The Pittsburgh Central Labor Union

January 16, 1930

     Brother Toole of the Taxi Drivers gave a nice talk in explanation of the Taxi Drivers' strike.  He explained the situation thoroughly, and among other things stated that the taxicab companies had not offered a settlement by giving the men all they were demanding excepting the recognition of their Union as has been advertised through the daily press.
     The Pittsburgh Central Labor Union unanimously went on record as endorsing the strike of the Taxi Drivers.
     Brother Robertson, State Federation Representative, gave a very interesting talk on the strike.  He outlined the details of the strike splendidly and requested full co-operation by the various unions, and, if thoroughly given, there would be no question as to the outcome of the strike.
     He also spoke on the State Federation newspaper, and said it was not very well patronized by our union men.  It costs only a dollar a year and every union man should have one and read it.
     A committee, consisting of Brothers Miller, Wycoff and Zima, were appointed to attend the various meetings that might be held by the Taxi Drivers and give them all the assistance they possibly can.

February 20, 1930         

     Hod Carriers and Building Laborers reported they were doing everything they could both financially and morally to aid the striking Cab Drivers in their present controversy.
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     Brother Trafford of the Cab Drivers talked to the meeting and informed them of the difficulties they were having in providing for their men and their families.  He explained they were having in providing for their men and their families.  He explained they were in urgent need of finance, so it is absolutely urgent that the labor movement of Pittsburgh and vicinity contribute to the fullest to help these brothers in their present strife as their fight is our fight and it means much to the labor movement that they win this fight so, brothers, help them to the limit.
     Brother Robertson spoke to the meeting.  He thanked Brother Trafford for his expression of confidence in him and that Brother Robertson was in no way to blame in a recent happening between him and some of the Cab Drivers.  He also spoke on the Catholic Conference to be held at the Fort Pitt Hotel on February 24 and 25.  Both he and Brother McCaig gave a splendid talk on the labor movement in general.  Particularly did they dwell on the unemployment question.  The meeting enjoyed the talks immensely.

March 20, 1930         

     Brothers Snyder and Trafford, representing the Taxicab Drivers' organization, were granted the floor.  They made a very interesting report on the strike situation.  They requested the Central Labor Union for moral support.  Motion made and carried that the Central Labor Union pledge to the striking taxicab drivers the undivided support of the council.

April 17, 1930         

     Brother Trafford of the Taxi Drivers appeared before the meeting and explained the taxi situation, particularly that of so many of their men being sentenced and others being indicted for supposedly violation of the injunction.  They requested, in anticipation of a number of their most active members being arrested and probably sent to jail, would the Central Body and the various local unions take up the fight as against the continuance of the injunction.  After considerable discussion it was moved and seconded and carried that the matter be referred to the Executive Board.

February 5, 1931         

     The delegates from the Taxicab Drivers made a request that the delegates help to organize the few remaining non-union drivers by insisting on the union button when hiring a taxicab.
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     The Taxicab Drivers will hold a dance for the benefit of their sick members on February 11, 1931, at the Moose Temple.

(Source:  Pittsburgh Central Labor Union Minutes, microfilm)