Garbage Haulers

In 1932 jurisdictional fight broke out between International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Chicago Teamsters Union over hauling garbage from the market.

A private scavenger service, Nelson Bros. & Buecher Bros. Had been hauling the garbage for many years and were stopped from their work by the union.  This was taken to the State Attorney’s office and the Chicago Teamster Union was termed as being an “outlaw” union.  Already 3 men had been killed because of the fight.  Nelson & Buecher (private scavenger companies) were told they could go ahead and pull their trucks but they had to employ local 703 help.  Nelson inquired as to where to get these men and was told to “pick them up at the corner”. When Nelson & Buecher left the meeting, 3 well dressed men standing in the doorway of the Produce Exchange Building accosted Mr. Nelson and escorted him 20 ft. from the door.  As they did this, Mr. Buecher attempted to follow and one of the men turned around and exclaimed, “stay where you are, we will take care of you one at a time.” The two men talking to Mr. Nelson used abusive language and told him “you better order yourself a casket”.  Since the merchants on South Water Market had employed Buecher & Nelson to haul garbage for many years, they decided to give them financial & moral support to protect them which enabled them to continue business.  Later in October, 1932, Mr. Buecher of Buecher Bros. Was shot and his truck destroyed.  The South Water Street Market guaranteed the hospital payments for Mr. Buecher as he had no funds to pay and was in no condition to be sent home.