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/300



That three suits of combination overalls be supplied and laundered at the expense of the Railway Management, one top coat, one reefer Jacket, and two caps to be supplied. These to be supplied annually.

Enginemen, Motormen, Firemen, and Electric Trainmen who, from ill-health or defective eyesight brought about by their employment, are taken off the footplate, shall be retained in the Company's employment, and be paid not less than the rate of pay they were receiving when taken off the footplate,

All Footplatemen and Motormen shall be compelled to retire from their work after 35 years service, and shall receive not less than two-thirds of their wages as a pension on retirement. That all rights, privileges, customs, practices, and conditions not affected by the aforementioned wages and conditions shall remain in force as heretofore.

Monday, March 24th, saw the final conference in the renewed negotiations between our representatives, Sir Albert Stanley, and the Railway Executive. The interpretation of the Government's offer had been decided, and to that extent an agreement was reached, The representatives of the National Union of Railwaymen and the Associated Society of Locomotive Enginemen and Firemen again met Sir Albert Stanley (President of the Board of Trade) and the Railway Executive at the Board of Trade. Sir Auckland Geddes and Sir Robert Horne (Minister of Labour) were also present.

At the conclusion of the conference, after seven o'clock, Mr. Bromley said: "A general agreement has been reached. It is not a final settlement; it is only an understanding so far as we have gone. I am more satisfied to-night with the progress that has been made than I have been hitherto all through the negotiations, as we have at last arrived at something tangible.

"If the same spirit is kept up during future negotiations as bas predominated during the last few days, I am convinced that a final amicable settlement will be arrived at. I think, from the assurances that have been given us by the representatives of the Government. that our members will have nothing to fear from a little more patience. Personally, I feel that what has already been practically agreed upon, if ratified by the Executive Committee of my Society and the representatives of the other unions, should be immediately put into operation, so that the men could gain the benefit from it at once."