Existing comment:
Origins:
The origins of the split arose from ideology. McNulty, supported by inside wiremen, pushed for steep membership fees and tough examinations. He favored using diplomacy and strategic strikes to secure the IBEW's influence. Reid, supported by linemen who struggled with organizing, fought for low initiation fees and Traveling Cards. He also advocated for aggressive general strikes to show the IBEW's strength. These ideologies collided in 1906 during a strike led by Reid against Bell Telephone. When McNulty refused to use death benefit funds to support the strike and instead negotiated with Bell, Reid accused him of favoring the dead over the living.
No longer confident in IBEW's leadership, in 1908, Rein joined with fellow lineman James Murphy to organize a special convention in St. Louis. The delegates votes to remove IBEW's executive officers and elected Reid and Murphy as Grand President and Secretary. Deemed "secessionists" by McNulty, the Reid-Murphy faction saw themselves as the true IBEW. |