Employees of five Carbon County blouse factories joined a host of Lehigh Valley factory workers this morning in staging a strike “for more money and better working conditions,” a spokesman for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union said.

The five Carbon County shops “out” are Franklin Fashions in Franklin Township, Scotty’s Fashions in Lehighton, Palmerton and Kunkletown and Cassie Sportswear in Nesquehoning.

Most Panther Valley area factories connection with the ILGWU are connected with the Hazleton District office and are not involved in the strike.

It is estimated 6,000 workers in 121 blouse factories in the Lehigh Valley district are participating in the strike.