State Labor Commissioner Intervenes in Renton Mine Dispute
William Blackman, the state labor commissioner, is mediating a wage dispute at the Renton coal mines, promising a statewide investigation to ensure fair pay.
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With a view of settling the trouble between the Seattle Electric company and the miners at Renton, William Blackman, state labor commissioner, yesterday held a conference with Mr. Hill, manager of the Renton mine, and it was decided to make an effort to adjust the difficulties. Mr. Blackman agreed to investigate the wage scale of other mines in the state, and if it is found that other collieries pay more than does that of the Electric company, Mr. Hill states that the wages will be raised. The state labor commissioner will immediately start on a tour of investigation of the principal mines of the state, and expects to collect some valuable data during the trip. This information will be used by him as a basis upon which to settle other like difficulties when the necessity arises for so doing.
“If it is found that other collieries pay more than does that of the Electric company, Mr. Hill states that the wages will be raised.”
The role of the Labor Commissioner in mediating industrial disputes highlights the historical importance of the coal mining industry in Washington and the early efforts to standardize labor compensation across regional operations.
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