06-01-2010, 05:42 AM
Matt,One thing we need to remember is back then the railroads and railroad unions was a force to be reckon with.The days of cheap slave labor and long work days was over its demise started with the railroad shop and track workers strike of 1877 which was filled with violence(both sides was equally guilty) that lead to many deaths including women and children gunned down by State militia..It took Federal troops to restore order and end the violence..Of course the railroad/union battle would rage on several more years before better working conditions was won by the crafts unions and by the 20s a shop men could enjoy a 8-10 hour work day with regular days off-depending on the company/union work agreement set forth in their contract..Of course the track men,building and bridge gangs could travel miles before their pay started.Here's the rub..These workers was on the job 10-14 hours(depending on distance traveled) and was getting paid 8 hours.
So,the railroads wanted to find ways to cut cost and that meant cutting jobs if possible by modernization..Also note the railroads could no longer cut the employees pay with every sour business wind that blew.This was the bases of the 1877 strike.
So,the railroads wanted to find ways to cut cost and that meant cutting jobs if possible by modernization..Also note the railroads could no longer cut the employees pay with every sour business wind that blew.This was the bases of the 1877 strike.
Larry
Engineman
Summerset Ry
Make Safety your first thought, Not your last! Safety First!
Engineman
Summerset Ry
Make Safety your first thought, Not your last! Safety First!