The massacre in Guayaquil erupted during a time of escalating tensions between labor unions and the government. Workers were rallying for improved wages, safer working conditions, and the right to organize, amid widespread poverty and inequality. The atmosphere was charged, with various factions within the labor movement seeking reforms to better the lives of workers in Ecuador's burgeoning urban centers. The government viewed the strike as a threat to stability, leading to a heavy-handed response.

On the morning of the strike, thousands of workers took to the streets, calling for their rights and demanding recognition from employers. As the situation intensified, the military was ordered to intervene. The soldiers used live ammunition against demonstrators, resulting in widespread panic and chaos. Eyewitness accounts speak of a brutal crackdown, with soldiers firing indiscriminately into crowds. Reports indicate that hundreds lost their lives that day, with many more injured.

The fallout from the massacre was immediate and profound. Public outrage grew, with protests erupting across the country. Intellectuals, artists, and activists rallied to condemn the government's actions. This tragic event became a rallying cry for the labor movement in Ecuador, highlighting the urgent need for reform in workers' rights. It also drew international attention to the struggles faced by Ecuadorian workers, linking local issues to global labor movements. Over time, the massacre served as a catalyst for significant political changes in the country, paving the way for future labor legislation.