U.S.A. COAL MINES

Grey River Argus, 22 May 1944, Page 2

U.S.A. COAL MINES

GOVERNMENT CONTROL MAY

CEASE.

(Rec. 6.30) WASHINGTON, May 20. After a controversy lasting a year, and involving four general strikes, the War Labour Board has approved .of a wage agreement between Mr. J. L. Lewis, of the Mineworkers’ Association, and seventy per cent, of the bituminous coal mining operators. This probably will result in a withdrawal of Government control of bituminous mines. The new contract follows the pattern of a governmental agreement with the antracite miners made on November 6 1943, providing for a daily, wage eight dollars fifty cents, including portal to portal pay. The % new decision also offers a flat payment of forty dollars for each miner for a settlement of retroactive travel pay claims, cabled on April 15 last. However the dispute is not vet ended, because the Southern Appalachian coal mine operators, representing thirty per cent, of the coal industry, have refused 1 to sign the contract, they declaring that they will test the case in court.