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/136

 railway companies there is a disposition on the part of locomotive superintendents to listen to representatives of our members, and to grant some concessions. Although they may not be altogether satisfactory, yet we think it is preferable to accept the advances offered than to run the risk of any serious conflict, even if results are not so satisfactory as we could wish for."

"A great deal has been said about giving evidence before the Select Committee on railway working. It will be remembered that a circular letter was sent to branches asking them if they were in favour of giving evidence, or if their interests would not be better served by interviewing the locomotive superintendent or directors, with a view to reducing working hours to ten daily as far as practicable. The branches were practically unanimous that it would be best to get an assurance direct from the officials that hours would be reduced as near to ten per day as possible."

A serious epidemic of influenza caused sick pay to rise to £2,277. It is interesting to note that the six superannuated members that year included Geo. Rushworth, of Leeds, first Treasurer of the Society. Other railway societies bitterly assailed the growing stability of the Associated, and the grounds chosen for these attacks were exceedingly foolish. For example, opponents started the rumour that the Associated was started by a lot of old men to enable them to get provision for themselves, whereas, although it was open to all enginemen and firemen from 1880 to 1883, irrespective of age, only three men over 60 years of age joined, and only 13 over 50 years. The average age of full benefit members was 32 years, and of those who joined in 1890 (numbering 874) the average age was 25 years.

Strong complaint was being made at the time about the system, of fines and suspensions as being cruelly unjust. "If men are to be fined," declared Mr. Sunter, "it should only be done after a thorough investigation by representatives of the company and the men. It is a very serious matter for a man to be fined a day's wages, and in some cases even £5, and in some cases suspended, for not being at the call of companies by day and night seven days