When the 1961 auto negotiations began two months ago, hardly anyone expected that the United Auto Workers would resort to a strikepartly because the high U.S. unemployment rate had weakened the union's bargaining position. But last week a strike in the auto industry, though not yet inevitable, was an increasing possibility. Backed by an overwhelming strike vote, Walter Reuther had already chosen his prospective target: General Motors.
Reuther's position had undeniably been strengthened by the nation's improved economic condition. But the chief reason for his aggressiveness was his success fortnight ago in...