Evening star., 1949-02-21
Transit Strike Settled
In Philadelphia After
Two Stormy Rallies
BY the Associated Press

Philadelphia's public transporta-
ton system was operating today
after the stormy To-day transit
strike to the great relief of $780,
900 daily passengers.
The costly strike was ended last
night after two noisy rallies Of
the CIO Transport Workers Un-
ion, one Of which broke up in a
near riot.
The Philadelphia Transportation
Company's rolling stock began
moving two hours after the last
rally Of the unions rank and file
shouted approval of an eight-cent
wage increase and 10 fringe bene-
fits. Chief of those was a provi-
sion for sick leave benefits.
Fourth Round Increases
1t was a fourth-rou increase
for the union, raising the work.
ers' wages 48 cents above what
they got in 1916.
The strike cost each union man
about $11 day. Each gained 64
cents. Previously workers aver
aged $1.35 an hour. They now
make $1.53.
The transit company announced
q loss of about $350,000. The
company says it has to increase
fares to keep from going bankrupt.
PTC already has raised its fares
twice in the last three years. The
Chamber of Commers estimated
business lost $10,000,000.
At Harrisburg, members of the
Pennsylvania Legislature prepared.
meanwhile, for a public hearing
on proposed amendment to the,
States labor law. The amend
ment. sponsored by State Sena-
tor A. Evans Kephart. Philadel-
phia. Republican, would extend
provisions of the 1947 antistrike
utility law to cover urban trans
portation companies.
Taxi Pay Talks
Negotiations continued in Phila-
delphia between representatives
of the Yellow Cab Co. and the
AFL Taxi Drivers Union. A two
day walkeut of cabmen, which last
week added to the woes of the
city's commuters, was ended when
the company refused to negotiate
until the men returned to work.
The city's millions had on-the-
scenes reports of what went on
at the transit workers mass rail-
lies. Mobile radio station units
moved into town hall and let the
union speak for itself.
The first rally got under way
shortly before midnight Saturday
and broke up after am. yes
terday.
Rally Called House Party.
Machael ]. Quill. TWU interna-
tional president, called that rally
a house party" He said the
meeting was mo credit to the
Transport Workers Union of Phil
adelphia."
This is what happened:
Andrew Kaelin, local TWU
president, announced that nego-
tiations for the company and
union had agreed on the Scent
offer. He put it up to the mem
bership.
Some cheered. Some Booed.
Many made speeches.
. Mr.. Kaelin called for VOTE. /
Those in favor were to stand up.
Most of the unionists remained
seated. Mr.. Kaelin announced
the strike was over.
Minority leaders Stormed to the
stage, fought for the microphone,
screamed ito hell with it,"
Mr.. Kaelin looked at Mr.. Quill.
Mr.. Quill looked at Mr.. Kaelin.
Then Mr.. Quill disappeared and
mfr. Kaelin announced no decision.
He summoned the workers to an
other mass rally.
, Board Rejects Pact.
. That one started at 2 pm. An
hour earlier, the unions executive
board rejected the agreement and
directed the rank and file to con-
fjn,le on strike.
i Mr.. Kaelin urged acceptance.
Robert High. local vice president,
argued against it.
!, Then Mr.. Quill took over.
/ In silvery voice heavy with an
Irish brogue, Mr.. Quill exhorted
the workers to accept the agree
iment. A dead silence fell over the
group.
i, II don't like this contract"
sMr. Quill barked. but sometimes
you have to take half a loaf or
less to make an advance.
!" Go back to work. Go back
to-day. Maintain union solidarity.
Don't split the union down the
middle. That's what the company
wants"
.. He called for a vote. All but
rs men stampeded to their feet
and screamed acceptance.
;, "The strike is over" Mr.. Kaelin
declared.
= For PIC workers, 1t was the
third strike in six years.
81 81 Mr.. High said the union "lost
the strike"
" NO" Mr.. Quill shouted. you
now make l cent less than New
York bus drivers. 1t took them Is
years to get $1.44. It took you
four to get $1.43."
:" Then he fired q parting shot
that drew wild cheers:
=; I'll be back next year."