Pennsylvania chocolate workers' strike, 1937

Pennsylvania Chocolate Workers' Strike, 1937'

The Pennsylvania Chocolate Workers' Strike of 1937 was a significant labor dispute involving the Hershey Chocolate Company in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This event is a pivotal moment in the history of labor movements in the United States, highlighting the struggles between labor unions and management during the early 20th century.

Background

The Hershey Chocolate Company, founded by Milton S. Hershey, was one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world by the 1930s. Despite the economic hardships of the Great Depression, the company had managed to maintain production and employment levels. However, the company's workers faced long hours, low pay, and the absence of job security, which led to growing discontent.

The Strike

In April 1937, workers at the Hershey plant, motivated by the broader labor movement sweeping the United States and the successes of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), sought to organize a union. They aimed to improve their working conditions, wages, and job security through collective bargaining. The workers affiliated with the United Chocolate Workers, a union associated with the American Federation of Labor (AFL).

The tension between the workers and the company management escalated, leading to a strike in April 1937. The strike was marked by peaceful protests and picketing, but the situation deteriorated when the company recruited non-union workers and loyal employees, referred to as "loyalists," to keep the plant operational.

The conflict reached its peak on June 23, 1937, an event that came to be known as the "Hershey Sit-Down Strike." Striking workers occupied the factory to halt production. In response, Hershey, with the support of local dairy farmers and community members, organized a counter-protest. This led to a violent confrontation between the strikers and the "loyalists," resulting in injuries on both sides.

Aftermath

The 1937 strike did not result in immediate union recognition or significant improvements in workers' conditions. However, it marked a critical moment in the labor history of the United States, illustrating the challenges faced by labor unions in organizing workers in hostile environments. The strike also highlighted the complexities of labor relations in company towns, where employers exert significant influence over the community.

In the years following the strike, labor laws and public attitudes towards unions began to change, leading to better working conditions and the establishment of labor rights as fundamental American values. The Hershey Chocolate Company eventually recognized the union, and workers gained the right to collective bargaining.

Legacy

The Pennsylvania Chocolate Workers' Strike of 1937 is remembered as a significant event in the history of labor movements in the United States. It serves as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of workers in their fight for fair labor practices and the right to organize. The strike is also a testament to the enduring spirit of solidarity among workers in the face of adversity.