New-York tribune., 1919-03-18
Both Sides Claim Victory,
and Terms of Agreement
Are Now Hotly Disputed
Cars Will Run To-day
Company Says Union Is Not
Recognized; Men Insist if
1t Isn't They'll Quit Again


trolley strike in New Jersey which
has tied up the lines throughout the
eleven northern counties of the state
for the past six days, appears to have
been settled.
Dissatisfaction, however, has arisen
among the workers over divergent in
terpretations of certain vital clauses
of the agreement, and although the
agreement was signed to-day by both
the company and union leaders there
is danger of the trouble cropping out
again.
The articles, as proposed blythe me
diators of the War Labor Board and
signed by representatives of the con-
tostants, were ratified by ballot of the
trolleymen to-day.
Terms of Agreement
The terms. made public by Charlton
Ogburn, chairman of the mediation
committee, provide:
"That any committee or joint con-
ference board, composed of the en-
ployes of the Public Service Rail
pointed at a meeting of any division
of the Amalgamated Association of
Street and Electrical Railway EN-
ployes of America, shall have the
right to deal with the officials of
the company concerning any matter
or matters in controversy. This
does not negative the right of en-
ployes to treat with the company di-
rectly or through other committees.
1T is understood that the COM
pany has withdrawn and abandoned
L. II, u l.
bargaining plan, recently promul-
gated.
ANY other matters in controversy
between the company and its en-
ployes may be referred by either
party to the National War Labor
Board for decision"
1t also provided that all men on
strike shall return to work upon ac-
ceptance of this proposition, and that
the workers be reinstated in their old
Jobs. All matters of wages and con-
ditions of work which we're part of the
unions demands will be placed before
the labor board for decision in the
near future.
The principal bone of contention was
recognition of the amalgamated asso-
citation, and the withdrawal by the
company officials of their collective
bargaining plan. The men also asked
for ten hours pay for nine hour day.
Both sides claim victory. Thomas M.
McCarter, president of the Public Ser
vice Railway Company, issued & state
ment declaring that although the
agreement provides for recognition of
committees of employees the company
is supported in its refusal to sign
contracts with the amalgamated asso-
citation or any other union of employees
William Wepner, chairman of 8 the
joint board Of the trolleymen, asserted
however, that under the ruling the
company would have to see the work
ers' leaders as union officinls.
Thinks 1t Is Important
81 regard this as most important, in
view of the fact that they wouldn't
meet amalgamated officers BEFORE" he
said.
Thomas L. O'Toole, assistant tc
President McCarter, when informed
that the strikers had interpreted the
decision as recognition of the union
said: 1--WE will only treat with bodies
selves anything they like"
President McCarter commented. g.
am glad that the strike is over anC
that the men have decided to return
TO work. The settlement is upon the
exact terms offered by the compan,
before the men went out--the willing
ness to meet at any time with any
committee of employees, whether or mo-
they belong TO q union, and the posi-
tive refusal on the part of the com
pany. to sign contract with tht
Amalgamated Association or any other
union Of employees"
When the strikers learned that tn,
. most vital point was still a matter O.
debate, groups congregated in tn,
headquarters of the union and voiced
their dissatisfaction. Many Of then
said the meaning as interpreted t.
them by Union Counsel Vahey was in
dsstinct, and that If it is true tha
the decision does not provide for unioi
. recognition, the matter isn't settled
". Wakelee spoke to the leaders ovel
the telephone. At the close of the
meetarg Chairman Wefner announce
that fae would return to work.
Iht joint board of the strikers tool
up the matter later. During the dis
Az late hour Vice. President Edmunt
cussion the stand of the company o,
the. recognition clause so riled tn,
striker that an attempt was made tt
get in touch with President McCarte
and, have he matter hreshed out again
The strike affected $500 car an
shop men. tied up the trolley line
running through Jersey City, pater
son, New Brunswick, Edgewater, Yves
Hohoken, Newark. Plainheld, Elizabet
and numerous other towns in norther
New Jersey.
y