Union Pacific Shop Bulletin p4

THE BULLETINimpose its will on the weaker until the weaker is either subdued or comes out like the story of the dogs chasing the wolves where the dogs were about 10 jumps ahead.This is somewhat the position we found ourselves in on July 1, 1922. As compared with the men who went out, we were in the minority, but knowing that we were right we could hang on like grim death to a dead dog. We were supported in our position by the Constitution of the United States, by the Labor Board's decision, by the thinking public and by our own conscience; but even with all this we found that we needed one more thing and that was representation for the employees as a whole before the management. This of course could only be had through or by means of proper organization. As all organizations are simply a means to an end and that end being the greatest happiness to ourselves, our families, and our fellow men, we attempted to build a structure that could stand the test of time because it was built on the principle, "fairness to all." With this then as a basis to work upon, fairness, co-operation, willingness to share responsibility, ready to give "A Day's Work for a Day's Pay," and appreciating the difference between working for a company and working with a company, conferences were arranged between officials of the Union Pacific System Lines and duly elected representatives of the shop men then in their employ, with the. express purpose in view of arriving at some mutual understanding regarding working conditions and rates of pay. Approaching the management with this frame of mind on our part it was indeed a revelation to us to find how ready they were to meet us even more than half-way. Men of affairs as they were, and having other burdens on their minds that far outweighed our little questions, they still had time and disposition to go into the smallest detail with us. So, as negotiations progressed, the proposition became more and more apparent that we really had few differences to adjust for we were all in one big family getting our rewards of toil, either brain or brawn, from the same supply and passing on to the great masses, the Public, whose servants we truly are, the benefits of our mutual work in the form of efficiency and economy of railroad service.On the basis of "fairness to all" and getting the greatest good to the great-est number, keeping always in mind our relative position with public and management, the question before us resolved itself into that of an equitable distribution of wages and incentive to the men in shops and yards.After much friendly discussion a plan was formulated and agreed upon whereby a number of provisions directly affecting the men were brought into effect, some of them were radical departures from the old schedules, but never the less right in our estimation. Some of those I will briefly mention as follows:A.graduated scale from the lowest position to the highest whereby a man of ability and power of application can climb to the top and further provision for helpers and laborers to work their way to these higher positions by service and ability. Recognition of personal effort by permitting an apprentice and helper apprentice to graduate in less than standard time.Practical guarantee of continuous employment of an average 8 hours per day for the year.Control of affairs locally by means of committees whereby "differences of opinion" can be harmonized.A final Board of Adjustment made up of an equal number of men from each side which will consider such cases as could not be reconciled or disposed of by authorities below.Encouragement of the men by the officials to use their thinking caps relative to improvements and methods of work that will result in better conditions for all concerned. All of this tending to build up an harmonious relationship between the men themselves and between men and officials.Lastly, will mention the increases in pay which affect conditions at home to a very great extent, for the wife always appreciates this feature. The ordinary journeyman gets an increase of two cents per hour while those specially qualified at places where their qualifications can be used will receive an increase of from 6 to 22 1/2 cents per hour. This opens up an avenue from the ranks to higher levels to those with ability. And for some who are at outlying points where nature has turned an unfriendly face and is seemingly trying to force them out either by a roast or a freeze or perhaps both coupled with the terrors of isolation; an additional increase of 1 to 2 cents per hour has been brought into effect.The new arrangement is [frought] with possibilities in the way of mutual benefits that are at present not even dreamed of.Let us hope, at least, that in this new Association and new arrangement we can again build on American Principles, with American Manhood and citizenship for the betterment of our entire country; eliminating completely the disastrous effects of that "Difference of Opinion" of last summer, which we all want to forget as soon as possible. CRAFT COMMITTEESThere does not seem to be a clear understanding of the duties of the craft committees. At each local point where a lodge is located each Craft is entitled to a committee of three members to be the representatives of all the men of that craft in matters per-taining to the welfare of such craft.Any complaint arising relative to rates of pay and/or working conditions will be referred to this committee, and by them decided if the case has merit, for further action. If they decide that it is a matter which needs to be brought to the attention of the officials of the lodge, then the Chairman or some other member of the committee will be the spokesman for the committee and either take the case to the local supervising official or to the lodge and present same for their consideration.In event the ease is not then adjusted to the complete satisfaction of all parties concerned then it should be submitted in a written statement of facts and bearing the approval of the local Craft Committee be appealed to the General Craft Chairman of the Unit who will then handle as provided in the Constitution and By-Laws.Until the local Committee has handled the case to this point in accordance with these provisions the General Craft Chairman or any other Unit or System Officer has no right to take any action in the case, only in the nature of an advisory capacity, and has no right to make decisions or advocate same.This provision is a very wise one, for the reason that our Association is founded on the principle of Local Self Government and all cases must be started and tried in the local jurisdiction the same as the courts of our Country are now organized and operating.