The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-08-28
FORMAL AGREEMENT WHICH IS PROPOSED F 0 R ACCEPTANCE

The formal agreement proposed by Secretary Wilson, which proved acceptable to both the miners and the operators, Is as follows:
 sI have heard both sides of the labor dispute now existing in the Alabama coal fields and in view of the present war necessities make the following suggestions;
 q. That the miners recede from their demand for recognition of the union.
 'That the coal operators of Ala bamn recognize the right of em- ployes to join any union, labor organization or society they may choose, and agree that they shall not he eSdiserfpinatea against In tke distribution of work for having joined such organizations, provided always that in their utilization and in the conduct of the organization nothing is done to disturb the re- lations existing between employer and employe, by methods of i'm inhalation or coercion. and pro- yided that employees joining any organization recognizes the right of each employe to join or not as lie may individually decide, and also recognize the right of the company to insist that no employe shall use the company's time for any purpose other than that for which he is paid, and that he must not interfere with the operation of the mine, or knowingly do that which will reduce the output.
 ssThnt they will, upon applica- ton through the usual channels for employment, re-employ any man who has been discharged, if there be any, solely for joining the union, but will not 0bIiEate them selves to re-employ any man who has made unlawful threats or com mitted unlawful acts unless the employer is satisfied that the same acts will not again be committed by the applicant.
 ss2. That the right of the miners to place check weighmen on the tipplcs, to see that their coal is properly weighed and credited. should be fully recognized. The same to be elected and paid for by the miners without any inter- ference ns per the laws of the state. All coal to he weighed and paid for as per standard weights at all mines equipped with scales.
 ssS. That semi-mOnthly pays should he established where they do not exist.
 "A. That the managers receive committees of their own workmen selected at meetings called for the purpose not oftener than every three months, to present my grievance that they may have to submit. which shall not include any matter herein waived or post poned. If they fail to arrive at n satisfactory adjustment of the grievance or grievances complained of, the same to be submitted to the department of labor for final ad- justment. it being understood that decision will be made within 80 days after submission.
 Ut is further understood that any grievance arising must first he taken up by the individual or individuals affected. with the fore man or officials having authority over such dispute. md they faiI- ing to agree. 1t shall he taken up thronEh the committees ns above provided.
 s5. The consideration of the hours of labor. relative prices of differcntials. machine operations. lOcnl inequalities and uniformities nnd the abolition ot the contract system he Indefinitely postponed. Respectfully submitted.
 CIVILIAN n. WILSON.
 NSeerefHry of VnbOr.s