Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 31, 1993 TAG: 9308030319
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
WASHINGTON - Negotiators from the United States, Canada and Mexico reported progress but no breakthrough Friday in efforts to resolve environmental and labor concerns about their plan to create the world's largest free-trade zone.
After more 16 hours of discussions over two days, the top trade negotiators said they planned to meet again next Wednesday and Thursday to make another effort at wrapping up supplemental agreements demanded by President Clinton before he sends the proposed North American Free Trade Agreement to Congress.
The proposed trade accord was negotiated almost a year ago by the Bush administration, but Clinton has demanded side deals covering labor standards, the environment and protection against import surges to address concerns raised by NAFTA opponents. - Associated Press
7 governors urge end to coal strike
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Seven coalfield governors Friday urged union and industry negotiators to end the current impasse in the 11-week-old nationwide coal strike.
The governors from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia joined West Virginia Gov. Gaston Caperton in letters urging talks to resume between the United Mine Workers and the Bituminous Coal Operators Association, Caperton said.
The union began its selective strike May 10 against association members and has about 17,000 members on strike in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
The letters were addressed to United Mine Workers President Richard Trumka and B.R. "Bobby" Brown, chairman of the negotiating committee of the Bituminous Coal Operators Association.
"The labor dispute is continuing to cause economic loss to all parties, including the states affected by the strike," Caperton said.
- Associated Press
by CNB