The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-07-12
Labor Board, Railroad Executives and Head of Shop
Crafts Have Been Holding Personal Talks Over Sua-
ton With Probable Basis of Settlement Discussed.
UNDUE OPTIMISM
ISN'T WARRANTED
Hooper and Jewell Both State
Plans Are Just Tentative.
Adjustment Boards Are Prov
ing the Bone of Contention.
tBy the Associated press)

(By the Associated Press)
Chicago, July PA program
for solution of the railroad
shopmen's strike was drawn up
today by Chairman Ben W.
Hooper of the United States
railroad labor board after con-
ferences with leaders of the
shopmen, and was submitted to
representatives of the railway
executives from four sections of
the country at noon today.
When Chairman Hooper left
the labor board offices for the
meeting with the railroad execu-
tives, he was confident some
plan of settlement could be
reached quickly. He said he eX-
pectd to call President Harding
on the telephone with report
of the success of his conference
with the railroad presidents.
Chairman HOoper's program which
is said TO represent the minimum ac-
cepta BILE to the striking shopmen, IS to
be carried again to the shopmen's
leaders later today. with the comments
and counter proposals of the execu-
tives-
No definite replies were given
Chairman Hooper of the railroad Ia
Dor board today by representatives of
the railway executives at noon day
conference. The executives said they
would notify Mr.. Hooper of their an
swer later"
The conference of Chairman Hoo
per and the railway executives is said
to be the direct result of ten-minute
telephone conversation late last night
between President Harding and w l.
McMenimen. labor member of the
railroad labor board. The promise of
the executives to receive the shop
mems proposal thru Chairman Hooper
is understood to have been communi-
Gated to Mr.. McMenimen by the presi-
dent.
Chicago. July 12.-Definite an
nouncement of a plan to end the
strike of railway shopmen is expected
soon as a result of conferences that.
it was learned today, have been in
progress between union officials and
members of the United States rail-
way labor board and between MEM
bers of the board and executives of
the carriers. Predictions were made
today in unofficial circles that the
Not Much Optimism.
Statements forthcoming from those
participating in the conference, which
were secretly held. were non-commit-
tai and emphasized the declaration
that a too optimistic attitude is un-
warranted.
The fact that the conferences were
held. however. gave rise to strong be-
Lief the way was being paved at least
for an adjustment of the controversy.
The conferences held were attended
by b. NJ. Jewell. leader of the strik-
ing shopmen, and several members Of
his executive committee, and by Ben
w. Hooper. chairman, and A o.
Wharton: members of the labor
board 1t is understood the confer
ences discussed a basis upon which
the shopmen would agree to resume
work pending negotiations that would
afford a permanent basis of adjust
ment-
Tentative Plans Given.
Reports indicated that the tentative
plan evolved includes assurance by
the labor board that re-hea ring On
the wage issue will be granted the
unions; adjustment of working rules
affecting overtime: agreement by the
railroads to abolish the farming OUT
adjustment boards representing the
unions and the carriers as provided in
the transportation act.
This latter provision is bone of
a
block to peace negotiations The
transportation act provides for such
boards, to be composed equally of
union and carrier representatives.
Railroads Don't Like 1t.
The railroads heretofore have de-
clined TO agree to the formation of
these boards. Such boards would hear
all disputes except those affecting
, wages and the unions contend would
effect speedier adjustment than is
possible thru recourse to the labor
board.
1t was learned today the series of
meetings began on Saturday night and
continued until yesterday. Further
meetings. it is expected. will be held
The first conference was between
Jewell and Hooper, but later several
of the international presidents of the
various divisions of the sh0pmen were
called. in and subsequently other mem
bers of the labor board participated.
Another Conference Today.
A conference is scheduled to be held
here today between officials of the
Association of Railway Managers and
rail unions that are not on strike over
the question of requiring the men who
remain at work to perform tasks for
merIy done by the strikers. The un-
ions have complained TO the inter
state commerce commission against
this practice.