NATIONAL LOCO. MEN MOVEMENT

REPORTS FROM MEETINGS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY




THE RAILWAY REVIEW

26TH FEBRUARY 1904

NATIONAL LOCO

BIRMINGHAM

A meeting of loco men (Midland) was held at the Adderley Arms Hotel in Birmingham, on the 22nd inst. The following resolution was carried

"We support Swansea for an eight hour day for all loco. men under the federation of the A.S.R.S. and  L.S.E. & F.F.S., and call all loco. men to join one of these societies for obtain and maintaining our just demands as workers of our railways."




THE RAILWAY REVIEW

18TH MARCH 1904


NATIONAL LOCO 

CARLISLE

A very well attended joint meeting of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E.& F. was held in Edwar Street Schoolroom, Carlisle, on the 6th inst., to discuss loco. grievances, when the following resolution was carried unanimously:

"That his meeting of drivers and firemen appeal to the E.C. of the A.S.R.S. and the A.S.L.E.& F. to sanction a national movement for an eight hour day for loco. men."

A very welcome visitor gave a very stirring address on the importance of being organised, and proved conclusively to his delighted bearers that it was most important to be organised, and strongly urged all non unionist to at once join their organisation, and so consolidate our forces to make this proposed movement a success.

A vote of thanks to the chairman and the distinguished visitor brought a most interesting meeting to a close.




THE RAILWAY REVIEW

29TH APRIL 1904


NATIONAL LOCO

NEWPORT

A special open meeting of enginemen and firemen was held in Bolt Street Schoolroom, Newport, on the 24th inst., at 2.30 p.m., un the auspices of the A.S. of L.E. & F. and the A.S.R.S., there being about 120 present. Mr. Warwick, of Swansea addressed the meeting; also Mr. Davis, of Swansea. The secretary of the A.S.R.S. explained why Mr. Thomas of Swindon, was absent, and gave the meeting a few words of advice. The following resolutions were passed unanimously:-

1 "That this meeting of enginemen and firemen of Newport appeal to the E.C. of both societies sanction the national programme for the loco. men."

2 "That this meeting of enginemen and firemen consider it high time that we try to obtain better conditions of service, and to maintain the same by joining the societies of our calling and further the national programme issued by the A.S. of L.E. and F. to suit all enginemen and fireman, and , further, to pledge ourselves to persuade all the non society men to join s society at one."




THE RAILWAY REVIEW

12TH AUGUST 1904


NATIONAL LOCO

BIRKENHEAD

A joint meeting of the A.S.R.S and A.S.L.E. & F. loco men was held at Birkenhead on the 7th inst., to consider the question for the above grade, and to elect delegates to attend a national conference to be held at a future date, The meeting was fairly attended, when Mr. R. Atkinson gave a splendid and spirited address, showing the need of combination among the workers,  and also urging all loco men who were outside to join one of the societies. M. H. Allsopp was elected a delegate for the A.S.R.S. and Mr. Pickard delegate for the A.S.L.E. & F., to attend at the forthcoming conference for loco. men. 




THE RAILWAY REVIEW

26TH AUGUST 1904

NATIONAL MOVEMENT FOR LOCO. MEN

DIDCOT BRANCH

A joint meeting of the members of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F. Society was held on Sunday night, with a good attendance, presided over by the chairman of the A.S.L.E. & F. The programme, as put forward by the A.S.L.E. & F. was discussed, and several motions passed wit respect to the various items. The question of appointing a delegate was postponed, as it was not clear what mode of procedure would take place, seeing that neither of the societies represented had 100 members. Upon one point, however, everyone was unanimous, and that was, it would be good for the both societies if joint meetings were held more often.




THE RAILWAY REVIEW

2ND SEPTEMBER 1904


NATIONAL LOCO.

HULL

A joint of locomotive men, members of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E.& F. Hull branches took place at the Co-operative Hall, Jarrett Street, on the 28th ultimatum., upwards of 200 members being present. Councillor T.G. Hall, president of the Hull Trades and Labour Council, presided. Mr. A Mear, organising secretary A.S.R.S., was present, along with Mr. Millman, assistant secretary A.S.L.E. & F. The following resolution was moved by R. Wilcockson, seconded by T. Rowe;

"That this mass meeting of the locomotive men, members of the two societies at Hull, do adopt the principle of National Programme for locomotive men." 

It was decided to leave the election of delegates to the branches here.

The programme suggested by the A.S.L.E. & F. at the Joint Executive meeting meeting was adopted as a basis for discussion.

A resolution was also carried instructing the joint committee to call an open meeting of locomotive men as early as possible for the purpose of inducing the "nons" to join the societies.

The meeting terminated with usual votes of thanks to the chairman, Councillor T.G. Hall, and to Mr. A. Mear, and Mr. Millman.




THE RAILWAY REVIEW

9TH SEPTEMBER 1904


NATIONAL LOCO. MOVEMENT

BATTERSEA

A joint special mass meeting of locomotive men, held under the auspice of the Battersea Branches of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F., took place at the Masons' Arms, Battersea Park Road, on the 4th inst., at 8 p.m. A member of the A.S.L.E. & F. presided, assisted by an A.S.R.S. member in the vice chair. The chairman made a short statement as to the object of the meeting, and the secretary read the agenda which had been prepared by the joint committee of the two branches. The purport of the decisions were embodied in eleven resolutions:

That the men support the holding of a national conference of loco. men, also the adoption of a national programme for loco. men; that the delegates to the conference be selected at the branch meetings; that the national programme suggested by the A.S.L.E. & F. with the exception of the clause dealing with miles, which is to be struck out, and a further slight alteration in the words of the first clause.

A very successful and business like meeting was brought to a close with the usual votes of thanks. 

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READING

A joint of locomotive men, members of A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F., was held at Reading on the 28th ult. to discuss the National Programme for loco. men, as proposed by the A.S.L.E.&F. The members present accepted the greater part of the programme as satisfactory, and have suggested amendments to several items. The principle one is nine hours be considered a day's work. A resolution was carried that open meeting for loco. men be called as early as convenient for the purpose of enrolling recruits from the ranks of non members in loco. department. Expression was given to the effect that small branches adjacent to one another should be grouped for election of delegates to conference.  




THE RAILWAY REVIEW

16TH SEPTEMBER 1904


NATIONAL LOCO. MOVEMENT

KING'S CROSS

A joint meeting of the King's Cross Branches of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F. was held on the 11th inst. to consider the question of a national programme for loco. men.

The Chairman (a G.N. driver) said the fact of the number present showed that the loco. men recognised the immediate necessity of considering the changes that were made in the working of the railways. Larger engines, increased loads, and greater responsibilities had resulted in less wages compared with previous years. Firemen and cleaners saw little prospect of promotion, and the driver had the sorry satisfaction that age limit was strictly enforced, so that the men saw an eager desire on the part of the company to be rid of their services after years of faithful work. The meeting was called to attempted to secure better conditions of service, and those conditions could only be obtained by a complete organisation of their  forces. They should realise the seriousness of their position, and there would have to be united action there was to be any security for them as workers in the services of the railway companies.

Driver Hales moved the following resolutions:

"That this loco. joint meeting do hereby pledge ourselves to support the policy of a national programme for all locomotive drivers, firemen, and cleaners, and that we elect an organising committee with delegates in favour of the same."

In supporting the resolution he said that the loco. men had met to seriously consider and openly discuss the policy of a national programme for all engine drivers, firemen, and cleaners. He had a number of suggestions to make with reference to the various clauses that were embodied in the suggested programme. The first clause asked for an eight hour day. An eight hour day for loco. men had been discussed for the passed ten years at each of the annual general meetings of the two societies, and at the Trade Union Congresses, and he thought the time had more than arrived when this clause should be put into effect. It was only for the men to say they were determined to have an eight hour day, and to shoe sincerity by joining and society, and he was confident the day was not far off when this just demand would be conceded. Some his fellow workers thought there was no need for them to become Trade Unionist, as what was obtained would be equally for the benefit of Unionist and non unionist. He would point out that such men had been the cause of their position to day, and he was ashamed to be connected with men who, knowing that the American system had been adopted by the companies of the English railways without the American pay, were yet passively submitting to the innovations, and were ready to allow others to bear the brunt of the battle, hoping to benefit equally with those who were endeavouring to maintain fair conditions of labour. It should be recognised that the remedy was in the demand for increased pay for increase mileage, and reduction in hours of labour. But how was this to be obtained if they were not united? Let them work together and have confidence in each other in the knowledge of their membership of either of the two societies, and success was assured. There was nothing to hinder the securing of an eight hour day, providing they organised sufficiently to justify their joint secretaries approaching the companies on their behalf. If those present did not quite understand what he intended to convey, he would illustrate by saying that he had discussed the eight hour question with officials in authority, and they had never said the loco. men did not deserve an eight hour day, but had state there had been no real demand for it by the men themselves, and until a majority asked for it they cold not entertain the request of a minority. He hoped the men would act on the inference. 

The second clause was for a guaranteed day and n man to sign on for less than a day's pay, and each day's work to be treated separately. He would suggest that an addition be made so that the end of the paragraph should read that whenever a man was brought out bot not required for duty a quarter day's pay be granted. For ten years the G.N. men were allowed to enjoy what was embodied in his suggestion, but his had now been disallowed. There were men in the room who had been called out twice in the same day without starting work for which no pay was allowed, which was a standing disgrace to men who accepted such treatment without protest. They would have to demand that the agreement of 1890 was adhered to or know thereon why. 

The third clause was a guaranteed week and time and a Half for all time worked between Saturday midnight and Sunday midnight. This was a reasonable demand considering they had to be prepared to go on duty any time when required. Men in the country were only receiving four and five days' for seven days' servitude. it was only just that when they placed their services at the companies' disposal several days in the week they would receive the additional remuneration mentioned. 

