Dukakis Hits Bush Remark About Detroit : Says U.S. Workers Have Nothing to Learn From Soviets

Michael S. Dukakis, in a speech delayed by the most disruptive anti-abortion demonstrators of his campaign, today criticized George Bush for saying U.S. auto plants could use the abilities of Soviet mechanics, and he accused the Reagan Administration of “trying to break unions and pit management against labor.”

Last fall on a trip to Europe, Bush was told in a meeting of NATO ministers that 350 Soviet tanks had recently completed maneuvers without a breakdown.

“Hey, when the mechanics who keep those tanks running run out of work in the Soviet Union, send them to Detroit because we could use that kind of ability,” Bush said at the time. Later, he apologized to U.S. auto workers, adding, “Hey give me a break; I didn’t mean anything by it.”

Pounced on Remark

Dukakis, in a meeting today with hundreds of Polish-Americans and others at a banquet hall outside Chicago, chided Bush for the remarks about Soviet mechanics.

“I agree we have to pay attention to quality--from the assembly lines to the executive suites,” Dukakis said. “But do you really believe we in America have anything to learn from a society where workers have no rights, consumers have no choices and even Mr. (Mikhail S.) Gorbachev admits their economy is a shambles? Those Republicans in Washington love to blame American workers first.”

Dukakis praised the Polish workers’ Solidarity union movement while taking aim at Reagan Administration labor policies.

“They don’t understand that Solidarity isn’t just a beautiful word in Polish; it’s also a beautiful word in English,” Dukakis said. “That’s why they’ve spent the last seven years trying to break unions and pit management against labor.”

Rousing Reception

Dukakis got a rousing reception from the more than 1,200 people in the hall despite the heckling from the abortion protesters. Calls of “You’re a baby killer,” and “How about the unborn?” forced Dukakis to delay the start of his remarks. Supporters tried to drown out the catcalls, but Dukakis could not proceed.

At least eight people were hustled from the room--some not too gently--by Dukakis supporters as the candidate assured the protesters: “I respect their right to disagree with me. That’s what Democracy is all about. I hope that you respect my right to speak.”

Police said there were no arrests.

Dukakis’ position on abortion is that he is personally opposed to it but believes a pregnant woman has the right to make her own decision.

Dukakis went on to meet in Illinois today with state Democratic leaders, but the Rev. Jesse Jackson was not included. Jackson reportedly was very upset over the omission, the latest in a series of what he has perceived as slights by the Dukakis campaign, said a source close to the former presidential candidate.

In Illinois, Dukakis’ state press secretary Judy Erwin said Jackson was not included in the meetings because he is regarded as a national leader and today’s meetings were to focus on the Illinois state campaign.