The Battle of Toledo

Today in labor history: On May 23, 1934 workers in Toledo Ohio, overcame police and company strike breaking efforts.

Workers at the Electric Auto-Lite plant were striking for union recognition. National Guard troops machine gunned the strikers resulting in two deaths and several wounded.

A five-day running battle called “The battle of Toledo” between police and the strikers ensued.

The company later recognized the union and agreed to a five percent pay raise. The strike was led by the craft union dominated American Federation of Labor (AFL). It ended on June 3.

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