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