STRIKE AT FORD WORKS

Evening Star, Issue 22816, 26 November 1937, Page 11

STRIKE AT FORD WORKS

ACTION BY THE C.I.D. CLIMAX TO LONG-STANDING FEUD Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright DETROIT, November 24. The first serious movement by the Committee of Industrial Organisation against Mr Henry Ford occurred when 1,000 pickcters attempted to prevent workers from entering the factory grounds, but automobiles carrying 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 also asked for the fixation of damages for loss due to interference. The situation is a climax to a longstanding feud in which Mr Ford has not disguised his hostility to the C. 1.0., and is also a significant indication of the C. 1.0. belief in its own strength, providing a dramatic reply to recent allegations that it was facing a financial crisis owing to the non-pay-ment of dues in consequence of trade recession, internal dissension, and loss in the steel strike. One thousand strikers and sympathisers picketed the works this morning and were still present at closing time, hut they did not interfere with departing workers. A policeman whoso leg . was crushed while escorting a non-striker’s car was the only major casualty. During the day 13 pickets were arrested on charges of assault and disturbing the peace. Mr Delmond Garst, regional director of the United Automobile workers, said the strike was due to discrimination against unionists. He alleged that 250 officers, shop stewards, and other active unionists were not re-employed when the plant was reopened 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. The .workers at Kansas City have been warned to be prepared for action.