American Maritime Unions Warn Algeria of Boycott Unless Israeli Plane is Released

The maritime committee of the American Federation of Labor, Congress of Industrial Organizations, joined by the United Steel Workers, served notice on President Boumedienne of Algeria that unless the hijacked El Al plane and all the occupants are released immediately, “these unions will take all available steps against the Algerian Government including the picketing of all Algerian vessels and the boycotting of all Algerian products.” A cable to the Algerian Chief of State, signed by the presidents of the six unions, denounced the hijacking of the plane, which is now being held by Algeria as “a reprehensible act of piracy in violation of international law and humanitarian considerations.” The cable said that the act “cannot be condoned and calls for action by all governments and all peoples who are concerned about free passage and the maintenance of world order.”

The message was signed by Joseph Curran, president of the National Maritime Union; Jesse Calhoon, president of the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association; Capt. Lloyd Sheldon, president of the Masters, Mates and Pilots; William Steinberg, president of the American Radio Association; Thomas Gleason, president of the International Longshoremen’s Association; John Grogan, president of the Marine and Shipbuilding Workers of America; and Carroll Armstrong, president of the United Steelworkers.

Several hundred young people, representing the New York Jewish Youth Council, will picket the Algeria Mission to the United Nations for 90 minutes tomorrow demanding the release of the hijacked El Al aircraft and the detained crew and passengers. The Council represents the major Jewish youth and college organizations in the metropolitan area embracing a membership of several hundred thousand.