The fourth clause dealt with the mileage question. This was a most important clause from the fact that the mileage rate was on the increase. He would suggest that the clause should read as a basis for their consideration, that 150 miles for all passenger and goods trains to be considered a day's work, providing it is accompany eight hours, and that two hours pay to be paid for each 25 miles run over any day's work, and that no man be required to run over a distance of 250 miles in one day without an interval of nine hours' rest. For the past 20 years the mileage rate had been 150 miles for a day's work. If accomplished in ten hours, and this had worked fairly well. But this rate had now been abolished since the new aged had arrived.

A large number of English railway companies' advertised excursion trains to run long distances worked by one engine and one set of men obviously to keep expenses low. They must endeavour to counterbalance the companies efforts. If the old clause of 150 miles was adhered to he thought the other items in the clause would be more likely to be granted. It was noticeable that the men working the long mileage at the present time were making excessive hours, and cases had been brought to his notice of such men arriving home completely exhausted, even som much so that they requires assistance to get to bed. Men covering a distance of 250 miles should be required to have an interval of nine hours' rest before again commencing duty. During the race to Scotland a few years ago one of the great engineers stated he could build an engine to run from London to Scotland without a stop, in place of three engines now required. All he (the speaker) could say was that if such an engine was built the engineer would also have to build men to work it.

The fifth clause referred to wages. Mr. Hales said that not one of the G.N. directors but was of opinion that their drivers were worth 1s. per hour. One of the directors had stated the men were paid the market value that the majority put upon their labour. Let the men see that their value was not under estimated. They alone were responsible. 

With regard to the cleaners in the sixth clause, he would suggest for consideration that their pay should be 2s. 6d. rising to 3s. per day for a week of 54 hours. This approximated to their present conditions, and there should be no difficulty in securing such a demand. 

The seventh clause was what termed a transferring clause. There would have to a definite arrangement with regard to the appointment of drivers. He knew of men driving dining car expresses who were not rates as drivers, though they were engaged seven months out of twelve as drivers. Men who had been passed as drivers for over four years were still firemen. This state of things showed their forces had been separated too ling. 

They would have to close their ranks and join forces if victory was to be secured. Their deliberations would not be conducted secretly. The press would be invited as at present meeting. The public would be taken into confidence. A member of Parliament had suggested to him that a meeting should be held in one of the large halls, and members of Parliament and other sympathetic public men invited to attend, so that public attention could be concentrated upon their efforts, and, in conclusion, he would say that they themselves were the greatest factors, and could determine their positions providing they realised that association was essential for the success of the movement.

The resolution was seconded by the secretary of the King's Cross Branch, A.S.L.E. & F., and supported by Alderman Eggott (Islington Borough Council), Secretary King's Cross Branch (A.S.R.S.), and Mr. Clark (Stratford Branch, A.S.L.E. & F.), and on being put to the meeting was carried unanimously.

It was resolved to support the request of the Dublin and Belfast Loco. Drivers and Firemen's Union to be allowed to take part in the movement.

The meeting was adjourned for a suitable date to be fixed by the bench secretaries for consideration of the programme.


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CREWE  

A special meeting of the Crewe Branches of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F. and cleaner was held at the Earl of Crewe on the 11th inst. at 6.45 p.m. for the purpose of considering the programme  as drawn up by the two societies' Executive Committees.

A large and enthusiastic gathering were present, the room being full. The meeting was ably presided over by one of the A.S.L.E. & F., assisted by the A.S.R.S., when the programme was gone through in detail, and practically carried with a few exceptions. The main exception being that nine hours should be constitute a day, and each day should stand by itself, and that a day's pay should be guaranteed each time a man signed on duty. Also that time and a half be paid for Sunday duty between midnight Saturday and midnight Sunday. Also that firemen put back as cleaners should receive a minimum wage of 21s. per week. Cleaners at years of age to receive 18s. per week. Drivers on mileage to receive a day for 150 miles express passenger, and one day for 120 miles for local passenger, and a guaranteed week's work to all grades.

Delegates were elected, one from each society, to attend conference at later date. 

After the usual votes of thanks to the members who presided, the meeting was closed at 9.15 p.m., it being one of the most successful ever meeting held in Crewe, and it was hoped that these gatherings of the two societies would be frequent in the future, and that the good feeling which had been shown there tonight would continue.




THE RAILWAY REVIEW

23RD SEPTEMBER 1904


NATIONAL LOCO. MOVEMENT

SOUTHALL

Under the auspices of the Southall Branches of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F. a meeting was held of locomotive men at the Drill Hall, on Sunday last, Mr. John Bliss, driver Battersea presided, supported by Mr. G.B. Whitby and Mr. H. Eyles, local secretaries of the two societies,

The chairman opened the meeting with a very interesting address, and gave his experience of loco. movements generally and some good practical suggestion for the meeting.

Mr. Whitby followed and read the Board of Directors reply to the G.W. loco. men's movement the only concession that had been granted being an increase of sixpence per day for firemen after four years service on the footplate. He also gave a resume of previous movements and advised the merging of the movement into the national movement so that combined action could b e taken up on all railways.

Mr. Eyles also addressed the meeting from the point of view of his society. After some discussions, it was unanimously resolved:

"That a national conference be called at an early date to draw up a national programme for that grade."

Discussion then followed upon the suggested instructions for delegates, both as to hours and wages as a basis for national programme. The which matter was thoroughly gone into for all grades of loco. men, and the clauses agreed upon for drivers, firemen, and cleaners.



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YORK

At a good meeting of enginemen and firemen of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F. held on the 17th inst. in the Co-operative Hall, York, with Mr. J. Wheatly (A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E & F.) in the chair a resolution was moved by Mr. J.A. Bickerlyts (A.S.R.S.) that this meeting considers the time has arrived for joint national conference of enginemen and firemen to consider the question of the above grade, and call upon the E.C.'s of both societies to arrange for the same as soon as possible. He spoke to the points on which the railway companies had placed larger engines and heavier loads for them to work without any extra remuneration, and it was high time that the men demanded that the strain on the minds of the men should be reduced to as short a period as possible at a stretch, viz., eight hours a day,

Mr. Shiplet (A.S.L.E. & F.) seconded the resolution, and in doing so pointed out very forcibly that the men were actually suffering a reduction in wages for the same work, comparing what they did a year ago, by the company reducing the time allowed for men to prepare engines and get away with their trains, and also cancelling all the time allowed for walking to and from the pilots in the yard.

Mr. A. Fox (general secretary of the A.S. of L.E. & F.) supported the resolution in a lengthy speech, and urged points for a national programme, viz., an eight hour day, a guaranteed week, and  guaranteed day,  and every day to stand for itself. In doing this he pointed out that on the L. & Y., where they did not allow any more than 120 wagons for a load, the enginemen actually book on twelve and 14 times in a work, and then go home with only three days in at that. He also said that 130 miles should constitute a day's work on. passenger trains, and 100 miles a day for men working "tiny." He spoke to the effect that these large engines and long trains had upon the men, and said he found a very large majority of the men on the footplate died at the average of 40 years of age, against 60 a few years back, and that a greater part of these were by nervous disorders brought about by the strains put upon the men's mind by the big engines and the big trains, making them afraid they would never get them started, and then afraid that when they got them started that they would never get them stopped again. He went on further to point out the necessity of enginemen and firemen bonding themselves together to bring about the changes that are urgently necessary.

On the resolution being put, it was carried unanimously 

Mr. Fox was then asked to give us his opinion on Labour representatives, which he did, and gave us a few essential reasons why Labour representation was beneficial to the workers.


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WESTHOUSES

A joint meeting of loco. men was held at the Station Hotel, Westhouses, on the 18th inst. to elect a delegate and consider the advisability of adopting a programme. After a lengthy discussion it was finally resolved to instruct delegate to support the programme as drawn up by the A.S.L.E. & F. 

One of the best attended meetings held at Westhouses was brought to a close by the delegate giving those present an assurance that their wishes would be carried out to the best of his ability.





THE RAILWAY REVIEW

30TH SEPTEMBER 1904


NATIONAL LOCO. MOVEMENT

SHEFFIELD

A joint meeting of members of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F. was held on the 18th inst. a the Wilberforce CafĂ©, Sheffield. Mr. Allan presided, and in a short address pointed out the need of a nationals movement for locomotive men. Mr. C. Beardsley (A.S.R.S., E.C. delegate) and Mr. Chapman (A.S.L.E. & F. E.C. delegate) gave report of the joint conference held in London, and after some discussion the following resolution was unanimously passed"

"That this joint meeting of enginemen, firemen, and cleaners approve of the action taken by the E.C. of both societies in launching a national movement for enginemen, firemen, and cleaners, and pledge ourselves to support he same." 

It was also decided to appoint a strong committee to work jointly together.

 A vote of thanks to delegated and chairman brought a very pleasant meeting to a close.


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DERBY

A joint meeting of loco. A.S.R.S. A.S.L.E. & F. was held in the Trades Hall, Derby, on the 25th inst., presided over by one of the loco. men. There was a fair attendance. It was decided to support all the items in the programme as submitted by the joint meeting of the E.C. A committee of 15 was appointed, consisting go drivers, firemen, and cleaners, to work up the movement. Decided to leave it to the branches to elect their delegate. Committee will meet on October 9th, at 6.30 p.m. in the Trades Hall.


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A.S.L.E. & F. PROPAGANDA WITH A.S.R.S. FUNDS

Sirs, -- Is it customary when joint meetings in connection with the locomotive men's national movement are held for the speaker on behalf of the Associated to occupy his time in advocating the claims of his society? I ask this because a meeting was held here at Leicester last, Sunday, and our speaker occupied about 40 minutes, and pleaded for the men to support the above movement and to join a Trade Union without in any way advocating the specific claims of the A.S.R.S. But when the speaker for the Associated poke he occupied his whole time in pleading for his own union, and said it was the duty of locomotive men to combine among themselves to improve the conditions before they joined other grades. He also found fault with our almanack, with Mr. Bell on the North Wales Quarry's engine. If it is right for one speaker to advocate the claims of his particular union at a meeting that has been brought about by the moral and financial support of two branches of another society then it is right for the speaker on behalf of that society to advocate its claims. If this is to be the course adopted is there likely to be peace and harmony at such meetings?

