116 INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION AND WAGES

that capital is entitled to a profit commensurate with the
hazard of the particular industry in question, and both must
work in harmony if either is to survive.

REPRESENTATIVE OPINIONS OF ORGANIZED LABOR
RAILROAD LABOR ORGANIZATIONS!
Reduced to its simplest terms and form, our combined
requests for an increase in rates of pay may be stated as
follows:

1. A minimum living wage is requested for unskilled labor.
2. The establishment of differentials above the living
wage rate for unskilled labor, corresponding to the
relative degree of skill, hazard and responsibility.
To make this practically possible within several weeks, we
respectfully request that your honorable body adopt the following
 policy:
1. Determine and award a living wage to unskilled
workers.
Decide and announce the principle by which differentials
 above the minimum living wage rates are to be
established for skill, responsibility, experience, training
and hazard.

2

Such a decision on the part of your honorable body would
place the great army of railroad workers upon the basis of a
decent American standard of living; would provide special
remuneration for skill, hazard and responsibility; and would
thus guarantee an equitable participation of all classes of
employees in the results of their labors. Existing strife and
discontent between railway employees and management under
these conditions would be immediately reduced and a permanent
 foundation would be laid for working relations on a
peaceable basis. The highest interest of our country and the
hest interests of the railroad companies themselves would
also be subserved by such action by the board as we request.

1 Combined Request of all Railroad Brotherhoods and Other Labor Organi
zations before United States Railroad Labor Board, 1921.