The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-08-29

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First, and of the greatest
Importance from the stand
point of termination of the
bitter capital and labor strug-
gle in the soft coal industry,
complete recognition is pro-
vided by the operators to the
United Mine Workers Union.
This recognition has, in effect, be-
come a fact in Washington as a
result of the across timetable nego-
tiations. under General Johnsons
guidance, between John L. Lewis
president; Philip Murray. vice
president. and other United Mine
Workers officials, and such dolni-
mating operators as Charles oNeill
of Clearfeld, Pa, spokesman for
the northern group of operators; j.
d. Francis of West Virginia, j. D.
A Morrow of Pittsburgh Coal, and
other anti-union producers, VINO
came to washington several weeks
ago determined to ignore Lewis then
and at all future times.
Covers 20 Per Cent
But this recognition has not been
extended into Allegheny country
and other Pennsylvania fields, mol
into West Virginia and other Sec
tions of the Appalachian coal-pro-
ducing region. Under % the agree
ment now being written into code
form. this recognition becomes I'M
mediately effective in 10 per cent
of the bituminous producing area OF
the United States.
John L. Lewis and his associates
are attaining under the NRA blue
eagle and President Roosevelt S
direct Intervention in behalf OF a
definite solution of the soft coal
problem an objective which they
failed to attain during more than
a quarter century of pleadings be-
fore other Presidents. presidential
commissions. and congressional
committees.
The operators finally are con-
Guiding that the leadership of the
union is needed to police their in
dustry. to furnish them depend
able supply of labor. and generally
enable them to place their business
once more on profit basis.
Union Makes Concessions
The union has also made conces-
Sions.
Lewis compromised on hours and
wages. He wanted a base pay of
IS a day for inside mine workers
in Pittsburgh and net less than
s4.75 for West Virginia and south
ern fields. The code will provide
a $3.50 day in Pittsburgh, 20 cents
less in the Fairmount CIV. Va
fields, and &C cents less in the
southern fields.
The work week will be forty hours
of five eight-hour days. Lewis
wanted a total of thirty-two hours.
In addition. the code establishes
machinery for permanent arbitra-
ton of disputes so the peace may
be perpetuated. 1t takes cogniZance
of the irritating problems Of the
company stores, company police,
payment In script" and otherwise
seeks to transfer miners from their
present status Of dependency on a
harshly administered baronial sys-
tenn to that of free American
workingnlen.
Congratulated by johnson
Operators get sales promotion
agreement to terminate 'cut-throat'
competition.
General johnson, who has been
more patient and more tactful in
his efforts to harmonic the con-
fiicting views of the coal industry
is elated at the turn of events. In
addition to his personal congratula-
lions, he Monday night sent mes
sage Of thanks to Lewis for his part
in the negotiations. He also has
warmly praised those operators who
previously refused 10 retreat from
their historic position.
The agreement does not include
fields In Alabama. Indiana, Illinois
and western states. but officials pre-
dict that supplemental codes. which
will include all basic principles of
the Appalachian code, will be writ
ten promptly.