John R. Raynes

“ The agreement had been duly observed, but the increase in the cost of living during the war had rendered it necessary that an improvement in the men's wages should take place. The present war bonus was 15s, per week to men over 18 years of age, and a lower amount to women and boys, the total cost being about £22,000,000 per annum. Quite recently, both the trade unions concerned made fresh proposals to the railway companies. ”

“ It meant that the Board of Trade would assist the Society in preventing excessive hours, and gave the Executive power to again approach the Railway Executive for increased remuneration, despite the fact that the Government had turned the War Bonus into War Wages, without asking the Society. ”

“ By such struggles are the rights of men secured. The effects of the agreement were to reduce working hours by 18 hours weekly on the Caledonian and Great North of Scotland; by 24 hours weekly on the Highland, and by varying amounts on the different English and Welsh lines. The contest reduced the hours of all railway workers, for as the Society delegates walked out with their documents, the N.U.R. walked in. ”

“ The General Secretary therefore visited the Board of Trade on the same day, and as a result met Sir Albert Stanley, the President, on August 2nd. Communication remained continuous until August 9th, when the sub-committee twice visited the Board of Trade, and told Sir Albert Stanley of the serious danger of any failure to reach agreement. ”

“ The increase of members during the year was 2,665, with nine new branches opened. The value per member was £6 7s. 2d., in spite of the rapid growth of figures, and few societies could touch such a proportion. ”

“ They caught the 1.15 ex Leeds to London, and met Sir A. Stanley at the Board of Trade the same evening. Mr. Bromley, be it remembered, was all this time trying to conduct his Parliamentary contest in North East Leeds, having given up Morley to Mr. Ben Turner. Owing to engagements in Leeds, Mr. Bromley could not accompany the Committee to London until Friday, and Sir Albert Stanley specially asked Mr. Bromley, in a personal talk over the telephone, to follow on and to join the Executive in the final discussion. This Mr. ”