The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-08-29
NO REAL BREAK
Separate Strike Votes Demand
ed by Trainmen's Union.
Only Change in Wording From
Other Ballots.
100000 NOW IN THE MAIL
r. r. Union Economist Praises
Federal Board Decision.
Charges Big Trouble TraceabIe
to Greedy Financiers.
100000 NOW IN THE MAIL

Chicago, Aug. 29.-An apparent
break in the harmony that has exist
ed among the big four brotherhoods
and the Switchmen's Union of North
America in connection with the mail
ing of strike ballots to the member
ship was today minimized by union
officials here.
Joint ballots were mailed to $50, 900
railroad workers yesterday and today
but the ballot of the Brotherhood Of
Railway Trainmen, comprising about
10000 workers, went on a separate
sheet.
The trainmen withdrew because
their officials explained, the ballot
drafted by the other four organiza-
tions Did not, in our opinion, con-
tain an impartial and unbiased re-
cital Of all that is involved nor did
Il convey the assurance that the
wishes of the men, If against working
for reduced wages, would determine
the question, and that they would be
permitted to leave the SERVICE"
After Profits, Not Service.
Washington, Aug. 29.-Despite the
fact that a strike vote Is being taken
by the railroad brotherhoods because
of wage reductions obtained by the
railway labor board, w. Jet Lauck,
who has been consulting economist
of the railroad unions. today paid high
tribute to the work of the board and
gave it credit for stabilizing railroad
labor conditions.
The recent decision of the board
relative to punitive overtime, Lauck
Sf n m he
railroad employees and the railroad
arrangements. He expressed conf
dence, however, that the decisions of
the board had forestalled labor
troubles on the railroads, despite the
fact that the brotherhoods are now
taking strike ballot.
Service Not Railroad Object
THE unfortunate and depIorable sit
uation from the point of view of the
public" Lauck declared, has been
that the labor policy of the railroads
have been dominated by a group of
financiers and executives whose main
object has been not to serve the public
intelligently by bringing about real
railway efficiency and economies but
to secure savings in operating costs
by destroying Just and reasonable
standards of work and compensation.
THE depressed condition OF the
transportation industry with the result
ant lack of employment, has been
favorable to their plans, as it has
weakened the economic power of the
country. The labor board. however.
has thwarted the indefensible efforts
of this group by maintaining the right
Of collective bargaining on a labor
union basis, the eight hour day and
similar fundamental rights. 1t has
also prevented an unwarranted reduc-
tion in wages. 1t has been courage
Gus, forward looking and conservative
from the standpoint of both of the
public and transportation industry"
Made Big Forward Step.
THE transportation act, however"
Lauck continued, mot only proved
a board from the settlement, of rail-
way difficulties. but also laid down as
of seven principles which should be
mandatory upon the railroad labor
board in making it's decision. The
significant and praiseworthy features
of the boards work has been that it
has gone beyond these seven stand
ards and has laid down sixteen addi-
tional principles as mandatory upon
its action and upon collective bargain
ing between railway employees and
management.
Their decision on the subject of
punitive overtime has undoubtedly
prevented a national railroad strike
The aggregate of their decisions has
been to provide a constructive basis of
procedure in railway industrial rela-
tons which will not only safeguard
the interests OF employees, but will also
enable the railroads to operate
economically and in the public inter-
est If the railway management will CO.
operate properly with the railway