The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1922-06-19
NOTICE
Of RAIL STRIKE
Lewis, Of the Miners, Pledges
Aid of the y. M. W. to the
Railroad Strikers.

Cincinnati. Ohio. June lS.-(Ry The
Associated Press. Formal notice was
served tonight on the Railroad Labor
hoard bv the chiefs Of 10 railroad
unions Of their Intention to go through
with a strike. in event one Is authorized
bv the .22500o workers whose wages
are to be reduced on July /, under the
orders OF the board.
Coupled with the action OF the rail-
union leaders was a statement that the
railroad workers have no alternative
except TO fight" made by John L.
Lewis. leader Of the striking coal
miners who will meet with the rail
union leaders, Tuesday. to consider
,olnt strike action. He apparently
pledged the miners aid TO the rail men
but declined to state definitely what
aid might result from Joint action.
The Statement
The notice reiterated the rail unions
leaders attitude on the threatened
walkout. which was first definitely as
serted in their statement issued here
Thursday night. The previous state
ment also included the declaration that
nm overwhelming vote was being cast
for the walkout. In their letter to the
board. the rail men said
when there occurs a miscarriage OF
Justice Of such colossal and perman anent
injury to railway labor as your decis-
ions will bring about, the only means
cf remedy which the injured parties
have Is 10 refuse TO accept your decis-
Ions This procedure Is perfectly legal
While Il should only he ured az last
resort. our membership may decide II
10 be fully Justified by YOUR denial OF
elementary and long established rights
and by the seriousness OF the situation
which YOU have created. Your decisions
have been submitted to 4 strike vote or
our members and we are awaiting the
results OF their actions. Should our
members decide not 10 accept your de-
cision. or in other words. 10 strik". We
shall sanction their action and advise
YOU accordingly"
Aid Of the Minors
NJ. Lewis. the miners chief, hi|e as
serting unwillingness to discuss the
outcome of the coming conference with
the rail men. said the miners will do
ANYTHING that is helpful and construc-
tive for the railroad men and for the
miners themselves"
"I am convinced" declared Mr. Lewis,
that the railroad mon and the rank
and Ale OF the railroad organizations
frankly recognize the necessity OF max
ing a fight. regardless Of the conse-
uucnces. And In that hght. they will
have the whole -souled and active CO.
operation OF the mine workers. The
nature or that cooperation depends
upon circumstances. but the help OF the
mine workers will not be Of small con-
sequence"
The presidents OF the rail unions said
In their letter to the labor board that
they had done everything to avert
strike. pointed out that no appeal was
possible from the boards decisions and
re-stated that the unions contention
was that the transportation law re-
ouircd a living wage for employees a.
the bottom Of the scale OF occupations.
with higher rates for other ~orkmen.
according to their skill. hazard OF EN-
ployment. responsibility, training and
experience.
Decision Attacked
The board was told that its last de-
cision, cutting the wages Of clerks. sig
nalmen and stationary hremen. that 1t
had stated as basis ~ action. the
theory that labor cannot he completely
freed from economic laws which like
wise affect the earnings Of capital"
Clearly this means nothing more or
less" the letter said. than the treat
rant Of labor as A commodity whose
fcontinued on Page rweive.)