CLIMAX OF FEUD WITH C.I.O.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20895, 26 November 1937, Page 9

CLIMAX OF FEUD WITH C.I.O.

CRISIS IN AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY CHALLENGE ACCEPTED BY FORD COMPANY United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright (Received November 25, 5.40 p.m.) DETROIT, November 24. The first serious movement of the Committee for Industrial Organisation made against Mr Ford, occurred when 1000 pickets attempted to prevent the workers 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 injunction to restrain the pickets and others from interfering operations. The petition, which the Court took subadvisement, also asked for the fixation of damages for loss due to interference. The situation is the climax to a long-standing feud in which Mr Ford has not disguised his hostility to the Committee for Industrial C .ganlsation and is also significant Indication of the Committee’s belief in its owr strength, and providing a dramatic reply to the recent allegations that it is facing a financial crisis owing to the non-pay-ment of dues in consequence of trade recession, internal dissension and the loss of the steel strike. Challenge to Pickets Thousands of strikers a.id sympathisers picketed the works this morning, and were still present at closing time, but they did not interfere with the departing workers. A policeman, whose leg was crushed while escorting a non-striker’s car, was the only major casualty. During the day, thirteen pickets were arrested on charges of assault and disturbing the peace. Charge and Counter Charge Mr Delmond Garst, regional director of the United Automobile Workers, said the strike was due to discrimination against unionists. He alleged that 25J officers, shop stewards and other active unionists were not re-employed when the plant re-opened a few weeks ago. The Ford spokesmen deny discrimination and assert that the unionists want to coni ?ol the plant. Spread of Dispute Likely Sympathetic action is possible in other Ford plants. The workers at Kansas City have been warned to be prepared for action.