The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-04-12

broke off strike negotiations. Hep- burn explained his action by saying there were foreign agitators" on the strikers committee. He referred specificall yto Hugh Thompson. or ganizer for the committee for i11- dustrial organization, which is sponsoring the strike.
 Following Hepburn's denunciation of Thompson, the strikers at a mass meeting unanimously approved his selection as their chief negotiator.
 Peace Is Forecast
 Early settlement of the General Motors Corporation of Canada strike was forecast today as 10000 mem- bers of the Toronto trades and la bor council promised to support the strikers demands. Fear of violence, which caused Premier Mitchell F. Hepburn to summon 100 Royal Can- adian Mounted Police to Toronto armories for emergency duty, ap- peared to have been dissipated. One company official, who asked that his name be withheld. predicted that the strike would be settled about Wednesday," What else can you do when you have gun at your head?" he asked.
 A settlement, he said. probably would mean that the corporation would sign an agreement recogniz- ing the United Automobile Workers Union as collective bargaining agen- cy for its own members along the 3,70O workers employed in General Motors OShawa plant.
 Toronto Labor Will Aid
 John Noble, president of the Toronto trades council, told the strikers that i've will join with you and place our entire resources at your command"
 ''This is not a fight against Gen. eral Motors" he said. Tt Is fight against Premier Hepburn and his refusal to accept the delegated rep- resentatives of General Motors em- ployes."
 Noble was referring to Hepburn's refusal to permit Hugh Thompson, organizer for the committee for in- dustrial organization, to participate in peace conference" The union subsequently, withdrew from the conference and negotiations col- lapSed.
 General Motors Warned
 Thompson reiterated a warning that General Motors plants in the United States would be closed by a new strike unless the Canadian plant officials soon reached an agree ment with the union.
 "The automobile workers of the United States will not wait many more days before taking definite ac- tion," he said.
 Homer Martin. president of the U. A. w., took personal command of the strike. He already had partici- pated in negotiations in the United States which led to recognition of the union by the General Motors, Chrysier, Hudson and Rec automo- tive companies.
 General Motors will sign an agreement with the U. A. w. in Can- ada, and expect 1t will be right soon," Martin said. Or perhaps I should say 1t had better be right soon. Hepburn may have an army to start the plants over here, but his army won't work in the United States where General Motors wants to make cars"
 Calls Hepburn Puppet
 Martin described Hepburn as the puppet of General Motors" and said the premier had "better keep his mouth shut"
 The union continued to patrol the area around the plant with strong picket line. Approximately 400 strik- CTS were assigned to the 28 picket posts during the night and more than 1000 after dawn. Picketing was relaxed Saturday to permit the corporation to open tts parts and service department so that parts could be shipped for ambu- lanccs, fire engines and other emer. yency equipment.
 Hepburn announced in Toronto that the dispute--the union insists that t wants only t0 De recognized as q collective bargaining agency could be settled immediately Fl "A