Your, etc.
A.DRIVER





THE RAILWAY REVIEW

7TH OCTOBER 1904

AN EIGHT HOUR DAY

For some years now there has been put forward the ideal of achieving an eight hour day for railwaymen. Even so far back as 1893 at Glasgow an eight hour day resolution was adopted, which was renewed again at the Manchester Congress in 1895. That the resolution has remained an ideal is due to many causes, social, economic, and political. The agitation has been renewed during the last two or three years with some vigour, and the demand has received considerable momentum from the driving force of circumstances which recent changed have brought about. We have taken the trouble to ascertain the opinion of practical men on the subject -- men working under the changed conditions and capable of forming an unbiassed judgement -- and we have met with but one answer. An eight hour day is the only remedy which will meet the changed circumstances brought about by the introduction of larger engines and wagons of greater carrying capacity. The increasing intensity of the work, the greater strain and responsibility of the service, the undoubtedly added manual and mental exertion all combine to make the demand at the present time equitable, righteous, and just. Whatever may have been the case in the past the arguments today in its favour are irrefutable. The times are ripe for translating the ideal into the actual, for converting the vision into reality, and for materialising the aspirations of the workers on our railways in regard to this most desirable reform. Whatever be the means adopted, pressure on the employers by Trade Union effort or a united and determined demand for the Eight Hours Bill which is now the Congress, all the energies of the members of the various railway unions should be concentrated on this end, and in order to obtain it we again emphasise the necessity for absolute unity on the part of all the men, the putting on one side of gradeism and jealousies, and the setting on the face forward with practical unanimity towards an "eight hour day" as the goal.

The reform is practical and just. Let us get this firmly fixed on our minds at once. We have shown from time to time in these columns what has been the effect upon work and wages by the changes of the last four years. Up to 1899 promotion was easy -- a large number of men were taken on and they had chances to rise -- the position of engine driver and guard was an expanding quantity. Each year as the traffic grew, more of the higher positions had to be created and old ones filled, so that men had something to look forward to. Between 1881 and 1901, according to the census returns, engine drivers and firemen increased by 200 per cent. and guard by 100 er cent. It is not so now. Before another census return, unless a change takes place such as we are advocating, there will be a very large number less, the process of reduction of numbers is going on with startling rapidity, and is only being delayed by short time working and the non-filing up of vacancies. These are not mere hypothetical statements. According to the census returns referred to there were in 1901 in England and Wales 66,135 engine drivers and stokers, say, in round figures, 33,000 of each. From the Board of Trade returns we learn that in 1903 the various railway companies owned 22,385 locomotives. That gives 1 1/2 sets of men to each engine. Each engine runs on the average, in round figures, 18,000 miles per year, In 1903 there was a decrease in the freight train mileage as compared with 1902 of 10,000,000 miles. That means a decrease of 832 sets of men required for the whole of that year in the traffic department, although 7,000,000 toms more merchandise was carried. Between 1900 and 1903 the actual decrease in freight train miles was 20,000,000 miles or 1,700 sets of men, while had the same methods been in vogue as in 1899 2,350 more sets of men would have been required than were actually needed. Is there any wonder that men are working short time, that promotion is blocked, or that men are actually being reduced? As an off set to this, there is, of course, a slight increase in passenger mileage, but with the increased power obtained by the larger engines and cessation of double running to a large extent, it is doubtful if one does much more than cancel the other. This excess of men over the requirements for the ordinary day of ten hours shows that the demand for an eight hour day is the only solution of the difficulties, and stamps the reform as a practical and just one. The men are there to meet the requirements. It is not now a question of lessening unemployment outside the service, but of preventing it inside. 

Again as to the cost, one of the commonest economic fallacies is that a reduction of hours necessarily increases the cost production. Experience has proved this is not so. That it would in the ordinary course have that effect upon railways to some extent may be admitted, but in the present circumstances there are other factors to be taken into account, which minimise its effect. There are the savings which are being made by the larger engines and bigger wagons -- savings which, according to the prophesies of railway chairmen and others, are but in their infancy. Up to the present the whole of these savings have been appropriated by the companies. The men have not only not received anything -- they have had less wages to take home and less regular work to do -- but while working their work has been of a more arduous and intense kind. How great these savings have been is shown from the fact that in four years the North Eastern increased its earnings by 34.7 per cent. on freight, and actually ran 4,688,000 miles less to do it. The men suffered -- the Company gained. The Great Northern increase from the same cause was 27 per cent., with a saving of 2,626,000 miles, and other companies in proportion,  as may be seen from the figures wee have previously given. The savings occur in two ways -- more work is done and more receipts are given -- less miles are run and less wages are paid. Hence the necessity for the justice of the plea for an eight hour day. In the locomotive department, notwithstanding an increase of 4,000,000 in passenger train miles and of 7,000,000 tons of freight -- ÂŁ39,000 less was paid in wages in 1903 as compared with 1902, and the men who actually did the work, worked ever so much harder to get it. It is these things which go to show not only that an eight hour day is economically possible also. Last year profits increased by ÂŁ698,000 as compared with 1902, while the wages of loco. men were ÂŁ30,000 less. Most of the  illustrations and arguments have been taken from the position and point of view of loco. men, but they apply also, though with less effect, in the case of the other grades. In each case the men have been the sufferers -- the companies have been the gainers -- and the only plan by which a just division of the increasing gains can be struck is by a reduction in the hours of labour.



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ENGINEMEN'S CONDITIONS

The Daily Chronicle of 29th ult. contained a letter from a railway engine driver drawing attention to the dangers arising from the new methods of railway working owing to the terrible strain imposed upon the enginemen by the enormous engines and the long non stop runs. He repeats what has been published in our columns times without number, and after column upon column off ur space has been devoted to the exposure of the conditions of enginemen and the great danger involved by the altered workings, there is no necessity to reproduce the remarks. The Chronicle communicated with the managers of the chief railways and obtained from them telegraphic replies, which were published in the issue of 30th ult. These are the replies:-

MIDLAND. -- The statement made could not possibly apply to this company. No such strain is placed upon the men, and no complaint whatever has been made.

LONDON, BRIGHTON, AND SOUTH COAST. -- No condition such as you mention apply to this railway.

GREAT WESTERN. -- No foundation whatever for statements made so far as the Great Western Company is concerned.

LONDON AND NORTH WESTERN. -- Had no knowledge of case named in your telegram, or any complaint of the kind from this company's men.

GREAT NORTHERN. -- We have not one single complaint from any of our drivers or firemen who are working either express or our heavy goods trains. There is no foundation for the communication made to you.

GREAT CENTRAL. -- No truth in the statement so far as the Great Central is concerned.

NORTH EASTERN. -- There is nothing whatever in the working arrangements of the North Eastern which involves undue strain on their enginemen or undue risk to the public.

LONDON AND SOUTH WESTERN. -- The conditions do not apply to this company.

GREAT EASTERN. -- There is no foundation for the statements made by the driver, and the public need be under no apprehension.

After the institution of a national loco. movement, after almost every section of the daily, weekly, and technical press has drawn the attention of the public time after time to the circumstance given prominence by the Daily Chronicle, after every loco. centre in England has held its meeting of protest, meetings reported in the local press, after the Railway Engineer has stated that the limit of physical endurance for loco. firemen has been reached, railway managers are still oblivious to any cause for complaint. Their replies are beneath contempt, and the least thing any of them with the slightest regard for personal honour could do was to have kept silent. Our report of the Annual General Meeting of the A.S.R.S will be a sufficient answer to all of them, and as a good many of them read the Review more diligently then the men, perhaps they will carefully read the report and make themselves acquainted with what is happening on their own lines.



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BRADFORD

Under the auspices of the Bradford Branches of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F. a meeting was held of loco. men at the Labour Institute on the 25th ultimatum. Mr. Graves (fireman) presiding, supported by Mr. Chapman and Mr. Taylor, of the E.C.'s of Bothe societies.

The following resolution was carried unanimously:

"The this meeting of enginemen and firemen, recognising the ever increasing responsibilities placed upon us by the various companies appeal to all loco. men in the United Kingdom to at once throw off their apathy, and join the ranks of unity, thereby enabling the elected representatives of our societies to immediately ply to the various railway directors asking them to grant their over burdened employees new conditions of service, as laid down in suggested programme of our joint E.C.'s."

Mr, Chapman, of A.S.L.E. & F., followed, and gave some very advice in connection with the movement, and pointed out what could be done by organisation, for which he was heartily applauded.

Then followed Mr. Taylor. He gave a practical loco. man's speech, and explained the coming together of both societies for mutual improvement in the condition of enginemen. 

A hearty vote of thanks was given to the speakers and the chairman, which closed a very good meeting.


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PRESTON

A joint meeting of loco. A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F. was held on the 2nd inst. in the United Trades Hall, Preston. There was a fair attendance. It was decided to support the whole of the programme as submitted by the joint meeting of the E.C., with the addition of a week's holiday with pay. Each society nominated a delegate to attend the national conference, and a great deal of discussion took place on various items in the programme before being adopted. It was also decided that the E.C. of each society he requested to press forward the adoption of engine men's certificates.


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NETHERFIED

A joint meeting of under th auspices of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F. was held in the Co-operative Hall, Netherfield, on the 2nd inst., with a good attendance. Bro. J. Foster presided.

The first resolution was moved by Mr. G. Kaye, and seconded by Mr. G. Southern.

"That this joint meeting of loco. men do hereby pledge ourselves to support the policy of a national programme for all engine drivers, firemen, and cleaners, and that we elect an organising committee with delegates in favour of same."

