The sun., 1919-08-27
SHOPMEN VOTING IN
RAILROAD STRIKE


Helpers, International Brotherhood Of
BoiIerm1kers, Iron Shtpbuilders and
Helpers, Ani1I0amdted Sheet Metal
Workers International Alliance, Inter
national Brotherhood Of Electrical
Workers, Brotherhood RdiItoay Car
men Of America, under control Of the
Railroad Administration and the Ca
madam War Board.
GREErINos-"Ths attached letter of
the President Of the United States, ac-
companied by the proposition of the
Director-General, were delivered to your
executive officers and national committee
In conference at the White House at 3
p M, August %, and are submitted to
the membership at the urgent request OF
President Wilson, and 1t is requested
that the contents of these documents be
given your most careful consideration
at a summoned or called meeting of each
craft.
Shortly after the conclusion OF the
conference with the President and the
Director-General another conference was
held with the Director General In an
swer to direct question, the Director
General stated that the attached propo-
sition was final and that there would be
no wage increases granted to any other
class OF railroad employees, as a class
but In the event Of unjust inequalities, as
between individuals, adjustments involv-
Ing increases to eQualize rates of pay
would be made where justified, except
under the conditions that are clearly
stated in the fourth paragraph Of the
Presidents letter herewith attached.
knowing the sentiment Of the men,
bership, your committee, after duly con-
sidering the proposition, advised the
Director-General that they could not &C.
cept as basis of settlement the rates
established in his proposition, as sub
mitted by the President.
practically every class Of railroad
employees have now submitted requests
| for very substantial increases over ex.
listing rates of pay. 1t is well that oul
members give very serious consideration
to this fact. If there is to be any addi
tional general Increase in the wages OF
railroad employees the Federated ShoI
Trades will receive the same considera
ton. Don't fail to give this statement
careful thought, and don't forget that Il
the Federated Shop Trades become in
volved in strike now you are striking
alone TO force an Increase for the 1000,
| 900 railroad employees
| In view of the foregoing facts, tn,
statements contained in the President
letter and the responsibility that mus
be assumed II a suspension of work is t
| take place, your executive council ha
decided that 1t would fail in its dut,
were 1t to authorize strike until tn,
membership have had an Opportunity I,
| decide their course Of action on thl
| DTOnORitiOn ia tpta
shirk any Of our responsibilities as ex
ecutive officers and the wishes OF con
stitutional majority of the membership
expressed by their votes as hereinafte
directed will be carried out.
Until the wage questions have beel
disposed OF there will be no action takel
In connection with reaching a conclusion
on the national agreement.
Immediately on receipt of this lette
| each craft will hold a summoned O
called meeting, appoint a committee Q
tellers, who Will prepare and distribut
blank pieces OF paper upon which eac
member shall sign his name and mum
Der of lodge In which he holds mem
bership. II the member votes yes
will indicate acceptance OF the Pres
dents proposition II the member vote
no i. will indicate the rejection of tn
Presidents proposition ana that he dc
sires to strike to secure the wage rate
requested.
Efforts should be made to secure tn
vote of members located at outsid
points. Only members employed by raj
roads are entitled to vote.
This vote shall be taken as a secre
ballot. The tellers. together with SCI
retary, will tabulate the vote and wir
the result by stating the number {
members voting yes and the numbe
voting no. This vote is to be cor
nrmed by letter under seal of lodge
Pending the issuance of the offici;