Evening star., 1949-02-18
Fist Fights Break 0ui
AS Taxis Return 10
Philadelphia Streets
ey the Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA. Feb. 1s. -
Scattered fist fights broke out or
Philadelphia's strike scene today
as AFL taxi drivers went back or
the job and the walkout of II ,00t
trolley. bus and subway operators
entered its second week.
The Yellow Cab Co. said it /!
operating normally" but police
reported brief skirmishes between
taximen and some holdout strik-
ers.
One driver, Emmanuel Robin
son, 40, reported q block Of wood
was hurled through an open win
dow of his cab, striking him on
the knee.
Police arrested q Yellow Cab
driver on q charge of disorderly
conduct following strike argu-
ment with H. j. Berger, manager
of a company garage.
Grand Jury in Session.
Police prowl cars patrolled the
city guarding against outbreaks Of
violence. An all-woman grand
jury was kept in continuous session
to return indictments against any
peace violatorS.
Four cab drivers are under in
dictment on charges of attacking
motorist they suspected Of haul
ing passengers for fare Wednes.
day. The man, 33-year old Clail
Reed, was struck in the eye by a
hurled tire iron and he may lose
his sight.
The 1000 taximen were ordered
back to work by Charles Pirolli,
local president of the Taxi Drivers
Union. He said Yellow Cab would
not bargain with the men until
they were back on the job.
Negotiators in the transit strike
were not as successful.
Within s Cents of Agreement.
There was no announcement OF
further meetings by the Philadel-
phia Transportation Co. and the
CIO Transport Workers Union
after a session last night brought
the opposing factions within 6
cents of settlement.
Foot-Weary commuters CLEANED
faint hope. however, from two de-
velopments.
At the transit meeting last night
Michael j. Quill, TWU interna-
tional president, announced the
union had reduced its previous
wage demand from II cents ar
hour to 13 cents. At the same
time, Charles Ebert, PTC presi-
dent, raised the company's offer
from 3 cents an hour to 7.
At Harrisburg Gov. James H
Duff was expected to make a very
important announcement today
His Office would not disclose any
details in advance Of the Gov
ernor's statement.
The dark side of the transit
picture was presented by both Mr.
Quill and Mr.. Ebert.
The PIC president. after ar
emergency strike meeting called
in the office of Mayor Bernard
Samuel. said the 7-cent final
offer would cost the company
So, loo, 900 year and that ANY
greater increase would mean
bankruptcy"
Mr.. Quill declared there is no
basis for settlement. I am sorry
to have to announce the strike
will 60 on
Membership to Get Offer.
While no further meetings were
scheduled by the transit company
or the union. Mayor Samuel said
that TWU officials had agreed to
present the latest company offer
to it's membership and report
back to me-
Il am hopeful" the Mayor
said. "of a continuance Of nego-
tiations until the strike is ended"
The Transit Workers Union
originally asked for q wage boost
of Is cents and subsequently
dropped first to 20 cents and later
to II. The company at first Of
fered 2 cents an hour, then 3.
Workers now average from S1.09
to $1.63 an hour.
The taxi drivers walked out in
support of their demand for 50 per
cent of gross receipts or Sl.20 an
hour, rather than the present As
per cent.