The daily tribune., 1907-10-09
SITUATION IN
COAL CAMPS
AT PRESENT

III discussing the present unrest IN
the coal camps of this county with
one of the very conservative miners,
The Tribune was given full informa-
tion of the plans of the employees of
the companies as outlined up to this
date. 1t is not the desire of the men
to force strike and in fact there
may not be any, but it is limited hat
unless the different companies acceed
to the demands of the men, in full
or in part, that strike is likely to
he frustrated.
They claim that for some time past
the wages of coal miners and day
men have been increased in number
of regions foreign to this one but
there have been no intimation that
wages would be changed, and, be-
liveing that those who help them
selves fare better than those who
never seek assistance, have decided
to make demands upon their employ
ers for shorter hours and a decided in
crease of pay.
As yet, however, the demands have
not been fully formulated by the
men. That is they are not yet in
presentable shape to be put before the
coal companies, But this informant
says that the companies will be asked
to increase the pay of the miners
about fifteen per cent; increase the pay
of the driver, timberman and other
inside employees from 81 % to 81. %
n day, an increase of thirty cents per
diem and about fifteen per cent ON the
pay of what are known as top hands.
In addition to this the men are going
to ask for an eight hour work day.
This latter demand, however, may
be waived if the salary increase is
granted AS matter of fact the coal
miners now seldom work more than
eight hours and after they quit there
is little to be done by day men. 1t is
not the desire of the men to strike
and at present none is anticipated,
but this is likely to be the result if
some kind of a concession is not
granted by the operators. At this
time the coal companies are paying
eighty-five cents ton for 1000
pounds Of run of mine coal. If the
increase sought is given, the pay will
be something like u the ton.
The threatened trouble il to be
confined to the mines of Fremont
county, as far rs present demands are
concerned. So far the movement is
almost exclusively against the Colo
RADIO Fuel and Iron company, which
works the Rockvale, Coal Greek and
Brookside mines, but there is move
ment on foot to have all the mines
brought in, the independents, the
Rocky Mountain Fuel Co. aud the
Victor Fuel company The latter
company runs the Radiant and Chand-
Ter mines and the Rocky Mountain
company the Ocean Wave at Will
liamsburg.
If this movement eau be affected
and should strike order be issued
the order would likely be generally
obeyed over the county as organizers
for the United Mine Workers have
been busy for the last three months
organizing and strengthening local
unions until today nearly every miner
In the county Is member. This is
one reason for getting the men mt all
the mines in on the movement.
At the meeting to be held at Rock
vale the demands are to be written
out and handed to the representa- YES
Of the companies. Then reasonable
length OF time will be given In which
the operators can consider the ques-
ton. On the reply Of the operators
depends the future action Of the mon.
At this time there is little talk of
strike. but II is said to bc the under.
current which Ia working In case OF
an absolute refusal on the part OF
the coal companies.
The Tribune's informant says that
this is the opportunc time In which