recommended on several occasions that the benefit should be nationalized. In 1890 General Secretary-Treasurer M'Guire pointed out that under the system of local benefits travelling members were frequently not entitled to sick benefits.[137] At the ninth

system.[139] In 1898 he succeeded in securing a favorable report from the Committee on Laws, but the convention defeated the proposal.[140] Although the Union has not up to the present established a national sick benefit, t

ristics of the sick benefit as it has develo

BEN

nization Ori

eeks in a Year. Rate Per Week.

$5 13[143]

raphi

rs 3 (1st

0 (

hoe Worker

rs 5 1

akers 6.2

rs on Horse G

e Cutt

o Work

Organ Wo

rkers 3 (f

or m

5 (1st 8

s 5 2

be an illness which prevents him from "attending to his usual vocations."[142] Practically all the unions provide, however, that if the sickness is the result of "intemperance, debauchery or ot

tically none is an examination regularly required in order to determine whether the candidate for admission to the union is likely to be a heavy risk. Certain of them do provide, however, that in case the candidate at the time of his admission is over a fixed age, or in case he is afflicted with a chronic disease, he shall be entitled to a smaller weekly benefit than would otherwise be the case. Thus, in the Typographi

d the Boot and Shoe Workers begin payment with the beginning of the second week, and in no case allow benefits for the first week or for a fractional part of a week. In the Pattern Makers' League, the Brotherhood of Leather Workers on Horse Goods, and the Piano and Organ Workers no benefit is paid unless the illness continues tw

ision is that the member may not receive the relief more than thirteen weeks in any one year.[146] Several unions, however, set the maximum at eight weeks, while in a very few a member may draw it for more than thirteen weeks in a sin

ers from the benefit. In 1902 the Iron Molders provided that a member permanently disabled who had "drawn the full sick benefits for three years should be compelled to draw disability benefits." In 1907 the Financier reported that since 1902 eighty-nine members had thus been retired. In 1906 the Boot and Shoe Workers' Union provided that after a member

s set at five dollars per week and the maximum period during which the benefit could be obtained was fixed at thirteen weeks.[150] The Typographia, introducing the benefit in 1884, fixed the amount at five dollars and paid the same rate without regard to the number of weeks the benefit had been paid. In 1888 the amount was increased to six dollars.[151] But in July, 1894, because of the drain on the funds of the union due to the depression of business, the amount was reduced to five dollars.[152] The G

ve dollars per week. The largest amounts during any one year are paid by the Typographia, the Bakers and the Barbers. The Bakers and

er capita cost of the sick benefit in fou

APITA COST OF T

aphia. Iron Molders. Leath

t. Per Capita Cost. Total Cost. Per Ca

3,987.

7,145.

2,250.

1,551.

.89 2.44 $2

.59 1.71 2,

.88 3.10 3,

.19 3.40 3,

.94 3.29 4,

.47 2.55 5,

.97 3.40 6,

.30 3.22 6,

1.83 3.68 6

8.37 3.64 7

7.06 3.82 5

.74 5,426.65 4.86

4.00 4,681.25 4.

3.90 3,983.85 3.

4,506.35 4.20 57,465.

4,651.65 4.45 102,935

4,316.81 4.22 118,515

4,977.98 4.99 134,116

3,767.93 3.77 179,355

2,945.68 2.96 198,214

4,835.45 4.95 174.9

3.70 2,945.68

both of these unions the relief is paid from the time the illness is reported. The Iron Molders and the Leather Workers do not pay a sick benefit unless the illness extends over two weeks. In the case of the Iron Molders the benefit begins with the second week. Just how effective these limitations are in keeping down the cos

he sick benefit from becoming a pension to members incapacitated by old age and disease. The heavy cost in the Typographia is partly due to the more liberal provision which is made for such members. In those unions, such as the Iron Mold

PTE

WORK BE

ble part was spent by the Amalgamated Carpenters, a British trade union with branches in the United States. Certainly less than one half of one per cent. of the expenditures of American national unions, and less than one per cent. of their expenditures for beneficiary purposes, is for out-of-work relie

