The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1927-06-21
CONVENTION OF
SWITCHMEN RAP
WATSON-PA RKER
Call u. S. Railroad Act
A Bosses Conspiracy

The Watson Parker Railway Act
was branded as a conspiracy against
the railroad workers and the entire
labor movement. in a resolution hit-
terly condemning this act and in
strueting incoming officers to initiate
a campaign for its repeal, which was
adopted in the fourth day Of the
Switchmen's convention now meeting
in this city. The resolution declares
that the law was adopted in conse-
Quence Of an agreement entered into
between the r. r. companies and the
chief executives Of the standard rail-
way unions, without the consent Of
the membership Of these unions and
that it embodies the most hateful fes-
lures Of the Kansas Industrial Law
against which the miners Of that state
fought successfully.
For Joint Demands
Pointing out that since 1921 when
the railroad companies made heavy
reductions in the wages Of all the
workers in the industry, the profits
Of the companies have been breaking
all previous records and that in 1926
the profits Of the companies were
doubled as compared 70 the 1921 fig
lure, the convention in another resolu-
ton. condemned as inadequate and in
sufficient the increases being granted
by the mediation and arbitration
boards that have been set up by the
government with the consent of the
union chiefs.
This resolution calls upon the Off
GERS Of the Switchmen's union TO COM
municate with the heads of other
unions in the industry for the purpose
Of presenting joint demands for a
general increase in the wages Of all
railroad workers.
For the POrters
Other resolutions adopted pledge
support TO the Pullman porters and
urged that. the new Brotherhood of
Sleeping Car Porters be recognized
as one Of the standard railway
unions: demand release of Sacco and
Vanzetti; express solidarity with the
Nationalist movement IN China and
call upon the government TO cease its
: intervention in that country; con-
denim the company unions and call for
an extensive campaign of education
in the principles Of real unionism and
declare for revival Of the Plumb
Plan Leagues as a means TO national
ization of the railways.
Officials Appear Helpless
A lively discussion is expected on
the special report Of the International
Vice Presidents who have reported on
the standing Of the organization and
, the decline in membership which has
been marked in the last several years.
In their efforts to explain their in
ability TO bring members into the or
ganization and to keep many of those
who Joined, these Organizers" ex-
posed their total bankruptcy. Some Of
them went so far rs TO say that there
is no reason why switchmen should
join the organization shat we could
offer them no inducement to join"
According to these officials the
switchmen are interested in but one
I thing-insurane and IL they can get
cheaper insurance elsewhere they will
: refuse to join the union. The discus
sion on these reports will take place
in another session.
But. at the adjournment of the ses-
sion where they were rendered many
= delegates were heard TO remark that
the grand lodge officers have appar,
entity been out Of the yards too long
II and therefore unaware of the fact
c that the switchmen whose wages for
+ eight hours are only 1864 and whose
= work is both dangerous and difficult,
$ have many grievances which they can
e eliminate only IL they are organized
{ for militant struggle against the
d \ companies. Other delegates remarked
: that the Grand Lodge officers speak
; like insurance-agents rather than as
a union organizers and leaders"
: Rank and File Eager
! On the whole the convention shows
that while the rank-and-file repre-
sentatives are eager to go forward
TO build the union and TO win better
= conditions for the switchmen, their
: leaders are far in their rear and are
unable to stimulate and initiate the
necessary action. President Cashen,
l for example lamely answered reso-
luton from n local on the Great
, Northern X. r.. which criticized him
, for failing to adopt an aggressive pol
icy in the controversy between the
company and the men. lie pleaded
: inability to meet the situation be-
? cause Of the possibility that the mem
bers of the b. Of X. Il. might scab
: " strike were called. Yet he has
:, been unable to offer any proposition
" for meeting that situation.
Brother Against Sister