Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-03-01
Local Street Car Conductors
and Motormen Seek Better
Hours and More Pay.
SECRET UNION FORMED
HERE SINCE NOVEMBER
Nine to Ten Hour Day. With 80
Cents an Hour. Desired by Men.
1000 Organize.

~ iiio\ SlilClll undertaken last
November in the strictest secrec.
has resulted in the organization
OF the employees oi the two street
railway companies OF Washing
ton into Division No. $50 oi the
Anlalgamated Association OF
Street and Electric Railway En-
ployes. organized in 1852. and
affiliated with the American Fed
Grafton OF Labor.
Committees of the new association
today waited on officials of the Capital
Traction Company and the Washing
ton Railway and Electric Company to
submit memorandum of agreement
for their consideration. the principal
points in which relate to the questions
OF hours of labor and of remuneration
In both these respects, and in other
minor matters. committee members at
the headquarters of the Federation of
Labor in the Ouray building stated this
afternoon local conditions were char
acterized as harassing. if not intolera BILE
cradle.
The organization has been completed
since January 3. and according to
claims of the organization. embraces
approximately two-thrds Of the more
than loo motormsn and conductors
OF the two companies Its charter was
issued by the pa mt organza tion.
which has some 10000 members in $50
cities of the United States and Canada
January 10. The first steps in form
ing IT were taken by l.. A. Sterne and
Ed Toone. volunteer organizers of the
Federation OF Labor Later w D. Ma
hone. international president of the
parent organization, came to Wash
ington to push it forward and the
work was completed by Rezln Orr in
ternational treasurer, who is now in
the city and who is cooperating with
the new branch.
Demand Regarding Workday.
In the agreement submitted one of
the principal points is that a days
work for all regular men shall be nine
to ten hours duty, and that this shall
be completed within twelve consecu-
tive hours. Now, state the committee
men. the hours of labor run nearer
twelve and thirteen, and are so divided
and strung out that often eighteen
hours are needed to complete a ten
hour tour of duty. This point is to In
sure an employe sufficient consecutive
rest, now said to be impossible. No reg
ular man shall be Required to perform
extra duty. when extra man is avail
able. it is further demanded. and
where regular men are called to re-
port for extra duty and, for any cause
not their own do not go out. they shall
be paid from the time they report un-
til relieved at their regular rate of
wages.
The employees contend that at present
they sometimes must report and wait for
considerabl period. only to find that
they are not needed, and for this they
do not get a cent.
Another feature is that the wages Of all
motormen and conductors shall be go
cents an hour. At the present time the
Capital Traction Company pays 22la
cents an hour regardless of the length
of employment. The Washington Rail-
first year. 22'a cents after that 231a
cents after five years work and 25 cents
after ten Years. A few years ago it's
maximum was 22i7 cents.
The purpose of this agreement is to
provide the best and most satisfactory
service to the public, to provide the
best possible working conditions for
the men, at the same time having due
regard to the economical operation of
the company's cars" runs the document
which was submitted in duplicate to
J. n. Hanna. general manager of the
capital Traction Company. and J. T.
Moffett assistant superintendent of
transportation of the Washington Rail-
way and Electric Company.
1T is hereby agreed that the prop
erly accredited officers of the company
shall meet and treat with the properly
accredited officers of the associa ton on
all questions and grievances, and
should there be any that cannot be
amicably adjusted the same shall be
submitted to temporary board of ar
bitration."
Would Protect Employees.
further section specifies that the
company shall agree that apv Apn1oyA