STRIKE IN U.S. FACTORY

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23352, 11 June 1941, Page 7

STRIKE IN U.S. FACTORY

ARMY TAKES OVER PLANT EMPLOYEES KETURMNO TO WORK (Received June 10, 11.30 pin.) (U.P.A.) NEW YOltK, June .10, After Mr Roosevelt ordered the United States Army to take over the plant of the North American Aviation Company at Inglewood, California, where the workers have been on strike, the Secretary of State for War (Mr H. L. Stimson) anno_unced that the strike had been broken. Mr Stimson made public a telegram from Colonel Bradshaw, commanding the Army in the area, saying: “Strike broken wide open. Employees streaming in. Situation satisfactory," The United States Attorney-General (Mr Robert H. Jackson) said the situation at Inglewood more nearly resembled insurrection than a strike. He said he believed the labour leaders did not want settlement of strikes and were following Communist Party lines. Nine hundred men reported for thi

night-shift, at the company’s plant. This shift normally consists of 6000 men. : ' ,v There are now 3500 troops at the plant, including motorised units which are patrolling areas in which workers who have returned live, thus affording them protection. Telegrams have been sent to the 8000 men on strike inviting them to return to work and guaranteeing them protection. It is reported that the Government is taking over the plant and setting up machinery for more extensive operations. Government men will take the place of the company’s executives. A clash occurred at the gates' of the plant yesterday when 2000 pickets prevented 1000 men from returning towork. Disorder broke out when the gates were opened. The police used tear gas, but the pickets quickly reformed and threw back the bombs at the police. Colonel Bradshaw advised the use of troops because the situation was beyond control. A Los Angeles police convoy of 50 trucks, loaded with troops, moved into Inglewood and was greeted with cheer* from the workers who had been prevented by the pickets from entering the plant. , The disorders ceased when the troop* fixed bayonets and, with machine-guns, marched in and occupied the plant. The pickets moved out of the way of the Army and raised placards stating; “Welcome Army. Keep out scabs.” . One striker who refused to mov# was bayoneted and sent to hospital. Six persons were sent to hospital as a result of previous rioting. .The strikers had been holding up £78,000,000 "worth of defence order* from Britaih and the United States. ■. Mr Roosevelt issued a warning that the country was in danger and that men and women making aeroplane* had a big part to play in the defence of their country. If mem in deferred occupations left their jobs they would be reclassified and made liable, for immediate service in other capacities.