RAILWAYS, 165
a workshop committee was set up on one of the railways and in later
years committees have been formed on all Class I railways, with the
exception of two of the smaller administrations. These committees
are differently designated as shop, welfare or staff committees and,
although there are differences of constitution and functions, the
general principles underlying all are those indicated by the Chief
Commissioner in 1923. In each case a commencement has been
made with the establishment of a joint committee, either in the
workshop or in the traffic department, after which similar com-
mittees have usually: been organised for other branches of the staff.
We have received a good deal of evidence as to the advantages and dis-
advantages of the system of joint works committees and have been
supplied with statements giving particulars of the subjects dealt with
by different committees and the manner of their disposal. These show
that committees on some of the railways are serving a useful purpose
and are meeting with a measure of success, In spite of opposition on the
part of some of the trade unions. If ig natural that the unions should
object to the encouragement given by the administrations to the works
committees which the unions look upon as rival institutions, unde-
mocratic in constitution, and concerning the setting up of which they
have not been consulted. The All-India Railwaymen’s Federation
observes that “so-called welfare committees * are set up only when the
unions show signs of increasing activity. Although this statement
may not be in accordance with the facts, it is worthy of remark that the
two Class Trailways on which there are no unions are the two on which
no steps have been taken to form works committees.
Trade Unions.
We discuss general questions relating to trade unionism in India
in a later chapter, and invite the attention of all concerned in the
growth of the movement on railways, whether as employers or employed,
bo that chapter. There are, however, certain special questions concern-
ing the relations of the railway administrations to trade unions
which require more detailed treatment, and are best dealt
with here. We have been supplied with particulars of trade
unions of employees on railways which show that labour unions
are, or have been, in operation on ten of the Class I railways, on some
of which as many as three or four operate at the same time. Almost
all are registered under the Trade Unions Act, and the majority have
received some measure of recognition by the administrations
soncerned. Many railway trade unions came into existence during
the period 19189]. Although some ceased to exist after short
spells of active life and others marked time except for occasional efforts at
direct action, several of those now in existence are actively looking after
the interests of their members and show promise of improved organisation
nd usefulness. There is an increasing tendency to look for office-bearers
ind executive officers from amongst union members actually engaged
n railway work. and with more experience some of the office-bearors