Omaha daily bee., 1918-05-09
INCREASES DEDUCTED.

AhSNISHoGo bGb ~ - i La
Wage advances proposed, however
do not represent net increases over
existing pay, bur are based on the
month of December, 1915. In other
words any increases which may have
been allowed by individual roads
since that time must be deducted. In
some cases deductions will almost
If not altogether, cover the increases
suggested, according to the report.
The roads themselves during 1916
and 1917 increased wages, an amount
Equivalent to $350000,000 if applied to
I the present, number of their en-
pioyes,
As to those who have received
such increases" the report says, I'VE
advise no other course than that the
scale be adhered to, for it has its
foundation in principle and not in the
compelling force of unusual COM
petition. in no event, however, should
there be any reduction in wages from
those now obtaining.
THE railroads must, however, main
tain their complement of workers,
and if, by meeting fairly, as here,
the needs Of the time, this end can
not be secured, there must be al
lowed play for other forces than those
we have recognized"
Flat Increases Proposed.
Flat increases Of $40 a month are
proposed for all employees except ap-
prcntices receiving $40 or less, and
all others up to $239 would get ad-
vances ranging from 43 per cent
downward to 4,6 per cent, the small
est increases going to those with the
highest wages, Above $3.50 fiat in
crease would be given to make the
wage $3.50 Apprentices from IS to Fl
years old would receive only three
fourths of the recommended increases,
and those below l8 years one-half.
In the application of the scale, the
wage runs with the place so that
men who have been promoted since
December, 1915, shall receive increases
applicable to the new place and not
to their wages in that month. Men
discharged since January | shall re-
ceive their share Of the retroactive
pay for the time that they worked.
McAdoo to Readjust Scales.
Mr.. McAdoo is studying the report.
which was made public tonight, and
will decide what increases shall be
allowed, probably within ten days. 1t
Is considered certain that he will not
adopt in full the commissions recon-
nlendations, but will make readjust-
mefts which he believes to be necessi-
tated by the intricacies of union wage
scales and other wage factors, The
commission based its recommenda-
tons on the monthly pay of the men
irasmuch as the advances were recon-
mcnded to equalize wages and the
growing cost of living, but the rates
of increase were arranged for all
classes of employees, whether paid by
the month or day, hour or number OF
miles.
An important feature of the report
was the recommendation that where
the same service is rendered the pay
shall be the same, without discrimina-
sion as to sex or race.
Overtime pay and hours OF service
should not be disturbed during the
war, the commission reported in sug-
gesting that an exhaustive study be
made Of both subjects with view
to changes to eliminate dissatisfaction
and improve the service. 1t was
recorded, however, that a standard
day of reasonably limited length is as
much part of the measure of JUS
tice with the workingman as is his
rate Of wage"
Permanent Tribunals Proposed.
Permanent tribunals, to continue
the study Of railroad labor problems
and to adjust many grievances pre-
scnted to the commission, but which
i was unable to take up were pro-
posed. With the comment that its
inquiry showed substantial readjust-
lllent OF the salaries of railroad off,
sials would promote the efficient oper-
ation of ths roads, the commission
added:
Some salaries may we'll be
abolished altogether, others greatly
reduced, while in some cases of lesser
paid officials, an increase would be
warranted"
A total of '$30,000,00O was found to
have been paid out during the wear
ending December 81, 1917, to Off
Gals receiving $4,000 year and
more.
The commission stated its guiding
principle in recommending increases
I n the following words:
"a sufficient increase should be
given to maintain that standard of liv-
ing which had obtained in the pre-
war period, when, confessedly, prices
and wages were both low. And upon
those who can best afford to sacrifice
should be cast the greater burden.
The magnitude of this amount
/ Sz88, ,00O, ,000) is not staggering when
nc whole expenditure for wages
upon the railroads (nearly $2,000,000,-
O00) is considered. And whatever its
Effect upon the mind may be, we re-
gard such an expenditure as neces-
sary for the immediate allaying OF
feeling that cannot be wisely fos-
tered by national inaction, and as not
one dollar more than justice at this
time required. 1t will make hard
places smoother for many who are
now in sore need. 1t is not a bonus.
& II is no more than an honorable meet
ing Of an obligation"
Kaiser Confers Iron Cross