U.S.A. TROUBLES

Grey River Argus, 19 November 1946, Page 5

U.S.A. TROUBLES

RISE OF PRICES Coal Strike this Week MAY FOLLOW 40 HOUR WEEK DEMAND. NEW YORK, Nov. 16. In the United States food costs have risen by 56 per cent, since June 25. In the same period the average of all prices has risen by 45 per cent. Since President Truman’s decontrol order on November 8, the price average has risen by 7h per cent. Officials predict that prices will begin falling in January. / WASHINGTON, Nov. 16.

The United States Government anticipating a strike on November 20 by 400,000 miners, has frozen all stocks of soft ’coal.

The Secretary of the Interior (Mr. J. A. Krug) had been negotiating with the President of the United Mine Workers, Mr. J. L. Lewis. Mr. Krug said President Truman proposed that Mr. Lewis should meet the coal employers with a view to arranging direct contact with the union, thereby paving the way for the retransfer of miners from the Government to the owners. '

Mr. Lewis on behalf of the United Mine Workers, threatened a nationwide stoppage of coal and production last May and at that time the Government took control of the mines. Mr. Lewis later stated his contract with the Government will end on Wednesday night next. Mr. Truman issued a statement urging the miners to reconsider their decision in the interests of all concerned. He said: “The Government cannot replace private management as a bargaining agent without interfering with true collective bargaining between management and labour.”

He added that this principle had been frequently vigorously endorsed by leading representatives of management and labour, including the United Mine Workers and Mr. Lewis. The nation had not yet recovered from the long, costly coal strike of last spring. Since then insufficient coal had been available for the railways, utilities, and household needs for the coming winter. In the face of this situation Mr. Lewis asked that the coal contract of May 9 should be reopened. Mr. Truman said that Mr. Krug’s proposal for a direct employer and union contract was accepted by the Coal Management Committee and was fair and equitable to all parties. The. Associated Press says that traditionally the coal miners will not work without a contract, and that presumably the miners will cease work on November 20.

The United Press says: “Evidence is growing that the Government is ready for a fight if Mr. Lewis wants one. Mr. Lewis is reported to have demanded that the new contract should provide the same pay for a 40-hour week as the miners are at present receiving for 54 hours.

PACIFIC SHIPPING STRIKE SETTLED

(Received November 18, 8.45 p.m.). SAN FRANCISCO, November 17.

An agreement, has been reached between the management and the unions to end the U.S. West Coast shipping strike. No details are given, but resumption of work is tentatively set for 8 a.m. on Wednesday. The agreement is subject to ratification by the unions.

U.S. Risks Economic Collapse C. 1.0. LEADER’S WARNING (Rec. 9.10). NEW YORK, Nov. 17. Mr Philip Murray, the C. 1.0. President. in a report for the C.1.0.’s National Convention, opening tomorrow, said: “The only way for the United States to escape an economic collapse is to raise wages, and red uo'prices”.

Mr Murray has demanded a return to strong price controls, with the reimposition of the excess profits tax. and the maintenance of controls' over the scarce materials.

A special committee, representing both the C.1.0.’s Right and Left Wings, have issued a statement that the C. 1.0. resents and has rejected efforts by the Communist Party, or any other political party, to interfere in C. 1.0. affairs.