The Washington times., 1918-08-08
v. R. &c. COMEDIES
RIGHT OF MEN TO
ORGANIZE UNIONS.
CONTINUED from Page one.)


employees that 1t accepts the princi-
pies adopted by the war labor board
10 govern relations between workers
and employers for the duration of the
war.
To the extent that any of the ex-
Isuhg rules and regulations of this
company are contrary to the letter or
spirit OF the announced policy of the
Auonal war labor board, they are to
Snet extent hereby modified for the
ouration Of the war and until further
notice.
Right to Organize.
This action is not to be taken as
IN any way affecting any of the con-
tracts now existing between the COM
pany and any of its employees All
such contracts will be fully per
pany
One Of the principles adopted by
the war board being that employers
snaII in no way interfere with the
right OF employees to organize in trade
unions; this company voluntarily ac-
cepts that principle and will in no
way interfere with its employees join
Ing or belonging to any labor union
they desire.
another of the principles adopted
py the war labor board being that
employees in the exercise of their
right to organize, shall not use CO.
erciVe measures of any kind to in
ouce persons to join their organiza-
uon, nor to induce employers to bar
gain or deal Herewith. our employees
VIII, therefore, be equally protected
under the principle of the open shop
from any interference with their
right to remain out of labor unions
II they prefer to do So"
States Position.
The War Labor Board, as told in
The Times yesterday, made awards
OF increased wages to motormen, con-
ouctors and other street railway en-
ployes in a number of the large cities
OF the country, and at the same time
laid down some broad general prin-
clples- First, that street railway
workers should be protected in the
exercise of their right to join trade
unions without fear, of molestation
by employers; second. that individual
employment contracts exacted from
employees are eliminated for the
period of the war on the ground that
they constitute an interference with
the right of men to organize. The
board upheld the right of union men
to wear modest buttons OF ordinary
union and in one case men who had
been discharged for union activities
were ordered reinstated.
I'VE have had no difficulties with
our employees since the strike" said
Mr.. Ham They have presented no
grievances to US, although we have at
all times sought to have them feel
free to let us know their views as
TO working conditions. We simply
IN the United States should cooperate |
with the Government in winning the
war. The war labor board having an
nounced certain policies we are go
ing to live up to them in every
possible way.
Action Gratifying.
SOur Individual contracts with our |
men did not, as some contracts in |
other cities, require renunciation Of
unions nor prevent the employees join
ing a union"
The action OF the Washington Rail- |
way and Electric Company will be
people as promising no further !
strikes on that line and as assuring |
the public that the best possible serv-
ice will be rendered. In fact fhe
policies OF the company generally |
have undergone radical changes since
the retirement of President King, and
the tendency is strongly toward rec
ognition OF the Dublic's right to the
best service that can be given.
An expert of the Public Utilities
Commission. some weeks ago. found
that the strike had cost the Wash
ington Railway and Electric Company
and the Potomac Electric Light Com
pany about S250.000 in actual money
paid out to strike breakers. The loss |
in revenues amounted to much more
than this or a total OF over $500 900
actually apparent from the books.
To this should be added the knock
ing down" OF huge sums of money by
strike breakers and irresponsible men
who were brought in to fill the
places of the strikers. More than all
else the company lost the sympathy
Of the public. The war following the
strike added to the burdens of the
officials in bringing about a salts
factory operation of cars, causing
further losses OF revenue. On the
whole the financial losses resulting
from the strike have been placed by
competent men as close to 81 900, 900.