Confessions of a Railroad SignalmanFagan, James O. (James Octavius)
History
Confessions of a Railroad Signalman
Fagan, James O. (James Octavius)
Railroad accidents; Railroads; Railroads -- United States -- Employees
Of course the discussion of these matters relating to the personality
of railroad men, to be of any practical value, must be followed by
action or experiment of some kind. Years ago, I proposed to the
managements of several railroads that we, the men in the operating
departments, should be invited to form a “Safety League.” I thought
it would be a good idea to have a badge or button of some kind. There
would then be no doubt in the public mind as to our interest in the
problem. “Let us try the experiment,” I said. “We can at least show
that there is one division of one railroad in the United States
where the men have come together, talked over the difficulties, and
determined to make an improvement in the records.”
But it was pointed out to me that the one great objection to the plan
was the fact that leaders of our organizations would immediately veto
anything of the kind. They have always frowned upon any such democratic
relationship between men and management, such as a Safety League would
initiate. It is doubtful, however, if these objections would stand a
little public investigation and pressure, and therefore I think the
present is an opportune moment to revive the proposition. There would
be no chance for friction between labor men and management in the
efforts of the League to improve the service. The main object of the
League would be to arouse our interest and concentrate our attention
upon the routine of our daily work, into which certain factors that
imperil the safety of travel have been allowed to enter. We railroad
men are still too human to render the best service without a certain
amount of emulation and encouragement. A Safety League could be
depended upon to furnish this much-needed stimulus. If managers and
labor leaders would come out in the open, in the way I have indicated,
and let the public see by this practical demonstration of their
interest that they are thoroughly in earnest, I am sure they would find
the employees ready and willing to second their efforts. That a Safety
League among American railroad men would be worth the candle can be
thoroughly comprehended if we give a moment’s attention to the endless
string of fatalities and the millions in money losses that are now the
recognized tribute that is being paid to these failures in duty.
For the rest, to the thoughtful railroad man, a final word remains to
be said:--
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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