STRIKE IN AMERICA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 40, 26 November 1937, Page 5

STRIKE IN AMERICA.

EMPLOYEES IN FORD WORKS. A LONG-STANDING FEUD. United Press Association—Copyright. NEW YORK, November 24. The first serious movement of the Committee for Industrial Organisation against Mr Henry F'ord occurred at Detroit when 1000 picketers attempted to prevent the workers from entering the factory grounds, but motor-cars carrying the loyalists crashed in the gates. Mr Ford promptly accepted the challenge, and applied to the Circuit Court for an injunction to restrain the pickets and others from interfering with operations. The petition, which the Court took under advisement, also asked for the fixation of damages for loss, due to interference. ■ • ■ f The situation is the climax to a longstanding feud in which Mr .Ford has not disguised his hostility to- the Committee for Industrial Organisation. It is also a significant indication, of the belief of the committee in- its* own strength. " ' ''' It thus provides a dramatic reply to recent allegations that the committee was facing a financial crisis because of the non-payment of dues as a consequence of trade, recession, internal dissension and the loss of the steel strike. Strikers and sympathisers picketed the works this morning, and were still present at closing time, but they didnot interfere with the departing work-

A policeman, whose leg was crushed while ho was escorting non-strikers; to a car, was the only major casualty.. During the day 13 pickets were arrested on charges of* assault and disturbing the peace. Delmond Garst, regional director of the United Automobile Workers’ Association, said the strike was attributable to discrimination against unionists. He alleged that 250 active unionists were not re-employed when the plant was rc-opcncd a few weeks ago.. The Ford spokesmen deny discrimination and assert that the unionists want to control the plant. Sympathetic action is possible in other Ford plants. Workers at Kansas City have beeuj warned to be prepared for action.