 On May 2, 1968, a walkout of 4,000 workers occurred at a Hamtramck assembly plant which stemmed from a gradual speed-up of the production line. Production soared from 49 units to 68 units an hour within this short period of a week. The mobility of the worker was slowed to the extent that it was difficult to keep pace. As a result of the walkout, picket lines were set up around the gates and individual workers began to amass.