New York, Feb. 27.
Defence contracts totalling US$1.- 506,000,000 are affected by a strike which has been declared at the large Lackawanna Steel Works of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation in Buffalo, New York State.
Pickets of a union affiliated to the Congress of Industrial Organizations refused to let workers go on their midnight shifts last night. or to enter the factory.
The union called the strike when the Corporation refused to take back a number of workers who were discharged for "unlawful practices, including sit downs" (sit-down strikes).
Union leaders-fear that the strike at the factory. which employs 4,000 men, will spread to other works belonging to the Corporation.
Government officials, it is learned from Washington, are worried at the outbreak of a number of strikes at various factories. and signs of serious labour disputes in the automotive. textile and coal industries.
The Automotive Union has sent a telegram {o President Roosevelt, stating that the Union has given the Ford Motor Company 30 days notice of their intention to call out 95.000 workers if their grievances are not
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