Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-09-01
MINERS EXPECTED
To ACCEPT P|NCHOT
SETTLEMENT PLAN

HARRISBURG, Pa, Aug. S0.-(By
the Associated Press.)-Proposit
for settlement of the anthracite con-
trONersy, which Governor Pinchot
laid down before the operators and
miners yesterday. went before each
group in separate meetings for inten-
sive study today. S. D. Warmer,
chairman of the operators policy
committee, called his associates to
meet in Philadelphia, but John L.
Lewis and his scale committee of the
United Mine Workers stayed here.
Sharp divergen 70 in opinion on
the governors proposal early crop
ped out between the contending rep
reSentatiVes. The offer of a 10 per
cent flat increase FOR the anthracite
workers, of the universal eiGht-hOur
day, of the right to have union
agent in the company offices for
collection of union dues, which the
governor made along with a tender
Of union recognition, and Of the prin-
ciple of collective bargaining, won
a more than friendly reception from
the union contingent. There was
growing impression that Mr.. Lewis
would recommend and his scale com.
mittee would grant a substantial ac1
ceptance of the proposal, and can
in the orders for a suspension of
work September 1, if the operators
consented.
But from the operators, the set
Element basis suggested encountered
almost open hostility. Their con-
sistent stand for arbitration Of all
outstanding issues was almost com
pletely neglected, and there was
disposition to consider that the pro
posals had not adequately measured
the coal price increase which would
result from the wage increase award.
Governor Pinchot estimated this
would amount to sixty cents ton,
of which the operators could absorb
ten cents in lessened profits.
Answers Due Fflday
Mine owners themselves calculated
that establishing universal eight
hour day would add almost five cents
to costs. Further, they contended
that all of the increase would have
to be loaded on the domestic fuel,
the steam size production of anthra-
rite being Incapable of bearing it
in market competition with bituml-
nous.
Both sides had until Friday noon
to file their answers.
An agreement was reached today
between the policy committee oil
anthracite operators and the Off
calls of the miners union under
which union men employed as
pumpmen, engineers and main
tenance men will be allowed to stay
at ork after September ], even if
suspension of mining now ordered
becomes effective. The men in the
claesifcauons named are needed to
nrevent the mines from flooding ana
caving in during periods OF idle
ness.
BY the terms of the agreement,
men in the maintenance service now
working IL hours per day will re-
ceive a wage adjustment of % cents
per day less for working hours
than they now receive for working
u hours, and will be paid overtime
rates if they exceed hours in 'erv-
ice.
Men on Q and 10-hour shifts will
work the same hours that they now
put in, but will receive wage in
crease which is estimated to be $1.15
per day for those now receiving the
lowest rates, with greater amounts
proportionately for those who are
employed at higher wage rates.
Last Minute settlement
In addition, any general increase
in wages granted will be made retro
active to September l for the benefit
of all maintenance workers who are
held in service.
John l.. Lewis, president of the
United Mine Workers, said that the
principles followed in working out
the price adjustments necessary, in
establishing the S-hour day for the
maintenance rHers were the same
as have been established in past set
Elements in the mining region where
he S-hour day has been granted f"