Minneapolis spokesman. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1938-04-08
n. P. Walters and
POrters Assn.
Plans Explained

In letter 70 this paper Francis
Doyle, acting publicity chairman
of the Northern Pacific Walters
and Porters Mutual Protective As
ISOLATION, Inc, explained purposes
and plans of Negro railroad work
ers, particularly walters and por-
tiers, to further organize into a
strong national body.
Mr.. Doyle wrote:
"To the Editor:
Railroads employ the largest
number of Negro people in the in
dustrial field. 1t has been in these
industries that the foundation of
the United States businesses have
depended. 1t has been said that as
the railroads go, so goes business.
There has been much discussion
pro and con in regard to the
status, if any, that the American
Negro holds in this labor field. The
white workers have sought and OBJ
tanned many liberties with the Ne
gro laborer. 1t is time for our la
bOrers to take their own liberties.
0ver-CautiOus Uncle Toms
Attempts have been made to or
ganize the Negro, but until the
present day there always existed
too large majority of over-cau-
tious Uncle Toms. A recent result
of a determined fight for recogni-
ton as a sole-bargaining power of
the Pullman Porters by the Broth
erhood of Sleeping Car Porters has
served the too-long idle labor stick.
1t is time to WELD the stick into
this furious and determined battle.
White workers have done so, and
in the majority of cases, have re-
ceived wage increases and better
working conditions. We are entitled
to this same kind of recognition,
which is true representation and
consideration.
National Council Formed
"The Dining Car Departments of
the railroads of the United States
have begun a sure-footed journey
toward the goal of equal rights in
labor disputes. A national council
has been formed with this end in
mind. 1t is the agent of twelve
thousand men. Mr.. Randolph, who
has been spoken of by the press as
the greatest Negro in organized la
Dor, has pledged his full support
to this effort.
Northwest Represented
"The Northwest is represented
by the Northern Pacific Walters
and Porters Mutual Protective As
ISOLATION. After much effort, and
in some cases loss of jobs, this or
ganiZation has succeeded in gain
ing official recognition by the
Northern Pacific Railroad Company
as the only bargaining power for
the members of the Association.
This is a 1000 union which en-
deavors to settle all disputes be-
tween walters and porters, and
their employers. The officers, to
whom much credit is due, are Ma
Geo Finney, president, Maceo Lit
tlejohn, first vice-president and le-
gal adviser, L. W. Stafford, second
vice-president, Clarence McCul-
Tough, third vice-president, L. A.
Anderson, recording secretary,
Harry S. Brown, corresponding
secretary, and Roy Green, treas
urer.
Get Wage Increase
These men, with the cooperation
of the entire group, have succeeded
in getting the very conservative
executives of the Northern Pacific
to increase the wages of these en-
ployes a sum totaling $14,393.
From a basic low of $65.40 and a
high of $85, it ranges from SIS to
500 now. A potential membership
of 115 and an operating group of
81 benefit by this raise and i'm
proved working conditions.
"Francis W. Doyle"