Detroit Police / Last Hired, First Fired Policy / Minorities Bring Suit

Detroit Police / Last Hired, First Fired Policy / Minorities Bring Suit #240378

CBS Evening News for Friday, May 09, 1975
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(Studio) Last hired, 1st fired policy of many unions causing conflicts because minorities usually on "last hired" list. Last week, some of Detroit's women police and some black police file separate lawsuits protesting layoffs; claim seniority system discriminates against them. Federal judge rules minorities can be laid off by seniority system unless they're part of special federally funded program; decision to be appealed.
REPORTER: Walter Cronkite

(Detroit, Michigan) More than 500 policemen, mostly white, picket to protest planned layoffs and injunctions excluding some blacks and women from cutback. During picketing, scuffle between white demonstrators and black policeman occurs. [President Detroit police officers association Ron SEXTON - stands behind seniority system.] [Attorney James ANDARY - says seniority system locks in racist program; system contrary to Const. and civil rights.] [Mayor's press secretary Bob PISOR - says if seniority system for layoffs overruled, city must go ahead with planned layoffs; white workers to be affected mostly.]
REPORTER: Randy Daniels

Reporter(s):: Cronkite, Walter;; Daniels, Randy
Duration:: 00:02:10

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