Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1920-02-20
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.

Dor Disputes Compulsory.
Washington. Feb. 19.-Wages estab-
lished by the railroad administration
during TIE war would continue in effect
until September / 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 bin 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 2.0000o0
railroad workers for an advance in
pay. President Wilson. in supporting
the contention that no increases could
be granted on the eve Of return Of the
railroads, told the union leaders that
their demands would be considered by
n commission to be created by law If
no provision was inclnded In the rail-
road bill. or TO be appointed on his own
initiative If no legal provision were
made.
In the belief that wage commits
sion would be empowered TO take mp
their demands. the Il railroad union
heads have called conference to he
held here beginning Monday TO discuss
the policy TO be adopted in dealing
with such commission
To ascertain If the railroad execu-
tives would agree to turning over the
wage controversy to such commits
sion, Director General Hines has re-
quested committee of railroad off,
cials 10 confer with him here Thurs
day.
Few Changes Expected.
Chairman Esch of the house man
ayers announced that the conference
report would be taken up in the house
Saturday-and Chairman Cummins Of
the senate managers expects 10 cali II
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 he adopted and the bin
sent to the president with little change
The outstanding points of the meas
IRE as finally agreed upon are:
Compulsory Submission Of labor dis.
putes to a permanent federal board an.
| 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 nv the inter.
state commerce commission so as 10
| yield 10 carriers a return of 81 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 ner
| cent of the pronertv value. equally he
| tween The carriers reserve fund and
| the federal rail road contingent fund.
| which win be administered by the com
| mission for the assistance of weaker
| roads.
Government guarantees 10 railroads
against q deficit during the first six
months after the roads are turned
back.
Permissive consolidation Of railroads
In accordance with a general consolI.
dation plan to he prepared by the
Interstate commerce commission,
Leans and Claims Fund.
Appropriation Of $500 COCOON to he
used as revolving funds from which 10
make loans to carriers and pay Claims
growing out of federal control. Unex
pended funds now In the railroad adj
ministration's hands are also reappro-
prlated for that nurnose. and an an
rronrIation Of $4,000 for the federal
labor hoard is provided
AS finally agreed upon the labor sec.
ton provides that az shall be the ,lutv
Of all carriers and their officers. en-
ployeeS and agents to exert every rea-
Senahle means TO avoid any Interrupt
ton to the operation % any carrier
growing out Of any diSnnte between
the carrier and the employees or sub
ordinate officials"