About

Major American Union Strikes

Strike action, often referred to as a labor strike, is a collective protest by workers who cease work to negotiate with their employers, typically for better wages, improved working conditions, or other labor-related issues. Strikes are often organized by labor unions, which represent the collective interests of workers in a specific industry or workplace. They serve as a significant tool for workers to exert pressure on employers, especially when negotiations have stalled or when labor rights are perceived to be under threat.

The history of strike actions is closely tied to the labor movement, which emerged as workers sought to advocate for their rights and improve their treatment in the workplace. Legal regulations often govern the conduct of strikes, requiring procedures such as secret ballot votes and advance notifications to employers. While the act of striking can create significant disruptions in productivity for employers, it is seen by many labor advocates as a fundamental right and a last resort after other negotiation efforts have been exhausted.

Strikes have historically highlighted the power dynamics between workers and employers, making visible the need for fair labor practices. Notable events, such as the Homestead Strike of 1892, exemplify the tensions that can arise between labor organizations and management, illustrating the complexities and challenges surrounding labor negotiations. Overall, strike actions remain a critical aspect of labor relations, reflecting ongoing struggles for workers' rights and equity in the workplace.

Key 19th-Century Strikes (US Focus)

Great Railroad Strike of 1877: First nationwide strike, triggered by wage cuts, highlighting early labor power and state intervention.

Haymarket Affair (1886): A general strike for an 8-hour day in Chicago turned violent, leading to arrests and anti-union backlash but cementing the 8-hour day as a goal.

Homestead Strike (1892): A bloody clash at Carnegie Steel over pay cuts and union busting, involving Pinkerton detectives, demonstrating fierce resistance.

Pullman Strike (1894): Workers striking against wage cuts and high rents were forcefully broken by federal troops, setting precedents for federal involvement.

Early-to-Mid 20th Century Strikes

Bread and Roses Strike (1912): Lawrence, MA textile workers, including many immigrant women, struck for fair wages, highlighting worker solidarity.

Anthracite Coal Strike (1902): A major coal strike that forced President Theodore Roosevelt to intervene, establishing federal mediation.

Flint Sit-Down Strike (1936-37): Auto workers occupied GM plants, preventing strikebreakers, leading to the first major UAW recognition.

US Strike Wave of 1945-46: The largest in US history, involving over 5 million workers post-WWII, impacting major industries and sparking labor debates.

Late 20th Century & Beyond

1970 Postal Strike: 200,000 postal workers struck for better pay, forcing major reforms and challenging bans on public sector strikes.

PATCO Strike (1981): Air Traffic Controllers struck for better conditions; President Reagan fired them, significantly weakening unions.

UPS Strike (1997): Teamsters struck for better wages and benefits for part-time workers, a massive walkout that gained significant public support.

Major Canadian Union Strikes

Canadian strike history spans from early Cree boatmen (1800s) to major 20th-century events like the Winnipeg General Strike (1919), challenging working conditions, and sparking union rights, with significant post-war actions in asbestos mining (1949), postal strikes (1970s), and public sector unrest (2023), highlighting struggles for better wages, shorter hours, and union recognition, often involving clashes, government intervention, and key legal precedents like the Rand Formula.

Early Movements & Foundations

Cree Boatmen (1800s): One of Canada's earliest recorded labor actions for better pay, predating Confederation.

Toronto Printers (1872): Demanded a 9-hour day, leading to arrests but inspiring the first Trade Union Act, which legalized unions.

Winnipeg General Strike (1919): A massive, city-wide strike for better wages and conditions, defining early Canadian labor militancy.

Mid-20th Century & Post-War Growth

World War II Era: Increased industrialization and union activity, including the 1940s Ford strike.

Asbestos Strike (1949) (Quebec): A violent, long strike by asbestos miners against poor conditions, challenging company and government power and fueling Quebec's Quiet Revolution.

Rand Formula (1946): An arbitration decision from the Ford strike that established the "Rand Formula," mandating union dues check-off for all workers benefiting from a union contract, not just members.

Late 20th Century & Public Sector

Public Sector Strikes (1970s-80s): Key strikes by postal workers (CUPW) and nurses (UNA) challenged anti-strike laws, often leading to illegal actions that expanded bargaining rights.

National Day of Protest (1976): A one-day general strike against wage controls.

Giant Mine Strike (1992) (Yellowknife): A violent and tragic dispute resulting in fatalities, highlighting extreme labor conflict.

For more info about these topics, follow these links:

Labor Day in the US. Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/the-biggest-and-most-powerful-worker-strikes-of-all-time-2019-9#a-1894-strike-resulted-in-30-people-dead-cost-80-million-in-damages-and-led-to-the-creation-of-labor-day-in-the-us-6.

Labor Terms. United Healthcare Workers East: https://www.1199seiu.org/glossaryoflaborterms