The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1922-06-15
DISCRIMINATION
IN CAR WORK Is
NOT JUSTIFIED
Sparks, New, June 8, 1922.


public, with the Importance and Dig
nifty of the work performed by
those who are frequently designated
as "car-knockers," and who, as was
stated in news item of June 6.
the labor board said that it be-
lieved their work did not REQUIRE
the same mechanical service as
other branches Of car mems work.
Car-repairers have been compli-
mentarily-and accurately-defined
as the great railroad Red Cross
army for the repair and recovery of
sick and injured cars. But this
does not bring home to the public a
clear conception Of its vital interest
in the work Of the railway carmen.
We, therefore, desire to call atten-
ton to the skill and knowledge of
this so-called "car-knocker," the
hazards of his employment and the
responsibility that rests upon him.
The typical car repairer affected
by this twenty-odd dollars per
month wage reduction, must have
sufficient skill as a mechanic to be
able to repair without unnecessary
delay, all kinds of defects encoun-
tered in car work, such as repairing
steam heating apparatus, drinking
and lavatory systems; signal, air
and gas pipes-to say nothing about
keeping pace with the increasingly
intricate and complicated air brake
work.
The car repairer must be physical
ly active and possess the endurance
and strength to continue his activity
throughout his entire working per-
iod. He must have unusual percep-
tive ability and good eyesight. Peo-
pie often possess good eyesight and
lack perceptive ability. The car
man must have both in order to
quickly discern car defects.
knowledge Required
No hard and fast rules can guide
the work of the railway carman.
The quality Of the decisions he
must make depends upon his COM
mon sense and good judgment. He
must be able to write legibly and
have a memory retentive enough to
remember instructions and retain
knowledge of the A. r. A. loading,
safety appliance, and other rules
that he must use each day in his
work. To inspect passenger equip
ment well, the carman must have
the intelligence necessary to ar
range the performance of his work
in such order as to be able to in
spect a train thoroughly and quick
ly. He knows the liability of fail
ure of any part of the equipment
because he knows the conditions un-
der which every part must function.
He is able to keep accurate record
of the results Of his inspection and
any repairs made. He must be able
to successfully pass the examination
most roads prescribe.
The impression created by the
news referred to, that there is a
special set of carmen who do freight
work exclusively and another set
who do passenger work only, is un-
true. At all points excepting the
large terminals, this work is done
by those commonly known as Gear
Knockers"
Hazards
A big portion of the work of the
railway carmen is done where cars
are being constantly moved. His
work must be done quickly and well
without regard to weather condi-
tions. He must climb to the roof to
make certain it is in good order,
and must crouch under the car to
examine the wheels and draft rig
ging. In fact, the positions he must
assume and his speed in performing
his work are responsible for the de-
risive appelation Of "car toad" as
applied to him by some who do not
understand the Importance Of his
work.
In some sections of the country
passenger trains arrive at terminals
in the winter time after transcon-
tinental run literally covered with
snow and ice. This must be thawed
away with live steam for only by
exposing all surfaces can proper in
spection and repairs be made that
will insure a safe journey for the
train and its passengers on the next
trip.
A great percentage Of injuries to
carmen results in loss Of limb and
life and the insurance rating is near
the top Of the list of hazardous
employment"
Responsibility