labor unions

June 1, 1939: "Operations at the Crater Lake Lumber and Box company plant at Sprague River were shut down today by labor troubles.

Reports from Sprague River were that members of the Industrial Employes union failed to go to work, but that there was no controversy with the management.

IEU members, it was said, took the step to force 100 per cent membership among employes. It was estimated about 75 per cent of the employes belong to the union, which is recognized by the company as collective bargaining agency.

J. G. Wolf, a field representative for the Industrial Employes union, said today the Crater Lake Lumber and Box company at Sprague River has closed because 'four or five' workers has not observed a deadline to join the union.

Wolf explained there was no controversy with the management. He added that about 95 per cent of the approximately 100 employes had agreed to a closed shop." (The Evening Herald)

June 3, 1939: "Industrial Employes' union difficulties were 'ironed out' and the Crater Lake Lumber company plant at Sprague River resumed operations today.

A conference of union representatives and company officials made an announced settlement of the one-day layoff, caused when the IEU demanded 'four or five' workers not members of the union join at once. The company recognizes the IEU as collective bargaining agent." (Statesman Journal)

July 30, 1940: "Cases pending in which charges have been filed by the local union and which have not been investigated include: a charge of harboring a company union (IEU), filed against the Crater Lake Lumber and Box company of Sprague River." (The Evening Herald)

March 1, 1941: "Pursuant to a request by Local 11, district 11 of the Industrial Employes Union at Sprague River of the Crater Lake Lumber and Box company, an agreement guaranteeing union shop for the I.E.U. was signed Thursday, it was announced Friday.

The new provisions came as a supplement to a working agreement which has been in force between the company and some 275 employes of mill, woods and box factory since April 17, 1940. It was signed by G. C. Lorenz, firm present, and Harry Coleman, Ben A. Hanson, and Del H. Kruger of the union conference committee.

Provisions, in part, follow:

The union and the employer hereby agree:

The employer reserves the right of employment and discharge. Discharge shall be for cause.

That at the expiration of 15 days from date of employment, or 15 days from date of this agreement, employees shall be required to become union members as condition of further employment.

Employees who fail to become members as provided above or are expelled for cause from the I.E.U. shall be discharged as soon as practicable by the employer, but within a period not to exceed 15 days, provided a written request has been filed by the union for such discharge.

That temporary construction department employees shall not be subject to the provisions of this agreement...." (The Evening Herald)

May 24, 1941: "The second National Labor Relations board hearing on charges against Klamath district lumber firm within the past fortnight opened slowly Thursday in the basement of the city publis library. A Friday session met only briefly before adjourning until Saturday morning.

The NLRB in a CIO charged complaint, alleges the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company of Sprague river has violated provisions of the Wagner act against interference with, and domination of, union activities. The Industrial Employes union currently represents Crater Lake company's employes.

Chief witness Thursday was G. C. Lorenz, called to the stand by young William A. Babcock, board attorney. Lorenz, president of the firm testified to the organization of the firm and its contract with the IEU.

Huntington Taylor, president of the Crater Lake Lumber company which was superseded by the present firm and is also named in the complaint, was also questioned by Babcock.

The hearing is being conducted by A. Bruce Hunt, NLRB field examiner, John B. Ebinger is representing the two respondents." (The Klamath News)

June 5, 1941: "The Lumber and Sawmill Workers union (AFL) this week will make demands for union recognition in the two Sprague River lumber firms, Organizer Joe Boyd said Tuesday.

The union is prepared to prove their claim to a majority at both the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company and the Hoseley Logging company, Boyd stated.

Employes of both firms have been working under an agreement recognizing the Industrial Employes union as their bargaining agent until last week when IEU headquarters announced the disbanding of their organization throughout the entire northwest. At the time of disbandment IEU members were urged to join the AFL." (The Klamath News)

June 6, 1941: "The first round in the fight for union membership for workers of the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company mill and woods crew and the Hoseley Logging company got under way Wednesday night when Joe Clark, CIO representative, addressed a meeting of laborers in the old school gymnasium." (The Evening Herald)

September 20, 1941: "The CIO International Woodworkers of America held a public meeting in the school gym Wednesday afternoon and evening." (The Evening Herald)

October 7, 1941: "The first election of officers of the newly organized Local 2705 of the Lumber and Sawmill Workers (AFL) took place in the community hall Friday night, October 3. The following were elected officers and committees: present, Hugh Haddock; vice president, Don Gilman; Financial secretary, Harley McWilliams; Recording secretary, Russell Kernan; conductor, Claude Brandenberg; Warden, John Goddard; trustee for three years, James Harrock Jr.; trustee for two years, Charles Laracey; trustee for one year, Silas Shepherd; delegates to the district council, Hugh Haddock, Don Gilman, Jim Ware, Lee Garrett and alternate Earl Atchison." (The Evening Herald)

October 18, 1941: "The Lumber and Sawmill workers union (AFL) has been certified by the National Labor Relations board as the bargaining agent for 259 employees of the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company, it was announced Saturday.

The AFL several weeks ago won a board election at the Sprague River lumber operation, balloting 142 votes to the CIO's 61.

In the election, there were no votes cast for the 'no-union' designation, a circumstance unprecedented in NLRB ballots throughout the northwest, according to the best available statistics." (The Evening Herald)