An imminent historical moment is on the horizon as the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) and its primary teachers’ union come to terms with a tentative agreement that includes a proposed six percent salary increase. While this raise may vary across different pay scales, the fact that progress is being made in the enduring struggle for equitable wages for educators serves as compelling evidence of the pivotal role strikes play in advocating for meaningful change within the Black community. The one-year contract that the Detroit Federation of Teachers reached with Detroit Public Schools was a historic one, marking the largest salary increase for teachers in the past 35 years.
“We’re here for children, we’re here for educators, and we’re getting the deal done,” said Detroit Federation of Teachers President Lakia Wilson–Lumpkins.
Strikes are not just protests but powerful expressions of collective action aimed at challenging the status quo.
Throughout history, strikes have proven to be an effective means for union workers to assert their rights and demand fair treatment from their employers. Within this narrative of labor activism, the Black community’s utilization of strikes stands out as a testament to their resilience, determination, and unwavering pursuit of justice.
The Historical Context: A Legacy of Struggle
From the early days of American history, the Black community faced rampant discrimination, economic exploitation, and social marginalization. In response, they rallied together to form unions and engaged in strikes to challenge these deeply entrenched injustices. One of the earliest examples dates back to the 18th century when enslaved Black workers in the South engaged in work stoppages and slowdowns to resist their oppressors.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the emergence of organized labor movements. During this period, Black workers played a pivotal role in strikes across various industries despite facing double discrimination due to their race and labor status. One of the most notable instances was the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, led by A. Philip Randolph. This landmark union not only fought for better working conditions but also became a catalyst for the civil rights movement.
As August turned its pages in 1925, the American labor landscape witnessed a remarkable development – the election of A. Philip Randolph was the president of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. This event etched itself into history as a defining moment in the struggle for workers’ rights, particularly within the African-American community. The BSCP, a union representing the interests of Black porters employed by the Pullman Company, became the first all-black labor union in the United States. The inception of this union was more than a mere organizational feat; it was a resounding affirmation of solidarity and a response to the dire need for equitable treatment and fair labor practices.
Strikes as a Tool for Change
The 20th century witnessed an increase in strikes within the Black community as a response to racial segregation, wage disparities, and unequal treatment. The Great Migration, which saw millions of Black individuals moving from the South to the North, led to the formation of lively urban communities where labor activism thrived.
According to the NAACP, on August 28, 1963, history bore witness to a pivotal moment as over a quarter million individuals gathered near the Lincoln Memorial for the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. With more than 3,000 press members in attendance, the march became a focal point for social change. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, resonating with a fervent call for racial harmony and equality.
Conceived by labor leader A. Phillip Randolph and Roy Wilkins of the NAACP, the march evolved into a collaborative effort involving major civil rights groups. It symbolized unity and an unwavering commitment to justice.
During the Civil Rights Movement, strikes were used strategically to draw attention to racial injustice. The 1968 Memphis sanitation workers’ strike, epitomized by the iconic “I AM A MAN” placards, highlighted the intersectionality of race and labor issues. This strike, tragically punctuated by the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., demonstrated the determination of Black workers to combat both economic and racial inequality.
Strikes in Detroit
Detroit’s history is imbued with transformative strikes driven by social issues, reshaping perspectives and fostering change. Amid the diverse sectors affected by strikes, from media to education, the undeniable force propelling unionized change in the city is the auto industry.
Founded in 1935, the United Automobile Workers (UAW) initially concentrated on organizing workers in smaller factories. Yet, their aspirations expanded to confront the colossal figure in the industry, General Motors (GM). This audacious move led to the iconic GM sit-down strike, commencing on December 30, 1936, at a GM plant in Flint, Michigan.
Distinct from traditional strike methods involving picket lines, this strike adopted a bold “sit-down” approach. Workers occupied the GM facility physically, barricading it against outsiders. Ignoring judicial injunctions, they remained unwavering, an embodiment of determination against all odds.
This episode in labor history underscores the potency of collective action and unwavering resolve. The GM sit-down strike of 1936-37 not only demonstrated the power of innovative strategies against industry giants but also illuminated the path towards securing workers’ rights. The resolute spirit displayed by those on the factory floor continues to inspire defiance and unity for generations to follow.
Currently, the union’s demands encompass a wide array of objectives, including a substantial 40% pay raise, the reinstatement of pensions for new employees, the removal of wage tiers, and various other items. Fain, consistently emphasizing the need for strategic action, has frequently advised workers that being prepared to strike is essential to secure concessions from the thriving automakers.
The contracts encompassing around 146,000 workers at Stellantis, General Motors, and Ford are set to expire on September 14 at 11:59 p.m. The United Auto Workers union expressed concern over the pace of negotiations with the companies, highlighting the need for swifter progress. While the approval for strike authorization is striking, it’s noteworthy that the likelihood of an actual strike is not considered inevitable, according to earlier statements.
“We look forward to working with the UAW on creative solutions during this time when our dramatically changing industry needs a skilled and competitive workforce more than ever,” Ford said in a statement.
Retired UAW coordinator Leatha Larde said that strikes are essential to force change for issues that fall on deaf ears.
“Well before I worked for UAW I fought in Alabama,” said Larde. “I marched to desegregate libraries and pools. It wasn’t easy being in the South during segregation, but I learned how to fight. I learned how to stand up for myself. Negotiating contracts came naturally to me because I have a sincere passion for equal rights and people being treated with dignity.”
Continuing the Legacy: Today’s Struggles in Detroit
Looking ahead, the impending Detroit Big 3 strikes serve as a reminder that the fight for workers’ rights, fair wages, and dignified working conditions persists. In a rapidly changing economic landscape, the Black community’s history of utilizing strikes as a tool for change remains a source of inspiration and guidance.
The history of strikes within the Black community is a testament to the indomitable spirit of solidarity and the pursuit of justice. From the early struggles against enslavement to the modern-day battles for fair labor practices, the Black community’s legacy of labor activism is a beacon of hope for all those fighting against systemic oppression. By understanding our history, we gain valuable insights into the ongoing fight for equality and justice in a world that continues to grapple with the consequences of its past. The resilience of solidarity displayed throughout these struggles continues to ignite a flame that lights the path toward a more just and equitable future.