Mr. Alfred Hales, of London, supported, and said what the companies were trying to do was to force the American system of work without the American system of pay. The travelling public had no idea of the risk they frequently underwent owing to the long hours the drivers had to work and the servers strain they were subjected to. There had been some revelations during the past week and he wished to say that notwithstanding the company's denials, every word of what had been said was true. He knew a man at King's Cross who went on the long stop trains, and who, when he reached home, was so over wrought that he could not even take his boots off or wash his face. He contended, too, it was nothing short of national disgrace to both masters and men to find such a large number of engines manned by firemen and cleaners. He knows a person who had driven the Scotch Express, and was only a fireman. It was right the travelling public should know these facts, and then perhaps they would demand the system should be altered, and that the drivers in charge of expresses should be registered and paid as such.

A second resolution was passed to the effect that when the national conference is held the chairman of the Trades Council should  be asked to preside, so that there should be no personal feeling between the two societies. Both resolutions were carried unanimously, and the usual votes of thanks terminated a very good meeting,



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KIRBY

A joint meeting of loco. men was held in the afternoon at Kirby's Assembly Rooms, under the auspices of Walsall No.1 Branch, to deal with the loco. national programme. Upwards of 80 members of the two branches were present. The programme was well debated, and eventually it was approved of. A delegate was elected to represent the branches at conference. A sub-committee was also appointed to arrange for open meetings. The ordinary branch meeting in the evening was fairly well attended. One case of suspension east with. Two new members. Branch approved of the motion of loco.members, and wishes them every success in their movements. 



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LYNDNEY

On the 2nd inst. a joint meeting of loco. men of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F. was held at Royal Albert Inn, under the auspices of the Lydney Branch, to consider G.W. men's loco. movement and the principle of a national programme for loco. men. The correspondence was read dealing with G.W. movement, and the following resolution was carried with very little discussion:

"That this joint meeting of loco. men, members of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F., while thanking the G.W. Company's honourable board of directors for the small concession made to out forest paid fellow workmen, urge our delegates to continue the agitation and make every effort to obtain a more favourable reply to the modest programme submitted by us."

The question of the national programme to religiously impressed the members that many of them appeared to treat the question as a huge joke. However, a resolution was got through approving of the principle of national programme and accepting suggested programme by E.C. as a basis for discussion with the execption of the clause dealing with the mileage.




THE RAILWAY REVIEW

14TH OCTOBER 1904


NATIONAL LOCO. MOVEMENT

HULL


Under the auspices of the joint committee of the Hull Branches of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F. an open mass meeting of enginemen, firemen, and cleaners of Hull was held in the Co-operative Hall on the 11nd inst. at 2.30 p.m.

Councillor T.G. Hall (president Hull Trades and Labour Council) presided, supported by Messrs. A. Mear (organising secretary A.S.R.S). T.T. Millman (assistant secretary A.S.L.E. & F.), and R.W. Parrot, Hull. It was encouraging to the speakers, and also the organisers of the meeting, to find that the hall was packed to the very doors. The following resolution was submitted to the meeting:

"That this meeting of enginemen, firemen, and cleaners of Hull approve of the action of the joint meeting in granting a national loco. movement, and we pledge ourselves to loyalty support the movement by all means in our power, and call upon all non unionists to at once consider their position and enrol themselves in their societies, so strengthen our organisation and pressing the movement to a successful issue."

After bing moved and seconded by local men in typical Trade Union speeches, it was supported by Messrs. A. Mear, T.T. Millman, R.W. Parrott, and our chairman (Councillor T.G. Hall) in eloquent and stirring speeches of excellent educational and edifying character. Speeches such as that were not been heard in railwaymen's meetings in Hull for some time, and it is to be hoped that the enthusiasm and warmth aroused may not die an early death, but bear good fruit before very long.

The resolution when put to the meeting was carried unanimously, with cheers.

Th next item on the agenda for the meeting was the reading out of the programme suggested by the A.S.L.E. & F. at the joint executive committee who had the above programme under discussion. The following resolution was submitted as a result and carried unanimously:

"That the recommendations of the joint committee be sent to national conference with the proviso that in the meantime it shall be open for members of the branches to bring forward suggestions, which, if agreed on by the branches, shall be sent on to headquarters."

The recommendations of the joint committee of the Hull Branches of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F. are as follows:-

Eight hours to be considered a day.
Time and quarter for overtime.
Guaranteed day. No man to sign on for less than a day's pay, and each day to stand by itself.
Time and half for all time between Saturday midnight and Sunday midnight.
One hundred and fifty miles for passenger trains, and 100 miles for all goods trans to be considered a day's work, provided it is accomplished within eight hours.
One hour to be paid for each 20 miles run over in a day's work on passenger trains, and twelve miles as goods train.

DRIVERS AND MOTOR MEN'S PAY

First year.............................6s. 0d. per day
Second year........................7s. 0d. per day
Third and fourth years....... 7s. 6d. per day
Fifth year and afterwards...8s. 0d. per day

FIREMEN'S PAY

First year............................ 4s. 0d. per day
Second year.........................4s. 6d. per day
Third and after................... 5s. 0d. per day
Sixth year and afterwards...5s. 6d. per day

CLEANERS RATE OF PAY

Cleaners to start at 16s. per week of 48 hours at 16 years of age, and rise 2s. per annum to 22s. per week.

That when a cleaner acts as fireman, or a fireman acts as driver, each day be taken account or such fireman is made a driver, all time he may have put in as fireman or driver shall be counted towards his servitude as fireman or driver, excepting such time as him, which time shall be deducted, so as to keep him in his proper turn, the senior hands to be given preference of work as driver or fireman.

Drivers and fireman to sign on and off duty at the sheds they are located.

That loc. men be allowed four days' holiday annually without loss of pay. 

A hearty vote of thanks to Messrs. A. Mear, T.T. Millman, R.W. Parrott, and our genial Chairman (Councillor T.G. Hall) was received with acclamation.

Councillor T.G. Hall suitably responded on behalf of himself and the other speakers, and thus brought to a close a most successful meeting.



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DERBY

A committee meeting of the above was held in the Trades Hall, Derby, on Sunday last. Bro. G.W. Spencer, A.S.R.S., was elected secretary to the movement. It was decided to have an open meeting for all loco. men (Midland) on November 6th, at 6 p.m. All Midland eco. men are specially invited to attend. Suitable speaker will be provided for the meeting. The members of the Burton Branches (loco.) are invited to attend.




THE RAILWAY REVIEW

21ST OCTOBER 1904


NATIONAL LOCO. MOVEMENT

DONCASTER

By arrangements of the loco. joint committee, a well attended open meeting was held at Senior's Dancing Academy, Doncaster, on 16th inst.

Messrs. Dobson (A.S.R.S.) and Parfit (A.S.L.E. and F.) addressed the meeting, which was enthusiastic and unanimously endorsed the following motions:

"That we, the locomotive men of Doncaster hereby record our conviction that an eight hour day and time and a quarter for night work is a just and reasonable requisition, and, having regard to the fact that through recent developments our work has been increased and our responsibilities greatly intensified and the prospects of promotion reduced to a minimum, we will help to work up and support a national loco. movement for an eight hour day and better conditions generally."

The motion was moved and seconded by Associated and A.S.R.S. drivers respectively, and supported by an N.E. driver and others.

The programme suggested by the E.S.'s was endorsed with the addition of time and a quarter for night work, the mileage clause particularly coming in for cordial support, as this centre has such a clause and knows its necessity. The short trip men consider that their interests are safeguarded by the provision of a guaranteed day.



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LEEDS

An enthusiastic and well attended meeting, under the auspices of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E.&F. for drivers, firemen, and cleaners, was held in the Trades Hall, Leeds, on the 16th inst., at 2 p.m.. Mr. Dickerson G.N. driver in the chair, to propagate the national loco. movement. The following resolution was moved and seconded: 

"That we, the loco. men of Leeds and district hereby record our conviction that an eight hour day is a reasonable and just requisition, and having regard to the fact that through recent developments, our work has been greatly intensified, and the prospects of promotion reduced to a minimum, we will help to work up and support the national loco. movement for an eight hour day and better conditions of service generally. The organised section of the loco. men also strongly urges the unorganised to consider their position as single, haploid individuals, and to ask themselves whether they intend to join the band which has determined to raise the workers, or remain in their slough of despond."

Mr. Hampton, of Normanton, speaking in support of the resolution, said that if the loco. men would only enlist their sympathies in this movement he would be very sanguine of success. Instituting a national movement was by no means a new departure, for the railway companies when they thought fit moved nationally. He did not think that the blessing resulting from new methods adopted by the companies should go to them nd nothing but curses go to the men. Commenting on the difficulty of construction a national programme, he said he was in favour of a movement for a guaranteed eight hour day, and showed how the cost of an eight hour day would be a vert small fraction indeed of the increased profits enjoyed by the companies.

Mr. Shipley (of York) then followed, and said that it was not for the men to consider the costs. The companies did not seem to consider the cost when they increased the number of officials to nearly three times as many as there used to be. There were only 2 per cent. of the railway passengers in the United Kingdom who travelled first class, yet the companies di not seem to consider the cost of hauling first class carriages about the country. He was strongly in favour of an eight hour day because necessity demanded it, and there were other conditions which ought to be revised.

Mr. Taylor (of Leeds) following, said it laid with the railwaymen to maintain their position and an eight hour day would go towards settling the unemployed question. Although a lot of work had been put on the big enginemen still we must not forget that the old type of engine was doing nearly 25 per cent. more work. This was only one grievance. Fifty per cent. of the loco. men were organised, so there were 50 per cent. unorganised. There had been a lot of talk lately about the introduction of an either side brake for the benefit of certain other grades. He considered the loco. men had an either side brake, and he wanted them to show this brake off so that hey could run a bit easier.

