New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-09-02
Final Arbitration of All
Issues Except Wages
and Flat 10 p. C.. Raise
Among New Proposals
Union President
Due Here To-day
''L'' and Subway Service
Near Normal and MANY
Surface Cars Operating

An early break in the deadlock
existing between the striking en-
ployecs and receivership of the
Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company
appeared highly probable last night,
with the submission by the men Of
counter proposals for the settlement
of the controversy. The proposals
were made after fiat rejection of
Judge Mayors demands that they
return to work pending limited arbi-
tration of their grievances.
The situation took on a more
hopeful aspect, too, from a decided
Improvement in the transit facilities
on the subway and elevated lines,
and the first appearance Of hum
Der of 'armored" surface care on
the streets of Brooklyn.
The mems counter proposition L.:
That Judge Mayer make them an
offer Of a fiat wage increase over
the scale that the workers were re-
ceiving last Saturday.
That Judge Mayer submit all qucs-
tons except those of wages to UNI
limited arbitration.
That Judge Mayer permit a rep
resentative of the strikers to cx-
anime the books of the Brooklyn
Rapid Transit Company to ascertain
what increase in wages the financial
position of the company could st4;d.
Demand 10 Per Cent Increase
Under the first head, it has been
intimated by union officials that the
men will accept nothing less than a
10 per cent increase. They explain
that the voluntary 10 per cent Of.
fered by the B. r. T. receivership or
August 6 was based on their wages
of year ago, and really amounted
to only S per cent increase over
their present wage scale. They ask
that the minimum of 10 per cent be
based on their present pay. Their
original demands included raise of
approximately 40 per cent.
Patrick J. Shea, leader of the strik-
ers, announced the proposition will be
fully discussed with William D. Mahon,
international president of the Anal
gamated Association, who is expected
from Detroit momentarily, and that
Mahon probably would present it to
Judge Mayer to-day. Mayor Hy-
l.a declared that he would meet
the strike leaders this morning. 1t is
possible that he, with other members
of the Board Of Estimate. will act in
the matter for the workers.
The inquiry being conducted by the
Public Service Commission with view
to finding a basis of settlement was for
the moment held in allegiance in order
to give the employees an opportunity
to make decision on Judge Mayors
latest terms and the recommendation
of the Mayor, the Board of Estimate
and the Public Service Commission.
The rejection Of Judge Mayors pro-
posal that the men go back to work
forthwith, elect a new committee to
headed by Shea and Louis Fridiger.
and recognize Judge Mayors right 10
pass on any financial awards made by
a board of arbitration. was almost
unanimous. Of the 1900 men that
crowded into Labor Lyceum. only four
men voted to accept the judges terms.
Two men on the floor voted in favor
of accepting the proposals on condi-
ton that if the company in the future
workers rec Give a substantial share of
this increase. According to Shea. the
leaders made no effort to influence the
men in their decision. merely placing
Judge Mayors terms before them with
the recommendation of the Mayor and
the Public Service Commission that
they be accepted.
No Arbitration of Wages
Shea felt certain that if JUDGE Mayer
offered the strikers fiat increase Of 10
per cent and agreed to submit the ether
questions to final arbitration the men
would be back on their jobs in ten
minutes. On the question of this in
crease, however. he said, there wou'.l
be no arbitration, although r,c me-,
would consider any proposals affecting
a wage settlement.
Judging from tho frequent use e
hours" heard throughout the meeting.
it was evident that the men were anx-
ious to bring the strike to an end. In
the mean time, however, preparations
were being made by the strikers for a
long drawn out struggle. Many organ
izers of the international are reported
on the way here from Boston and other
points to direct the fight in case Prcsi-
den Mahon's efforts fail.
When one of the strikers asked
what Mayor Hylan's opinion of the
entire matter was, Fridiger replied,
Don't take any expressions Of the
Mayor or the members of the Board
If Estimate. as their opinion. They
,re public officials and their first duty
8 to the public"
Shea asserted at the close OF the
Foting that Judge Mayors offer was
10 ridiculous that there Was no need
# the international officers trying to
,ther."
James Sheridan, ono Of the str;ks