Railway Strikes

The railway workshop strike at Kharagpur has not yet ended in spite of the efforts made by the Acting Agent of the Bengal-Nagpur Railway on the spot.  The causes of the strike appear to be purely economical, the men being unable to live on the wages paid to them owing to high prices and the absence of special measures to secure them facilities. The strike at Lucknow is probably due to similar causes and the latest report says that representatives of the workmen will submit their grievances to the authorities. It is a pity that these strikes should have been allowed to take place at all, and the situation indicates an utter want of mutual sympathy and understanding between employers and employees. The Industrial commission’s report talks of welfare work among working classes and the provision of proper housing and other conveniences. One of the most urgent requirements is the opening of grain and cloth shops at every industrial centre where men can purchase food and raiment at cost price.