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/285

 age should be made firemen. That was at once a distinct gain, reacting on footplate conditions and making for greater safety.

Next it was agreed that a sliding scale arrangement should apply to war wages, an acceptance in September, 1918, of the scheme advocated by the Society in September of 1916. It was to operate to follow the increased cost of living upwards, but not to reduce the war wage below 30s. in any circumstances. This was the second notable gain, and thirdly certain pledges to the Society, as to after-conditions, were renewed and enlarged upon. The flat rate figures of 5s. and 2s. 6d. were not increased, except that the flat rate advance should be paid back from August 5th, as being near the date of application. On September 19th a further and final conference was held at the Board of Trade without agreement or further offer. The sub-committee therefore returned to the full Executive, and whilst consideration was being given to the position, it was learned that the N.U.R. had accepted the settlement. That distinctly altered the outlook, and the question to face was of using the Society's strength alone to enforce something better, or to realise that the pace had been forced to the utmost limit the War Cabinet would concede, and to accept.

The latter course was adopted. It was agreed to accept the position under protest, and the terms of settlement were not signed by the Society. The terms were as follow:—

"5s. per week increase to those over 18; 2s. 6d. to those under 18; to date from Monday, September 23rd, with back payment from August 5th, a sliding scale arrangement to be set up at once to revise the war wage on every increase of four or five per cent., taking 110 per cent. in its relationship to 30s. as the basis."

After the close of negotiations the Executive passed the following resolution on September 20th:—

"That we accept under strong protest the ultimatum of the War Cabinet of the award of 5s. and 2s. 6d., and we appoint a sub-committee of the Executive Council to meet representatives of the Government with a view to consider, and if possible