The principle speaker, Mr. Fox, of the A.S.L.E. & F., the spoke. He said there were three ideas about the eight hour day. Some favoured the introduction of the eight hour day with the hope that they would continue to work twelve hours and make about nine days a week. Some others thought that by its introduction they would be getting a much for eight hours s they formerly get for ten. The other idea, and his idea, was that it would find work for 12,000 more loco. men. If he had his way he would make it a criminal offence to work overtime, The whip that the masters always used was the unemployed, and we should see to it that the unemployed were found work. Some thought that the better way to obtain the eight hour day was by Act of Parliament, but that was not all that was wanted. If the eight hours was obtained the companies would perhaps fetch men off the footplate at th expiration of that time and lodge them a few miles away from home. He considered that a man who had worked a train from Paddington to Plymouth had gone enough for one day's work, but if we only got the eight hours they would see to it that they got as much mileage out of us as possible. Some men thought they had a right to please themselves whether they joined their union or not, but they had not a right to please themselves. They had a right to after their own interests, and consequently their fellows. Unser the conditions of our work we were afraid one minute of not being able to go, and the next of not being able to stop. It was not the companies of the Board of Trade was worthy of the name it would see that the loads of trains were such that the driver could control his train anywhere in any. kind of weather, If we were not worked to death we were certainly worried to death. Nine out of every ten death certificates which came before him in his capacity of secretary were for men between the age of 40 and 50. What we wanted was better conditions of service to make up for the 20 years taken of our lives. It was for us to see that we got a fair return for our labour, and if the companies thought fir to spend their money in the ridiculous fashion which they did in competition, etc., that was their look out and not ours. He contended that the loco. men served their country more faithfully than our Army and Navy. Railwaymen didn't think half enough of themselves. They kept the populace alive, for they carried their food to them, and they carried the articles of commerce about the country. He was afraid to them the conditions of the railwaymen in Australia lest a lost of them might go off there and leave a few of them to fight this matter our for themselves. If the companies wanted perfect men and perfect eyesight they should be prepared to pay a perfect price.

In conclusion Mr. Fox emphasised the need for Labour representations as in the future the political fight would be Capital v. Labour.

The resolution was then put and carried unanimously.

In answer to question the chairman replied the delegates would be appointed at the branch meetings.

A vote of thanks to the chairman was carried, and the gathering dispersed with the intention of having another meeting in the near future.




THE RAILWAY REVIEW

28TH OCTOBER 1904


NATIONAL LOCO. MOVEMENT

LIVERPOOL

A largely attended meeting of loco. men was held on the 16th inst. at the Black Horse, County Road, Liverpool. branches represented being Liverpool No.1 A.S.R.S, Aintree, Sandhills, and Liverpool A.S.L.E. & F. The following resolution was carried unanimously:

"That this meeting of enginemen, firemen, and cleaners of Liverpool approve of the action of the joint E.C. in granting a national loco. movement, and we pledge ourselves to loyally support the movement by all means in our power and call upon all non unionist to at once enlist themselves in one of the societies, so strengthen our organisation and pressing the movement to a successful issue."

 The E.C. representative of the A.S.L.E. & F. gave a full report of the conference of the two E.C.'s at Leeds. Mr. A. Mear organising secretary, A.S.R.S., followed, and dealt fully with the loco. question for a number of years past. A committee was appointed, consisting of two A.S.R.S and three A.S.L.E. & F. men, to carry on the movement, the secretary of Liverpool No.1 and the secretary of Aintree Branch of the A.S.L.E. & F. being elected of whom will be glad to hear from other branches in Liverpool intimation that they are wiling to fall in with the movement. 

The usual vote of thanks closed a very successful meeting.




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KENTISH TOWN

An enthusiastic and well attended meet in support of the above was held under the auspices of the Kentish Town Branches of the A.S.L.E. & F. and the A.S.R.S., at the Rhyl Street Board  Schools, Kentish Town, on the 23rd inst. Bro. Charlton, Midland driver, was elected to the chair, and the most ably explained the object of the gathering. Bro. Trott, A.S.L.E. & F., moved, and Bro. Fletcher, A.S.R.S., seconded.

"That we record our conviction that an eight hour day is a reasonable and just requisition, and having regard to the fact that through recent developments our work has been greatly intensified, and the prospects of promotion reduced, was hereby determine to support the national conference loco. men with a view to drawing up a programme for improved conditions of service for loco. men generally."

Bro. Clarke (G.E. driver, Stratford) supports in an able speech, and asked what had won the signalmen and shunters their eight hour day? Why, combination. Then let the loco. men follow their example, and victory would crown their efforts. Never mind about big engines or little engines; too much had been said on the subject; he was weary of it. But let them all unite, men of both societies to secure the "nons," and then march on in one solid front to victory. (Loud applause).

Bro. Thomas, of Swindon, our president elect, followed in a speech of 50 minutes' duration, contrasting the various efforts that had been put forward by the different societies to improve the conditions of loco. men. He made a most eloquent appeal to the men to throw off their apathy and indifference and work hand in hand to bring about what they all so much desired, and what in equity and justice, they were reasonably entitled to. (Loud and continued cheers.) Bro. Crick, Midland driver also supported and the resolution was adopted with enthusiasm.

Bro. Robins, A.S.L.E. & F.  moved a resolution:

"That in order to give effect to the foregoing resolution, all loco. men present pledge themselves to become members of one of the two societies as the best means of bringing about the desirable result."

Bro. Woodley, A.S.R.S. seconded, Bro. Bliss of A.S.L.E. & F., Battersea Branch, supported in an able speech, and the resolution was carried unanimously.

Votes of thanks to the speakers, the chairman and two local secretaries ho had conversed the meeting, brought one of the best meetings to a close ever held on the north west district.



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KING'S CROSS

The King's Cross Branches of the A.S.L.E & F. and the A.S.R.S. held a joint meeting of loco. men at 107, York Road, on the 23rd inst.

The chairman expressed pleasure at the large attendance, and said the business of the meeting was to hear the proposals which the King's Cross loco. men desired to see embodies in a national programme, the principle of which had been adopted at their previous joint meeting. It should be understood that the decisions arrived at that evening would not necessarily be part of the national programme, but the secretaries of the King's Cross Branches of each society to be laced on the agenda for consideration at the national conference of delegates. I t would be necessary for that evening's meeting to elect a committee for their district and to appoint two representatives to each as delegates.

The first resolution:

"That the meeting pledges itself to support an eight hour day for all engine drivers and firemen throughout the United Kingdom," was carried

The second resolution asked for a guaranteed day and no man to sign on for less than a day's pay, and each day's work to be treated separately. 

An amendment was moved:

"That when booked for a day's work and not required, two eights of day's wages be paid, and should two classes of work be performed in one day, the day's work be paid for at the high grade rate."

The manner of the amendment said they need to require payment when booked for duty and was not required, but every effort had been made to disallow the concession, and it was important that it should be clearly understood by the men whether the payment was allowed, as they found even at the present time a number of men were paid and others had been refused. By agreeing to the amendment they would possibly secure the demand for all loco. men. With regard to the last part of the amendment, all the men would acknowledge that it was time that the unfair advantage which was being taken by the company in getting a higher grade work performed at the lower rate should be discontinued, and he hoped that a determined effort would be made to abolish such in just conditions. The resolution as amended was passed.

The third resolution asking for a guaranteed week and time and a half to be paid for a;; time worked between Saturday midnight and Sunday midnight was agreed to.

The fourth resolution that 120 mies for all passenger trains and 100 miles for all goods trains to be considered a day's work provided it is accomplished in eight hours, and one hour's wages to be paid for each ten miles run over the number in any day's work, was amended to read that 150 miles for main line passenger and goods trains should constitute a day's work, and 2/8 of a day be paid for each additional 25 miles run, and no man to run more than 250 miles in one day, without an interval of nine hours' rest. In support the amendment it was urged that the present mileage basis was generally considered a fair arrangement, but it was urged that the present mileage basis was essential that a limit should be secured to the long distance runs, which were constantly showing a tendency in an upward direction. A man working 250 miles in one day under present strained conditions should not be asked to do more without an interval of nine hours' rest, and the speaker was of opinion that further work could not be performed without inflicting harmful results, not only upon the man, but eventually upon the travelling pubic. The amendment was unanimously carried.

The fifth resolution passed dealt with drivers and firemen's wages, drivers to commence at 6s. per day rising 8s. per day; firemen to start at 4s. per dat, to his to 5s. 6d. per day.

The sixth resolution read that no cleaner to commence cleaning for less than 18s. per week for 48 hours.

An amendment was moved that the minimum cleaners wage be 18s. per week for 54 hours, and Sundays to be paid for separately at a minimum rate of 3s. per eight hours. In support of the amendment, the mover said he had personally obtained the views of the cleaners, who expressed the opinion their demands should be made as stated in the amendment.

The resolution was allowed to be dropped and the amendment substituted in its place.

The last resolution referred to the passing and railing of the men, and reads as follows:

"That any cleaner or firemen having worked in a higher grade 5s. 3d. day consecutively or otherwise hall be paid, ie. the higher rate of wages."

It was stated that unfair advantage was being taken by the company is getting men to perform a higher class of work, but refusing to the men the recognised rate for such work. This practice must be abolished, and the adoption of the motion would move in the desired direction. The motion was unanimously carried.

There were a number of volunteers to form the committee for the King's Cross district, and finally twelve were selected, and the two branch secretaries were appointed as joint secretaries of the committee.

Two delegate were then appointed, one from each society.

Instruction were given for the joint committee to start work immediately in making known to all the loco. men the result of th evening's meeting, and to endeavour to secure complete organisation of their grade, so that every man could take part in the work of the movement.

The secretaries were instructed to forward to their respective societies the resolution that had been passed at the meeting.

It was resolved"

"That all loco. men living in the London district be paid an additional 5s. per week an allowance. Also, that the chairman of the Trade Council in the district in which the national conference may be held be asked to reside over the conference." 




