Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1907-02-01

OF the rules in way Just and fair
70 employees of all classes.
At the same time. not barring the
way or closing the door to the indi-
Vidual employe to present his gfiev-
ance to the proper official OF the
Company direct. II he desire. to OBJ
tain an Interpretation OF the rules
and regulations of the Company: or.
II he prefers, TO negotiate through
committee accredited TO the OFF,
cials OF the Company by each OF
the respective classes of labor. II
Is source OF regret to the officials
OF the Railway Company that having
Jailed as an intermediatcr to bring
about an amicable adjustment of the
controversy between the two classes
Of labor. and having repeatedly urg-
"a In conference with the Committee
or each organization, and I'm Joint
and separate conferences had with
the Committees OF both organfza-
lions, the differences between the
Two classes should not have been set
lied between themselves. The Rail-
way Company has only an indirect
interest in this controversy and
aeither organization was justified I'm
insisting that the officials OF this
| Company decide between them.
Having failed In the effort at
mediation. the Management OF the
Railway Company should and must
in the interest OF the public which
We serve, and of all other employees.
take upon themselves and assume
the responsibility OF deciding the
controversy between these two clas-
ses OF labor in it's employment. IL
Is the fixed determination OF the
officials, as has been their policy in
he past and will be their policy i'm
he future, to treat employees fairly
md equitably TO give to all an OPP
'ortunity for proper hearings, to adj
'ust all differences that may from
time to time arise; and.
At the same time, TO pro
tect the interests OF the pub
lie and of other employees in every
| department. In view OF the posi-
1ility that the fremen now in the
employ OF this Company will be called
lpon to decide by their individual
votes the question whether the pleas
ant and friendly relations which
have existed for so many years be-
tween them and this Company are
to be strained and possibly broken.
We feel that IT is our duty, as well
rs our privilege, in anticipation OF
such a vote being taken. to call to
the attention OF the engineers and
fireman all the facts and conditions
for consideration.
1t has as you know, been the
fixed policy of this Company for
years past to promote its competent,
men, and the officials OF this Com
! pany have manifested a disposition
Of friendliness toward the EMPLOYEES
md desire to advance their inter
asts ard promote them as fast as
hey proved themselves capable. and
AS opportunities permitted.
In considering the question which
nay be presented to you we wish
o urge with all the earnestness at
our command Gas we have hereto
fore done in conferences with the
committees of both OF the organiza-
| hons) that you consider not only
your own rights and interests and
the rights and interests of those
who may differ with you. but also
! the rights and interests of the Com
pany in whose service you are; and
we further particularly urge that you
! do not lose sight OF the fact that the
general public have rights which
must be respected, and these rights
VIII be disturbed by any radical ac-
ton such as would result I'm the
severence OF the pleasant and cor
dial relations which have so long
existed between this Company and its
employees.
1t Is our firm belief that wise coun-
sci will ultimately prevail and that
the great body Of employees will agree
with us in our position that this
controvrsy is one which should have
been adjusted between the contend
ing employees and organizations: and
we also believe that your sense of
Justice and right will prevent you
as employees from taking any action
which Will involve this Company In
a conflict growing out Of the con
troversy in which the Company has