Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1920-02-25
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. 19.-Wages estab-
Hshed by the railroad administration
during the war would continue in effect
until September l under the railroad
reorganization bill, the conference re
port on which was presented in the
house and 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 of
the house and the Cummins bill of the
senate, pay Of railroad workers would
be stabilized at the present levels for
six months after the rail properties are
returned to private control and opera
ton. The bill also seeks to stabilize
rates for the same time, providing that
prior to September l no rates may be
reduced unless approval of the inter
state commerce commission is OBJ
tanned.
The restriction on wage increase was
looked upon with especial interest by
members of 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
he granted on the eve of return Of the
railroads, told the union leaders that
their demands would be considered by
a commission to be created by law if
no provision was included in the rail-
road bill, or to be appointed on his own
initiative if no legal provision were
made.
Tn the belief that a wage commits
sion would be empowered to take up
their demands, the IA railroad union
heads have called conference to be
held here beginning Monday to discuss
the policy to be adopted in dealing
with such a commission.
TIC ascertain if the railroad execu-
tives would agree to turning over the
wage controversy TO such a commits
sion, Director General Hines has re-
Quested a committee of railroad Off
Gals to confer with him here.
Few Changes Expected.
ayers announced that the conference
report would be taken up in the house
Saturday-and Chairman Cummins of
the senate managers expects to call it
up in the senate at 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 bill
sent TO the president with little change.
The outstanding points Of the meas
ure as finally agreed upon are:
Compulsory submission of labor dis
putes to a permanent federal board ap-
pointed by the president and com
posed of nine members equally divided
between the employees, employers
and the public. No provision is made
for enforcing the boards decision.
Adjustment of rates by the inter-
state commerce commission so as to
yield to carriers a return of 51a per
cent upon the aggregate value of their
property, with another half of one per
cent for improvements
Distribution of half the net railway
operating income in excess of six per
cent of the property value, equally be-
tween the carriers reserve fund and
the federal railroad contingent fund
which will be administered by the COM
mission for the assistance of weaker
roads.
Government guarantee to railroads
against a deficit during the first six
months after the roads are turned
back.
PermisSive consolidation of railroads
in accordance with q general CONSOLE
dation plan to be prepared by the
interstate commerce commission.
Loans and Claims Fund.
Appropriation of $500,000,000 to be
used as revolving funds from which to
make loans to carriers and pay claims
growing out of federal control. Unex-
pended funds now in the railroad ad-
ministration's hands are also reapprO-
priated for that purpose. and an ap-
preparation of $4,000 for the federal
labor board is provided.
As finally agreed upon. the labor sec
ton provides that sit shall be the duty
of all carriers and their officers, EN-
pIoyees and agents to exert every rea-
sonable means to avoid any interrupt
tion TO the operation of any carrier
growing out of any dispute between
The carrier and the employees or sub
ordinate officials"