The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1919-12-19
PHOSPHATE STRIKE IS
OFFICIALLY CALLED OFF

says: Announcement of the formal
ending of the phosphate strike was
made yesterday by V. Urquhart Of
Mulberry, general secretary of Min
eral Workers Unions No. 253, 254
and 255, who stated that proclama-
ton adopted some time ago by the
three unions has been officially sane
toned by the international organ
cation.
The strike, which involved about
5000 phosphate miners in Hillsbor-
cugh and Polk counties, was begun
April 26 last, when the companies re-
fused to accede to demands for an
eight-hour day and increased wages
Trouble between strike sympathizers
and mine guards who were sworn in
as deputy sheriffs cost the lives Of
four men during the strike, and re-
suited in the removal of Sheriff John
Logan, of Polk county, despite the
protests of a large number Of promi-
nent citizens of that section. Even
tually Mr.. Logan was restored to Of
flee. Strikebreakers imported by the
companies were unable to keep the
mines going at anything like norma.
production for many months, but
eventually the strike was broken and
for the past few months production
has been about normal. One Of the
factors in the breaking Of the strike
was the issuance sof a federal injunc-
ton against the interference by the
strikers with the operation Of train
service.
In the formal announcement of the
ending of the strike attention js
called to the fact that the mine OPP
orators have granted an eight to ten
hour day and increased wages.
The proclamation is as follows:
Mulberry, Fla, Dec. II, 1919
To Members of Locals os. 253, 254,
a55: After carefully taking a survey
of the strike situation in the phos-
phate zone believe it to be the best
interest of all, and that we take
some action, and,
Whereas, the brotherhood Of man
kind should be developed to the full
est extent, as the time is here that all
workingmen stand together and work
in harmony with each other for the
benefit of the community, their coun-
try and themselves; and,
Whereas, our brothers and fellow
workers crossed the water and gave
their lives in defense Of democracy.
and their rights as American citizens
to earn an honest living; and
Whereas, some of the mining COM
panies have been in the past so deter
mined in their attitude toward their
former employees as to ask some of
them to give up their membership in
the miners organization, which is the
most democratic organization in the
world; and,
Whereas, we believe that some OF
the mining companies have been con
WINGED that the mineral miners Or
ganization is cooperative and con
structive in its teachings; and,
Whereas, the mining companies
have put into effect a shorter work
day of eight and ten hours, with in
creased pay, and have shown a more
liberal attitude toward their former
employees, therefore be it
Resolved. That the Mineral Work.
trs' unions of Polk and Hillsborough
counties go on record as being in fay
or OF calling the strike off in the en-
tire district. for the benefit Of all
concerned and to foster the cause Of
democracy; therefore be 1t further
Resolved, That all former employees
returning to work in the phosphate
mines work for cooperation and in
creased efficiency and production.
MINERAL WORKERS LOCALS 25s
254 AND 255. i
V. Urquhart, General Secretary.