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/318

 Society sent a wire to the N.U.R. suggesting a joint meeting to take steps to support the victimised police, for those who struck were not reinstated, and another wire was sent to the Parliamentary Committee of the T.U.C, advising support for the police, even to the extent of industrial action. The Executive met the N.U.R., and then meeting separately they reported a similar conclusion, that owing to the meagre support given by the members of the Police Union to their colleagues, they could not call out their members. Meantime, a sympathetic strike of our members had begun at Nine Elms and Stockwell, and the Tube men were anxious for instructions. All were instructed to return to work at once. The Yorkshire miners' strike caused a suspension of the guaranteed week clause, and members losing time through it were paid benefit according to rule.

The Board of Trade invited the Society to appoint one representative to an Eyesight Test Committee being formed, and after a resolution of protest, an additional representative was conceded. It was decided to recall the 1919 A.A.D. during October, to formulate the National Programme previously quoted, for presentation to the Railway Executive. An increase of contributions by twopence weekly was also recommended to branches, in view of the re-consideration of salaries and wages paid to officials, staff, and organizers. Branches were therefore invited to send in amendments to rules by October 6th, in accordance with the Special Conference agenda.

Quieter, but more important than all this, there continued the tide of negotiations with the Railway Executive. On July 30th an improved standard of wages and conditions was offered, which Sir H. Walker described as absolutely their final offer, and he was informed at once that it was not acceptable. It was then decided to approach the War Cabinet with a view to further raising the standard rates of wages and reducing the period of years between advances. On the same day a letter was sent to Mr. Lloyd George to that effect:

"The reason for this request is that after some months' negotiation my Executive have to-day received from the Railway