CRIPPLING STRIKE IN CHICAGO

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 342, 25 January 1937, Page 5

CRIPPLING STRIKE IN CHICAGO

ELECTRICAL WORKERS ■CITY IN DARKNESS Temporary Truce Called After Three Hours. Press Association—Copyright. Chicago, January 23. Most Chicago streets were plunged into darkness last night when 450 city electrical workers struck for the restoration of pay cuts. Their action extinguished all street! lights over half the city, except on the boulevards under park district control, and crippled automobile traffic and the tram service. All but 18 of the 58 bridges over the Chicago River were raised, and only five bridges directly servicing the business section remained in operation. Every member of the police force was ordered to remain on duty. Unless, the demands'.are met the union of efectrical intend to cripple nearly all services by degrees as more men are called but on strike. The water system, police, radio and fire alarm services were given 24 hours’ exemption, while an indefinite exemption was extended to the airport and to hospitals. Private buildings and residences were not affected. Later after paralysing traffic for three hours the strike was called off under the provisions of a temporary truce, the Mayor and aidermen having agreed to hear the grievances of the workers.