) exemption of unemployed members from weekly or monthly dues, and (c) a loan or benefit sufficient to transport the unemployed member in sear

w York Union proposed a plan to the International Convention, modelled upon the system in operation in the local union, under which a member was entitled to receive aid for a term of three weeks, beginning with the second week of unemployment.[157] This proposal failed of adoption; but the International Convention agreed that sick members should have their cards receipted by the out-of-work seal. Proposals for the establishment of a money out-of-work benefit were made in 1877 and in 1879 at conventions of the Union. Alt

ention was framed by Mr. Gompers. It provided that the unemployed members should receive three dollars per week and fifty cents for each additional day, that after receiving six weeks' aid the member should not be entitled to further assist

, the second year of its operation, 1074 out of 24,221, or less than five per cent., received assistance to the amount of $13,214.50.[161] During 1892 the per capita cost of the benefit was 65-1/2 cents, as compared with 92 cents and 87 cents in 1890 and 1891, respectively. These years were immediately preceding the great industrial and financial depression of 1893-1897, and in consequence during the followin

ted at the first national convention in Philadelphia, 1873, declared one of the purposes of the union to be the support of members "when unable to obtain work."[164] In 1884, when the union nationalized its system of benefits, the out-of-work benefit was fixed at five dollars per week. In 1888, owin

ays, and no member is entitled to more than ninety-six dollars in any one fiscal year. Since 1888, with the exception of the fiscal years ending June 30, 1890, and June 30, 1891, the amount paid for out-of-work assistance has been the largest single item in the budget of the Union. During the year e

days, until work is secured, or until the expiration of twelve weeks.[167] The Jewelry Workers provide for the payment of seven dollars per week to married men and five dollars to unmarried men.[168] Certain other unions, notably the Pattern Makers,[

e have been the International Typographical Union, the Brotherhood of Carpenters and the Boot and Shoe Workers' Union.

nt for an International benefit. President Prescott in his report to the forty-second session of the International Union in 1894 recommended the establishment of an out-of-work benefit, in preference to a sick benefit. He showed that during 1894 several of the largest local unions had found it necessary to levy special assessments for the support of unemployed members. The amount of unem

on in 1902, although refusing to adopt a proposed plan for a national system, recommended as a partial substitute that all local unions raise funds for the payment of dues of out-of-wor

been in good standing for a lengthy period before being entitled to the benefit. The Cigar Makers and the Deutsch-Amerikanis

the benefit for eight weeks. Mere inability to retain employment does not, however, deprive a member of the relief. If a member leaves employment of his own volition, he is not entitled to a benefit until he has obtained work again for at least one week. Having obtained the certificate of the collector, the unemployed member must register at the office of the union in a book provided for that purpose. After having been registered f

btain remission of dues by application to the financial secretary. He must, however, pay such dues at the rate of ten per cent weekly when he secures employment. The total out-of-work benefit which may be paid in any one fiscal year is fifty-four dollars. Moreover, any member who h

d by the executive committee of the local Typographia. Unemployed members must report daily to an officer of the union. If a member neglects to report he loses his benefit for that day. If a member drawing the benefit refuses to take a situation he loses his right to the benefit for seven weeks. If he refuses wor

aintaining the out-of-work benefit in t

INING THE OUT-

graphia. C

ita Cost. Total Cos

1,118.9

,453.0

,240.1

,315.1

,281.5

0 3.47 $ 22,

.00 4.58 2

.50 6.77 1

00 5.67 89,

50 14.33 174

20 8.66 166

00 7.00 175

00 7.83 117

00 7.82 70,

.00 10.39 3

.00 8.33 2

.00 6.56 2

.00 7.86 2

.00 4.86 1

.00 5.82 2

.00 5.23 3

.00 5.22 2

,826.91 $1

8.49 $5.99 6

igher average cost to the Typographia has been due chiefly to two causes, (1) the greater amount paid as a weekly benefit, and (2) the larger annual sum which may be paid. The Typographia has always paid a greater weekly benefit. From the adoption of the benefit in 1884 to 1888 this union granted five dollars per week for a maximum period of twelve weeks. During 1888-1894 six dollars per week was allowed. For several years following 1894 five dollars per week for sixteen weeks

age, shows a steady increase. Many of the older men in both organizations are employed only when trade is very brisk and draw each year the full amount of the benefits. The variations from year to year are so great, however, as to obscure any general tendency. During the depression of 1893-1897 the per capita cost in the Typographia rose from $3.47 in 1890 to $6.77 in 1892, and to $14.33 in 1894

e Cutters, Leather Workers on Horse Goods, and Locomotive Firemen, as has already been noted, merely exempt the unemp

