The Deseret News, Salt Lake City, Utah
Thursday, December 10, 1936



Unions To Vote On New Offer From Mine Operators.  

Peaceful settlement of the metal mine strike in the Park City district appeared certain as recent proposals of the mine operators were presented to a meeting of miners in Park City late this afternoon.

Terms offered by the operators were given during a conference yesterday afternoon in the office of Governor Henry H. Blood. Officials of the International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers, who organized the strike, as well as Governor Blood, refused to make known the terms agreed upon but both expressed confidence that they will be accepted by the miners in meeting this afternoon.

Mine operators Tuesday issued a statement that they would receive applications for emplyment today at 10 a.m.

When it appeared that an agreement may be reached, the operators of the three largest properties in the district, announced thay would postpone the hiring of men for 24 hours to permit union officials to present the terms at the meeting of miners this afternoon.

The mine walkout occurred six weeks ago, when the operators refused the demands of the union for 50 cents a day increase in pay, no discrimination for union activities and eight hour collar to collar day.

Replying to this demand the operators offerd a pay increase of 25 cents a day and no discrimination for strike activities.

More than 300 men in the vicinity of Heber City and members of the Park City district Employes÷ Welfare association, were prepared to go to work in the mines this morning but deferred action, when notified that a peaceful settlement of the controversy was in sight.

Recognition of the International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers is seen by union officials in the latest move of the mine operators.

In submitting their proposals the first time, the operators addressed communications to the governor, the state industrial commission and Tom Costas, secretary of the Mines’ Employes Association. In the latest communication the mine operators offer the same terms as previously but addressed the communication to Scott F. Smith as president of the Park City Local No. 99.

On learning of this action, tension in the Park City district was greatly lessened and members of the union as well as non-members expressed confidence the men would return to work in the morning.

Gun play featured the strike situation in the Bingham district early today. Four men, who night before last were chased in an automobile by pickets when the men came off the afternoon shift, returned to the U. S. Hotel on U. S. Mines Company property, early today. As the pickets started toward them, two of the miners drew guns and ordered the pickets to stand back. Later in the day the pickets requested complaints from the county attorney’s office but were refused on the ground the men were acting in self defense.