New-York tribune., 1921-03-31
N. Y. C. Would
Reduce 10000
Workers. w age
Rail Labor Board Asked to
Sanction Cut of From II
to 81 Per Cent in Pay
of Its Unskilled Labor
To Include All Others
Representatives of Employ
ees Oppose Request on
Plea of Delayed Relief

CHICAGO, March 30.-Provisional
reduction of the wages of approx
mately 10000 unskilled workmen on
the New York Central Railroad, ef-
fective April /, was asked Of the Rail-
road Labor Board to-day Immediate
relief from the present rates was
sought pending hearing on perma-
nent reduction later. and at the same
ferences with other classes of labor
we're in session this week and that
reductions in every class of railway
employees were being considered.
The unskilled labor dispute came
before the board after conferences
with employees early this month had
failed to reach an agreement on any
wage reductions. The case is the first
one brought by a carrier and is con-
sldered, IN railroad circles, as the first
move on the part of the trunk lines
to cut their pay rolls.
The railroad appeared prepared tc
submit extensive data on wages in
ether similar industries and on the
cost Of living, but the board decided
to conhne the present case TO the ques-
ton OF immediate reductions.
Railroad representatives. then pre-
sented mass of statistics showing the
rates paid for similar labor in other
industries and the case was concluded
with a decision expected by the end
Of the week.
During the testimony of J. J. Aron.
son, counsel for the New York Central
a. .. Wharton, labor member of the
beard, inquired into the proposed re-
duction and how the unskilled labor
class was selected for cut.
"Other classes of on, vln,-.os 1,t,a
celved increases under the wage award
last year are being called in to confer
regarding wage reductions" Mr.. Aron-
son said. eve are holding conference.
this week with clerical, mechanical
and signal employees and are consid
erng reductions for yard service men
also"
Up to this time unskilled labor wage
disputes are the only ones which have
been brought before the board.
The railroads have under the law
the duty Of operating efficiently and
economically" Mr.. Aronson continued
The management feels that the down
ward trend of business makes it nee
essary to submit evidence to this board
asking an adjustment Of wages"
Plea Opposed by Employees
Before the railroad testimony was
finished, b. Nj. Jewell, speaking for the
employees, made brief answer to the
railroads request. declaring it would
be without precedent for the board
TO acquiesce in the New York Central's
request.
"The employees waited eighteen
months for relief under rapidly in
creasing costs OF living Mr.. Jewell
said. ave do not believe the present
rates are unjust nor unreasonable, and
We estimate it would take five years
properly to reimburse the employees
for the losses sustained during the time
they waited for an increase last year
"rhe burden of decreased business
should not be placed on the lowest paid
employee, the common laborer. think
we should keep in mind that wheu the
Labor Board established these wages
the Interstate Commerce Commission
granted rates which would take care
Of them. -,
In our opinion this business depres-
sion is only temporary. If the rail
roads arc granted any relief they
should pass on the benefit to those
who pay the bill.''
Mr.. Aronson replied that the cost of
living had shown a steady downward
trend for nearly a year, and that a
similar trend in wages cf'o.her indus