New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-08-31
Union Men to
Fight Outlaw
Rail Strikes
X Representatives of the big
Four Here to Discour.
age Nalk-Outs Before
Count of Workers. Votes
Threat Against Wage Cut
United Front Expected To
Be Presented Against Ger.
tain Labor Body's Rulings

One hundred and fifty representa-
tives of the Big Four" and other rail
way employees organizations have
been assigned to the New York dis
trlet with instructions to discourage
outlaw strikes which threaten to
anticipate a decision OF the EMPLOYEES
by vote now in progress on the Rail-
road Labor Boards procurement of
June l, according to an announcement
made yesterday by union officials here.
1t was said earlier in the day that
new series of sporadic railroad
strikes, such as developed in 1917,
might be inaugurated by labor leaders
as means of preventing further wage
reductions through changes in the
national agreement regulations. This
statement was made by members of
advisory labor coansittees for Eastern
railroads. The statement added that
the vacation taken by labor representa-
tives on the Railroad Labor Board
August l3 was regarded as the first
move IN campaign to delay as long
as possible return to conditions pre-
valing before Federal control
Feared Men May Act Hostilely
According to Anthony Spair, presi-
dent of the New York district council
of the Maintenance of Ways Employees
apprehension has arisen here, as else
where, over the possibility that the men
Will take matters into their own hands
before count of ballots can be taken
Instructions issued by officials of the
sixteen nternationals, requesting all
members to keep at work and to beware
of provocators is the only thing that
has kept them in check, Spair said
so far as we know, few unions have
threatened to disregard instructions,
and we believe the men will stick until
the vote is announced and the chiefs
and the executive boards OF the various
orotherhoods have met to consider it, u
he declared mo one knows, however,
he said, when some group viii tire Of
the delay. They are thoroughly dis
gusted with conditions"
Mr.. Spair said that the maintenance
OF ways employees had already voted
practically 100 per cent against the
boards decision. It was lis opinion
that the unions would register sim
iarly overwhelming vote in opposit On
to the new scale Of wages. EMPLOYEES
IN his division, he said, were refusing
all along the line to work more than
eight hours since the time and-a half
for overtime had been discontinued.
Would Pacify the Workers
Regarding the attitude Of the union
officials Mr.. SPAR said: They are now
going to give instructions instead Of
take them. They are through pulling
chestnuts out of the fire for Others,
Both they and the men feel that there
is concerted movement abroad to
take away what has been gained
The men who have been sent here to
pacify the workers, Mr. Spair said were
scattered through radius Of seventy
five miles from here and in close touch
with the employees Of adjacent wards
and terminals. The men are out osten-
slbly to aid the local men in getting
out the strike vote. but in reality to
keep them working, it was said.
Officials said yesterday that within
two weeks the unions would return a
vote that would present united front
against certain provisions of the re-
cent decision, notably that affecting
the eighthour day.
Threat Seen in Strike Vote
Strike votes are being taken by the
shop employees and by the Brother
hood Of Railway Trainmen, which, it is
contendcd in some quarters. will be
cisions Of the Labor Board or to pre-
vent unfavorable rulings in pending
disputes.
The strike votes were ordered when
the railroad executives rejected the en-
ployces proposal. made july 9. to return