Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-11-24
TRAINMEN ACCEPT
FIRST WAGE CUTS.
Georgia and Florida Wins
Agreement Approved by
Union Heads.

BY the Associated Press.
NEW YORK, November 24.-Train
forces of the Georgia 81 Florida Rail-
road who are members of the Big
Four" brotherhoods have accepted a 10
per cent wage reduction, effective De-
cember 7, it was learned today.
Forced by ReceiverShip.
Although the agreement authorizing
the reduction, made through the Offices
of the United States Board Of Media
ton. was signed by the local general
chairman, it is understood to have had
the approval of the brotherhoods' grand
officers.
This is believed to be the first time
those officers have approved a wage
cut during the current depression in
railroad affairs.
TIE Georgia a. Florida, under the
agreement, promises not to make a
further reduction within a year with
the .rainmen. The road had threat
ened to stop operations unless a cut
was taken.
Other Employees Cut.
The Georgia 81 Florida is in receiver
ship. Prior to starting negotiations
for a wage reduction the receivers had
cut the pay of all other employees 10
per cent, effective october l. The
question was then taken up with the
operating forces.
The next move in the effort of the
railroads to obtain a 10 per cent wage
reduction may be. determined today at
conference of the Eastern railroad
presidents, to convene at the Bankers
Club at Aoon.
Daniel Willard, president of the Bal
timore g. Ohio, whos headed the group
of executives that negotiated unsucceSs-
fully with a committee of the brother
hood heads in the last four days, is ex-
pected to report to the Eastern execu-
tives en- the negotiations it. was eX-
planned today by L. F. Loree, president
of the Eastern Presidents Conference.
Long Delay In Prospect.
Long delay before binding action can
be taken in the rail wage controversy,
affecting !, $50, 900 employees, was forecast
by railroad men yesterday At the very
earliest, no acceptance of the 10 per
cent cut could be ratified before De-
cember 8, when 500 general chsirmen
of the various rail unions meet in Chi
cago. Such action, however, seems en-
tirely unlikely, AS their representatives
in the round-table meetings OF last
week were vested with full authority to
speak for their associates.
Later this week, probably Wednes-
day, 1t was said IN usually we'll informed
rail circles, the railroads expect to file
notices of theis intention to cut labor
pay 10 per cent After this Formally
3O-day period must, elapse before the
question can come up for mediation
This would be done by the permanent
body ION mediation established by the
railroads and the railroad unions.
= Railway Heads Hopeful.
Should either side dissent, the ques-
ton would not be left for solution to
this board, but would be referred to the
Presidents board of arbitration. as pre-
scribed by Federal law, which would
first hold public hearings and then be
given 30-day period in which to make
its findings and announce its decision.
Railroad executives are hopeful the
rank and file of railroad labor may ad-
wise hteir leaders to accept the cut
voluntarily. Pressure of public opinion
might bring this about, it is commended
in view of the difficult financial condi-
tons which the railroads are known to
face.