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21 September 1945: US coal supervisors strike
Published 1 week, 1 day ago
Description
On 21 September 1945, a strike began of supervisors in US coal mines demanding recognition for their union, the United Clerical, Technical and Supervisory Employees of the Mining Industry, part of the United Mine Workers of America.
The strike began to spread, and rank-and-file coalminers stopped work in solidarity with their supervisors. Eventually, 200,000 miners were out, shutting down at least 82 bituminous mines across eight states or more.
Although the strike was solid and still growing, it was called off by union leader John Lewis on October 17 despite not achieving the union's demand.
The stoppage was part of a wave of strikes which followed the end of World War II.
More info in this excellent book: https://shop.workingclasshistory.com/collections/books/products/strike-jeremy-brecher
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The strike began to spread, and rank-and-file coalminers stopped work in solidarity with their supervisors. Eventually, 200,000 miners were out, shutting down at least 82 bituminous mines across eight states or more.
Although the strike was solid and still growing, it was called off by union leader John Lewis on October 17 despite not achieving the union's demand.
The stoppage was part of a wave of strikes which followed the end of World War II.
More info in this excellent book: https://shop.workingclasshistory.com/collections/books/products/strike-jeremy-brecher
Our work is only possible because of support from you, our listeners on patreon. If you appreciate our work, please join us and access exclusive content and benefits at patreon.com/workingclasshistory.
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