Vol. 73/No. 21      June 1, 2009

Armed with tear gas, clubs, and pellet guns, the police first arrested several people. Then they turned on the whole crowd and fired tear gas. The angry workers refused to let the cops push them off the streets. A pitched battle ensued for six hours. Several workers and some cops were hospitalized. The scabs brought in to break the strike stayed locked inside the plant.  
 
June 1, 1959
Those seeking effective measures in the Negro struggle for equality will have their eyes fastened June 2 on the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. That is the day on which the great policy question involved in the battle of Roy Wilkins vs. Robert F. Williams will get an official hearing.

NAACP head Wilkins is formally demanding that Williams, president of the Monroe Union County, North Carolina NAACP branch, be removed from office because of his statements that Negroes should “meet violence with violence” when attacked by racists. Williams is sticking to his guns on the rightness of his prescription for Negroes to arm and defend themselves.  
 
June 2, 1934
The Drivers’ strike conducted by General Drivers Union No. 574 was settled on the basis of recognition of the union, unconditional reinstatement of all strikers and agreement to arbitrate the demands for wages and hours. Employers had previously granted substantial wage increases in the attempt to head off the strike and avoid recognizing and dealing with the union. The union is now presenting demands for further increases.

Last night’s general membership meeting was a rousing affair. Thousands of newly organized workers, the majority of whom never belonged to a union before, crowded the big strike headquarters to hear reports on further plans to strengthen and consolidate the union.  
 
 
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