    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book II)]
    [December 7, 1993]
    [Page 2138]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Tentative Agreement To End the Coal Strike
    December 7, 1993

        I would like to commend the United Mine Workers of America and the
    Bituminous Coal Operations Association for coming together and producing
    a tentative agreement in this contentious strike.
        This agreement represents good news for the coal industry, good news
    for its workers, and more good news for the economy as we approach the
    holiday season.
        I applaud Mine Workers President Rich Trumka and BCOA Chief Bobby
    Brown for their dedication and commitment to an outcome that will
    support a strong and productive mining industry in America.
        And I extend special thanks to former Secretary of Labor Bill Usery
    who was brought into this challenging mediation process at the request
    of Secretary of Labor Bob Reich. Bob assured me that Bill's history of
    stepping into and resolving tough disputes would prove to be invaluable
    to the negotiations. He was right.