Summit County Labor News

Labor Gives $45,000 in Service to Salem YWCA

Organized labor and business leaders have joined hands in Salem, Ohio, to make possible erection of a modern, split-level building to serve as the new home of the Young Women's Christian Association.

The project was made possible after members of the Columbiana County Building Trades Council voted to supply some $45,000 worth of labor free, and members of the County Builders Association agreed to furnish materials at cost.

Prime mover in getting the project into motion was John Kelly, business agent of the Building Trades Council, who proposed the joint effort as a community services project in talks with John Hollinger, Building Association president.

In a series of conferences, Kelly pointed out that labor and suppliers should work together on any project where it is demonstrated that a civic need exists. As the trade unionist pointed out:

"The Building Trades Council and its union members are happy to have this opportunity to share in a community effort which we feel will be of increasing value to the greater Salem area in the years to come. Community effort is the responsibility of us all."

Key to the project, community officials agree, is the $45,000 worth of free labor. Through this donation, the cost of the structure is being held to $76,000—$40,000 of which came in a single bequest, with the $36,000 balance being raised by public subscription.

Encompassing an area of 57 by 86 feet, the split-level building will include four classrooms, a dressing room, locker rooms, administrative offices, a 34 by 40-foot auditorium and stage, kitchen facilities and a lounge on the first floor.

The lower level will house classrooms, heating plant, activities room, a teen parlor with a soda bar, toilet facilities and storage space.