The Madison Daily Leader

SEAMEN VOTE STRIKE
Great Lakes Union Announces
Result of Ballot.
Extension of "Atlantic Agreement"
Demanded—Tie-up of Coal Ship-
ments Oct. 1 Feared.

Chicago, Sept. 26.—The lake sea-
men, numbering 20,000 members, have
voted to strike.

The two weeks mail vote closed at
midnight Monday, and Victor Olan-
der, secretary of the union, declared
the vote was practically unanimous in
favor of the strike.

To Seek Agreement.

Olander and other union officials
are expected to make one more effort
to effect an agreement with the lake
carriers association before the strike
becomes effective Oct. 1.

"Our demand is the extension of the
'Atlantic agreement' to the Great
Lakes, in the manner recommended by
the Washington conference Aug. 1,
which was approved by the govern-
ment," said Olander.

"We believe the Great Lakes should
be used in training men for merchant
ships which ply in the war zone. This
was the purpose of the Washington
conference. Under existing condi-
tions young men on the Great Lakes
are not given the opportunity to be-
come able seamen. As a result thou-
sands quit the boats annually in dis.
gust.

May Halt Coal Shipments.

If the men walk out, freight traffic
on the Great Lakes would be practi-
cally paralyzed. Coal shipments now
being rushed to the head of the lakes
would be halted, it is feared, at a time
when efforts are being made to over-
come the shortage. About 4,000 sea-
men, 4,000 firemen and 2,000 cooks are
affected by the strike. Passenger line
owners express their willingness for
conciliation.