The foundation for this proceeding was to be found in a so-called moratorium provision in the agreements signed by the parties in 1951-1952. The moratoruim provided for wage adjustments when the wage stabilization policy permitted so-called annual improvement wage increases. A referee was to be appointed by the President if the paries were unable to agree that a wage increase was justified. The President appointed paul N. Guthrie as referee on December 1, 1952.
From the description of Eastern, Western and Southeastern Carriers Conference Committees and the Railway Labor Org. (Operating and non-operating). Briefs and award, 1952. (Cornell University Library). WorldCat record id: 180689793