Virginian in 1912--First strike

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Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Sunday, February 4, 1912

FIRST STRIKE OF VIRGINIAN EMPLOYES ENDS
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Differences Adjustment Friday Night and Shopmen Resumed Work Yesterday
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RAILROAD YIELDS ON NEARLY EVERY POINT
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Articles Agreed Upon to be Signed Up by Both Parties Either on the 15th or the 21st of the Present Month
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SHOP FORCE MUST BE GREATLY INCREASED SOON
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    At a conference held at Princeton on Friday night, between the Virginian railroad officials and the leaders of the striking shopmen, it is reported that all matters of difference existing between the railroad and the men were amicably adjusted.  The men returned to work in the Princeton shops at 12:30 o'clock yesterday and it is understood strikers at other points along the line did likewise.
    Thus ends the first strike of the Virginian employes.  It began on last Wednesday morning and lasted for nearly four days, effecting between 400 and 500 men at the Princeton shops.
    By the terms of settlement it is understood, the railway authorities yielded on nearly every point, except that they reserved the right to rearrange the labor scale.  The articles agreed upon are to be signed by both parties either on the 15th or the 21st of the present month, there being some discrepancy as to which date.
    The railroad has agreed to hereafter observe the seniority rule in the discharge of the employes, which was one of the chief bones of contention between the parties.  It is certain also that the railroad will be compelled in the near future to greatly increase its shop force at Princeton.  The repairing to be done is enormous and the tonnage of the road has so outgrown the equipment that more engines and cars are badly needed and many more miles of siding are necessary.  The superintendent, Lewis R. Taylor, is exceedingly popular with the men on his division and has worked faithfully night and day to end the strike with justice to both sides.  And thereby he has received the commendation of all the employes, as well as the praise of his superiors in the adjustment of the matters in issue.
    The meeting Friday night and yesterday extended over several hours.  Superintendent of Motive Power Slayton represented the company, while representatives of the various unions at Page, Elmore, Victoria, Roanoke, Norfolk and other points along the line of the system constituted the grievance committee.
    The men declare that the arrangement is in the nature of a compromise that insures the continuation of work, but they say it will not be binding for any length of time.
    The working agreement between the company and the unions for 1912 has not been signed.  This will be considered at a meeting to be held at Norfolk, when the men assert their confidence of gaining all of their demands.
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Gordon Hamilton
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