“GO-SLOW” STRIKE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22339, 26 May 1947, Page 3

“GO-SLOW” STRIKE

FRENCH | GAS AND POWER PLANTS STATE CONSCRIPTS MEN (10 a.m.) PARIS. May 24. The French National Union of Gas and Electricity Workers put into effect an immediate “go-slow” strike throughout France in answer to M. Ramadier’s refusal to meet their demands for higher wages. The federation announced that all member unions would reduce production and pressure of gas, except during meal hours. Electricity would be cut during the day. The federation originally threatened to go-slow on Wednesday, but advanced its plans since M. Romadicr threatened to use troops. M. Ramadier issued a decree requisitioning all workers in the gas and electricity industries. The workers’ federation announced that from Wednesday gas and power would be available only for special services, but not for cooking.

The British United Press says that M. Ramadicr’s decree means that all gas and electricity workers will be conscripted and liable to imprisonment if they refuse work.

The metal workers decided that unless their demands were met today they will also start a “go-slow” strike. The miners’ federation threatened direct action unless their demands were met before Wednesday. Earlier, the Government announced that if the strike occurred, it would take all the necessary measures to defeat it, including the requisitioning of all gas and electricity works. If necessary, troops would be used to maintain supplies. The Premier, M. Ramadier, summoned Ihe army, navy and air force chiefs to a staff meeting of Ministers shortly after midnight.

The technical chiefs of the gas and electricity undertakings were also called in to discuss the Government’s measures to defeat the strike. The Federation of Gas and Electrical Workers did not answer the telephone today, but otherwise there was little sign in Paris of the “go-slow” strike. The power supply seemed to be unchanged, apart from two minor holdups. in the underground railway and radio transmissions, due lo the temporary falling-off of current. The spokesman for M. Ramadier said the Premier did not plan lo enter negotiations. He had taken a stand (conscripting the workers under a wartime order) and intended to keep to it.