SIT-DOWN STRIKE

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20125, 22 February 1937, Page 7

SIT-DOWN STRIKE

CLASH WITH THE POLICE. TEAR GAS DEFIED. MEN INJURED AND BURNED. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. CHICAGO, Feb. 20. A telegram from Waukegan, Illinois, states that 120 policemen and deputysheriffs failed to dislodge more than 100 sit-down strikers from two plants of the Fan Steel and Metallurgical Corporation, makers of fine parts for motor-cars.

Tea gas bombs were exploded inside the buildings, but the strikers mopped their streaming eyes and held off the attackers by hurling at them bottles of tungsten and tantalum valued at 500 dollars each.

Fragments of molybdenum and heavy steel weights were also thrown at the police, and fire-extinguishing acid was poured upon them through hoses.

The commander of the attacking forces later announced that he was obtaining a “knock-out” gas. When this was used, he said, the strikers would “fold up” and they could be led out “by their ear lobes.” Recognition Demanded. The strikers are demanding the recognition of their union, and company officials allege that the strike was called merely to injure the company’s business. Six men were injured, three of whom were strikers who refused to "have medical aid sent to the plants. A policeman and a deputy-sheriff were burned with acid, and another deputysheriff was hurt by an exploding gas bomb.

The attackers announce that they will make no Turther move to storm the plants until the outcome is known of peace efforts by State and Federal conciliators.