rs' Union was the direct result of the inauguration of a system of sick benefits in 1896. Members in arrears for dues for a period longer than thirteen weeks were excluded from sick relief. The limitation aroused serious dissatisfaction. It was felt that if an unemployed member could not be aided, at least he should be protected against the loss of his right to benefits. Some local unions paid the dues of their unemployed members, but in a period of depression the burden became too great. In October, 1897, two years after the inau

the whole period (1897-1907) since the inauguration of the out-of-work benefit, the revenue has more than sufficed for the disbursements. Although the 1899 convention transferred $10,000 of the surplus to other funds, on June 20, 1907, there remained in th

in good standing and out of employment for two months or more shall be exempt from half of his dues.[179] The Brotherhood of Leather Workers on Horse Goods grants exemption from payment of dues for a period of thirteen weeks in any one year to unemployed members.[180] The Brotherhood of Locomotive Fireme

eligible to the benefit after six months of good standing. The Granite Cutters require only a two months' membership.[182] Moreover, the rules as to registration are less strict. In the Iron Molders' Union an unemployed member must report the date of the beginning of his idleness at the first regular meeting after he h

rge. The following table gives the chief facts concerning the

IEF IN THE IRON

early. Value of Out-of-work[184

36 $ 5,85

349 6,58

389 2,59

073 6,51

685 23,1

906 6,22

676 4,16

,502 $7,87

employment per capita, so far as it is measured by the number of stamps issued, varied from less than one fourth of a week in 1902, 1903 and 1906 to on

nt Workers, Chain Makers, Cigar Makers, Compressed Air Workers, Deutsch-Amerikanischen Typographia, Flour and Cereal Mill Employees, Fur Workers, Glass Snappers, Hod Carriers, Lace Curtain Operatives, Leather Workers on Horse Goods, Machine Printers and Color Mixers, the Mattress and Spring Bed Workers, Shipwrights

d to collect at least twenty per cent. of the weekly wages of such member.[185] This first attempt was an absolute failure and in 1878 the system was abolished.[186] In October, 1878, local union No. 122 proposed an amendment to the international constitution to provide means of aiding "all travelling craftsmen in need." The aid was not to be a loan but an absolute gift.[187] This proposal failed of adoption; but in August, 1879, local union n

ployment, and must continue at the rate of ten per cent. of the weekly earnings.[191] The Brotherhood of Leather Workers on Horse Goods require payment at the rate of fifteen per cen

, but he cannot at any one time receive more than ten dollars. A member assisted with the travelling benefit must remain at least three months in a place before he can claim another travelling benefit. When he has drawn a total of twenty-five dollars he is not entitled to any further assistance for twelve months. Those members who lose their places through their own fault are not entitled to a travelling benefit for three months, and those who

d a total of $991,777.98 in travelling loans, or an average of $38,145.31 per year.[194] The Deutsch-Amerikanischen Typographia has paid from July 1, 1884, to June 30, 1906, $8116.11, or an average of $368.91.[195] F

rage loan per capita of membership in the Cigar Makers' Union and t

AMOUNTS OF TRAVELLI

r Makers.

er Capita of Membership. Amount of

2,808.1

2,747,

0,386.

7,135.

9,632.

.54 2.22 $

5.71 1.29

1.04 2.34

4.75 2.50

0.44 2.71

4.72 1.53

5.73 2.21

2.47 1.78

5.11 2.25

4.17 1.52

7.16 1.50

6.22 1.39

7.04 1.10

37.43 .95

34.33 .83

38.13 .97

2.73 1.31

4.05 1.22

1.41 1.33

8.71 1.41

3.93 1.37

0.21 1.29

91,177.9

45.31 $1.63

mount of loans per capita of membership has diminished. At present the cost of the travelling benefit in the Cigar Makers is not large; the loans are promptly and efficiently collected. Data for recent years are not available; but in the period from 1881 to 1901 the sum of $735,266 was loaned and $660,255 was repaid. The balance outstanding at the close of 1900 was $75,014, and of this a co

