Retribution came hot foot upon the Government for its long procrastination and nearness in making a bargain. Within six weeks of the settlement just quoted coming into operation, all systems were standing absolutely still. The National Strike of 1919 forms the first part of the following chapter, there remaining a few other matters to clear up in this remarkable year 1919. Mr. Bromley was nominated and accepted as prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Attercliffe Division of Sheffield, in succession to the late Mr. W. C. Anderson, M.P., Mr. D. S. Humphreys, of Mexborough, who had presided at several A.A.D.'s, and Mr. R. T. Mackereth, the indefatigable Secretary of York No. 1, were elected to the Executive Committee, and several matters arising out of misinterpretation of the recent agreements called for special meetings with the R.E.C. A meeting had been held at Euston Station on Tuesday, August 26th, which arrived at agreed interpretations of the recent agreements, the Society being represented by Messrs. Worthy Cooke and W. A. Stevenson. The National Programme was fashioned by the October Special Conference, to contain the following:—
- Six hours to constitute a day.
- Sunday Duty: Double time from 12 noon Saturday to 7 a.m. Monday.
- Night Duty: Time and a half from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Double time to be paid for overtime between those hours.
- Good Friday, Christmas Day, and all Bank and Labour Holidays to be paid for at double time. For Scotland, January 1st and 2nd to be substituted for Christmas Day and Good Friday.
- Overtime All overtime to be paid for at double time.
- Guaranteed day for each time of signing on, or for availability.
- Guaranteed Week, exclusive of Sunday duty.
- Rest: Twelve hours at home station, or nine hours away from home, between each turn of duty, except in regard to race and excursion trains.
