Today in History, October, 1902:
President Theodore Roosevelt becomes the first president to intervene in a labor dispute.
Anthracite coal miners, organized by the United Mine Workers, were asking for fewer work hours and more pay. The mining companies refused and the miners went on a strike that had lasted for months at this point.
American industry and transportation relied almost exclusively on coal at this time in our nation’s development, as did very many homes for heat.
The dispute had already had a significant effect on the country, and winter was coming on. The potential for countless citizens freezing to death was quite real.
President Roosevelt felt he had to act to prevent a national catastrophe. He invited both parties to the White House to mediate an agreement on behalf of the American people.
The miners agreed to negotiate, the Coal companies were not so inclined.
Roosevelt, never shy to take the bull by the horns, promised to have the military take over the industry if a settlement was not reached.
By October 23rd the miners were back to work, with less hours and more pay. The coal companies did not, however, recognize the UMWA, and the story was far from over.
But a disaster had been avoided and Roosevelt’s re-election was assured.
Mark Loves History! 