The New York herald., 1922-06-19
strike Vote Awaited.

Your decisions have been submit
ted to a strike vote of our members,
and we are awaiting the results OF
their action. Should our members
decide not TO accept your decision. or,
in other words. to strike, we shall
sanction their action and advise you
accordingly
Mr.. Lewis. the miners chief. whils
asserting unwillingness 10 discuss the
outcome of the conference with the rail
men, said the miners will do anything
that is helpful and constructive for the
railroad men and for the miners them
selves"
"I am convinced" declared Mr.. Lewis.
that the railroad men and the rank and
file Of the railroad organizations frankly
recognize the necessity of making fighs
regardless OF the consequences. And in
that fight they will have the whole
souled and active cooperation OF the
mine workers. The nature Of that CO.
operation depends upon circumstances.
but the help OF the mine workers Will
not be OF small consequence"
The presidents Of the rail unions said
in their letter to the Labor Board that
they had done everything TO avert a
strike, pointed out that no appeal was
possible from the boards decisions and
restated the unions contention was that
the transportation law required living
wage for employees at the bottom of the
scale OF occupations, with higher rates
for other workmen. according to their
skill. hazard Of employment. responsi-
bnity. training and experience.
Economic Laws Cited.
In making wage reductions the board
was told It had esta ablished the principle
that "just wages must await the com-
plete satisfaction OF railroad ownership
In the matter OF rehabilitation ana
profits" Further. the board was told
that in its last decision. cutting the
wages OF clerks. signal men and sta
tonary firemen. It had stated as basis
of action the theory that labor cannot
be completely freed from the economic
laws which likewise affect the earnings
OF capital"
Clearly this means nothing more OF
less" the letter said, than the treat-
ment OF labor as a commodity whose
value nuctuat-- according TO the de-
mand for and the supply Of labor"
As the result OF the boards decisions.
the letter said. the lowest paid em<
ployees have been degraded below n
level OF bare animal subsistence" and
the earning capacity OF the employees
In the higher grades had been reduced
below a standard OF healthful and
decent living"
The acceptance OF the claim for rrohts
first for the roads. the commodity theory
of wages and the rejection OF the prin-
ciplo that the lowest paid workers should
receive living wage were declared to DO
violations OF tho transportation act.
High operating costs OF railroads wcrs
asserted 70 be due TO "delnduencies oe
financial control" and the letter said
that ~ the capital needs OF the rail-
roads were financed by the public and
they were operated In the public interest.
freight rates could be greatly reduced
and wages TO the employees increased.'
Decisions Called Unjust.
The decisions of the board were Taid
to be 'manifcstly unjust" and II ac-
cepted by the railroad employees would
mean that the labor provisions OF the
transportation act wcrc n fraud per-
petratcd on labor" Further. the letter
said. the board made "a bunder" in
interpreting the intent or the transporta-
tion act. but added, I'VE cannot expect
any change in your attitude"
The letter was signed by II. NJ. Jewell.
president. and John Scott. secretary oc