Evening star., 1946-02-17
By jones Y. Newton

The great steel strike was fast
dissolving last night, with indi-
cations that more than half of
the 100000 workers directly in
volved in the ur-week-old
walkout would return to their
jobs tomorrow.
Philip Murray, CIO president, pre-
dicted that 80 per cent of the more
than 100000 workers in the So basic
steel producing companies would be
ready for work tonight.
A half dozen big companies, in
Guiding Bethlehem and Republic,
the Nations second and third larg-
est producers, were among those
following the lead of the United
States Steel Corp. in settling their
differences with the CIO United
Steel Workers.
There were other signs the in
dustrial picture was being cleared
OF disputes and strikes that have
hamstrung reconversion almost since
vi day.
Other Settlements Seen.
A high administration official said
the month-old strike of 175,000
workers Of the General Electric and
Westinghouse companies is expected
to end soon, probably tomorrow. But
he was less optimistic regarding
immediate settlement of the Gen.
eral Motors automotive strike.
The electric settlement, it was
understood, would give the workers
a wage increase of 1872 cents an
hour, the same as in steel. The
companies are expected to apply for
price increases under new wage
price policy.
An estimated 100000 workers
were involved in steel settlements
that came thick and fast late yes
terday In each instance the work.
ers will receive the 181a-cent wage
increase and the Government prom
ised a steel price increase averaging
SIS ton. United States Steel. in
dustry leader employing 1870, 900 had
signed with the CIO on that basis
Friday night.
Plans were going forward to re-
open the mills, and it was estimated
that it might take several weeks
to attain full production. Negotia-
tions between the union and other
companies were scheduled for today
and were to continue through the
early part of the week.
Others In Agreement.
Besides United States Steel, the
list of companies which have en-
tered into agreements and the num-
Der of workers involved were:
Bethlehem, $4,000; Republic. 38,-
TOO; Aluminium Co. of America,
$4,000; Crucible Steel. $4,000; Inland
Steel, $4,000; Rustless Iron and
Steel, Baltimore, 2,100; Pittsburgh
Steel Corp, 1000; Pressed Steel Car
Co., 1900: Wickwire-Spencer Steel
Division of Colorado Fuel & Iron
Co., Tonawanda, N. Y, 1.500: Blaw-
Knox Co., 5000, About 27,000 work
ers had returned to their jobs
through agreements made prior to
the Big Steel" settlement.
Top Federal officials from Pres
ident Truman down breathed easier
as the strike-weary Nation got its
best break in months with the set
tlement of the industry. paralyzing
steel walkout, biggest in the coun-
try's history. Reports from the
White House indicated the President
took it easy for the first time in
weeks, remaining away from his
desk until late in the day.
Farmers Union Hits Action.
Meanwhile. the National Farmers
Union issued a statement sharply
criticizing the price increase which
ended the strike.
The organization declared the in
crease amounted to "a $3.50, 900 900
bribe to the steel industry" adding
that it indicated a course which
cannot be followed in other in
dustries" if the Nation is to have a
stable economy. James G. Patton,
union president, conceded, however.
that President Truman's new wage
price policy affords hope that the
Nations economy may be held on
an even keel"
Judge John C. Collet, who is re-
tiring as head of the Office of Sta
bilization Administration to allow
Chester Bowles to direct the new
program as head of a established
Oflce of Economic Sterilization,
told newsmen he thought the coun-
try was 'over the hump" of indus
trial troubles.
This new policy presents splen-
did opportunity for the attainment
of full production" he said. He
added he probably would return to
the Federal bench in Missouri as
soon as the President issues the
order creating Mr.. Bowles' new
agency.
The executive order is expected to
clarity the somewhat clouded status
of Mr.. Bowles in the new admins