Strikes Extend in France

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 87, 13 April 1938, Page 5

Strikes Extend in France

Oyer 100,000 Workers Out

IMMEDIATE FUTURE VIEWED PESSIMISTICALLY

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright

.FAKIS, April 11. Thirty-five thousand workers in the Renault factory have joined the stay-in strikers, who now aggregate 95,000 in 35 factories. Further extension is feared, the leaders of the Metal Workers’ Union having ordered non-strikers to demand an immediate settlement regarding renewal of their collective contracts, which the employers are resisting. N The Australian Associated Press says that, although M. Daladier, the new Premier, has a chance of a successful vote to-morrow, those in close touch anticipate that the Government will be short-lived. They consider the prospects of a strong Administration more remote even than three weeks ago and regard France’s immediate future most pessimistically. Later: The increase in stay-in strikes has brought to a standstill the armament programme, adding to the Government’s problems. Forty factories are idle, aggregating 102,000 employees. M. Daladier will seek unrestricted powers to deal with the economic and financial situation for three months, but, judging by the Senate’s attitude,’ the Bill is unlikely to oass. TO END STRIKES DRASTIC MEANS MAY BE USED LONDON, April 11. The French Cabinet, at an emergency meeting discussed the extension of the stay-in strikes. The Paris correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says Cabinet is prepared to resort to drastic measures if it is unable to settle the strikes by negotiations.