**Source:** Unknown
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Atty. Daniel Baker of Stamford, counsel for the union, said the union ‘intends fully to comply’ with Judge Gaffney’s instructions. He said local union leaders will do ‘everything in their power’ to maintain a peaceful picket line.
He said they will ‘make sure there are a reasonable number of pickets . . . and they will avoid any situation which could get out of control.’
Fanton and Baker crossed swords briefly when the company attorney asked Judge Gaffney to address himself directly to International Representative William Fernandes and Vice President Raymond Mengacci concerning picket line activity regarding attempts to restrain passage of delivery trucks in and out of the plant.
Baker said the union has ‘worked out a good mechanism’ with local police for dealing with trucks. He said the company should ‘recognize the union’s right’ to talk to truck drivers and ask them whether they want to cross the picket line.
Union officials explained that strikers have arranged to have police officers on duty at the gates ask the truck drivers whether they wish to cross the lines. In the event that they do, the officials said, Drivers of 11 of 19 trucks which approached the warehouse gate on 5 Monday refused to cross the line and turned away.
Judge Gaffney said the union is ‘entitled to peaceful picketing and to use (its) arts of peaceful persuasion,’ but, he added, it cannot do what has been determined is illegal.
He said motor and freight shipments are expected at the plant soon and he warned that ‘any interference with these shipments will bring about a restraining order and the penalties therein.’
The penalties referred to usually include a high bond and the threat of contempt of court for any violations of the restraining order.
‘I’m taking a lot on myself by recommending this continuance,’ Judge Gaffney said. ‘The onus will fall on me if this experiment doesn’t work.’
He added, ‘The court hopes that within two weeks the strike will be over and there will be no need for the court to lay down strict rules.’