AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 September 1923, Page 1

AMERICAN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CAULK ASSOCIATION. U.S.A. COAL STRIKE. NEW YORK, Sept. 1 A telegram from I’hiladelphiu says. While tile Miners’ Union leaders and the coal mine operators are conferring j„ mi endeavour to reach an agreement on the now wage contract, to replace the one which has expired, an army of men in the anthracite coal fields will quit work, and will not return until an understanding has been reached.” One hundred and fifty-five thousand men arc affected.

Reports indicate that the suspension of work is total. No company lias announced that it would attempt to mine coal. According to a Harrisburg message, with the miners and operators each accepting only partially Mr Rinohot’s plan for a settlement (cabled August 211), an excess of 7)0,033 miners have suspended work. This number is expected to reach the full 153,000 men engaged in anthracite mining fields by midnight.

The miners have demanded an increase in wages varying from 20 to 7)0 per cent, and the “cheek-off, ’ and various other teehneial changes in the working conditions. The cheek-off has been proving tho greatest obstacle. The operators are refusing to acopt

The miners later on agreed to smaller increases in wages, but without a settlement.