Major Strikes in U.S. History
A strike is when workers all stop working to push their bosses to make changes. People usually strike because they face problems at work, like unsafe conditions, unfair treatment, or low pay. When unhappy workers gather together to protest, they show that they are serious about their concerns.
Strikes often happen after workers’ frustrations grow over time, sometimes starting after a specific event that serves as a trigger. A lengthy period where wages aren’t raised, especially when the cost of living goes up, can lead workers to decide they’ve had enough. Remarks from political leaders or resistance from big companies can also spark a strike.
In the U.S., workers have used strikes for a long time to negotiate better conditions with their employers. Various industries, including the latest attention on fast food workers, have seen waves of strikes calling for increased wages, improved benefits, and more reasonable work hours. Despite recent demonstrations, these movements haven’t matched the scale of the largest strikes in America’s past history.
Below are ten of the largest and most consequential strikes that have occurred in the United States, arranged chronologically.
Key Takeaways
Strikes happen because workers are unhappy with their jobs, wanting to fix unfair or unsafe situations. While not as frequent today, past strikes have significantly changed work conditions and labor laws. Here, we highlight ten of the biggest strikes in U.S. labor history.
Significant Strikes in Labor History
Strikes, often seen as a last resort, are crucial for workers fighting for their rights and benefits. Achievements such as the 40-hour workweek, workers’ compensation laws, and minimum wage laws resulted from these labor movements. Individual employees may struggle to advocate for themselves, but by banding together as a group, they can demand attention and negotiate.
Often, workers coordinate their efforts through labor unions, which collaborate to attain shared goals. While unions aren’t as dominant as they once were, they still wield considerable influence in the workplace. When unions advocate for better pay and conditions, business owners sometimes resist or push back against these movements. In the past, labor actions saw extreme violence, causing countless injuries and fatalities, a stark contrast to the more negotiated approach of modern union activities.
The Great Southwest Railroad Strike of 1886
The Great Southwest Railroad Strike began in March and lasted until September 1886, impacting several states including Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas. Involved in this event were about 200,000 members of the Knights of Labor, who protested against lengthy hours, low wages, and unsafe work conditions.
The protests escalated after Charles Hall, a worker, was unjustly dismissed, leading to clashes between labor supporters and hired security forces. Sadly, support from other railroad unions was absent, causing the Knights of Labor to lose bargaining power as companies hired nonunion replacements.
The Pullman Strike of 1894
Another critical moment in labor history, the Pullman Strike, took place from May to July 1894. Approximately 250,000 factory workers employed at the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago responded to low wages and long hours. The American Railway Union stood in solidarity, refusing to operate trains pulling Pullman cars, and the situation turned deadly with the involvement of the National Guard, resulting in over 30 fatalities.
Following this strike, Labor Day became a national holiday, revealing its importance in labor history when President Grover Cleveland signed it into law to help calm tensions.
The Great Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902
From May to October 1902, 147,000 miners appointed by the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) filled the streets in eastern Pennsylvania, stirring worries about a national energy crisis. Desiring better pay and safer work conditions, the strike drew the attention of President Theodore Roosevelt, whose attempts at negotiation failed. It took intervention from J.P. Morgan for the miners to secure an agreement with a compromise raise.
The Steel Strike of 1919
The next noteworthy labor event was the Steel Strike beginning in September 1919 and stretching until January 1920. Over 350,000 steelworkers who fought against subpar conditions and low pay disrupted a significant part of America’s steel industry. Unfortunately, negative public trust, linked to concerns about communism, turned against the striking workers, leaving them without achievements for about 15 years in the industry.
The Railroad Shop Workers Strike of 1922
Beginning in July and wrapping up in October 1922, the Railroad Shop Workers’ Strike initially came as a result of the Railroad Labor Board reducing wages. With 400,000 participating workers, conflict arose, leading to National Guard interventions and a forced return to work despite pay cuts.
The Textile Workers Strike of 1934
Fight for fair treatment among textile workers rushed to the forefront in September 1934, marking a rapid 23-day strike that involved 400,000 workers. The unrest resulted from long hours and minimal pay, along with a desire for improved representation. However, after facing little popular backing, the strike ended unsuccessfully, and many protestors faced job losses.
The United Mine Workers Strike of 1946
Another action took place from April to December 1946 when 400,000 miners from the United Mine Workers spoke out against unsafe conditions. President Harry Truman responded but confronted backlash. Eventually, the miners found some success with improvements to their safety measures enforced in an agreement, establishing health benefits.
The Steel Strike of 1959
From July to November 1959, 500,000 workers strived for higher wages amidst escalating profits in the steel industry. As a result of substantial public support, workers were victorious in retaining their contract protections and securing increased compensation.
The U.S. Postal Strike of 1970
In March 1970, around 210,000 postal workers walked off the job, expressing dissatisfaction with pay and conditions. This event captured the nation’s attention and prompted a reaction from (then) President Nixon, leading to negotiations that ultimately satisfied the striking workers with wage increases.
The UPS Workers Strike of 1997
In August 1997, 185,000 United Parcel Service (UPS) workers joined together for better work hours and benefits, marking the decade’s significant strike. Their efforts succeeded, illustrating the importance of solidarity in labor movements.
A Final Note on Today’s Labor Landscape
In 2023, about 14.4 million workers, or 10% of America’s workforce, belonged to labor unions, highlighting their role in workforce negotiations. Historical strikes have laid the groundwork for labor rights, showcasing not only victories but also the various challenges met by American workers over the years.