Show U. U S. S Mediator Attempts To Avert Rail Strike SAN FRANCISCO Dec 8 UP RA R- R A federal mediator hastened here Wednesday in an attempt to head off a strike which could shut down the Southern Pacific railroad system system tem tern in seven states next Wednes Wednes- day The Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Tuesday night called a a. a strike for 6 am a.m. Wednesday The union called it the only method to settle points of grievance There was no general wage demand at issue C. C W. W Moffitt western general chairman for the brotherhood said members would strike in California Arizona New Mexico Texas Nevada Utah and Oregon unless agreement is reached before before before be be- fore the deadline He added however however however how how- ever there was a chance progress In mediation might postpone the strike date Southern Pacific said in a statement statement statement state state- ment that the issues have been under negotiation and now arcI are arc I t being handled under the orderly processes of the national mediation mediation mediation media media- tion board The railroad explained that the board has assigned William Wil Wil- Villiam liam F. F Mitchell to the case He HeIs Heis Heis is due here Frida Friday In Washington President D. D V. V Robertson of the union would not comment on the prospects of reaching an agreement before Dec 15 Weve Veve got our date set he said If they the employers want to settle it between now and then its it's up to them Union officials here said that under the law the only remaining provision for a n. delay in the strike would be for President Truman to name a finding fact-finding board This board would be given 30 days to hear the case and 30 more in which to report to fo the president Such a board could only make recommendations lions The Issues mainly concern workIng working working work work- ing conditions and disputes over arbitration awards |