PTE

UATION B

was about one sixth of the total amount expended for all benefits.[199] In the American trade unions, on the other hand, superannuation benefits are paid by only a few unions. A considerable number of un

e. The weekly stipend is regarded as the preferable form, since in going to a home the member must leave his family. Ordinarily, too, a weekly payment is deemed wiser than a lump sum, since th

as defeated at the ninth convention in 1860.[200] The Iron Molders' Union as early as 1874 provided for the establishment of a "superannuated fund," from which superannuated members of twenty years' standing were to receive three hundred dollars and those of twenty-five years' four hundred, if permanently disabled and unable to earn a living at thei

xty years of age and twenty-five years in good standing. Larger benefits were to be paid to members older and of longer standing. Up to the present, however, the Cigar Makers have not adopted any of the plans for a superannuation benefit. The Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, at the 1900 convention, provided for the payment to members of twenty-five years'

permit members sixty years of age who have been in continuous good standing for ten years to draw the sum of $1

of a superannuation benefit in one form or another at a definite future date. Such union

ollars. The rule providing for the payment of the benefit became effective in January, 1903, but no benefit is to be paid before January, 1923.[206] The Pattern Makers' League provides that superannuated members be divided into two classes: (a) members sixty years of age and of twenty-five years' continuous membership, who receive twelve dollars per month, and (b) those sixty-five years of age and over and of thirty years' membership, who receive sixteen dollars per month. The provisions of this rule became operative July 1, 1900, and the first

nefit as distinguished from a mere compounding of the death benefit are the Granite Cutt

to those who had been members for twenty years and who had reached the age of sixty-two. The applicants must have been in continuous good standi

d reappeared gave evidence of its popularity. In 1870 a Kansas union proposed the establishment of a "Home for Disabled Printers." All members of local unions were to be taxed two dollars each for the purpose of endowing the Home. The committee of the International Union to whom the plan was referred reported that they "deemed it impractic

lars. This donation was to be used in any manner the union might see fit. For some years an active discussion as to the best use

the Mayor and City Council of Austin were willing to present a site for such a home. In 1889 the Board of Trade of Colorado Springs offered to donate eighty acres of land for the same purpose, and

were admitted to the Home. The number of residents has increased from twenty-two in 1893 to one hundred and forty-three in 1907. A considerable part of the residents are sufferers from tubercul

of the aged, and that another class, equally worthy, was left entirely dependent upon its own resources. Moreover, certain innovations in the trade had made the union highly sensible of the helplessness of its aged members. The introduction of the linotype caused many old members to lose their employment. The New York local union e

on of this report. In 1907 the committee reported in favor of the establishment of old age pensions, and presented a plan which when submitted to the referendum was ratified by a large majority, and on August 1, 1908, the International secretary-treasurer began the payment of pensions. All members sixty years of age who have been in continuous good standing for

, and the Union has levied for the support of the pension system an assessment of one half of one per cent. on the wages of all its members. Whether this will be sufficient adequately to support the b

PTE

ISTRA

of their administration. The problems that confront the unions are both legislative and administrative, but the administrat

distinct from those of the unions with which they were connected. In some cases the officers of the unions, for purposes of economy, acted also as officers of the association. The Iron Molders' Beneficial Associati

dent, a vice-president, a secretary-treasurer and five trustees; while that of the Letter Carriers consists of the president of the National Association, a board of trustees, a chief collector and a depositary. In those unions in which the administration of the beneficiary system is in the hands of the officials of the union the officials in charge of the administration of the benefits are usually

Plumbers, the Boot and Shoe Workers' Union, the Tobacco Workers' Union, the Brotherhood of Leather Workers on Horse Goods, and the Barbers' International Union.[211] In the Iron Molders' Union, the Brotherhood of Carp

rs for the benefit of other departments. The Trainmen and the Switchmen provide that the beneficiary fund shall be used exclusively in paying death and disability claims.[212] The Telegraphers provide that no part of the mortuary fund shall be paid out, loaned or diverted for any purpose except for the payment of approved death claims.[213] The Firemen pay out of their beneficiary fund "all expenses for the proper conducting of the beneficiary departments."[214] The position of the Conductors on this point is not so explicit. The Orde

s, the Typographical Union in 1906 apportioned its monthly dues as follows: five cents to the general fund; five cents to the special defense fund; seven and one half cents to the defense fund; seven and one half cents to the burial fund; and ten cents to the endowment fund of the Union Printers' Home. Similarly, the Iron Molders, the Boot and Shoe Workers, Painters, Pattern Makers, Barbers and many others apportion their dues in fixed ratios to specific objects. But such apportionments are mere book-keeping devices. None of these unions hesitate in an emergency to transfer money from one fund to another. The Iron Molders and the Printers, for example, give their executive board or council power to transfer money from one fund to another whenever occasion demands.[21

