Chicago Steelworkers and the Strike of 1937: Witness to History

The Chicago Steelworkers' Strike of 1937 was a pivotal event in the history of American labor. The strike, which lasted from May 26 to July 12, 1937, involved over 100,000 steelworkers in Chicago and surrounding areas. The strike was a major victory for the workers, who won significant concessions from the steel companies, including a wage increase, a reduction in the workweek, and improved working conditions.

Blood On Steel: Chicago Steelworkers and the Strike of 1937 (Witness to History)

by Michael Dennis

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1537 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	153 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The strike also had a major impact on the American labor movement. The strike helped to revitalize the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO),which had been struggling to organize workers in the mass production industries. The strike also helped to raise public awareness of the plight of workers in the steel industry and other industries.

Background

The steel industry in Chicago was a major part of the city's economy. In the early 20th century, the steelworkers were among the lowest paid and most exploited workers in the United States. They worked long hours in dangerous conditions for low wages.

In the 1930s, the steelworkers began to organize unions to improve their working conditions. The Steel Workers Organizing Committee (SWOC) was formed in 1936 as an affiliate of the CIO. SWOC quickly organized over 100,000 steelworkers in Chicago and surrounding areas.

In May 1937, the steel companies refused to sign a contract with SWOC. The workers went on strike on May 26, 1937.

The Strike

The strike was a major event in Chicago. Over 100,000 workers walked off the job, and the city was paralyzed. The steel companies hired strikebreakers and used violence to try to break the strike. The workers fought back, and the strike turned into a bloody battle.

On July 12, 1937, the steel companies finally agreed to sign a contract with SWOC. The workers had won a major victory. They won a wage increase, a reduction in the workweek, and improved working conditions.

Aftermath

The Chicago Steelworkers' Strike of 1937 was a turning point in the history of American labor. The strike helped to revitalize the CIO and raise public awareness of the plight of workers in the steel industry and other industries. The strike also had a lasting impact on the steel industry. The steel companies were forced to improve working conditions and wages, and the workers gained a greater voice in the workplace.

The Chicago Steelworkers' Strike of 1937 is a story of courage and determination. The workers stood up to the powerful steel companies and won a major victory. The strike is a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of fighting for justice.

Legacy

The Chicago Steelworkers' Strike of 1937 is remembered as a major victory for the American labor movement. The strike helped to improve working conditions for steelworkers and other workers in the mass production industries. The strike also helped to raise public awareness of the plight of workers and the importance of collective action.

The strike is also remembered for its violence. The steel companies hired strikebreakers and used violence to try to break the strike. The workers fought back, and the strike turned into a bloody battle. The violence of the strike is a reminder of the sacrifices that workers have made to fight for their rights.

The Chicago Steelworkers' Strike of 1937 is a reminder of the power of collective action. The strike is a story of courage and determination, and it is a reminder of the importance of fighting for justice.

Blood On Steel: Chicago Steelworkers and the Strike of 1937 (Witness to History)

by Michael Dennis

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1537 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	153 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE