MOTOR STRIKE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22896, 26 November 1937, Page 12

MOTOR STRIKE

TROUBLE AT DETROIT FORD COMPANY'S PLIGHT PICKETS DEMONSTRATE LOYALISTS CRASH GATES By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received November 25, 5.5 p.m.) DETROIT. Nov. 21 The first serious movement by the Committee for Industrial Organisation against the Ford Motor Company occurred when 1000 pickets attempted to prevent workers entering the factory. However, motor-cars carrying loyalists crashed through the gates. ' Mr. Henry Ford promptly accepted the challenge. He applied to the Circuit Court for an injunction to restrain pickets and others from interfering with his company's operations.

The petition also asked the Court to fix damages for loss due to interference. The situation brings to a climax a longstanding feud in which Mr. Ford has not disguised his hostility to the 0.1'.0. Departing Workers Left Alone

, It is a significant indication of tlic belief of the C.1.0. in its own strength and provides a dramatic reply to recent allegations that it was facing a financial crisis owing to the non-payment of dues in consequence of the trade recession, internal dissension and loss through the steel strike. One thousand strikers and sympathisers picketed the works this morning and were still present at closinc time but they did not interfere with the departing workers. A policeman had one leg crushed while he was escorting one of the cars of the nonstrikers. Thirteen pickets were arrested on charges of assault and disturbing the peace. Denial of Discrimination Mr. Delmond Garst, regional director of the United Automobile Worker*, said the strike was due to discrimination against unionists. Ho alleged that 250 officers, shop stewards and other active unionists were not re-employed when the plant was reopened a few weeks ago. The company's spokesman denied that there had been discrimination and asserted that the unionists wanted to control the plant. Sympathetic action is possible at other Ford plants. The workers iu Kansas City have been\ warned to b<> prepared for action.