reasury. In those national unions which have introduced sick, out-of-work, or travelling benefits, national funds are ordinarily held by the local unions, for the reason that it is desirable that payment of claims should be made immediately. The unions which pay such benefits are divisible into two classes according to the extent to which they have entrusted the funds of the national union to the local unions. The Cigar Makers, the Typographia, the Piano and Organ Workers and the Plumbers intrust to the local unions all the funds of the national organization. A more numerous class of unions apportion the dues between the local unions and

operly signed, is in the great majority of cases an indisputable evidence of the fact it purports to attest. A union may in like manner administer an old age pension directly from its head office. But in the case of sick, travelling and out-of-work benefits, the local unions become an essential part of the administrative machinery of the national union. No national union attempts to determine whether a member of a local union is entitled to the out-of-work benefit except through the local union. The administ

onal unions, the claim is approved by the national officers and payment is made to the designated beneficiary, or the legal heirs of the deceased. The report of the subordinate union to the national union, covering the case in point, contains a certificate validating the claim, sworn to before a notary public or commissioner by the president and the financial secretary, together with al

of-Way Employees, the Iron Molders, the Brotherhood of Carpenters, the Painters, and the Glass Workers specify the disabilities that constitute "total or permanent disability," while the Wood-Workers and Metal Workers define disability simply by the resultant disqual

gh the local union to the legal claimants.[225] The majority of the unions paying disability benefits, as a precautionary measure specify the time within which claims for disability must be filed. The Conductors and the Carpenters require claims to be filed within one year from date of disability,[226] the Firemen and the Switchmen, w

the validity of a claim; the Maintenance-of-Way Employees require subordinate lodges to appoint a special committee to report on the nature and cause of the disability. The Engineers exercise special care in passing upon a claim for loss of sight. In such cases they

claim rejected by the secretary-treasurer is referred to the Beneficiary Board, consisting of the grand master, the assistant grand master and the secretary-treasurer. If rejected also by the Board th

or as they intrust the administration of the benefit to the local union and leave to the national officers only a general supervision. The Boot and Shoe Workers, the Barbers and

al unions are permitted to require that a physician's certificate shall be furnished. The duties of the visiting committee are set forth with great elaboration in all the constitutions. Thus, the Boot and Shoe Workers require that the claim shall be investigated by "three Union members of good repute not

ess in exercising their supervisory functions, and occasionally knowingly sanction the payment of unwarranted claims. Where the unions do not have an out-of-work benefit, there is always the chance that unempl

as to the honesty of the physician who signs the certificate nor as to the good faith with which the visiting committee has performed its duties. On the whole, the better policy seems to be

on a card. When he is reported as having received a benefit payment from any local union, this fact is entered on his card. Members removing from one local union to another and drawing more sick benefits than they are allowed by the rules are thus detected and forced to make restitution. The "financier" of the union also notes the sick rate in each local union. When the amount of sickness in any locality ap

union must of necessity rely upon the local union. The requirement of registration from day to day

istration as compared with that of a union like the Iron Molders. Since the Iron Molders do not maintain an out-of-work benefit unemployed members are tempted to try to secure sick benefits. Even in the Cigar M

by law the conduct of insurance business. In this regulation, distinction has necessarily been made between regular insurance companies and that class of organizations kn

nts of these laws, either by incorporating their insurance departments or by modifying the rules

ate of Illinois. The Secretary of State refused the certificate on the ground that the insurance regulations of the Order were not in accordance with the state laws, and requested that these be changed and that the insurance department be incorporated as a separate organization. The Secretary of State was willing to incorporate the Order under the Act of 1872, provided the Order eliminated from the object of organization the clauses referring to the payment of benefits or indemnity; or he was willing to issue a charter based on the Act of 1883 which provided that only such powers could be taken as are specifically granted therein, namely, "the furnishing of life indemnity or pecuniary benefits to widows, orphans, heirs, relatives, and devisees of deceased members, or accident or permanent disability indemnity to members."[234] In other words, the Order could have been inc

he Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen does business in the state of Illinois under a law enacted in 1893 whereby all beneficial fraternal associations are declared to be corporations, the insurance features of which ar

the state of New Jersey. But less than one year later, on February 26, 1892, the Association was reincorporated under the laws of the state of Tennessee. This cha

iciary societies, and hence are not deemed to be maintaining insurance departments. With one exception, the Brotherhood of Painters,[238] the unions of this group have neither taken out charters of incorporation nor in any way obtained auth

to the state laws the corporate name was changed, in December, 1899, to the present name.[239] Incorporation, however, has not proved satisfactory. For many years the Brotherhood maintained one general fund from which local unions received assistance in time of strikes, or in other cases of need. As a chartered institution the funds were liable at legal action and all pay

