[PRCo] Pittsburgh Railways' 56-Day Strike Ends 12/9/57

[Holland Electric Rwy. Op. H.E.R.O. -- Import SPTC 1.48 Models // James B. Holland]

Good Evening, Everyone:

            It was 48 years ago December 9 when Pittsburgh Railways PCC 
streetcars ran again as the bitter 56-day strike was settled.  A 26 
cents hourly raise-- 14 cents now, 6 cents in December, 1958, and 6 
cents in March, 1959-- was the highlight of the 2-year contract with 
fringe benefits added.  Railways' President C.D. Palmer warned of higher 
fares in the "not distant future" when he accepted the plan on Sunday, 
December 8, 1957, after the union overwhelmingly voted for it.  The 
compromise, as accepted, was put forward by Mayor David Lawrence, civic 
leaders, and Federal mediators.

            Pittsburgh-McKeesport route 56 (via Glenwood Bridge) was 
unable to open on Sunday, December, 9, 1957, as some poles needed 
replacement.  But the rest of the system was expected to be open for 
business at 5:00 that Monday morning.  The 2 Railways-owned inclines, 
Knoxville and Castle Shannon, were to be checked on the 9th and resume 
service on Tuesday, December 10.

           Strike losses approximated $3,000,000 in company gross 
revenues, of which half would have been paid out in wages.  Downtown 
stores also lost much revenue.

 From HEADWAY RECORDER, December, 1957, page 1.

           Very Sincerely,

           Dennis M. Linsky



Jim__Holland


I__Like__Ike.......And__PCCs!!

down with pantographs ---- UP___WITH___TROLLEYPOLES!!!!!!!