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Trainman News
Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana
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In Charleston, W. Va., 27,000 United Mine Workers strike against a bill allowing unqualified mine inspections to save owners $7M, passed by legislature and pending Gov. Patteson's signature, amid recent fatal explosions and 1950 safety violation deaths.
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Greed Forces
W. Va. Strike
CHARLESTON, W. Va. Money means a lot more to mine operators than human life and limb, and they have a bill before the House of Delegates here that they see as a means of saving $7 million a year.
But 27,000 United Mine Workers in northern part of the state have refused to work because they value their life and limb above the greed of mine owners.
Despite the protests, the House passed the measure, previously approved by the Senate, and it is before Gov. Okey L. Patteson for signature. One member of the UMW delegation who visited the state capital predicted that if the governor signs, "All hell's going to break loose in the southern fields."
The bill would permit inspection of mines by foremen, who are not necessarily qualified as fire bosses, and thus not satisfactory safety inspectors as far as the workers are concerned.
Only last month 11 miners were killed in an explosion at Kermit, W. Va., when sparks set off a gas blast. The blast came 10 days after federal inspectors had found five violations of safety rules.
During 1950, because of violations of safety rules by owners, 637 miners were killed and 37,850 injured. The U. S. Bureau of Mines can notify owners of hazards, but mine owners have defeated all legislation efforts to give inspectors the right to shut unsafe mines.
"It's a damn shame when lawmakers put money above life," commented one member of a UMW delegation in Charleston to protest the pending bill. And 27,000 other miners feel the same way, so they are out in protest.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Charleston, W. Va.
Key Persons
Outcome
27,000 united mine workers on strike; bill passed house and senate, awaiting governor's signature; 11 miners killed in kermit explosion last month; 637 miners killed and 37,850 injured in 1950 due to safety violations.
Event Details
Mine owners' bill to allow inspections by unqualified foremen, saving $7 million yearly, passed despite protests; 27,000 UMW in northern W. Va. striking over safety concerns; UMW delegation warns of unrest if signed; recent Kermit explosion after federal violations found; owners block shutdown powers for inspectors.