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NORMANTON

A well attended meeting of loco. men was held in the Central School, Normanton, on the 23rd inst., 6.45 p.m., in support of above presided over by Mr. T. Mullins, of the A.S.L.E. & F. After a few well chosen opening remarks from him, Mr. Coutis moved the following resolution:

"That this meeting of loco, men, whilst recognising the right of the railway companies to build larger engines and introduce improved methods of economy, is of opinion that the men who work them are entitled to some consideration, seeing the extra strain both physically and mentally th work now place upon them. We are also of opinion that the only solution possible is an eight hour day, and we hereby pledge ourselves to do all in our power to obtain the same. Further, we invite all non unionist to at once join a union and take their place in the rank alongside their fellows, with view to making the national movement a success."

Mr. Hampston briefly seconded, and was followed by Mr. Topping, who supported in a very able and convincing speech, showing that we are justified to asking for better conditions, that our demands are reasonable, and that organisation and concentrated efforts would succeed. Mr. Shipley further supported, dealing with the movement and the engine men's certificate question, closing with an appeal for Trade Unionism and more representation t St. Stephens.

The resolution was carried unanimously, also a vote of thanks to the chairman and speakers on a motion by Bros. Salisbury and Burton.

The Chairman, in responding, appealed to all non unionist to be non unionist no longer, but come inside the ranks and put a shoulder to the wheel of progress.

It was decided that the joint sub-committee and a later meeting discuss the question of "programme." 





THE RAILWAY REVIEW

4TH NOVEMBER 1904


NATIONAL LOCO. MOVEMENT

NOTTINGHAM

A joint meeting under the auspices of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F. was held on the 16th ult. in the Queens Walk board School, Nottingham.

The chair was taken at 2.30 p.m. by Mr. J. Ison, of Colwick. The following resolution was carried unanimously:

"That we hereby record our condition that an eight hour day is a reasonable and just requisition, and having regard to the fact that through recent developments our work has been increased and our responsibilities greatly intensified, and the prospect of promotion reduced to a minimum, we will help to work up and support the national loco. movement for an eight hour day, and better conditions of service generally."

The next business of the meeting was the discussion of a national programme. The programme as drawn up by the Associated Society was submitted as a basis to work up, and after a very interesting discussion unanimously adopted. The election of delegates was deferred to the next meeting for consideration.


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READING

Under the joint auspices of the Reading Branch A.S.R.S. and Reading Branch of A.S.L.E.&F. an open meeting was held at A.S.R.S. Branch Room for enginemen, firemen, and cleaners, when Bro. J. Dobson (organising secretary A.S.R.S.), and Bro. Mabberley (A.S.L.E. & F.) attend and gave eloquent addresses on the benefits of combination, with special regard to the question from the locomotive men's point of view.

A resolution was proposed and seconded as follows:

"That was record our conviction that an eight hour day is a just and reasonable requisition, and having regard to the fact that through recent developments our work has been increased and our responsibilities intensified, with the prospects of promotion reduced to a minimum, we will help to work up and support a national locomotive movement for an eight hour day and better conditions of service generally." 

This resolution being put to the meeting, was carried unanimously. Another resolution was also proposed and seconded as follows: 

"This meeting of railwaymen are convinced of the great necessity that workers should be more adequately represented in the House of Commons, and on all local representatives bodies to ensure the recognition of the fair claims of Labour."

On being put to the meeting this was carried unanimously. Votes of thanks were accorded to the speakers and chairman who suitably replied; this concluded a good meeting, both in attendance and interest shown in the questions put to the speakers.



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PETERBOROUGH

(NEW ENGLAND)

A joint meeting was held in the Workmen's Hall, New England, on 16th ult., to further consider the national programme for locomotive men. There was a crowded attendance of railwaymen, their wives and sweethearts.

Bro. G.T. Palmer (chairman of No.1 Branch), moved the following resolution:

"That this mass meeting of practical railwaymen, after experiencing the new methods adopted by the railway companies by the introduction of larger engines and heavier trains, thereby increasing our work by 50 per cent., do hereby ourselves in favour of a national programme for all engine drivers, firemen, and cleaners, which shall include an eight hour day, and we earnestly appeal to all those that are outside the societiesreprewented here tonight to at once join to enable the two Executives to call a joint conference to formulate the same, and also to enable us to carry it to a successful issue."

He averred that the federation scheme (as far as Peterborough was concerned at any rate) had been a distinct success, and that there had never been such good fellowship, harmony, and concord as that which has existed since the federation scheme became an established fact. A revision of their working on the lines laid down in the proposed national programme was highly desirable, for their lives, and especially the firemen's, were little short of slavery. The firemen should insist upon full and direct representation at all conferences, whether it be a conference of enginemen or firemen or employer and employee. This was seconded by Mr. Garner, secretary of the Peterboro' Branch of the A.SL.E. & F., and the chairman, Mr. A.E. Butler, T. & L.C., Peterborough'.

Bro. A. Hales (London), in supporting the resolution in a lengthy speech, pointed out the necessity of the non unionist joining the respective societies to ensure success of the movement.

Messrs. Millman (organising secretary), Clark (A.S.L.E. & F.), A.C. Burn (G.W. Society) supported in lengthy speeches. It was resolved to form an organising committee of both societies.


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DONCASTER

The loco. members of the A.S.RS. and A.S.L.E. & F. met together at Senior Rooms, Doncaster, on the 30th ultimatum., and appointed the following delegated to represent them at the forthcoming conference: G.W. Chappell (G.N. driver), J.W. Banks (N.E. driver), and A.E. (G.N. fireman). The meeting also endorsed the motions passed re eight hour days, etc., so ably advocated by Messrs. Dobson and Parfitt at our fine open meeting on the 16th ult.

It was decided to hold future meetings to decide upon matters for the conference agenda, and propaganda purposes.


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IMPORTANT RESOLUTION PASSED AT WELLINGBOROUGH

A united meeting of railwaymen in connection with the A.S.R.S and the A.S.L.E. & F. was held in the Co-operative Buildings, Gordon Road , on Sunday last.

A large gathering assembled, and Mr. W.S. Plowman, the secretary of the local society we voted to the chair. He was supported by Mr. T.T. Millman (the financial secretary of the A.S.L.E. & F.) and Mr. J. Dobson (the organising secretary of the A.S.R.S.).

After a few remarks by the chairman Mr. T. Millman addressed the gathering. As "loco. men" he said they never needed more energy, thought and push than they did at the present time. They were at Wellingborough that night for the purpose of creating enthusiasm. They found that the railway companies of today were powerful combination and to attack them individually was a hopeless task. They had therefore combined to ask their employees for a fair day's work and for a fair day's wage. The workers must strive for proper organisation and unity, and to train themselves to rightly understand their position.

Mr. J. Dobson said that no railway had suffered greater than the Midland -- of which Wellingborough was a part -- and many of the workers had been dismissed of had been put back. Very often so work had to be done in a day as was it one time done by three. The only thing to secure better wags and more respectful treatment was for them to unite. A railwayman had to have a good character, a fair education, and he was entrusted with the lives of hundreds of people, and surely he was entitled to fair treatment. Why did not the men untie? The answer came. "They did not know their rights." The various grades must unite in the matter, and personally, he would not advocate one particular grade going for concessions by itself. What he wanted was right, and a spirit of brotherhood shown by one towards another. He felt sure that some success would attend their efforts.

Mr. W. Middleton then proposed the following resolutions:

"That this meeting of two societies at Wellingborough do adopt the principle of a national programme for loco. men."

The resolution was seconded by Mr. W. Orme, and carried unanimously, it being understood that conference of workers would be held to adopt a programme, and to which a representative from the Wellingborough society would be sent. 

Mr. J. Palmer proposed a second resolution, which strengthened he former resolution passed and which read as follows:

"That this meeting, which recognising the right of railway companies to build large engines, and to introduce improved methods of economy, is of opinion that the men who work them are entitled to some consideration, seeing the extra strain both physically and mentally the work now places upon them. We are also of opinion that the only solution possible is an eight hour day, and we hereby pledge ourselves is to all in our power to obtain the same. Further, we invite the non unionists to at once join a union and take their place in the ranks alongside their fellows, with a view to making the national movement a success."

Mr. T. Spring seconded the resolution, which was also unanimously carried. The meeting closed with hearty votes of thanks to the speakers and to the chairman.


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WILLESDEN

A splendid joint meeting was held on the 30th ult. in the White Hart Hotel, Willesden, when about 200 loco. men were present. Mr. C. Albey of Child's Hill, presided, supported by Mr. Clarke of Stratford A.S.L.E. & F., Mr. Cooper, and others from Battersea. The following resolution was moved by an A.S.R.S. member and seconded by a member of the A.S.L.E.&F. and carried unanimously.

"That this meeting of enginemen, motormen, firemen, and cleaners, recognising the ever increasing responsibilities placed upon us by the various railway companies appeal to all loco. and motormen, to throw off their apathy and join the ranks of unity, and do hereby pledge ourselves to support the National Conference with a view of drawing up a programme for improved conditions of service for loco. and motormen generally."

As the result of the meeting four firemen (Metropolitan) joined the A.S.R.S, with a promise of more next Friday. Another joint meeting will be held on Sunday at the Crown Hotel, Harlesden.




THE RAILWAY REVIEW

11TH NOVEMBER 1904


NATIONAL LOCO. MOVEMENT

WALSALL

A well attended meeting in connection with the above movement was held on the 30th ult. under the auspices of the Walsall Branches. Mr. E.J. Hobbs presided. 

The following resolution was submitted by Mr. Disc, and seconded by Mr. Middleton:

"That this meeting of loco. men, while recognising the right of the railway companies to build larger engines, and introduce improved methods of economy, is of opinion that the men who work them are entitled to some consideration, seeing the extra strain both physically and mentally the work places upon them. We are also of opinion that the only solution possible is an eight hour day, and we hereby pledge ourselves to do all in our power to obtain the same. Further, we invite all non unionist to at once join a union and take their place in the ranks alongside their fellows, with a view to making the national movement a success."

