LABOR: Storm Warning

The War Labor Board (with labor members vigorously dissenting) sent to the President last week its long-awaited report on the relationship between wages and the cost of living. Conclusion: cost of living has not outrun wages; the Little Steel formula must be kept.

WLB did not have to wait long for the first threatening reaction. Few days later, glowering John Lewis served notice, under the Smith-Connally Act, of the possibility of a bituminous coal strike in 30 days. The alternative: higher pay for the miners, whose contract with the operators expires March 31.