Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-04-24

The two firemen question is disposed
of by providing for an Adjustment
commission" to decide whether an ex-
ira fireman is necessary. This conf
mission is empowered TO act where a
settlement cannot be made between
the firemens committee and officials
of the road. The adjustment COM
MISSION, the award sets forth, must
consist of two members chosen by the
railroad company. two by the firemen
and one selected by the four who shall
be chairman Should the four fail to
agree on the fifth. he shall be chosen
by the presiding judge of the United
States commerce court, or if for any
reason the selection cannot be made
by him, by the United States judge
of the district in which the controversy
may have arisen.
1t is provided that overtime in all
classes of service, except passenger, shall
be paid for pro rata on the mite basis.
When miles exceed hours miles Will be
allowed, and when hours exceed miles
hours will be allowed. Overtime in pas
senger service will be paid on the basis
of 20 miles an hour, computed on the
minute basis. Compensation for initial
terminal delay is not allowed beyond that
involved in the rule that pay shall begin
in all cases at the time fireman Is re-
duired to report for duty. but final termi-
nal delay after the elapse of an hours
will be paid for at the end of the trip at
the overtime rate, according to the class
of engine on the minute basis.
F'iremen tied up between terminals on
account of the sixteen hours of service
law will be paid continuous time from
initial point to tieup point.
Increases in the rates of wages de-
manded in behalf of hostlers anil
helpers on electric locomotives also
are granted, although the increases are
not SO large as demanded.
The firemen's demands ranged from;
$2.55 a day on weights of passenger
locomotives on drivers of less than
$4,000 pounds to 81 a day on weights
100000 pounds, or more They We're
given in the award increases ranging
from $245 on weights less than S0,0no
pounds to $3.50 on. all engines over
$4,000 pounds and 81. on Mallet en-
gines regardless of weight. On freight
service the awards We're somewha;
higher, engines of over 100000 pounds
on drivers getting an increase to "a
a day.
Ten hours or less or 100 miles or
less shall constitute a days work in
all classes of service, with certain ex-
ceptions, and the time for which Il
| fireman shall be paid shall begin al
| the time he is required to report foi
duty and end when the engine IS de-
livered at the point designated
The award, tonight, eliminates nego
| tiations for an increase in wages ant
| a betterment of working conditions be
| gun by the firemen, Feb. Is, 1872 Th'
| demands were formally taken up by {
| conference committee of railroad man
/ ayers and committee representing
the firemen, July l, 1912, but after de
| bate at intervals until February, TIL
| negotiators found themselves unabl
| to reach a settlement. Announcement
| by the railroads that they would no
! agree to the demands of the firemel
| was followed by a strike vote by TIL
| men.
Immediately following this, the as
sistance Of Martin A. Knapp presidin,
judge of the United States commere'
| court. and G. w. w. Hanger. actin,
commissioner of labor, was invoked
! but they, too, failed to bring about =;
| settlement. An agreement was reach
| ed, however, Feb. 49, to arbitrate thu
questions in dispute under the Erdmai
act and the arbitrators who made to
nights award were appointed. The.
began their sessions, March 10 ant
| cluded, April 5.