Page:Engines and men- the history of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen. A survey of organisation of railways and railway locomotive men (IA enginesmenhistor00rayniala).pdf/128

 greatly affected, and considering the great number of enginemen and firemen in the county, we are of opinion that the present time would be inopportune for the men to strike.

"3. We strongly urge our members not to strike, but to act strictly to the rules of the Society, and not be led away by men unacquainted with the duties of enginemen and firemen.

"4. Any member refusing to work without the consent of the Society Executive, as per Rule 20, Clause I., shall not be entitled to any benefits."

This mandate, however, did not cool the indignation of the Taff Vale men, and they struck work. On August 31st, after the struggle was over, the Executive "Resolved that we grant to all our members who were affected by the Taff Vale Railway strike an equivalent to strike pay, and the secretary of Cardiff branch be instructed to pay them."

There was just time to pull in a discussion and decision upon a proposal for amalgamation or federation of the railway unions (there have been several such), before Scotland drew all attention, because of the 1891 strike on the railways in that "bonnie land beyond the Tweed." First let us settle amalgamation as briefly as the Executive settled it (November 30th, 1890):

"'Resolved that, after reading the memorandum of agreement entered into between the four secretaries of the railway societies on November 24th, 1890, viz.: Edward Harford, A.S.R.S.; H. Tait, A.S.R.S. of S.; Charles Watson, G.R.W.U.; and T. G. Sunter, A.S.L.E. & F.; we do not allow our General Secretary to attend any meetings convened by the other kindred societies until the aforesaid societies have submitted their proposals for federation, and they have been agreed to by us as an Executive, and the General Secretary write and inform other secretaries of our decision.'"

January of 1891 saw the heat of strife in Scotland, and a grant of £300 from the Executive to help those taking part.

A Select Committee was appointed by the House of Commons,