Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 104, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 August 1904 — STRIKES ON RAILROADS. [ARTICLE]

STRIKES ON RAILROADS.

They Are Ordered Only After Careful Investigation, The opinion that the leaders of labor organizations can and do order strikes In an arbitrary fashion is prevalent, says the Chautauquan. This, however. Is not the case with the railway organizations. The firemen have engaged in strikes on four systems since 1885; the conductors on four since 1890 and the trainmen on two sipee 1883. While the Pullman strike; of 189 i was conducted by the American— Railway Union, many members of the other railway orders were concerned in it. The result of this aflfctir is thus summarized by Mr. Garter of .the firemen; “It cost many thousands of railway men tlie.ir positions, it brought sorrow to many homes, but it did something else —it put a stop to the wage reduce tions that had become so popular, it served notice on railway corporations that when conservative labor organizations could or would not fight, radical organizations would, it convinced ttockliolders that they had permitted choir greed to go too far.”

The steps which are now taken _fqr the adjustment of grievances are much the same in the different organizations ind an outline of the method pursued by one will suffice for all. The aggrieved member is required to make a written statement of his complaint to the Si vision to which he belongs. If approved by a two-thirds vote of the di•'ision it is referred to the. local comnittee, composed of employes oif that section of the road, who investigate and endeavor to come to an understanding with the local officials. The result of these negotiations is reported back to the division. If unsuccessful, and if the division deems the case meritorious, it Is turned over to the general committee for that system. This committee is made up of representatives from the entire system, one member from each of the subordi-' nate divisions. The grievance is presented by thqm to the general officers of the road. -If no agreement is reached the general committee may call for the assistance of a general officer of the organization. If the general officer together with the general committee cannot arrive at a settlement with the railway management then the advisability of a strike may be considered. A complete statement of the situation is furnished each member employed on the system and a sealed ballot is taken. A strike can be ordered only when a two-thirds vote is cast in favor of it. “No officer or committee or board has any authority to order or authorize a strike unless such action is approved by two-thirds of the members affected and who Would be involved.”