THE COAL TROUBLE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 178, 23 April 1920, Page 6

THE COAL TROUBLE

■ ■ ■• *■— ■■ — POSITION REPORTED TO BE EASIER.; It is understood that an easier tone, is now prevailing in the negotiations be; tween the mine owners and ithe Miners' Federation regarding the interpretation of the new national agreement. The secretary of tho Miners' Federation, Mr. J. Arbuckle, however, states that "fully a dozen unions are unable to procure tho increases of wages granted under _ tho national agreement recently entered into. Tho mine owners are doing everything in their power to prevent 'the miners from procuring the rates- of pay 6et out under tho national agreement. Matters have reached this stage: that if a settlement is not made within the next few weeks by the private coal companies thero is every likelihood of a recurrence of trouble. The Stato mine authorities are the only ones that have met tho men fairly, and fettled things in accordance 'with the national agreement. Matters are now under the consideration of tho Miners' Federation Executive, and, if satisfactory reports are not forthcoming regarding fair dealing with the miners the position will have to be placed before the rank and file for decision as to what action shall be taken to compel the mine owners to observe ithe terms agreed upon."