Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1922-02-16
BILL WOULD SET Up
COAL STRIKE BOARD:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14.-In an
effort to avert the threatened coal
strike, and to prevent future coal
disputes eliminating in the stoppage
of fuel supplies to the public, Sen
ator Kenyon, of Iowa, today intro.
duced a bill creating a tribunal to
adjust differences between coal min
ers and operators.
While it probably would be impos-
sible to pass the Kenyon bill before
the present strike situation reached
it's climax, the fact that congress, is
at work upon such a measure might
starve off the impending trouble, in
the opinion of many senators. For
that reason an effort will be made
to get speedy action on it by the SEN
ate labor committee.
The bill, direct outgrowth of the
recent West Virginia investigation
made by Mr.. Kenyon's committee,
not only is applicable to the present
situation, but is in effect a new in
dustrial code. 1t lays down for the
first time set of definite principles
in which the rights Of both capital
and labor are defined. These princi-
Piles are to guide the labor board
of nine members which the bill Gre
ates.
The labor board is to be made up
of three representatives Of the coal
operators, three miners representa-
tlves and three representatives of
the public. At least one member of
the public group must concur in all
decisions of the board.
PnhliHjtV and ho foroa re ,0,,Io1;o
opinion is the only enforcing power
behind the boards rulings. 1t is
empowered to take jurisdiction of
coal disputes, either. on the request
OF the miners or operators, or upon
It's own initiative, should it appear
that the dispute threatens the pub.
lies interest. If the board hears a
case and renders a decision, and
either party refuses to accept or
abide by the finding, the board is
authorized to make a public state.
nent to this effect.
MINERS DECLARE
OPPOSITION TO CUT
INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 14.-The
wage scale committee reporting to
the special convention of the United
Mine Workers of America here to-.
day, declared lin the most emnhatic
manner our opposition to any re-
ouctlon In mining prices, and insist
ed that the present basic wage
schedules be maintained"
Under the discussion of policy the
committee recommended a general
suspension of mining if no agree
ment IS reached by April 1, such &C.
tlon TO be subject to a referendum
h0f
IL was also recommended that anv
wage scale agreement must be sub
united to a referendum vote of the
district affected.
The committee also declared for
adjustment of unequal different
la which would result in some
increases in various fields.
The recommendations were that
all new agreements be based upon
ar S-hour day underground with
time and half for overtime, and
for Sundays and holidays; that
weekly pay days be instituted; that
the practi of filming miners for Ger.
tain breaches of contracts be elemi-
mated and that the soft coal wage
ayr ~ment be made for two years,
from April 1 next -.
The committee, in making the de-
mand for retention of the present
basic wages said a reduction would
lower the standard of living among
all miners and cause poverty and
suffering throu ghout the coal fields.
The committee also recommended
that the convention ratifv the de-
mani C the anthracite miners for
a 20 per cent increase in to. mage
rates and 81 a. da,- scale for day
men.