The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-11-09
PRESIDENTS LABOR COMMISSION
SETTLES ARIZONA COPPER STRIKE
Arbitration Acceptable Both Sides Determine Questions
Arising in the Fuure-Strike Reduced Produc-
tiOn Sixty Million Pounds


telegram has been received fror
the presidents labor commission i
the copper fields of Arizona:
"The strike in the Globe -Miam
copper district of Arizona is set
tied. The presidents mediation com
mission has succeeded in workin,
out a plan of adjustment which ha
been accepted by the managers O.
the Old Dominion, Miami, Inspira
tion and the International Smelter
the controlling mines; President
Meyer, of the International Unior
of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers
and the local unions which are out
on strike. This means the early re.
sumption of copper production at its
full capacity by the most important
copper center in Arizona, if not in
the United States.
"The normal monthly output of
the Globe Miami district is about
21,OOO,O0O pounds of copper, requir-
ing working force of over 5000
men. The strike has affected this
district since July 2 with an inter-
ruption in the production of copper
amounting to loss of over co.
100000 pounds. While there has
been very gradual resupmtion of
work, it is far below the normal,
and there was no promise of set
tlement which would have assured
the governments need for copper
for the prosecution of the war in
the absence of intervention by the
government.
"The presidents meditation COM
mission proceeded in its labors upon
the following principles:
"The country must have the maxi
mum uninterrupted output of cop
per during the period of the war.
No grievances on the part of the
workers, whether we'll founded or
imaginary, must be allowed to re-
suit in stoppage of production. Prac-
ticable machinery must be devised
for the adjustment of grievances,
whether real or imaginary, to pre-
vent stoppage of production.
Plan of Settlement
ITO carry these principles into
execution, the plan of settlement
reached by the presidents commission
embodies the following chief fea-
lures:
First. The establishment of
workers committee for each mine.
wholly independent of any influence,
direct or indirect, to be exercised by
the company. This committee is to
be composed exclusively of men
working at each mine with the right,
however, of union members to have
a union representative in the pres
entation of grievances.
Second. The employment of
those now on strike, except those
guilty of seditious utterances against
the United States or those who have
in an organization
that does not recognize the
obligation of contract. In
providing for the unemployment, an
important principle is introduced in
that the district is treated as an
Industrial unit, instead of the indi-
vidual mine. Unemployment is to
De secured through a central en-
ployment committee for the district.
This provision is made because the
abor shortage of the district, as
we'll as the growing labor shortage
throughout the country, requires the
'ull utilization of all available man
'ower and the regulated employment
If the men on strike.
Appointment of u. S. Arbitrator
Third. The impartial and effec-
i've working of the scheme is as
ured through the appointment of
United States arbitrator, acceptable
o both sides, who is to determine
ii disputed questions of fact as to :
which the management and the men
annot in the first instance agree.
The success Of the settlement rests
N the loyal spirit of all parties
n carrying out the agreement. But
he arbitrator is necessary to Sc {
ure the settlement of any difficult
les as to which in perfect good faith
he two sides may not agree.
"The machinery thus provided is
n substitution of strikes and lock-
uts during the period of the war.
With the reestablishment of good
elations between the mines and the II
nen which is confidently hoped for
here is every prospect of a steady d
Increase in the production of copper v
n tha Glohe- Miami dictr;ot and tho q