PROPERTIES SEIZED

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 81, 30 December 1944, Page 7

PROPERTIES SEIZED

Defiant U.S. Company (Received December 29. 7.20 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 28. The army has seized the Montgomery Ward Company’s retail and mail order properties in seven cities, acting under the Presidential order because of the company’s refusal to comply with the War Labour Board’s directives, which chiefly concerned the maintenance of union membership. Tlie C. 1.0. unions threatened a general strike of w;ar workers in. Detroit unless the Government promptly supported the War Labour Board. Yesterday 50 unidentified rioters wrecked the company’s Dearborn store, causing 10,000 dollars’ worth of damage. President Roosevelt’s order said : ’J he Government cannot and will not tolerate any interference with war production at this crucial hour. This company has waged a bitter fight against bona fide trade unions throughout the war. recklessly disregarding the Government's efforts to maintain harmony .between management and labour. Twice previously the Government seized Montgomery Ward properties because of the company’s defiant attitude. We cannot allow Montgomery Ward to set aside the Government’s twartime policies because Mr. Sewell Averv disapproves of‘Government procedure in labour disputes.” The C. 1.0. Union president. Samuel Wolchok. stated that the union expects the War Department to continue to onerale Montgomery Ward till the management accepts the War Labour Board's decisions. Mr. Wihdiok asked that workers be given a delayed Christmas present ,in the form of retrospective pay of 2,000.000 dollars, to which thev are entitled.