CONTENT WARNING
Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation.
Context
After the Great Depression, difficult economic times led to an increase in work strikes, such as the one in this image. In an effort to preserve individual employee rights in a town largely controlled by industry, Hopewell plant workers joined labor unions such as District 50 of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). The UMWA’s stated purpose was to address the lack of continuity of employment, limited access and ownership in company-owned towns, and extreme occupational hazards. The poor work conditions in Hopewell led to regular strikes and efforts to improve conditions through collective bargaining arrangements. Collective bargaining is the negotiation of wages and other conditions by an organized body of employees.
The post war era saw advances in the labor movement across the United States. Many of the efforts were spurred by the economic hardships of the Great Depression and the U.S. government's response, especially the social programs created as part President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies. After the National Labor Relations Act and Social Security Act passed, the Committee for Industrial Organization (CIO) was formed within the American Federation of Labor (AFL). The Fair Labor Standards Act established a minimum wage and a 40-hour week which changed how business operated nationwide.Citation: Local 12103 on Strike, Jan. 26,1956. Hopewell Virginia Locals of United Mine Workers of America Photograph Collection. Visual Studies Collection, Library of Virginia.
Standards
USII.1, USII.9, VUS.1, VUS.14, GOVT.15, CE.12, CE.13
Suggested Questions
Preview Activity
Look At It: Look at the photograph. What appears to be happening in the image? What makes you think that?
Post Activities
Current Connection: Virginia is an at will employment state in which the terms of employment may be terminated by either party for any reason, or no reason at all, upon reasonable notice. Although some unions exist in Virginia, they may not have the same power to influence business practices and policies as they do in other states. How might this arrangement impact the choices employees make in being willing to strike? Are there risks in striking? Explain.
Form An Opinion: If you were a worker at the time, would you have decided to strike for better conditions at the risk of losing a paycheck? How bad would conditions have to be for you to strike?
Artistic Exploration: Look carefully at the photo of the men on strike and the objects around them. What can you conclude about the six men featured? What do you notice about the barrel and wood in the photo and what might they have been used for and why