United Automobile Worker

Local Fixes Strike Blame at Plymouth

The following statement was issued Thursday, December 1, by Leo Lamotte, president of Local 51, UAW, on the stoppage of work that closed the Plymouth plant Wednesday:

(Editor’s note: Men in the body room ceased work shortly after 7 a.m., Wednesday. This resulted in the entire Plymouth plant closing until the afternoon shift when the workers were instructed to report for work by local union officials. In the meantime, Briggs and part of Dodge had to cease production.)

“After a preliminary investigation by the executive board of the Plymouth local last night at which workers who participated in yesterday’s stoppage of work were given full opportunity to testify, it is clear the action which closed the plant was unjustified. Therefore, disciplinary action against those who caused the trouble is justified because such stoppages, if allowed to occur, endanger the strength and solidarity of our organization. Anti-labor forces, including the press, are extremely alert to make use of any irresponsible action in order to prepare the way for anti-labor legislation.

“Under these conditions, responsible unions must lead the way towards mobilizing the people against any liquidation of the progressive measures passed by Governor Murphy’s administration. This requires self-discipline on the part of labor.

“We want to point out further that the grievance which caused the men to stop work was in process of being negotiated by the union and the management. If the men were dissatisfied with the way our officials were conducting the negotiations, they should have notified the executive board of the local union and their protest would have been heard.

“Our local has so served the workers that all eligible employees in the Plymouth plant, with the exception of less than a dozen, are members of our union. Having made such progress, we take the position that any action which might weaken our organization and the labor movement as a whole cannot be tolerated.

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Plymouth Strike
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position that irresponsible acts a whole must be prevented.

"We stand as we always have stood, for the right of the workers to strike to protect their economic interests. Any strike, however, must take place only after collective bargaining has failed, and must represent the wishes of at least the majority of the workers.

"As a result of our investigation we have determined that four men were chiefly responsible for the trouble. We asked the company to give them a two-week lay-off. The company agreed.

Those laid off are: S. Fedorinchik, chief steward; Sam Daugherty; Nick Ogan and S. Bogel."