The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-04-13

The condition is best illustrated by
circular letter from the Federal man
ager of the railroads, which was given
to every boatman In their employ yes
terday. II reads:
I'm reaching settlement with the
committee of Affiliated Marine Workers
under which work was resumed March
I It was with the understanding that
the railroad boats would not be required
to do work not previously performed in
the usual line OF duty, but that such
work as was previously performed by
the railroad boats would be resumed.
AN honest effort has been made on
the part of the Railroad Administration
10 comply with Its part of this arrange
ment, but In some respects the em-
ployees have failed thus far to carry
out their part of the agreement. Not
withstandiug the fact that the rates OF
wages and working conditions agreed
upon In the settlement are in effect some
Of the marine employees are refusing
to tow coal and grain boats in accord
ance with their previous custom and are
also refusing to handle chartered light
ers unless manned by union men. In
other words the open shop principle
which has heretofore been maintained
In New York harbor and under which
the railroad employees have heretofore
worked Is not recognized. but the de-
mand Is made that all boats handled by
railroad power be manned by union
men.
THE Railroad Administration has no
fault to find with the employees who
choose to belong to labor organizations;
the right is conceded for every employee
to decide that question for himself, 1t
does, however. object to the position
now being taken that it's employees are
not 10 be permitted To work with nom
union men employed on boats not owned
by the railroads with whom their regu-
lar duties throw them in contract and all
employees In the marine service are
hereby called upon to carry on the regu-
larry established duties of their position
as before the strike of March 4. a set
Element OF which was reached on March I.
You are asked TO give this matter
your earnest and careful individual con-
sideration. bearing in mind that on your
action depends the ability OF the Rail-
road Administration To serve the pub
lie needs of transportation
Crisis In Labor situation.
To the labor leaders this was. as Paul
A. Vacarelli, vice-president of the long
shoremen, said, Waving red flag In
the face of the men" The railroad fired
the crews of tugs that obeyed the orders
OF Mr.. Delahunty and likely will con-
tinue to dismiss other men who do the
same thing, The labor leaders will de-
mand their reinstatement and failure TO
do this will precipitate another general
strike.
In order to inform the public Of the
patience the Railroad Administration
has exhibited A II. Smith last night
published a summary Of the negotla-
tons between Mr. pelahunty and him
self In part 1t follows;
"A strike Immediately followed the
refusal of the men to accept the Macy
award and the Department OF Labor
sent J. L. Hughes here rs mediator who
undertook to adjust the grievances be-
tween the contesting parties Through
his Intervention the railroads. through
their properly constituted district com
mittee OF managers, met the unions in
| conjunction with the mediator. and after
discussion OF the situation reached a
settlement with all the unions invol Ied
in railroad operation, az indicated by a
, letter OF Mr.. Delahunty OF March 10
This acceptance permitted the railroads
| to resume the handling OF usual railroad
export and station freight which was
thought indispensable TO the immediate
welfare of the interests OF New York
city. pending the adjustment OF remain
ing controversies. -
There were still some controversies
pending with the workers on coal boats
grain boats and certain chartered frel 3 hi
barges, which the railroad had custom
/ arily lowed with their tugs.
"On March 81 John Brennan. presi-
cent of the Tidewater Boatmen's Union
notified the Railroad Adminis ra ton
| that he had effected a settlement be-
/ tween his unions and the private boat
owners of the aforesaid craft and the