The New York herald., 1921-03-11
For Economical Operation.

The statement reads as follows
The wage rates imposed upon the
railroads by wartime government OPP
GRAFTON. aside from the absurd restric-
tions inequalities and abuses brought
about by the national agreements are
entirely out OF line with the standards of
to-day in all other branches Of industry.
The railroads have been compelled by
law to maintain artificial standards and
unbusnsssIike practices in the manage
ment of their forces. The Transporta-
ton act, however. expressly provides
that the railroads shall be economically
mana ged, so this action is in strict con-
formity with the letter and the spirit OF
the law.
THE New York Central Railroad
throughout the years preceding Federal
control. successfully maintained har-
monious and satisfactory relations with
q loyal and efficient force OF high class
workers in all branches OF the rail-
road organization. 1t now proposes to
eliminate the gross evils which have
been imposed upon 1t through the un-
precedented events OF the last few
Years and TO get back to management
that is in harmony with correct busi-
ness practices. on behalf of giving the
travelling and shipping public the ut
most Of good railroad service at the
lowest possible price.
1nlNl dHtnk Tie evils WiliGA LbN
public rightfully should demand to be
eliminated Is wage waste, involving the
payment Of vast sums for services not
rendered and a loss OF normal efficiency
amounting in many departments to up
ward Of so per cent. The public is
entitled when ii pays a dollar TO re-
ceive a dollars worth Of service from
q railroad the same as from any other
business institution
Artificial and unwarranted high
wage scales upon the railroads are det-
rimental to industry generally, as well
az direct burden upon the railroads
themselves which the public must pay
in high rates, with the more serious
alternative of suffering the deteriora-
ton o. breakdown OF the transporta-
ton machine upon which the prosperity
of our whole population depends.
ION behalf of the public the railroads
sre combating the so-called national
agreements and rules which have pro-
duced grotesque injustiees and almost
unsurmountable handicaps 10 efficient
MANAGEMENT before the Labor Board
now sitting I'm Chicago. Before this
tribunal the railroads are presenting &
volumes OF evidence upon this subject
and decision viii be 'reached in due
time.
Labor B0urd'S Huies Obeseu.
THE Transportation act and the rul-
ings OF the Labor Board provide that
the railroad arrangements shall confer
with their own employees in advance OF
any revision OF wages In an effort TO
arrive at an agreement. The New York
Central II conforming strictly to these
rulings and the first OF these confer
ences, covering its unskilled labor was
held last Tuesday, with further similar
meetings 10 be held az the task OF re-
habilh tion OF the working personnel
proceeds.
1T is a noteworthy fact that up TO
date the representatives Of labor have
entered no denial whatever to the state
ment frankly presented 10 them by the
managers that existing railroad wages
arc decidedly out or line with the pre-
vaiung rates III other industries. The
Ncw York Central has la progress a
comprehensive study or tho going rates
oe compensation being paid for all
branches Of tho a3or which Il requires.
20 that iis position with respect to fair
treatment OF it's valued employees and
essential business prudence may be cor
rect and entirely justifiable"
The New York Central announced
that the eight hour day would still OBJ
tain IN 50 FAR az that corporation was
concerned.
Tho Iehigh Valley and the Ontario
ana western railroads are expected 70
hand down their decisions to-day to re-
duce wages