Roosevelt Siding With Coal Workers

A driving force for coal miner and industrial worker rights.

Roosevelt siding with coal workers.

In 1902 the pennsylvania coal miners walked out of the mines in a wage dispute. Lewis was president of the united mine workers from 1919 to 1960. Because mine owners refused to negotiate coal supplies dwindled. The coal strike of 1902 also known as the anthracite coal strike was a strike by the united mine workers of america in the anthracite coalfields of eastern pennsylvania miners striked for higher wages shorter workdays and the recognition of their union the strike threatened to shut down the winter fuel supply to major american cities.

The coal strike that defined theodore roosevelt s presidency to put an end to the standoff the future progressive champion sought the help of a titan of business. Roosevelt repeatedly raised the issue but knox continued to advise the president that he had no right to intervene 23. Not long after eleanor roosevelt a consistent advocate for workers and workers rights on may 21 1935 shocked the nation and the editors of the nations newspapers by touring a coal mine. However the actions of teddy roosevelt in the coal strike of 1902 set a new tone in labor government relations.

Mitchell accepted roosevelt s suggestion of arbitration. Anthracite coal mine strike comes to an end. About 140 000 workers demanded 20 increase in pay reduction of work day to 9 hours and several other improvements. Roosevelt was quick in calling the mine operators and workers to the white house.

The early 20th century was marked by tensions between workers and employers. Their struggle and teddy roosevelt s role in it was to mark a turning point in labor history. The coal operators were determined to break the strike and rejected all union offers to conciliate on the grounds that there was nothing to talk about. This became a centerpiece of roosevelt s progressive reputation in the coming years and showed that republicans as well as democrats could respond to the era s zest for reform.

In 1902 john mitchell called a miner s strike for an eight hour day a twenty percent wage increase and the recognition of the union. Jesus and president roosevelt explained sopher. This caused factories schools and even hospitals to shut down especially in the winter. Fighting for safety standards grievance procedures and better pay workers in many trades held strikes to get the.