The Last Great Strike

January 1, 2016

White (law, Univ. of Colorado) recounts the history of the violent strike against smaller steel companies in 1937. While well-known in labor history, the strike's causes, events, and impact have not been examined in a book-length study until now. Earlier in 1937, organized labor succeeded in gaining a contract with U.S. Steel, the world's largest steelmaker, yet smaller but still powerful steel firms--"Little Steel"--resisted unionization, which precipitated a major strike at almost 30 steel plants from Chicago to Baltimore during the summer. Using their own armed security forces and assistance from local police and National Guardsmen, companies forced a two-month standoff against more than 70,000 members of the Steel Workers Organizing Committee. Violent confrontations occurred, most notably in south Chicago in what became known as the Memorial Day Massacre that left ten strikers dead and 100 more wounded by gunfire. The steel companies held the line and the strike collapsed within a few months. Ultimately, the unions succeeded when steel grew in demand for war. The author's sympathies with labor may cause readers to doubt his objectivity, yet this is still an even-handed study of important events. VERDICT This compelling narrative should have wide appeal. A great read, especially for those interested in the history of labor and labor relations.--Charles K. Piehl, Minnesota State Univ., Mankato

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