Mr. T. Topping, Mirfield, supported the resolution, dealing with the movement under three heads: 

Are we justified in asking for an increase? 
Are our demands justifiable?
And how best to obtain them.

Each subject the speaker dealt with in a very practical manner. Mr. Baker further supported the resolution, which was carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the chairman and speakers closed a very successful meeting.



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HARLESDEN

A joint meeting was held on the 6th inst. at the Crown Hotel, Harlesden. Mr. H.J. Savory, of Willesden, presided. They were making efforts to bring about a scheme of federation between the two societies to prevent friction in the future, as the suicidal policy of recent years had made the loco. men of the country the butt and ridicule of the railway world. He called their attention to the economic changes that were gradually being introduced on the whole of the railways of the country, which taught them the lesson that unless they took a more intelligent interest in their own welfare they would surely left behind in the race.


The following resolution was carried unanimously by a splendid audience:

"That this meeting of enginemen, firemen, and cleaners, recognising the eerie increasing responsibilities placed upon us by the various railway companies, the gradual evolution that is taking place in our conditions of labour, the extra strain both physically and mentally imposed, and the prospects of promotion retarded, are of opinion the time is now opportune for a national movement to be a convened. We therefore call upon the two executives to call a joint conference with a view of formulating a programme for better conditions of service generally."

Mr. H.C. Charlton, A.S.R.S., in supporting the resolution spoke chiefly upon the origin and growth of the Trade Union movement from the 19th century down to the present time, stating that it was more than ever essential under the present commercial system that men should combine, if it were only to retain the benefits they already enjoyed and to prevent further encroachments, and finally by a real amalgamation of our forces we should command the respect and esteem of our employers.

Mr. W. Clarke, A.S.L.E. & F., also ably supported, dealing principally with the present  conditions of labour, the extra responsibilities imposed, and alluded to the fact that the death certificates now coming into their society were from men between 40 and 50 years of age, thus proving the extra strain upon the human system was telling its own tale, and if this continued there would soon be no necessity for an old age pension fund, as there would be none left to require it.

Messrs. J. Bliss and McKew, of Battersea, also added a few words of encouragement to the younger men, and hoped they would throw off their apathy and join one or the other of the two societies.

Another joint meeting will be held at the Windmill Hotel, Cricklewood, on the 13th inst. at 7.30 p.m. sharp.


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STRATFORD

A joint meeting of the enginemen members of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F. was held on the 31st ultimatum. as the Lecture Hall, Major Road, Stratford, for the purpose of discussing the proposed national programme for locomotive men. There was a good attendance, and Bro. R. Thistle was elected to preside. A good discussion took place on the subject, and resolutions supporting he programme were carried unanimously.




THE RAILWAY REVIEW

18TH NOVEMBER 1904


NATIONAL LOCO. MOVEMENT

DERBY

There was a large attendance of loco. men at the Trades Hall, Derby, on Sunday evening on the occasion of a meeting under the auspices of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F.

Mr. T. Ogden (president of the Derby Trades Council) presided. Mr. G.W. Spencer moved the following resolution:

"That this meeting of locomotive  men, while recognising the increasing responsibility placed upon us by the railway companies, appeals to all locomotive men of the United Kingdom to join our ranks of unity, so that we may pledge ourselves to support the policy of the national programme as submitted by the joint meeting of the E.C.'s, and also that each society be requested to press forward the adoption of engine men's certificates." He said he thought it was quite time that drivers, firemen, and cleaners enjoyed better condition. -- Mr. A.J. Burgess seconded -- Mr. H. Parfitt (organising secretary of the A.S.L.E. & F.) dealt with various points in the programme. He remarked that what they wanted was one act of hours, one set of wages, and one rat of overtime, if overtime was tolerated, and he wished it was not, all over the country. He would sacrifice every other item on the programme for the sake of the eight hour day. (Applause.) They would, however, not be able to get it unless they prevailed upon those men outside the societies to come inside. Then, a guaranteed day appeared to him essential for all locomotive men, as was the guaranteed week. As to Sunday work, the best way to put an and to that was to make it as expensive as possible. The mileage question was a most serious one. Want of combination had brought them down to their present position. He was not going to advise them to come out on strike. (A voice: "We've had some.") He honestly believed that if they combined as men in other occupations did they could get anything in reason.

Mr. Clarkson (of Nottingham A.S.L.E. & F.) made a special appeal for organisation among the loco. ,em, not only for their own benefit, but for the benefit of their wives and families, for the federation of the workers throughout the length and breadth of the land. He pointed out that the best and cheapest way to get shorter hours was through the House of Commons.

Mr. Loxton (of Toton A.S.R.S.) asked the men to respect themselves, and then other people would;d respect them. He pointed out that in order to make themselves respected they must take a keener interest in all matters affecting their interests, not only as railwaymen, but as citizens of their great country.

The resolution was carried.

Votes of thanks to the chairman for presiding over, to the speakers, and visiting friends, brought to a close the largest meeting of loco. men ever held in Derby.    





THE RAILWAY REVIEW

25TH NOVEMBER 1904


NATIONAL LOCO. MOVEMENT

BRISTOL

A conference of engine drivers, firemen, and cleaners was held at Bristol on Sunday to consider a national programme, in the forefront of which is to be the eight hour question. Alderman J. Curls, secretary of the Bristol Trades Council, presided. Mr. Fox, general secretary of the A.S.L.E. & F., emphasised the importances in the interest of the travelling public of an eight hour day. The tension to drivers nerves produced by long non stop runs was enormous. Thos who knew anything about engine driving wondered that a man running a train from Paddington to Plymouth without stopping did not lose his reason before he got to the journeys end. The heavy loads on goods trains was another source of danger, owing to the difficulty of bringing trucks to a stop n unfavourable weather. An eight hour day would give employment o 12,000 additional loco. men. Under modern conditions railwaymen died young, nine out of ten death certificates he dealt with being men between 40 and 50.

A resolution in favour of eight hours and better conditions of railway service generally was unanimously carried.


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LLANELEY 

A special open meeting of the two societies was held at the club room, New Dock Road, Llanelly, on Sunday last, to hear addresses from Messrs. Mitchell and Codd, of Swansea. Mr. Mitchell dealt as length with the loco. movement. He gave some very startling figures of the result of the companies Americanising their systems. Mr. Codd dealt chiefly with the eight hour movement for shunters in the Swansea division, and gave those present some sound advice.


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ROWSLEY

A well attended meeting of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F. members was held in connection with the above mentioned in the Reading Room, Rowsley, on Sunday last. Mr. J. Knight was voted to the chair. Mr. C.W. Beardsley, E.C., was unavoidable absent, but Mr. Atkinson, A.S.L.E. & F., deliver a stirring address, and the following resolution was carried unanimously carried.

"That this meeting of A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F. members call upon the E.C.'s of the two societies to elect delegates for a conference of formulate a programme for drivers, firemen, and motormen, as the time has now arrived when we think our hours should be decreased and our wages increased, owing to the introduction of larger engines and increased loading."

A committee was appointed to work up the movement in the district.


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NEWTON ABBOT

There was a good attendance of loco. men at the Public Rooms, Newton Abbot, on Sunday afternoon on the occasion of a meeting held under the auspices of the A.S.R.S. and A.S.L.E. & F. Mr. Roose, joint secretary, was elected to preside.

Mr. Haywood moved the following resolution:

"That we record our conviction that an eight hour day is a reasonable requisition, and having regard to the fact that through recent developments our work has been intensified and the prospects of promotion reduced, we hereby determine to support the national conference of loco. men with a view to drawing up a programme for improved conditions of service for loco. men generally."

Mr. Osborne (Plymouth, G.W. engineman, A.S.R.S.) seconded the resolution in an able address, pointing out to those present what their position would be worth in the future with larger engines and heavier loads. He pointed out the difference in the mileage now and a few years ago, and maintained it was necessary for one and all to belong to a Trade Union.

Mr. Hawkins (Exeter, L. & S.W. engineman, A.S.L.E. & F.) also ably supposed the resolution. He went in strongly for an eight hour day, and showed the difference in the L. & S.W. and G.W. which opened the eyes of all present.

The resolution was carried unanimously. 





THE RAILWAY REVIEW

2ND DECEMBER 1904


NATIONAL LOCO. MOVEMENT

OXFORD

A well attended meeting, organised by the Oxford branches of the A.S.R.S. and the A.S.L.E. & F., was held in the Associated Society's clubroom, the Greyhound Inn, Worcester Street, Oxford, on Sunday evening.

Neither Mr. A. Fox, the general secretary of the Associated Society, nor Mr. J.H. Thomas, the president of the Amalgamated Society, who were announced to speak, were able to be present. A letter was also read from the City Rector, the Rev. A.J. Carlyle, expressing his inability to attend, but containing his best wishes for the prosperity of the two societies.

Mr. E. Buy, the president of the Oxford Trade Council, was elected chairman, moved the following resolution:

"That this joint meeting of enginemen, firemen, cleaners, and motormen. And taking into consideration the extra responsibilities that are now imposed upon enginemen and firemen in regard to larger engines and heavier loading of trains, which have brought promotion down to the minimum, are fully convinced that the only fair remedy in this important matters is the adoption of an eight hour day. We also pledge ourselves to render all our loyal support with a view of bringing this programme to a successful issue."

Mr. H. Langham, first class G.W. driver seconded.

Mr. Mabberley, another driver upon the G.W., said they had been asleep too long, and one of the reasons of their inactivity was that they had been throwing away the substance for the shadow. The shadow was their classification system.

Mr. Dobson, the organising secretary of the Amalgamated Society, said if ever there was a time in the history of workers of this country when it was necessary for the men to combine, he believed that time was today. Some men thought they were going too far in asking for an eight hours' day, but he would remind them that if every one did his share of work in this country they could produce all they needed in a four hours' days.

