The St. Johns herald., 1921-06-02
PEACE HINGES ON NLABOR'S ACTS LEADERS QUIET IN FACE OF AN. NoUNCEMENT OF COMING
 CUT IN WAGES. RAIL WAGES REVISED OFFICIALS CLAIM BETTER TIMES AHEAD UNDER LOWER
 SCHEDULE.
(Western Newspaper Union News Service.

Chicago, May 19-"What will labor dO?" was the question that became uppermOst as a result of the announce ment of the United States Railroad Labor Board that wages of railroad employees will be revised downward, effective July l. On the attitude taken by the labor organizations, observers declared, hinges the question of peace in the railway industry.
 No inkling of their attitude or in- tentiOns was forthcoming Wednesday, from leaders of the railroad workers here. It was the evident desire of the men who have directed labOr'S fight to prevent wage cuts to wait un- til the full details of the boards plan are announced before making definite statements.
 Railroad heads, however, were in- clined to see better times ahead for the roads as a result of the ruling. In railway executive circles there also was manifest a disposition to await details before commenting. H. E. Byram, president of the Chicago, Mil waukee & St Paul road, pronounced the boards statement encouraging, 7" but said the benefits to be derived from it by the roads will depend on the reductions to be made"
 The announcement of the board de clares that, in it's judgment, a Ire adjustment downward of wages of employees of the carriers which are parties to the disputes already heard" is justified The board promised to announce on June 1 decision cover ing these disputes, the decision to be come effective July 1.
 On Monday, June 6, the board will hear wage reduction cases that have been filed since April IS, or which will be filed between now and June G. The decision in these disputes also will be effective July 1.
 Although no inkling of the extent of the reduction to be made was given by the board, it was the general belief that the wage cuts will aggregate ap- prOximately 12 per cent Unskilled employees of the roads will be chiefly affected. Percentages of increases granted to skilled wOrkmen by the boards decision of July 20, 1920, were not so great, hence it is believed re- ductiOns now to be made will be less.
 The advance in pay last July was 20 per cent and amounted to $650,000,- 900.
 The general reduction of wages for unskilled railroad employees will be made the basis of reductions extend ing to all classes of railroad labor, it was understood Wednesday.
 Following this cut in wages a reduc- tiOn in freight rates and passenger fares may be announced.
 Under the new classification to be used as a basis for future wage cuts or otherwise modifying the $65O,OOO,- 900 annual increase in wages granted last July, each group and grade of employees is given a standardized mo- menclature which is expected to sim plify the work of both the labor board and the Interstate Commerce Commis- sion.
 Lack of uniform classification has been the cause of bitter clashes in the past. Recently executives of the Pere Marquette road charged that change in title of four of their employees, all though there was no change in duties, cost them over 5000 in back pay.
 ''The use of standardized nOmencla- ture, based on duties,' the board stat ed, twill also enable the board to make comparisons with similar Occupa- tions outside of the railroad service and to detect and measure inequalities in wages between positions in the rail- roads and outside organizations. With this establishment, foundation is laid for securing comparative information.