[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 49 (Monday, December 13, 1993)]
[Page 2547]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.