May 3, 1943

TRUCE IN COAL STRIKE

Anti-Strike Bill Considered

NEW YORK, N.Y.—John L. Lewis, president of the United Mine Workers, announced last night an agreement had been reached with the government to return 500,000 coal miners to work for a period of fifteen days as negotiations continue. He stated in part, “We hope this act will be accepted…as an act of wholesome good faith…”. President Roosevelt, speaking twenty minutes later, said, “…coal will be mined no matter what any individual thinks about it.” At the same time, senators were considering legislation that would make it illegal to call a strike or interfere with the operation of any essential industry during wartime. The measure would be an amendment to the Connally bill being considered today, named after the senior senator from Texas, that would allow the president to seize nearly any war plant or mine engaged in a strike. The Connally bill would also freeze any open or closed shop agreements in affect at the time of seizure.