The Watsonville Canning Strike: A Turning Point in Labor History

The Watsonville Canning Strike of 1985-87 was a watershed moment in the history of labor relations in the United States. The strike, which lasted for over a year, pitted a group of predominantly immigrant workers against one of the largest food processing companies in the country. The strike was ultimately successful, and it helped to raise awareness of the plight of immigrant workers in the United States.

Song of the Stubborn One Thousand: The Watsonville Canning Strike, 1985-87

by Peter Shapiro

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1003 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	237 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Background

The Watsonville Canning Strike began in May 1985, when a group of workers at the Watsonville Canning Company went on strike to protest low wages and poor working conditions. The workers, who were mostly Mexican and Filipino immigrants, were paid as little as $3.50 per hour and were forced to work long hours in dangerous conditions.

The company, which was owned by Beatrice Foods, refused to negotiate with the workers, and the strike quickly escalated. The workers set up picket lines around the plant and began to receive support from labor unions and community groups.

The Strike

The Watsonville Canning Strike lasted for over a year and was marked by violence and intimidation. The company hired scabs to replace the striking workers, and there were several incidents of violence between the strikers and the scabs. The company also fired several of the striking workers, and the union filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board.

Despite the challenges, the strikers remained determined to win their demands. They organized rallies and marches, and they received support from a growing number of people around the country. In 1986, the strikers won a major victory when the National Labor Relations Board ruled that the company had violated the law by firing the striking workers.

The Settlement

In June 1987, the Watsonville Canning Company and the union reached a settlement agreement. The agreement included a wage increase for the workers, improved working conditions, and a guarantee that the company would not retaliate against the strikers. The settlement was a major victory for the workers, and it helped to set a precedent for other labor disputes in the United States.

Legacy

The Watsonville Canning Strike was a turning point in the history of labor relations in the United States. The strike helped to raise awareness of the plight of immigrant workers, and it showed that even the most marginalized workers can win their demands if they are united and determined. The strike also helped to lay the groundwork for the modern labor movement in the United States.

The Watsonville Canning Strike is a reminder that the fight for workers' rights is an ongoing struggle. But it is also a story of hope and inspiration. It shows that even the most difficult challenges can be overcome if people are willing to stand up and fight for what they believe in.

Song of the Stubborn One Thousand: The Watsonville Canning Strike, 1985-87

by Peter Shapiro

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1003 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	237 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE