In July 1934, San Francisco witnessed a historic event that would forever change the course of labor history in the United States. The San Francisco General Strike, involving around 150,000 workers, brought the city to a standstill for four days. This massive display of solidarity among workers was a response to the ongoing struggles faced by longshoremen and maritime workers in the San Francisco Bay Area.
In This Article
Key Points
- The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and its leader, Harry Bridges, played a pivotal role in the strike.
- The events of Bloody Thursday, which saw the death of two strikers and injuries to many others, escalated the conflict and led to the general strike.
- Union control over hiring halls became a central issue in the labor movement, as it represented workers’ desire for fair employment practices and job security.
The Prelude to the Strike
Prior to 1934, labor conditions in San Francisco were characterized by long hours, low wages, and unsafe working environments. The formation and growth of unions in the San Francisco Bay Area, such as the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific, marked the beginning of workers’ efforts to organize and fight for their rights. Conflicts on the waterfront between workers and employers, coupled with the rise of anti-union sentiments among business owners, set the stage for the impending strike.
The Strike Unfolds
On May 9, 1934, longshoremen along the West Coast went on strike, demanding union recognition, better working conditions, and a union-controlled hiring hall. The strike quickly gained momentum, with the Teamsters and other unions joining in support. The events of July 5, known as Bloody Thursday, marked a turning point in the strike. Police and vigilantes fired upon strikers, resulting in the deaths of two workers and injuries to many others. This tragedy galvanized the labor movement and led to the call for a general strike.
Key Figures and Organizations
Harry Bridges emerged as a prominent leader within the ILA, guiding the union’s objectives and strategies throughout the strike. The ILA, affiliated with the American Federation of Labor (AFL), represented the interests of longshoremen and fought for better working conditions and union recognition. The San Francisco Labor Council and the Central Labor Council played crucial roles in coordinating the efforts of various unions during the general strike.
The Opposition
Employers, organized under the Industrial Association of San Francisco, launched a campaign to undermine the strike, portraying it as a Communist plot. The Mayor’s Committee of 500, composed of business leaders and civic officials, worked to sway public opinion against the strikers. The vigilante anti-Red campaign, fueled by the media, aimed to discredit the labor movement and paint the strikers as radicals and troublemakers.
Strategies and Tactics
Union control over hiring halls became a central demand of the strikers, as it represented a means to ensure fair employment practices and job security. The Strike Strategy Meeting, held by union leaders, laid out plans for widespread action and solidarity among workers. The strategic importance of the San Francisco Waterfront and the involvement of maritime workers were crucial factors in the strike’s success.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The strike ended through arbitration, with the intervention of the newly-established National Labor Relations Board (Wagner Act). Although the strikers did not achieve all of their demands, the strike led to significant gains for workers, including better wages, hours, and working conditions. The San Francisco General Strike had far-reaching effects on labor history in the city and beyond, inspiring future organizing efforts and solidifying the power of unions.
The strike also had an impact on multi-racial organizing and the establishment of Ethnic Studies programs. The 1968-1969 San Francisco State Strike, led by the Black Student Union and the Third World Liberation Front, drew inspiration from the 1934 strike and successfully fought for the creation of the first College of Ethnic Studies in the United States.
FAQ
What was the General Strike of 1934 in San Francisco?
The General Strike of 1934 in San Francisco was a massive labor action involving around 150,000 workers from various unions, which brought the city to a standstill for four days in July 1934.
Who was Harry Bridges, and what was his role in the strike?
Harry Bridges was a prominent leader within the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and played a key role in guiding the union’s objectives and strategies throughout the strike.
What were the outcomes of the strike arbitration?
The strike ended through arbitration, with the intervention of the National Labor Relations Board (Wagner Act). Although the strikers did not achieve all of their demands, the strike led to significant gains for workers, including better wages, hours, and working conditions.
How did the strike impact labor rights in the United States?
The San Francisco General Strike had far-reaching effects on labor history, inspiring future organizing efforts and solidifying the power of unions. It also influenced the establishment of the National Labor Relations Board (Wagner Act), which provided a legal framework for collective bargaining and worker protections.
What is the significance of union control over hiring halls?
Union control over hiring halls was a central demand of the strikers, as it represented a means to ensure fair employment practices and job security. It challenged the existing power dynamics between workers and employers and sought to give unions greater control over the hiring process.
