"ANOTHER TELEGRAPH STRIKE IS THREATENED," Toronto Globe. May 23, 1918. Page 6. ----- G.N.W. Operators and Linemen Say They Will Tie Up System Unless Messrs. Taylor and Thompson Are Reinstated ---- If operators Thomas Taylor and George Thompson of the North Western Company are not taken back to their work by the company, there will be a strike of telegraphers and linemen, the union declares, that will paralyze the system. Taylor and Thompson appeared before Judge Winchester and a jury last week and were acquitted on a charge of using the company's wires for betting purposes, which, the men allege, was laid at the instigation of the company. George D. Perry, Manager of the company, last night stated to The Globe that the company had not changed its attitude toward Taylor and Thompson. Vote is Unanimous. A strike vote taken last night in the Labor Temple was unanimous. Winnipeg and the Western division of the company are also unanimous for a strike and Mr. C. E. Hill, Chairman of this district of the Commercial Telegraphers, said that when he reached Ottawa this morning to present the case of the men to the Minister of Labor, an official of the Montreal district, E. G. Young, would also bring with him a strike vote.
All peaceable means to avoid a trike will be adopted during an interview to-day with the Minister of Labor before the issue is taken up the men. Hon. Mr. Crothers will be asked to carry out his promise made to union officials in the presence of Hon. Gideon Robertson, that if the men were acquitted, he would compel the company to take them back, paying them for lost time. Aid From C. P. R. Operators? The situation is fraught with other possibilities, Chairman Hill pointed out at last night's meeting. said that the agreement between the C. P.R., operators and the C. P. R. Telegraph Company expired on April 30, and after some delay the company had agreed to meet the men.. "If we are forced to strike, I am sure we can look to other quarters for assistance," he said. "The Great North Western Company," he said, "accepted an award without the slightest intention of living up to it. You fortunately happen to have a man, Mr. Taylor, with you who forced the company many times to live up to this award. Mr. Taylor might have gone to the penitentiary for three or four years, if some of the jury were not union men. Judge Winchester's bitter attack on Taylor and his scant reference to Thompson seems to me to indicate that Judge Winchester is not friendly to union men." May Go To Premier. If necessary the committee on its way to Ottawa will take its case directly to the Prime Minister. Chairman Hill said that if the men went out, they should demand a twenty-five per cent. increase, and eight-hour day and the discharge of Mr. Davies, one of the local officials of the Great North Western Company.
