Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-04-08
RAIL UNIONS
Continued from Page One)

proper pay" for overtime work.
The statement in the telegram
was signed by J.. +. Anderson, vice
president of the International Broth
erhood of Blacksmiths Drop Forgers
and Helpers of America; William
Atkinson. assistant president of the
International Brotherhood of Bailer-
makers, Iron-Shipbuilders and Help
ers of America; j. w. Burns, repre-
senting the Amalgamated Metal
Workers international Alliance;
Edward j. Evans, representing In
ternational Brotherhood of Electro
cal Workers and Martin r. Ryan,
general president, Brotherhood of
Railway Carmen of America.
The statement said that the unions
did not contend for continuation of
any rule which was not just and
that it would be easy to decide at the
proposed conference what rules could
be made national and what matters
would have to be settled locally.
Our present national agreement
provides the only safeguard for the
transportation industry against in
for this reason it must not be dis
continued until at the conference
table and understanding has been
had by mutual agreement as to the
fundamental guarantees of industrial
justice" said the statement in part.
I'VE recommend therefore, the fol-
lowing:
THAT Il conference committee be
called composed of the practical
mechanical department officials of
the general managers districts to
represent the carriers and an equal
number of representatives selected
by the employees to represent the EN-
ployes. This conference committee
should agree what disposition should
be made of any rule it might deem
impracticable of general application.
They should attempt to agree ON
such rules as can be made general
in their application upon all railroads
insofar as it is possible to have such
uniformity without imposing any un-
just or unreasonable conditions and
they should recognize those prin-
ciples and safeguards which the
slider to be fundamental and ire
ducible.
Just as our forefathers in 1176
declared that certain principles of
freedom were so evident and inalien-
able so today our members hold that
the following principles are selt-evi-
dent and inalienable industrial rights
which, through conference and
agreement should be made manda-
tory upon industrial relations and
conditions throughout the transpor-
tation period.
81. The right to organize and ne
gotiate collectively through represent
atives OF their own choosing
g. The protection of employees
against discrimination because of
membership in trade unions or because
of legitimate trade union activities.
%. The right of the majority in
each craft on each railroad TO deter
mine what organization shall repre-
sent them. this organization to have
the right TO negotiate an agreement
which shall apply to all workers in
the craft.
a. The right Of the majority Of
each craft on each railroad to select
a committee or representatives who
shall handle all grievances which NAV
arise affecting all employees of the
craft in accordance with the provisions
of the agreement.
as. Eight hours as the recognized
measure of the standard working dav.
o. AS protective measure. TO
safeguard the standard work dav. nav
ment for time worked in excess of the
regular eight hours at proper overtime
rates for the various classes of service
required,
II. The beginning and ending of
working shifts to be so arranged as to
permit of living arrangements by en-
ployes and their families.
IS. Clear and concise definition in
the case of each craft of the work to be
performed by mechanics and helpers.
80. The establishmentof appren-
ticeship requirements so as to develop
sufficient number of competent me-
chanics.
80. Applicants for employment as
mechanics to show that they have
served an apprenticeship of four years
or performed mechanics work for
similar period. and not to be denied
employment when their services are
needed, for any reason other than their
inability to perform the work for which
they are making application
III. Craft seniority to be recog-
niZed,
"l2. The establishment of reason
able safeguards for the protection of
health and safety of employees"