The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1920-02-26
WAR RAIL WAGES
STAND SIX MONTHS
Measure Jointly Reported Stirs
Union Labor Leaders.
is NEAR ITS FINAL FORM
Terms Of the Proposed Reorganization
Act Are Made Public at Washing.
ton-Makes Arbitration OF La
Dor Disputes Compulsory.

Washington. Feb. i0-Wnges estab-
llshed by the railroad administration
during the war would continue In effect
until September ! under the railroad
reorganization bill. the conference re-
port on which was presented In the
hodse aud senate.
Under the wage provisions the re-
drafting of which created more sur
prise In congress than any other change
made In compromising the Esch bill u
the house and the Cummins bill Of the
senate. pay ~ railroad workers would
be- stabilized az the present levels for
siN months after the rail properties are
returned 10 private control and Opera
ton. The bill also seeks to stabilize
rates Tor the same time. providing that
prior to September ! no rates may be
reduced unless approval Of the inter
state commerce commission II Oh
tanned
The restriction on wage Increase was
looked upon with especial interest by
members ~ congress railroad officials
and union leaders In view Of the recent
demands Of the more than 100000
railroad workers FOR an advance In
pay. President Wilson. In supporting
the contention that no increases could
De- granted on the eve of return %. the
railroads. told the union leaders that
their demands would be considered by
commission IN be created by law IL
no provision was included In the rail-
road bin, or to be- appointed on his own
Initiative II no legal provision we're
made.
IN the belief that wage commits
sion would be empowered 20 take up
their demands. the IL railroad union
heads have called conference to be
held here beginning Monday 10 discuss
the policy 10 be- adopted Ia dealing
with such a commission
To ascertain II the rallrond execu-
tiyes would agree 10 turning over the
wage controversy 20 such commits
sion. Director General Hines has re-
questcd a committee Of railroad on
cials to confer with him here.
Few Changes Expected.
Chairman Esch Of the house mnn-
agers announced that the conference
report would be taken mp In the house
Suturdny-and Chairman Cummlns OF
the senate managers expects 70 call IL
up To- the senate at a later date. De
spite the expected opposition To the
new wage section. Republican leaders
Of both the house and the senate ex-
pressed belief that the conference re-
port would be adopted and the bin
sent Ia the president with little change.
The outstanding points OF the meas
ure n finally agreed upon are:
Compulsory submission OF labor dis
puics to permanent federal board APP
pointed by the president and com
posed ~ nine members equally divided
hetv cen the employees. employers
md the public. No provision Is made
Tor enforcing the boards decision.
Adjustment Of rates by the inter-
state commerce commission so rs to
yield 10 carriers return OF 81 per
rent upon the aggregate value Of their
property, with another half OF one per
cent FOR improvements.
Distribution ~ half the net railway
operating income In excess OF six per
rent OF the property value. equally be-
ween the curriers' reserve fund and
he federal railroad contingent fund.
which will be administered by the com
mission for the assistance OF weaker
-oads
Government guarantee 10 railroads
lguInst a deficit during the first six
months after the roads are turned
pack.
Permissiye consolidation OF railroads
n accordance with a general consoli-
lation plan 10 be prepared by the
Interstate commerce commission.
Appropriation OF $500 OOO.O 900 &c be
lsed as revolving funds from which to
make loans to carriers and pay claims
growing out Of federal control. Unex-
'endcd funds now In the railroad ad-
hands are also reappro-
printed for that purpose. and an APP
'ropriation Of $4,000 for the federal
abor board Is provided.
As finally agreed upon. the labor sec
ion provides that 1T shall be the duty
# all carriers and their officers, en-
'loyees and agents 10 exert every rea-
olnble means TO avoid any Interrupt
ion to the operation Of any carrier
rowing out of any dispute between
he carrier ana the employees or sub
L.Il Inn a nnlnluI. -