The Great Sit-Down Strike
In the winter of 1936–1937, the city of Flint, Michigan, became the epicenter of a historic labor movement. The Great Sit-Down Strike, led by autoworkers at General Motors (GM), marked a pivotal moment in American labor history, giving rise to the United Auto Workers (UAW) and reshaping workers’ rights. At the heart of this movement were the courageous women of the Flint Alliance, whose contributions were instrumental in sustaining the strike and securing its success. These women, including members of the Women's Emergency Brigade organized by Genora Johnson Dollinger, provided food, medical aid, and even defended the strikers against police and company forces.
Before the strike, GM employed over 200,000 workers, but conditions were dire: low pay (around $1,200 annually for full-time workers, below the estimated living wage of $1,434 for a family of four), dangerous assembly lines, and constant threats of firing. The UAW, formed in 1935, targeted GM's Flint plants as they were crucial to production. The sit-down tactic prevented strikebreakers from entering and protected workers from external violence.
The strike's success led to UAW recognition, a 5% pay increase, and union growth from 30,000 to 500,000 members by 1937. It inspired industrial unionism nationwide and highlighted women's roles in labor struggles. This site celebrates their legacy, highlighting their resilience and the enduring impact of their efforts. Explore the story through a collection of documentaries, including the UAW’s 75th-anniversary tribute and other key films. Look for Ms. Blankinship, noted for her iconic gold medallion, a symbol of determination.
Timeline of Events
- December 28, 1936: Workers at Cleveland's Fisher Body plant strike after two brothers are fired.
- December 30, 1936: UAW occupies Fisher #1 in Flint, starting the main sit-down strike.
- December 31, 1936: Strikes at Norwood, Ohio, and Anderson, Indiana plants.
- January 4, 1937: Sit-down at Toledo Chevrolet plant.
- January 5, 1937: Sit-down at Janesville Chevrolet and Fisher Body.
- January 8, 1937: Sit-down at Detroit Cadillac plant.
- January 11, 1937: "Battle of Running Bulls" – Police clash with strikers at Fisher Body 2; 14 strikers injured.
- January 12, 1937: Sit-down at Detroit Fleetwood plant.
- January 13, 1937: Conventional strike at St. Louis Fisher Body and Chevrolet.
- January 25, 1937: Strike at Oakland Fisher Body and Chevrolet.
- February 1, 1937: Occupation of Chevrolet No. 4 in Flint; solidarity protests in New York and Detroit.
- February 2, 1937: GM obtains injunction; union ignores it.
- February 11, 1937: Strike ends after 44 days; UAW recognized by GM.
Historical Photos
Photos from the time:
Watch the Story
Dive into the history of the Flint Sit-Down Strike through five powerful documentaries. These films, including the UAW’s 75th-anniversary documentary and others focusing on the women’s contributions, capture the spirit of this transformative event.
The Flint Alliance (v2)
This documentary, 'With Babies and Banners,' tells the story of the Women's Emergency Brigade during the 1936-1937 Flint Sit-Down Strike, highlighting the roles of women in supporting the strikers through food, picketing, and facing danger, with interviews from participants 40 years later.
The Great Sit-Down
A narrated account of the Flint Sit-Down Strike, detailing harsh working conditions, the sit-down tactic, key events like the Battle of the Running Bulls, and the eventual victory leading to UAW recognition by GM, emphasizing the strike's role in creating middle-class opportunities.
UAW 75th Anniversary Documentary
This UAW-produced documentary commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Flint Sit-Down Strike, featuring historical footage, worker testimonies on poor conditions, key events, and the union's victory, highlighting its impact on labor rights and economic improvements.
Flint Sitdown Strike Part 1
Part 1 covers the formation of the UAW, early organizing efforts including the Kelsey Hayes sit-down strike, the beginning of the Flint strike against GM, women's roles, and violent clashes like the Battle of the Running Bulls.
Flint Sitdown Strike Part 2
Part 2 describes the strategic takeover of Chevrolet Plant No. 4, the role of women in picketing and support, the eventual settlement with GM after 44 days, and the broader impact on labor organizing and union growth across industries.
Note: Look for Ms. Blankinship’s giant gold medallion in the documentaries, a striking symbol of the era’s bold spirit.
Additional Resources
Explore more about the Flint Sit-Down Strike through these reliable sources:
- Wikipedia: Flint Sit-Down Strike - Comprehensive overview of the strike's history and impact.
- Library of Congress: The Flint, Michigan, Sit-Down Strike - Historical context and primary sources.
- Zinn Education Project: Dec. 30, 1936: First Sit-Down Strike Begins in Flint - Educational resources on the strike's significance.
- University of Michigan: The Flint Sit-Down Strike - Academic paper with primary sources from The Flint Journal.
- Primary Source Nexus: Flint Sit-Down Strike - Collection of primary sources and background information.
- UAW Official Website - Learn about the union's history and ongoing legacy.