In 1907, the Butte Miners' Union had decided to increase wages to $4.00 per day, and $4.50 per day for shaft sinking. Previously, the union had been able to inform the management of its demands, and, for the most part, the union got what it wanted. But this time, the company pushed back. Instead of a raise, the company offered a sliding scale based on the price of copper. The agreement was not popular with the membership, so the local leadership simply did not put it to a vote.
