Mohave County miner., 1918-07-06
JEROME LABOR DEMANDS
 LARGE PAY INCREASE

On Friday, June 28, 1918, a commit tee said to represent the Central La bor union of Jerome, presented a de- mand to the Verde District Mine Op- orators association Sor an increase in wages amounting to an approximate average of over a dollar a day each for all mechanics and laborers employ ed in and about the various properties and plants in the district. However, the demand asked for an increase of only 10 cents per day to shovelers. The committee intimated that if such increases were not forthcoming by July there would be a general walk out Of all employees in the camp.
 The demand was refused by the Op- orators association in a formal reply and Secretary of Labor Wilson was informed by wire as to the nature of the demands and the refusal, and re- quested to at once send federal me- Giator to the district to adjust mat ters.
 ne dulOulGGLlGnL III ldlC NCAGN Copper News that a demand had been made came as a surprise to the ma iority of the men in the district, for such news was the first intimatiOn had of any such contemplated action or movement.
 On the evening of June 29, a mass meeting was held in Miners Union hall and it is said that about 200 men were in attendance. At this gathering a large proportion was composed of the class of labor given only a TO- cent increase in the demand, and, on account of such representation, the leaders of the movement thought 1t wise to change the figures and make Q demand for a flat increase of S1.1O per day for all classes of labor. A motion to that effect was put and carried almost unanimously. Then a molten was put which would have for its. real purpose the declaring of a strike on July in case the demands were not granted by that time, either by the operators or Q representative of the federal government. It IS re- ported that a large majority of those present did not appear to welcome such drastic and immediate action and wanted to give the federal mediator time to arrive and adjust the question, but a few of the radicals were insis- tent and said that it was their pur- -oso to force action at once and walk out in case such was not forthcoming. Whan the motion was put majority of those present took their departure rom the hall, leaving only small body of those of more radical tenden- cies ard the leaders to close the meet ing.
 From all reports it would appear that the movement has been put over bv three or four of the extreme radl- calls in camp, and, although the rest of the men may be timid of continuing work in case a walkout is called, the sentiment for the most part seems to be in favor of being loyal to the U. s. in this time of war and standing by the agreement to abide by the decl- sion of the federal representatives.
 Labor leaders assert that they have been trying to get a federal mediator here for some time past for the pur- pose of considering their demands which are based on the high cost of living. At the present time although the mines are receiving Only 2312 cents for copper, wages are based on a 26 cent basis.
 The Central Labor union is com posed of representatives of all unions in the district with the exception ot the Carpenters, and the latter have come out with a public announcement that they will stand by their agree ment not to strike during the period of the war.
 Labor representatives here are op- posed to the matter being settled by Federal Mediator Myers and have ask ed that Alternate Hywel Davies bS sent here. A wire was received iron the latter from Butte today in which he said that he would come as soor as possible and urging, the men tC await his coming and make an annie able settlement of difficulties. Al present writing no action had been ta ken on his recommendation.
 Should the war board recommend an increase in the price of copper i .: ,;J +ba+ +ba uroduciupr mines vii