NO SETTLEMENT

Grey River Argus, 22 June 1943, Page 5

NO SETTLEMENT

U.S. Coal Strike FEARS OF GENERAL STRIKE. WASHINGTON, June 20. The negotiations between the coal operators and the united mine workers collaused, increasing the probability of a nation-wide coal strike at midnight to-night. Meanwhile, more than 70,000 miners are striking. If a general strike is declared to-morrow 130,0ud workers will be idle. Mr. F. Z. Ravenhorn, Wage Conference Chairman, announced the conference was adjourned sine die, thus barring an immediate resumption of negotiations After to-day’s meeting, the employ ers (mine operators) telegraphed Mr. Ickes and the War Labour Board Chairman (Mr. Davis): “No possibility of agreement exists.” They added that negotiations broke down because the miners were not willing to relinquish the claim to portal pay, which the War Labour Board nas refused on the ground it is a matter for the Courts to decide. The United States Union of Mine Workers announced that they would refuse to sign the wage contract provision stipulated by the War Labour Board, but stated that it would work for the Government itself. Mr. Lewis refused to comment on th.e breakdown, but said the United Mine Workers’ Association’s policy committee meeting later would decide future action. The Associated Press learns authoritatively that neither Mr. Lewis nor the operators made any new proposal during the week-end conferences, Mr. Lewis steadfastly refusing to recognise the War Labour Board’s authority, or to sign the contract as the Board directed.