During the winter of 1936, the climate of labor unrest in the United States escalated significantly, particularly within the automobile industry. On December 30, workers at General Motors' Fisher Body Plant in Flint, Michigan, initiated a sit-down strike, a strategic move that prevented management from replacing them or continuing production. This method of protesting, which involved physically occupying the workplace, was both novel and contentious, signifying a shift in labor tactics. The workers were demanding union recognition and improvements in wages and working conditions, a reflection of the growing discontent among industrial workers during the Great Depression.

The situation in Flint attracted considerable media attention, as the strike quickly escalated into a significant confrontational standoff between workers and management. Support for the striking workers grew, with citizens and labor organizations rallying to their cause, bringing visibility to their struggles and demands. The United Auto Workers (UAW) played a crucial role in organizing these strikes and securing support from other unions and groups.

As the strike continued into January, GM faced increasing pressure to negotiate, ultimately leading to negotiations that would change the landscape of labor relations in the automotive industry. This strike not only solidified the UAW's influence but also served as a catalyst for other labor movements across the nation, showcasing the power of organized labor in the fight for workers’ rights.