Evening journal., 1921-08-18
URGE Rail men
NOT TO STRIKE
Leaders Tell Pennsy Work
ers to Await Labor
Boards Ruling
PIECE-woRK PLAN
AGAIN OPPOSED

United we stand. divided we fan, 4"
was the sentiments expressed In the
three addresses made before several
hundred members OF the six shop
crafts Of the Pennsylvania Railroad.
assembled in odd Fellows Hall.
Tenth and King streets. last evening.
The speakers were Arthur Bennett.
international representative OF the
International Brotherhood OF Elec-
trical Workers: A. c. Myer. general
chairman OF the Sheet Metal Work
ers OF the Pennsylvania line. and
John c. saylor, business representa-
tive OF the local Central Labor
Union.
Workmen who signed the piece
work agreement with the Pennsyl-
vania Railroad, we're criticised for
their action, because they had not
FIRST consulted local oficials OF the
System Federation. No. 90. The
speakers acknowledge industrial con-
ditions had been the cause OF many
men accepting terms offered by the
railroad officials.
Bennett condemned the attitude
OF the railroad company toward the
organizations with which its em-
ployes are afaliated, and cited the
Railway Executives Association and
the Railway Managers Association
as examples OF the employers ap-
! probation OF the value or organiza-
ton, knowing that in organization
there is strength. The railroad
company. he said. wants 10 deprive
| its employees OF the rights they
themselves are enjoying.
He pleaded with the men TO hold
out until the Railroad Labor Board
hands downs It's decision. I'VE are
not allowing our men TO strike" he
said. THAT is what is puzzling the
railroad company"
Referring 10 the Labor Board. the
speaker said:
''rhe railroad officials are swal-
lowing a PM we didn't want. The
bankers and the railroads OF this
country went TO Washington and got
this act. But now they don't like it:
we do. and they will have TO live NJ
10 It. The Labor Board has reserved
its decision until August 25. We
don't know what they will do, but
we will wait This is an inopportunc
time TO strike.
we have organized for a decent
wage scale and decent living condi-
tions. Our ammunition. as your OF.
hcers. is your moral support, and
when you sign up with your com.
pany you are taking the ammuni
ton away from your generals; 20,
are tearing down the conditions yol
have fought for"
He asked those who have signe,
piece -~y- agreements 10 reques
withdrawal OF their signatures. i
reply 70 a query as 70 what woul
be done with reference TO those me
who had been asked 10 report 10
work, but who had refused to sig
/. the piece-work agreement, the me
- we're told to report the facts
their local Federation officers an
that pay will be asked for an tim
,, lost.
Maurice Walsh pleaded with IN
men for loyalty TO their organiza
tions, mot only for this but futur
generations" He condemned tn
piece work system as hazardous &
the workers.
John c. sayior, business repre-
sentative Of the Central Labor Un
ion. declared the railroad com
panys position is untenable.
How can the railroad compan,
say that the Railroad Labor Boar
has no other power than publ
opinion back of it. when II was will
ing to accept its decision TO re
duce waBes2" he asked.
He described the controversy a
, a test Of strength between the rail
road employees organization and N
railroad management. and pleade
: with the men TO refrain from sigr
s ing the piece work agreement.