ILABOR’S NEW STATUS

290§

“B. & O. Plan,” so far as a direct participation in revenue
gains from increased productive efficiency is concerned,
will be checked until its basis of acceptance by the railroads
is broadened, or until such a policy is approved by the Congress
 by an amendment to the existing law.

TraE HANSEL SUGGESTION

An excellent suggestion, however, along this line has
been made by Mr. Charles Hansel, the eminent railroad
engineer and consultant. In his opinion, it would be promotive
 of railroad operating efficiency and of benefit to all
concerned in the material progress of this country if Congress
 changed the Transportation Act so that part of the
recapture earnings go to the operating personnel of the
carrier from whom the excess earnings are recaptured, as a
reward for the increased efficiency of men and management.
 This proposal should receive the favorable consideration
 of the Congress, as it would stimulate economic
and efficient railway operation, thus benefiting the shipper
and the people. It is also in accord with the most successful
 practical experience in cooperation, such as that under
the Mitten Plan in Philadelphia, and is basically conservative,
 as management and workers would not participate in
productive gains until after a fair return had accrued to
invested capital. Its adoption would go a long way toward
insuring peace in the transportation industry and would be
a most stimulating tonic to the morale, and to the spirit of
economic accomplishment by railroad workers and management,


Tae UN1TED MINE WORKERS AND THE Rocky
MouNTAIN Futer COMPANY

A recent agreement in part of the coal fields of Colorado
marks the beginning of real union-management coopera-