The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1920-02-27
R. R. OWNERS AND
men PROTECTED
WORKERS ARE GUARANTEED
AGAINST WAGE REDUCTION
FOR SIX MONTHS
ROADS GO BACK MARCH FIRST
Compulsory Submission of Labor Dis
putes to Permanent Federal Board
Appointed by President Is Pro-
vided in Railroad Bill


against any reduction in wages befor
next September | is given railroad
workers in the revised draft of tn,
railroad reorganization bill reported t,
the senate and house yesterday.
Railroad corporations which are t.
regain control and operation of thei
properties on March 1 are safeguardec
likewise by the compromise measure
| against reductions in rates and fares
at the hands of state commissions prior
to September l.. the bill providing spe
officially against any rate or fare re-
duction not approved by the interstate
commerce commission, the federal reg
ulatory body.
The redrafted reorganization meas
ure while not prohibiting advances
either in wages or rates, in the opinion
or the members of the conference com
mittee subscribing to the majority re-
port, thus will tend to stabilize condi-
lions in the railway industry insofar
as the cOnferees deemed advisable. The
house fixed Saturday for the consider
an hour earlier than customary so a
final vote might be reached before ad-
journment.
The section prohibiting reduction in
wages under penalty before Septem-
Der 1, reads:
Prior to September l, 1920, each
carrier shall pay to each employe or
subordinate official thereof wages or
salary at rate not less than that
fixed by the decision of any agency or
railway board of adjustment in con-
nection Herewith. established for ex-
ecuting the powers granted the presi-
dent under the federal control act. in
effect preceding - :01 a. III. March 1,
1920.''
Creation of permanent federal ar
bitration board. composed of nine men,
bers divided equally among employees,
and the public, and appoint
ed by the president. which the revised
bill proposes, was considered by many
railroad experts as simplifying solu-
ton of wage problems to be dealt with
after return of the railroads. Submits
sion of disputes to the board is COM
pulsory.
Emphatic approval of the final pro-
visions of the railroad bill was given
in statement by the national associa-
lion of owners of railroad securities. |
which declared it the most satisfac- |
,ory plan of business legislation ever
devised by law-making body.
Some of the outstanding points of |
he measure as finally agreed upon
ire:
Compulsory submission of labor dis
)uteS to permanent federal board
appointed by the president and COM
POSED of nine members. equally d.
Tided between the employees. employ
RS, and the public. No provision is
made for enforcing the boards de-
ision.
Adjustment of rates by the inter-
tate commerce commission so as to
ield to carriers return of five and
ne-haf per cent, with another half of
ne per cent for improvements.
Distribution of half the net railway
perating income increases, six per
ent of the property value. equally
etween the carriers reserve fund
nd the federal railroad contingent
1nd, which will be administered by
ne commission for the assistance of
'eaker roads.
Government guarantee to railroads
gainst deficit during the first six
lonths after the roads are turned
lck.
Permissive consolidation of rail-
dads, if approved by the interstate
commission. !
Appropriation of S50O0O0.OO0 to be ,
sed as revolving funds from which ]
make loans to carriers and pay !
aims growing out of federal control
nexpended funds now in the rail
ad administrations hands are also i
for that purpose. 6
The labor section provides that st
all be the duty of all carriers and
cir officers, employees and agents to 9
.ert every possible effort and adopt
cry available means TO avoid any in
Eruption to the operation of any car
er growing out of any dispute be- =
zen the carrier and the employees or c
coordinate officials"
Such dispute should. If possible. be o
cided by railway boards of labor
justment established by agreement
tween the carriers concerned and
e employees.
- t.