TNO

than those directly connected with the enforcement of trade-union rules by collective barg

' Journal, V

ntieth Session, 1895,

uccessful systems were inaugurated. For example, the Cigar Makers' system of travelling loans adopted in 1867 and its "endowment plan" adopted

urnal, Vol. 26,

only strike benefits in operation, 3000 members were initiated and 2750 were suspended; from September, 1879, to September, 1880, with strike and travelling benefits in force, 5453 were initiated and 1853, or 33.9 per cent., were suspend

nal, Vol. 33, p. 7

Detroit, 1902; Shoe Workers' Journa

p. 10; Shoe Workers' Journa

Firemen, Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, Order of Railroad Telegraphers, Switchmen's Uni

neers' Journal,

Vol. 5,

Vol. 3,

neers' Journal,

5, p. 951; Vo

-1885 (Cedar Rapi

., p

, pp.

pp. 3

men's Magazine,

Vol. 14

3, p. 247; Vo

Biennial Convention, 1905

ournal, Vol.

903 (St. Louis,

elegrapher, Vo

6, p.

14, p

Journal, Vol

ocate, Vol.

1904 (Washingt

ord, Vol. 4, p

Vol. 5,

way Conductors of America, 1868-

., p

Convention, 1905 (Cleveland, n.d.);

Biennial Convention, 1905 (

ineers' Journa

Locomotive Engineers'

Journal, Vol. 5, p.

Vol. 11, p. 78; Constituti

way Conductors of America, 1868-

903 (St. Louis,

rd, Vol. 15, pp

Record, Vol

Vol. 17

Vol. 15

Record, Vol

Vol. 19

Vol. 16

Vol. 18

l. 18, pp

ssociation, 1905, Art. 7; Po

Record, Vol

Vol. 17

Record, Vol

. 12, in The Postal Re

cord, Vol. 18

Record, Vol

ssion of the Order of Railway Conductor

899 (Cleveland,

the United States, 1905, Art. 13, in

p. 31; Proceedings of the Railway Conductors, 1868-1885 (Cedar Rap

on, 1885 (Cedar Rapids, 1888), p. 754;

Trackmen's Constitution, 1893 (n.p. n.d.); Proceedings of th

Record, Vol

Vol. 5,

86 (Terre Haute,

s. 12-13, in the Railro

second edition (Roch

n, 1894 (Pe

03 (Pittsburg, 1

(Terre Haute, 1888)

date of issue is fifteen per cent. less than its face value plus the amount of one assessment, and the value of the certificate does not beco

, Grand Secretary-Tre

neers' Journal,

ord, Vol.

men's Magazine,

ocate, Vol.

nded 1902 (Peoria

Journal, Vol. 37, p.

ions, except those of the Telegraphers and the Maintenance-of-Way Employees, which have been

l Life Insurance Company, the rates of the other classes o

neers' Journal,

Annual Convention of the American

, June, 1889; Constitution, 18

l Convention, Milwaukee, 1901; Report

i, 1878); Iron Molders' Journ

880 (New York,

page

n of America, 1901 (New York, n.d.), p. 21; Constitution of the Sa

s' Journal,

877 (Rockland,

urnal, Vol. 26,

1884 (Quincy,

nd 1879 were for $40 and $100. The ordinary death benefit in American trade u

(Indianapolis, n.d.

1904 (Boston,

04 (La Fayette,

Hatters, Hotel and Restaurant Employees, Iron, Steel and Tin Workers' Association, Jewelry Workers' Union, Brotherhood of Leather Workers on Horse Goods, Lithographers' Association, Metal Polishers' Union, Pattern Makers' League, Piano and Organ Workers' Union, Plumbers' Association, Printing Pressmen's Uni

the amount of the disability benefit had been made variable, being raised by an assessment

n fifty dollars until

2, No. 8, p. 5; Vo

ers and Joiners of America, 1888 (n.p., n.d.), p.

