LIGHT AND POWER HOLDUP IN PARIS

Chronicle (Levin), 26 May 1947, Page 5

LIGHT AND POWER HOLDUP IN PARIS

^ government takes swift measures Received Sundav, 7.30 p.m. PARIS, Alay 25. Following a decision by the "Fc.enc'i National Union of Gas arid Electricity Workers to call a ' ' go-slow ' ' strtkc witli a complete stoppage for 24 hour.on Alay 28 except for security services in protest against the Government refusal to meet their demands foi higher wages, the Government has an nounced that if a strike occurred they would take all necessary measures t« defeat it, including the requisitioniui. of all gas and electricity works. If imcessarv troops would be used to main tain supplies. AI. Ramadier summoned ArmyT, Nav;. aud Air Force chiefs to a staff meeting with Alinisters shortly after niidnight. The teehnieal chiefs of the gas and electricity undertakings were also called in to discu.ss the Government 's measures to defeat the strike. An official of the Gas and Electricity Workers' Union said if tlie Governirierit maintained its hostile attitude a general strike of the gas and electricity industrv would be called. A later message states that the gas and electricity workers put into effed an innnediate go-slow strike throughom France in answer to Al. Ramadier V refusal to meet their demands. The Federation announced that all membei's of the unions would reduce production and the pressufe of gas except durinp meal hours. Electricity would be cut during the day. The Federation originallv threatened to go-slow on Alav 28 but advaneed its plans since AT. Ramadier threatened to use troops. AT. Ramadier has issued a deeree re qiiisitioning all workers in the gas am electricity industries. The workers Federation announced that from thc 28th gas and power would be availalih only for special services, not for eook The British United Press savs Al Ramadier 's decree means that all gas and electricity workers will be con scripted and Ijable to imprisoninent if thov refuse work. The metal workers have decided that unless their demands are met today thov also will start a go-slow strike. The Miners.' Federation has threatened direct action unless their demands are met before tlie 28th.