Newsroom Workers Give In To Threats

More than half the striking Detroit Free Press editorial employees failed to return to the newsroom by a back-to-work deadline Thursday, risking a management threat that they would be permanently replaced.

Nearly 35 workers enduring shouts of “go home, scabs” arrived through a back door Thursday, bringing to 84 the number who have returned, management said. About 170 workers remained on strike.

The strike by 2,500 workers at the Free Press and The Detroit News began July 13. The Free Press issued warnings Tuesday to more than 200 newsroom employees that they would be replaced permanently if they didn’t return.

The News offered no back-to-work ultimatum, because so many union members - 58 - had already crossed picket lines and two permanent replacements have been hired.