Nationwide Coal Strike Looms as Labor Tensions Simmer

In a move that could bring the nation to a standstill, coal miners are poised to go on strike next Wednesday unless their wage increase demand is met, according to John L. Lewis, leader of the United Mine Workers (UMW). The announcement came at the UMW convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, on October 10, 1952, where Lewis made it clear that a nationwide walkout is imminent if the Federal Wage Stabilization Board refuses to approve the new contract. At stake are the wages of 400,000 soft coal miners, who stand to gain a daily wage increase of $1.90 under the proposed agreement.