Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-08-30
GROUP GIVEN PLAN

harrisburg, Pa, Aug. 29-Governor
e,chot tonight submitted to rep
,.sentatives of the anthracite miners
and operators in joint conference, a
,,onosed basis of settlement, provid-
no for a ten per cent increase in
nav recognition of the eight hour
d,v for all employees and full recog-
nton of the union by the operators
Without the checkoff, but with the
,ipht 10 have a union representative
nresent when the men are paid off.
Tina three main points of his
,cheme of settlement were set forth
as follows;
"1-Recognition of the basic eight
hour day for all employees. If longer
hours are necessary at certain times,
ar in certain occupations, the over
fine to be paid for at the eight hour
rate,
"e-A uniform increase OF ten per
rent to all employees. This increase
N take effect September l.
"3-Full recognition of the union
by the operators, without the check
of. but with the right to have I'M
ion representative present when the
men are paid
A fourth point proposed complete
recognition of the principle of COL
lective bargaining.
The governor also suggested that
as a method of settling differences
in case of disagreement between min
ers and operators each select a man
agreeable to both to attend and take
part in discussions but without a
vote and not as an umpire or re-
fierce. If then unable to agree he pro-
posed the differences be referred to
tn conciliation board (which will be
provided with whatever equipment
is necessary for the rendering of
prompt decisions"
my justification for proposing a
basis upon which l believe this
strike can be prevented with JUS
tice TO all parties is three-fold," said
Governor Pinchot.
First, that this controversy has
continued until all chance of agree
ment by direct negotiations between
the miners and operators has been
lost
Second, that the interest of the
miners, the operators, and the pub
lie all require that this controversy
shall be settled without a strike.
Third, that the public is entitled
10 voice in the discussion and the
rights of the people generally de-
serve consideration at least as much
as those of the miners and the op-
orators.
Under such circumstances, ana
in case where the public welfare
is urgently requires protection, the
people have the clear and unques-
tlonable right to demand settle
ment.
Both miners and operators have
laid the essential points of their
positions fully before me- I have at
hand the stores of information col
ected by the Pennsylvania Depart.
ment Of Mines and Department or
Labor and industry, and | have con-
suited with many men representing
the widest variety of knowledge ana
experience in The anthracite field.
All the facts collected by the United
States Coal Commission have been
NEST generously placed at my dis
posll. Its principal experts nave
como to Harrisburg, and many other
experts Also so that nearly all or
the specialists in America who are
best Informed upon the facts con-
terned in the present controversy
were assembled in the State Capitol.
Upon the basis of the information
assembled from all these sources,
with the profound belief that 1T at
lords a basis of settlement which Is
reasonable and Just, which miners
and operators alike may accept Win
Credit and honor, and with the firm
conviction that fairness to the an
iiracte using people of America re-
Cures that it shall be accepted, l
recommend the following bases or
settlement, (cited above) with the
understanding that all questions con,
eerDlng 1t or not covered by 1t Snall
ue referred to the joint conference
Vi scale committees. and that the
shlnracite Cancellation board shaii
Gelefmine any questions upon when
ue Joint conference cannot agree.
suggest as a means of avoiding
Ut settling differences that if IN
.Ie course of collective bargaining
ue scale committees of the miners
ana operators are unable to agree
Hey Shall select a man agreeable 10
poln sides to attend and ike part
III lhelr discussions but without a
,,ote, and not as umpire or referee.
II 'hey are still unable to agree. their
ohlerences shall be referred to the
.onclilation board. which shall be
t.oVided with what ever equipment
% necessary for the rendering or
prompt decisions