The Delta independent., 1913-10-24
A Statement Of the
Coal Strike Situation

Prior to the calling of the present coal strike,
substantial differences existed between the mine
owners and their workmen. Only a small minority
of the miners were members of union. The
United Mine Workers of America claimed a member
ship in that organization on May 81, 1913, in the
states of Colorado, Utah and New Meico Of only
2,04S. out of total of $4,000 men employed APPROX
mately 1000 of these members were enrolled from
the northern part of Colorado where strike has
been in progress for many months; and 1000 from
points elsewhere In this state and in Utah and New
Mexico.
Some weeks ago of the officials of the United
Mine Workers to this state and announced pub
ncly and privately that it his purpose to bring
about the recognition of his organization by the
OF all coal mines-that is. It his purpose and
that of his union to compel the operators to sign
form OF contract which among other things. requires
and permits the employment OF union men only in
and about coal mines.
Because Of this and many other stipulatons in this
socaed contract, which is impossible OF enforcement
against the union-a voluntary irresponsible and
incorporated socety-and because Of the fact that
few of the working in the mines members of
this organization and were making demands, the
operators declined to negotiate upon the subject.
Thereupon the union official mentioned announced
that although fully empowered to do so, he would
not call strike enforce his demands, but would
refer the matter to convention of representatives
selected by the miners in all the coal camps of the
state A convention was called. 1t met in Trinidad
Two hundred and fifty socalled delegates pres
ent. One hundred were striking and idle miners
from northern Colorado; fifty thoreabouts were
officers or paid employees the union. The rest
selected by those in charge of this convention
and in represented the actually at work
in the mines In few If instances were delegates
selected by the actually employed in the coal
camps. This CONVENTION voted to call strike
and 1t was accordingly called for the 23d inst. At
that time approximately so per cent of the men en-
gagged in and about the coal mines laid down their
tools.
The real and first the frankly avowed, object of
the strike leaders-to compel the operators to sign
the union contract-has now, for effect upon the pub
lie been increased to include number Of new de-
mands which properly appeal. with some force, to
all rght-thnking who not definitely advised
of the facts.
An advance of 10 per cent in wages is demanded
This cannot be conceded. The wages of the miners
voluntarily advanced 10 per cent by the opera
in April, 1872 and business conditions do not
justify further advance at this time The coal
miners of this state receive high, higher com
pensaton for their work than those of any state in
the union with the coal from which that mined in
this state comes in competition. In August last the
miners employed at 46 the mines this state the
records of which are available. received average
wage of 1884 per day, and they could have worked
had they elected to do 26 days during the month at
complained in this regard. and 1t has remained for
nearly every mine. The men themselves have not
union organizers from elsewhere to discover here
grievance.
A semimonthly pay day, eight hour work day
and check weighman demanded by TIE leaders
of the union precpitating this strike. It is
orally known that the operators in this state have
paid their men twice month for many months.
An eighthour work day voluntarily put in force
in the mines some time before the statute of the
state required 1t. There is a mine owner in Colo
radO W not hfa mep fo hay cba