Mr. Millman, assistant secretary of the Associated Society, referring to the many benefit which had accrued to them wing to united action, challenged any locomotive men to state that the societies had never done anything for him. He thought if the general public understood the nature of their demands, as embodied in the national programme, they would be wiling to give the railwaymen every support. (Applause.)

Mr. F.W. Honey, G.W. engineman gave a brief address, and Mr. W. Richardson, another engineman employed by the G.W., deplored the fact that men were allowed to work passenger trains over lines of which they knew nothing.

The resolution was then taken put to the meeting and carried Unanimously.

The secretary of the Trades Council and two University gentlemen (Rhodesian scholars) sympathisers with Trade Unionism, were present at the meeting.  





THE RAILWAY REVIEW

9TH DECEMBER 1904


NATIONAL LOCO. MOVEMENT

KIRKBY IN ASHFIELD

A large attended meeting of loco. men was held in the Co-operative Hall, Kirkby in Ashfield, on the 4th inst., under the auspices of the local branch of the A.S.R.S., presided over by Bro. Barrow, Midland driver.

The enthusiastic dress was delivered by Bro. C. Loxton, of Toton, who thoroughly explained the position of the movement up to date, keeping the meeting spell bound an hour and a half. After explaining the programme as drawn up, he assured the meeting that to obtain the improvements in the loco. department the delegates, when appointed, must be backed up by men thoroughly organised, and appealed to all present to join a Trade Union. Bro Loxton referred to the joint meeting of the two societies, and gave us as the only reason the movement had not made much headway was the lack of unity amongst themselves, to secure an eight hour day, and other improvements desired must be supported by the loco. men unanimously. The resolution submitted was 

"That this meeting of loco. men approve of the programme as drawn up."

Which was carried unanimously.






THE RAILWAY REVIEW

16TH DECEMBER 1904


NATIONAL LOCO. MOVEMENT

LEEDS

A splendid meeting was held on the afternoon of the 11th inst., at the Gladstone Hall, New Worthley, Leeds, to further promote the national loco. movement, several visitors from Bradford and district being present. The following resolution was moved and seconded:

"That this meeting of loco. men stationed at Leeds do hereby record our conviction of the necessity of a conference of delegates being held draft a programme for better condition of service, and we ask the two E.C.'s to sanction the same."

Mr. Loxton, in support, said he had been an advocate of an eight hour day for over 20 years. he was pleased that the two societies had federated and were working harmoniously together in this national loco. movement. There was no class of men in the kingdom more deserving of an eight hour day and better conditions of service generally than the loco. men. The conditions of work had been much intensified by the economic changes introduced during recent years. He contended that we had to sacrifice by lodging out much of our home life, which we should hold most sacred. We ought to recognise our responsibilities and endeavour to secure an adequate return for our labour. We could only hope for success in this movement by being thoroughly organised. It was the duty of every man to belong to a Trade Union.

Mr. Chapman followed, urging the necessity of a guaranteed week, pointing out that we had to devote the whole of our time to the companies, and it was only just that we should be guaranteed a week's wage in return. He supported the principle of an eight hour day. Referring to wages, he said the late George Stephenson in 1827 valued the services of an engineman at 7s. 6d. per day. Since then we had made no advance. The selfish attitude of a portion of men in the loco. department clamouring after overtime and semi official positions retarded our progress. He advocated a brotherly feeling, and hoped all non unionist would recognise the advantage of combination by joining one or other of the two societies.

Mr. H. Parfitt (organising secretary A.S.L.E & F.) reviewed the many sectional move, emts of the past, showing how the various boards of directors had treated the various deputations. The conditions of service of no two companies are alike. The men were defeated in the board room by the directors offering to give the same conditions as on another line. These condition could not be accepted because of many had features contained there in, and directors would not allow them pick out the good and leave the had. He showed that there was no uniformity of pay, and illustrated the various scales of some half dozen companies. He dealt with every item on the programme, being desirous that all should understand the object of the movement. He thought the time had arrived when we should have a uniform rate of hours, pay, and other conditions. The mileage run had in four years been deceased by 18,000,000 miles. Yet the receipts had increased by 3,000,000, less men were employed, and the companies were reaping the whole of the benefit of these economic changes, whilst we had the additional strain and responsibilities. He trusted we should organise our forces. By united effort we could command success.

Mr. Taylor said we were in our present condition through the apathy which had prevailed in the past. We should endeavour to obtain the highest possible price. The old class of engine today was doing double the work they did a few years ago. The strain upon the men was increased considerably. It was necessary to move nationally in this matter. It was necessary to move nationally in this matter. The companies could not then assist each other, as they had been able to do in the past. He heartily supported he items in the programme, and urged the necessity for thorough organisation.

A very interesting discussion followed. on the guaranteed week, in which Mr. fox, general secretary, A.S.L.E & F., took part. 

The meeting, which lasted three hours, terminated with the usual vote.


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THE OBJECTIVE

"The altered condition of service of the last five years has knocked all the spirit out of the men," is the opinion of a correspondent writing of the locomotive department on the Midland. "Railway workers," said a speaker recently, "were going lower and lower in the scale until they were becoming part of the railway machinery, and helping to road their fellows out of employment." Thee things are true. locomotive men on some of our railways are being reduced to mere machines, whose sole function it is to work and eat and sleep. This process has been going on to such an extent recently that the men in this department of railway life are in danger of losing their manhood and sinking into the position of mere slaves. And to what is the evil due? It is due entirely to the conditions under which the men live and work. It is due to the long hours, to the short periods of rest, to the more intense work exacted, and to the genera, character of the work performed. We have called attention again and again to changes which have been brought about, and which have resulted in such great saving in mileage and expenses to the companies at the expense of the men. These results can be tabulated and their effects weighed and pondered, but the evils to which we refer are so subtle, so silent in their influence, and yet so powerful in their ultimate results that they constitute the greatest menace to the morale of the men and even to their physical well being. It is for that reason that we ask the men of the locomotive department to give serious consideration to their present position and to set before themselves as an objective the attainment of the obvious remedy -- and eight hour day.

The question of long hours has ever been the stumbling block among the loco. men, and we are compelled to state that, in our opinion, they have been easily deluded by the transparent device of overtime and excessive hours into falling an easy prey to a lowering of their standard of life. Not only relatively, but actually, loco. men are worse off to day than they were 25 and 30 years ago. They have not only made none of the strides forward which other grades and other workmen have made, but, except in very few cases , they are actually worse off than they were. And the reasons are not far to seek. So long as they could work plenty of overtime and get a fairly decent sum at the end of the week they have been careless of the greater and more important question of the standard rate and the standard day. As a consequence, little by little, these have been interfered with by trip rates and mileage rates, until the results which we have pointed out have been attained. not only so, but a fatal division has been created in the ranks of the men themselves, and instead of presenting a compact and undivided front -- in one organisation -- they have been fighting each other, with the consequences which might naturally be expected. There can be and will be no improvement until the ranks are closed up and the men are thoroughly united on one specific remedy. Men who want "big weeks" now in preference to a shorter standard working day will find they are gradually undermining their own position, sapping their moral fibre, and exposing themselves and their fellows to grave risks of physical deterioration. The intensity of the present work demands a shorter working day. While there are numbers of drivers and firemen who cannot get a full week, there are others working twelve and 15 hours per day, and making weeks of 80 and 90 hours. More than that, and worse still, there are numbers of extra men, especially during the recent bad weather, who have been called on duty regularly at the end of an eight hours' respite for a fortnight or more, being absolutely robbed of an opportunity to do anything but work and eat and sleep, and with none too much of the latter.

The remedy for the state of affairs is thorough organisation of the men, which, when complete, shall be devoted to the obtaining of an eight hour working day and longer periods of rest. If the eight hour day were instituted, and each day paid for on its own basis, i.e., overtime to commence at the end of eight hours, and with proper provision for mileage rates where such exist, a large number of the other evils would disappear. There is no single reform which is so urgent, or which would yield such good results. It is necessary and just in itself, and would prove of incalculable benefit to the men and eventually to the companies themselves. It is doubtful if the cost would be more than nominal, as it would compel a better arrangement and organisation of the work, from which the companies would receive a decided advantage. The men would be improved materially, physical, and morally, and we venture to assert that the gain all round would be immense. It would automatically solve many of the evils of which the men complain, and others would be lessened almost immediately. We, therefore, appeal to loco. men to "lay aside every weight" which would hinder its attainment, to cast out their individual jealousies, to make the necessary sacrifices now, and, above all, to perfect their organisation with a view to securing as their objective the solution of this hours question. Railwaymen of all grades plump for an eight hour day. 




THE RAILWAY REVIEW

23RD DECEMBER 1904


NATIONAL LOCO. MOVEMENT

CARLISLE

Two well attended joint meetings were held in the Queen's Hall, Carlisle, on 18th inst., at 2.30 and 8 p.m., to promote the national loco. movement.

The following resolution was moved in the afternoon by Mr. Hodgson, and seconded by Mr. Povey:

"That this meeting of enginemen, firemen, and cleaners, recognising the ever increasing responsibilities placed upon us by the various companies, appeal to all locomotive men of Carlisle to at once throw off their apathy and join the ranks of unity, and calls upon the E.C.'s of the two societies to at once call a conference for the purpose of supporting a national programme." 

Mr. Moore (Carlisle), H. Parfitt (organising secretary A.S.L.E. & F.) and Mr. Taylor, of Leeds, in supporting the resolution, proved before their delighted bearers that it was absolutely necessary that we should organise ourselves against the ever increasing responsibilities which are being placed upon locomotive men.

The same resolution was moved in the evening by Mr. Jefferys, seconded by Mr. Hodgson, and supported by Mr. Shipley (of York), Mr. Taylor (Leeds), and Mr. H. Parfitt (organising secretary, A.S.L.E. & F.).

The various speakers gave their hearers another intellectual treat of reasoning in proving that it was most imperative that all those who are outside the pale of combination should at once organise, organise, organise.

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