Discussions to create a five-day work week got nowhere by the time labor agreements came to expire April 30, 1931. As a result, more than 300 union men discontinued work on Friday, awaiting a new agreement.
The union representing the approximately 300 men had asked the La Crosse Master Builders Association for a five-day week with no increase in wages, representing a reduction from 44 hours down to 40 hours a week. The union believes the shorter week would create better economic conditions by getting the work done in a shorter time.
At the time the agreement expired, several general contractors, 12 painting contractors, and several plumbers had signed new agreements.
After several days of discussion, the workers remained off job sites as the Master Builders Association and labors debated reduced wages for fewer days worked.
After five days, heads of the national carpenters and electrical unions came to La Crosse to “adjust the controversy.”
The strike lasted ten days, with bricklayers returning to work on day nine, a Saturday. The work ceasing halted the expansion of St. Francis Hospital (now Mayo Clinic) and construction on Fifth Avenue during the debate. The La Crosse Master Builders Association and the labor unions agreed to a 40-hour week and an older wage scale. Electricians would rotate their 40-hour week to allow for emergency work.
