U.S.A. RAILWAY STRIKE

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15028, 28 August 1922, Page 5

U.S.A. RAILWAY STRIKE

MAINTENANCE MEN'S DEMANDB. OVER 100 PER CENT INCREASE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) NEW YORK, August 27. An intensification of the railway strike position is threatened by the announcement at Chicago by Mr Grabbe, the president of the maintcnanceway employees organisation, that the Railway Labour Board will be asked to increase their pay from 23 to 48 cents an hour.

It is learned that the President intends waiting a few days to see what steps the railways take to meet the situation caused by the collapse of the peace negotiations, after which, if nothing is done to improve the service, lie will ask Congress to seize the lines. Mr Edge has introduced a resolution in the Senate empowering the President to seize the lines immediately.

Strung opposition lias developed in the Senate to legislation giving the Government extraordinary powers lo deal wilh the industrial situation. Both Mr .1. A. Reed and Mr A. 0. Stanley, Demoorals, opposed the Coal Commission Bill on the ground that sufficient law exists for 1 lie purpose and the proposed Investigation means useless delay. MiHeed suggested that the Congress adjourn sine die, adding that this would be the best service it could render the country.

Mr Stanley said that nationalisation of the coalmines would be a grave mistake, and would work injury to the nation.

Mr Cummins announced that he proposed to introduce legislation next week to empower the Administration lo take over some railways and the anthracite mines according to Mr Harding's wishes.