More violence in U.S. strike

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33454, 8 February 1974, Page 9

More violence in U.S. strike

Press Association—Copyright) NEW YORK, February 7. The week-old independent American truck-drivers’ strike struck deeper blows at the United States economy as violence on the highways increased and efforts by the Government to stop the walk-out continued to fail, the Associated Press reported.

New lay-offs were reported, [ bringing to more thanj 100,000 the number of workers put. off because of the] drivers’ shut-down over fuel prices and freight rates. |

Police in several states escorted convoys carrying supplies of petrol and food, and shoppers in populous areas like the north-east were warned that, thev would have a tough time finding beef and fresh foods by the first of the week. Governors Daniel Walker of Illinois and Otis Bowen of Indiana acted yesterday to activate National Guardsmen in their states, bringing to six the number of United States states using Guardsmen in an attempt, to keep the peace.

Planeloads of beef were on the way to several cities in the north-east, but the price for it was skyrocketing. Police in Ohio reported more than 300 arrests since the strike began, and in Pennsylvania roving bands of teamsters clashed in fist fights with striking independents. Authorities in at least 10 states reported shootings in the previous 24 hours, including one death, the second of the strike. In Washington, representatives of the strikers sent back to the White House their demands that fuel prices be cut back, and freight’ rates increased. The Labour Secretary (Mr Peter Brennan) described the shut-down as “inexcusable.” He urged the drivers back to work, but his appeal seemed destined to fall on deaf ears.