AMERICAN COAL STRIKE

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23965, 4 June 1943, Page 5

AMERICAN COAL STRIKE

Order to Cease Negotiations DISPUTE REFERRED TO ROOSEVELT (N.Z. Press Association— Copyright) (Rec. 11 p.m.l LONDON, June J. There is still no sign of a settlement of the American coal dispute. The strike affects 500,000 workers, and is the greatest in American history. The United States War Labour Board has ordered a cessation of the current negotiations between the United Mine Workers of America and the coal operators until the miners return to work in compliance with the board’s direction. The board has notified Mr John L. Lewis, president of the United Mint Workers, and the operators’ representatives, that it will not consider or approve any agreement reached while the workers are on strike. The board has again referred the case to Mr Roosevelt "for such action as he deems appropriate." Mr Roosevelt has summoned the War Labour Board and the Secretary of the Interior (Mr Harold L. Ickes) to tht White House for a conference on the coal crisis. Washington sources suggest that the Government piay take one of two steps. It may use troops to work the mines or seize the property of the United Mine Workers and impound their funds. The latter action would prevent the striking miners receiving strike pay from the union. Mr Ickes has stated that there it enough coal above ground to last 41 days, but owners of steel mills declared that they would feel the effects of the strike within 10 days. Dim-out restrictions and a curtailment of train travel are expected Jf the strike is prolonged. In the meantime the stoppage continues in practically all the soft and hard coal mines.