ers' Union of North America,

s' International Association of Am

Journal, Vol. 16, June and August, 1880; Constitution, 1890 (C

1880 (Maplewoo

d.), p. 11; Constitution, 19

cago, n.d.), p. 23; Con

d-Workers' International Union of A

or, 1903 (Washington, 1903), p. 41; Proceedings of the Twenty-fourth C

tionist, Vol. 2

r, Vol. 4, A

. 1, April, 1887

' International Union of America

Vol. 8, No

-fourth Annual Convention

ith a voting strength of fifty in the American Federat

77 (Rockland, Ma

Association of America, 1888, Art. 38 (New York,

urnal, Vol. 6, O

. 3, Oct.,

ne, 1879, p. 1; O

1881 (New York

nal, Vol. 14, Augu

rikanischen Typographia, p. 6; Americ

' Journal, V

ieth Convention, Chicago

3; Proceedings of Twentieth Convention,

895 (Cincinnati

, n.d.), pp. 42-46; Third Convention, Boston, 1897 (Lynn

ion, 1899

members of twelve months' standing, if sick and confined to bed, should receive two shillings per week; if able to

eneral Convention, Chicago

, October, 1896; Vol.

ty-second Convention,

tion, 1898, in Supplement to The Typog

low, p

, third edition, 1905 (Louisville, n.d.), p. 25; Barbers' Constitution, 1902, p. 10; Garment Workers' Constitution, 1902, p. 37; Piano and Organ Workers' Constitution, 1902

page

on of h

ide that "female members shall not be entitled to [sick] benefits while pr

le on p

, pp. 30-32; Proceedings of the S

1906 (New York

ion, 1880

), Art. 9; 1884 (New York, 1884),

der Deutsch-Amerikanis

tionist, Vol. 2

1877 (Rockland

al, September, 1902

h Trade Unions" in Bulletin of th

had in 1902 forty-four branches with 3307 members i

1, September

, 1877, p. 2; Vol. 3, October, 1877,

6; Vol. 13, July, 1888, p. 7; Vol. 14, December, 1888, p. 3; Vol.

rnal, Vol. 15, Fe

October, 1891, p

ession, September, 1896; in Cigar

rnal, Vol. 31, Ap

tionist, Vol. 2

ble, p

02 (Danville, Il

1902 (New York

1906 (New York

Journal, Vol.

Forty-second Annual

rty-third Annual Sess

, September, 1894; Vol

he Fifth Convent

erica, 1896, thirteenth edition (Chicago, n.d.), sec. 117;

mber must not have been in arrears for more than four weeks' dues, and the b

on, p. 646. In Supplement to Iron

ird edition, 1905 (Lou

1906 (Quincy

904 (Kansas Cit

05 (Indianapolis

1905 (Quincy

City, n.d.), p. 22; Constitution of the International Tobacco Wor

a furnished by Mr. R.H. Metc

ion, 1867

rnal, Vol. 1, Oct

4, August,

1880 (New York

Art. 7; 1896, fourteenth edition, (Ch

880), Art. 4; 1896, thirteenth

904 (Kansas Cit

Commission, Vol. 17,

ournal, Vol. 31

Deutsch-Amerikanischen Typographia, 187

h Annual Convention, American Federation

urnal, Vol. 6, J

. 9, July,

Trade Unions," in Bulletin of the

(New York, 1858), p. 11; Proceedings of the Ninth C

876 (Cincinnati

, Art. 17; Iron Molders' Journal, Aug

on of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Join

902 (Atlanta, 1902), pp. 123, 163; The Carpenter

1905 (Boston

904 (Chicago, n

906 (New York,

ion, 1902

1905 (Quincy

Journal, Vol.

ayette, n.d.), secs. 230-241; Boot and Shoe Workers' Constitution, 1904 (Boston, n.d.), sec. 7; Tobacco Workers' Constitution, 1900, third edition, 1905 (Louisv

nd, 1903), sec. 58; Constitution of the Switchmen's

(St. Louis, n.d.),

nded, 1902 (Peori

(Cedar Rapids, n.d.

Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, 1906 (La Fayette, n.d.), p. 39;

ng no allocation of their funds: Cigar Makers, T

incinnati, n. d.), p. 20; Constitution of the International Typog

n, Toronto, 1902, p. 646 (Supplement to

ilwaukee, 1900, pp. 51, 99 (Supplement to

r, Vol. 16,

Makers' Constitution, 1896, fourteenth edition (Chicago, n.d.), se

; Painters' Constitution, 1904 (La Fayette, n.d.), p. 29; Glass Workers' Constitution, 1903 (n.p., n.d.)5 p. 11; Wo