The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1930-01-10

Union, took place in Fisher Body No. IS, the
Fisher Body Plant in Oakland, Cal, and in the
Grand Rapids Body Co., in Grand Rapids,
Mich. The biggest strike in the Detroit auto
industry since 1921 occurred when over 1000
workers struck against 20 per cent wage cut
in the Murray Body Co. plant on July II.
Under the leadership of the Auto Workers
Union, militant struggle was carried on for
five days, with mass picket lines and struggles
against police brutality At mass meeting
of the strikers, the strikers called the strike
off on the basis of agreement made between
the company and the negotiating committee.
The agreement called for resembling all wage
cuts, no discrimination against the leaders, for
equal division of work during slack periods
and other terms favorable to the Strikers. The
Union warned the men against accepting a
verbal greement, but the strikers, by over
'whelming vote, decided to call the strike off.
AS foretold by the organizers of the Auto
Workers Union and the Trade Union Unity
League, the company broke its agreement as
the men allowed their ranks to be
broken
Our Mistakes.
While the auto workers have put up several
battles against the employers, while the dis
content and resistance of the workers is grow
national gains. The membership of the Auto
Workers Union, which is the best weapon of
the workers, has only slightly increased. 1t is
important that we frankly discuss and try to
overcome our shortcomings. Our principal
fault has been lack of organization in the shops.
We must organize shop locals and draw more
workers from the shops into active work in
building up the union. We must give more
attention to the organization of Negro and
young workers. More efforts should be given
to build up the circulation of the Auto Work
er's News. With definite plans to build each
shop local, with every member of the union
an active organizer, there is every reason to
look for better organizational results during
the coming year.
Our Friends.
We are also in position to recognize our
friends. The Communist Party and Young
Communist League have given every possible
aid in building up the Union and in supporting
US in tim3 Of strike. The International Labor
Defense has taken care of all of our workers
jailed for their activity in behalf of the union
and -triking workers. During the Murray
Body strike the Workers International Relief
has helped to support the workers and their
families in need of aid The Auto Workers
Union is now part of the Trade Union Unity
League.
Building the Union in 1880.
Auto manufacturers know that period of
intense competition lies ahead. Authorities al
ready speak of 1880 production being at least
Is per cent behind this years totals. This
would mean a production Of about 4,500,O00
cars in 1880, hardly enough for six months
capacity production. Nevertheless, employers
will try to maintain their huge profits at the
expense of the workers, by trying to put over
more wage cuts, speeding up and worsening
conditions.
Many struggles took place in the auto in
dustry in 1929 against wage-cuts, speed-up
and inhuman conditions. We have been
strengthened through experience and have
learned from mistakes The year 1890
will not only see more struggles, but also mill
tant organization.