The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1927-07-11
Anthracite Becomes Efficient

The worldwide crusade for efficient production has
made its dent in the anthracite situation. The demand
for mule drivers has almost disappeared Muledrving
profession, and men who could handle team
of mules with skill, found jobs in every mine
But eectrification has made the mule driver prac-
tcaly legendary figure. Swift motors rush through
dripping gangways the cngng of engine bells replaces
the swearing of the Infatuated driver urging mmov-
able pair of mules to their task Gangways still in
need of electric lights however Save for the few globes
twinng at the cagebotto the rest of the mine is left
to darkness.
The Lehigh Co. coeries in the Panther Creek Valley
equipped with mechanical boilers which do away
with fremen ashmen, and the usual squad of mainte
men required to keep up steam for the coliery
engines The Panther Greek colleries being of recent
construction and development started with the advantage
of modern technique
century of development, around here, many old en-
gines and Anticipated devices still be in daily
operation.
These inefficient devices divided the work between
mechanical power, and power But more efficient
machines have come, which propose to eliminate
power still further. Man-power being the largest item
of expense Of production it is peculiarly fitting that
companies go IN heavy for such machines cut down
human labor. 1t is this economy which, in the MAN.
determines the efficiency of machine
The average quota of men to boiler house is about
21 These come under the heading of maintenance,
and usually stay at their posts during strikes and sus
pensions. The full quota kept during the last six
months suspension
il. Off boilermen has seized colery officials The
frcmen not only get days off,, and compelled to
work holidays with reduced force, but actually
being ayed off permanently, and the job left to fewer
hands This situation is causing much wrinkling of
brows Locals hold meetings that rise to boiling point
before the charmans gavel pounds adjournment, and
settlement is attempted the street corner in
barroom.
Nor is this situation simple for the union to
face The company has got the right insist on eight
hours work from each 1t holds the right to inn
productive methods and cut down labor costs It's
right to these things duly recognized by the union
when the last work contract signed, granting the
companies efficiency and cooperation"
Efficiency and cooperation" is mischievous phrase
and has to be explained and over again to the
miners It's purpose is to improve production by in.
staing man-saving devices, while checking the miners
comeback" which, otherwise, would nfict damage to
the companies in the form of strikes and minor troubles
AS matters stand, the contract gives the company the
right to do what it wishes, while the miners are bound
to stand rgdy by their agreement and make no stir
until the worst is over.
recent here shows the heplessness of the
miners in meeting the situation. boiler man was
knocked off, and at local meeting it was decided to
present the superintendent of the coery with an u-
tmaum Either he would rehire the discharged man. or
the men would declare strike. The men greeted this