Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1921-04-08

rights, winch. 1t said, would have to
be settled at the proposed conference.
and specified that the national agree
ments should not be discounted in any
way pending the outcome Of the pro-
posed conference.
1t was suggested that the conference
be held under the jurisdiction of the
railroad labor board which would have
full authority over 1t.
Basic 8.Hour Day.
Included in the II points which the
unions said should be upheld were the
basic S-hour day, the right Of collect
i've bargaining, the right of each craft
to decide what organization should
represent it in any conference with
employers and adjustment of proper
pay for overtime work.
The statement In the telegram was
signed by J. f. Anderson, vice presi-
dent international Association of Ma
chinists: Edward Tegtmeyer, vice pres
ident international Brotherhood Of
Blacksmiths, Drop Forgers and Help
ers Of America; William Atkinson, as
sistant president international Brother
hood of Boilermakers, iron ship build
Burns, representing Amalgamated Met
al Workers International Alliance:
Edward J. Evans, representing the In
ternational Brotherhood Of Electrical
Workers, and Martin F. Ryan, general
president Brotherhood Railway Car
men Of America.
Against uajsst Rules.
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 pro-
posed conference what rules could be
made national and what matters would
have to be settled locally.
sour present national agreement
provides the only safeguard for the
transportation industry against injus-
tice and industrial welfare and for this
until at the conferences table m UNDER
standing has been had by mutual agree
ment as to the fundamental guarantee;
of industrial justice" said the state
ment in part. 1--WE recommend, there
fore, the following:
That conference committee be
called composed Of practical mechanical
department officials from each Of the
general managers district to represent
the carriers and an equal number Of
selected by the em-,
ployes to represent the employees.
Principles Set Forth.
"Just as our forefathers in. 1776 de-
clared that certain principles Of free
dom were so evident and inalienable 50
today our members declare that the fol-
lowing principles are self evident and
inalienable industrial rights:
1.-The right to organize and nego6-
ate collectively through representatives
OF their own choosing.
2-The protection of employees
against discrimination because Of mem.
bership in trade unions or because Of
legitimate trade union activities.
"3-The right Of the majority in
each craft on each railroad to deter
mine what organization shall represent
them. this organization to have the
right to negotiate an agreement which
shall apply to all workers in the craft.
1.-THE right Of the majority Of
each craft Of each railroad to elect a
committee or representatives who shall
handle all grievances which may arise
all employees Of the craft In
with the provisions Of the
agreement.
Eight hours AZ the recognised
Of the standard work day.
'8-As a protective measure, to
safeguard the standard work day. pay
ment for time worked in excess of the
regular eight hours at proper overtime
rates for the various classes Of service
required.
Gait Seniority Advaacsd.V
'7.-The beginning and ending Of
working shifts to be so arranged as
% permit Of living arrangements hv
employees and their families.
'8-Clear and concise definition IN
he case Of each craft of the work to
Be performed by mechanics and helpers.
"O.-The establishment Of appren-
liceship requirements so as to develop
| sufficient number Of competent me
.hanics.
"1O.-Applicants for employment %
mechanics to show that they have serv-
d an apprenticeship Of four years o.
performed mechanical work for SIM
lar period, and not to be denied en-
ployment, when their services ara
,eeded for any reason other than their
inability to perform the work for which
hey are making application
"11.-Craft point seniosity to ba
"i2.-Ths sstabnshment q reason-
lble safeguards for the profession q
lealth and safety Of smpaoyss.