Mi Michigan Blog

Retired Ramblings from Great Lakes State of Michigan

Historic Michigan Marker one of the sites of 1937 Great Flint Sit-down Strike

Historic Michigan Marker General Motors Fisher Body Factory Plant 1 Site UAW Great Flint Sit-down Strike 1937Historic Michigan Marker General Motors Fisher Body Factory Plant 1 UAW Great Flint Sit-down Strike 1937

While travelling down Saginaw Street, I noticed this marker. I had my Sony Mavica, floppy disc camera, with me & took a few pictures. This photo was shot during the afternoon back in July 2001 if I remember correctly. I used the solarize setting for the pic to add a little effect to the picture. The factory has been razed except for one old building. There is now a health club named Hurley Health & Fitness Center & Bonaparte’s Eatery & Banquet Center restaurant on the site, along with an engineering technical facility. When one stops to read the marker, the narrative takes them back to the important labor history that unfolded from late December 1936 thru February 11, 1937. The 44 day Great Flint Sitdown Strike. Here are the words inscribed on the marker:
THE GENERAL MOTORS SIT-DOWN STRIKE

Starting December 30,1936, this building was occupied for forty-four days by striking members of the United Auto Workers. The strikers acting in concert with other plants that were closed or to be closed by sit-downs, asked for recognition of the union as sole bargaining representative for all hourly-related employees of General Motors Corporation. Court injunctions and threats of eviction by both the Sheriff and the Flint Police Department did not sway the strikers from their goal. An agreement was reached in Detroit on February 11, 1937, that changed relationships between the company and its employees. This settlement led to complete unionization of the auto industry in ensuing years and added stability for workers and company.

July 18, 2006 Posted by unitedautoworker | Uncategorized | | 1 Comment