This action prompted a labor dispute and historic strike by the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE) Local 1116 which had been formed there the prior year.

On June 22, Bechly expanded the injunction to prohibit the union from mass picketing, trespassing on company property, and interfering with employees who wished to return to work.

On June 23, UE Local 1116 leader Hollis Hall defied Bechly's injunction by organizing a takeover of the Maytag plant that lasted until July 1.

[6] Iowa Judge Homer Fuller was brought in for the trial of these and other union leaders, including UE President James B. Carey, who had been arrested for violating Bechly's injunctions.

Despite National Labor Relations Board requests for hearings regarding violations of the Wagner Act by Maytag, Kraschel used his powers to order workers back to reopen the plant.

[11] Ultimately these agreements were reached, martial law was lifted, and the Maytag workers continued to make washing machines, but at a 10% reduction in pay.