Today in labor history May 23

[Omaha Steve]

May 23



1933 - The "Battle of Toledo" erupted when sheriffs' deputies arrested several picket leaders at the Auto-Lite plant in Toledo, Ohio, and beat an old man. For seven hours, a crowd of 10,000 blockaded the plant and prevented strikebreakers from leaving. The crowd was dispersed with tear gas and water hoses and the next day the National Guard was called in. Despite the killing of two protesters by the Guard, the strikers held firm. After two weeks, they won recognition of their union and a 5 percent pay hike.

U.S. railroad strike starts, later crushed when President Truman threatens to draft strikers – 1946

The Granite Cutters International Association of America merges with Tile, Marble, Terrazzo,
Finishers & Shopmen – 1983