Historical Events tagged with "labor strike"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Police Clash with Miners at Marikana
During an industrial dispute, South African police shot and killed 34 miners while wounding 78 others at the Lonmin Platinum mine in Marikana. The miners were on strike, demanding higher wages and better working conditions, and had gathered in a field near the mine. The police intervened, leading to a confrontation that escalated into violence, marking a significant turning point in labor relations in South Africa.
Continue ReadingReagan Dismisses Striking Air-Traffic Controllers
In a decisive action, President Ronald Reagan fired 11,359 air traffic controllers who participated in a strike, defying his order to return to work. This strike began as PATCO, the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization, demanded better working conditions, higher pay, and reduced hours. After issuing an ultimatum to return to their posts, the workers’ refusal led to their termination, significantly impacting air travel across the United States and the union's future role in labor negotiations.
Continue ReadingBeginning of the Baltimore Municipal Strike
In June 1974, city workers in Baltimore initiated a strike demanding better wages and working conditions. The action involved various municipal workers including sanitation employees, public health workers, and maintenance staff. As tensions rose, their absence significantly impacted city services. Union leaders stressed the need for higher wages to match inflation and improve job conditions, illustrating the growing labor discontent within the city. The strike escalated as the workers sought support from the community and allied unions.
Continue ReadingMartin Luther King Jr.'s Final Speech
On the evening of April 3, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his powerful 'I've Been to the Mountaintop' speech at the Mason Temple in Memphis, Tennessee. This speech was delivered during a labor strike by sanitation workers and served as a poignant call for equality and justice. King spoke about the challenges faced by the African American community, emphasizing the need for unity and perseverance. The address resonated deeply with his audience, as few realized it would be his last, occurring just hours before his assassination.
Continue ReadingNewspaper Workers Strike for 114 Days
Workers at four New York City newspapers went on strike, demanding better wages and working conditions. The strike began when the Graphic Arts International Union sought to negotiate a new contract. It eventually expanded to nine newspapers and lasted 114 days, severely disrupting newspaper production in the city.
Continue ReadingUAW Strike Demands Wage Increase at GM
The United Auto Workers launched a strike involving 92 General Motors plants across 50 cities, propelled by demands for a significant 30-percent raise. This was a pivotal moment during the post-war period, as workers sought better compensation reflective of rising living costs. The strike drew attention to labor rights, labor relations, and the evolving landscape of American industry amidst the economic shifts following World War II.
Continue ReadingHollywood Set Decorators' Strike Riot
A six-month strike by set decorators culminated in a violent confrontation at Warner Brothers studio. Tensions peaked as workers demanded fair wages and job security amidst a post-war industry transition. Security forces clashed with angry strikers, leading to a chaotic scene with injuries reported. This incident highlighted the growing unrest among Hollywood workers seeking better conditions.
Continue ReadingTear Gas Used on Striking Longshoremen in Seattle
In Seattle, approximately 2,000 longshoremen participated in a waterfront strike demanding better working conditions. Law enforcement responded to the escalating tensions by deploying tear gas and using clubs against the striking workers. Simultaneously, the governor of Oregon ordered the National Guard to intervene at the Portland docks to restore order amid the ongoing labor conflict.
Continue ReadingBattle of Toledo: Workers Clash with National Guard
The Auto-Lite strike in Toledo escalated into violent confrontations, known as the 'Battle of Toledo,' between approximately 1,300 Ohio National Guard troops and around 6,000 striking workers. This five-day conflict emerged as a culmination of local tensions surrounding labor rights, industry practices, and rising unemployment during the Great Depression. Strikers sought better wages and working conditions against the backdrop of economic despair, leading to a historic showdown in the streets of Toledo, Ohio.
Continue Reading