The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-21
4,OOO MORE JOIN
 DETROIT STRIKES
Continued from Page D

proposals, La Motte said he did not hold the board responsible.
 Sure workers have grievances and the. VILE has been slow" he said, but these things can be settled without calling strikes
 Meanwhile, 1t was feared Chrys- ler's massive tank arsenal might be closed down If strikers refused to re- spond to La Motte's appeal to return to work.
 The spokesman said sound trucks operated by local officials of the union were again at the plant gates today warning employees not to en- ter the factories. He said JAW men also were at the gates checking badge numbers of workers attempt ing to return to work.
 Leo La Motte head of the JAWS Chrysler division, said that from the mood the men arc in" 1t did not appear they would resume work to- day.
 The strike involved simultaneous WalkoutS yesterday at five separate plants, but the situation was ale viated somewhat last night when 4,000 employees of the Kelsey-Hayes Wheel Co.,, voted to return to work today flor the good of the coun- try"
 The remaining 23, ,000 strikers, em- ployed at three Chrysler plants and the Ray-Day Piston Corp, were adamant, however, claiming they were fled up" with the War Labor Board which is considering numer- ous grievances, mostly for wage in- creases and adjustment of alleged inequalities.
 In announcing the return of work of the one group, Chester Mullins, chairman of the Kelsey division Of the United Automobile Workers (CIO) said:
 We are getting raw deal and a double-crosSing from the company and the, War Labor Board, Eut the men are going to return to work anyway for the good of the coun- try"
 Union officials, pointing out that the strike was unauthorized, joined with Army and WLB authorities iu urging the other strikers to return to work.
 An exchange of telegrams between ChrySler officials and R. J. Thomas, and between the National WLB and the striking locals, failed to produce basis for settlement.
 Robert w. Conder, Chrysler labor rel tions director, telegraphed Thomas. International JAW (CIO) president, "There is no indication that any action you have taken to date has been effective. I again re- quest you to urge the employees to return"
 Thomas. in reply, said,
 Current strikes involving mem- bers of the JAW (CIO) have not been authorized The men in. volved have legitimate and serious grievances but I believe that they are making mistake by seeking tc adjust these grievances through strikes.
 T believe the management involv- ed Is completely responsible for the unrest which has led to the walkout. They have been taking advantage of labors no strike pledge.
 The slowness of the War Labor Boards machinery is serious con- tributory factor in the unrest. want to repeat what I have been saying for long time: That the WLB overhaul its machinery and render prompt and just decisions"
 The War Labor Board panel which heard the Chrysler com plaints held its final meetings yes- terday. Thomas J. Donahue, chair man of the panel, said the reports on the Chrysler cases were all but finished and that it would be in the hands of the VILE within a few days. The national board will not act until this report is received.