Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-05

union. While frankly stating to all our EN-
ployes that we would prefer that they
have always maintained that the same
treatment would be accorded to all
our employees, whether union or nonunlon,
and that no discrimination would be MADE
for or against either faction. This promise
has been given in good faith to more than
half of our employees, who do not peiong
to the union and who do not wish to join
and we will never place ourselves In posi-
ton where we cannot accord to them the
same protection and all the privileges that
we grant to union men. We therefore
shall not in any event, either by verbal or
written contract, recognize or deal with
our union employees In any manner dinerent
from our nonunion employees.
For a short time past the employees have
been requested to give a promise on enter
the union. This promise will not in future
be eXacted, nor will past promises OF TINS
character be considered binding but we re-
serve for the officers of our company the
same rights we grant to its employees. We
shall not attempt in the future, as we have
not in the past, to conceal from our EN-
ployes men entering our service that
we would prefer not to have our employees
JOIN the union.
Basis of Opposition.
Our opposition is based on the fact that
since the union was formed there has been
continual friction among our men and ire
quent complaints have been made both by
anees and Observation-Disclosures alleged 10 have
been practiced by both factions. 1t has
been impossible to maintain such discipline
as the character OF the business IN when
the men are employed demands. Accidents
have been more frequent on account or TINS
lax discipline and the claims for damages
against our company have greatly IN
creased. We have been asked to reinstate
union employees who have been discharged
for placing the property of the company
and the lives of passengers in jeopardy
| through carelessness. On the other hand,
attempted to Violate the rules of the com
4 pany because of the fact that they did not
| belong to the union. The officers OF TINS
| company have instructed its superln-
I tendents to enforce to the best of their
ability the rules of the company and main
! tain discipline among the men impartially
/ and regardless of the fact Of whether or
/ not they belonged to the union. The policy
] of this company in this regard Will be inc
past, as long as present conditions prevail.
| But If these conditions are changed ana our
union sR9SS t our PS % 6GT
/ retain in its employ men who do not be-
! long to the union.
The policy of this company has been to
pay its employees the highest wages pos
sible. giving 10 its older men the advantages
of a graded scale. Several voluntary IN
/ creases have been made in the pay or our
| employees bat regardless of conditions their
paw has never been reduced. During the
| last depression and panic, when many other
corporations reduced the pay of employees
this company continued its wage scale.
which was then and still is the highest pay
to like employees laboring under similar
conditions to those existing In our city.
such voluntary increases of the pay of our
/ employees will be made In the future as the
business OF the company will justify
We desire no disruption of the pleasant
relations which have always existed be-
tween the officers and the men in the EN-
ploy of this company. We viii at all times
insure TO all our men, whether union OF
nonunion, the most careful consideration OF
their respective rights. But regardless OF
what the results may be we Will not place
ourselves in a position where we cannot
protect the old and faithful men who have
been in the service of this company for
many years and who do not belong TO nor
wish 10 Join the union. We therefore have
refused 10 sign the contract presented by
the union.
RAILWAY COMPANY,
BY G. w. wATTLES. Vice President
Answer OF the Carmen.
a.