Today, UAW members celebrate White Shirt Day, honoring the workers who participated in the Flint Sit-Down Strike of 1936 and 1937. In the face of anti-union sentiment, brutal working conditions, and low wages, men and women working for General Motors came together to orchestrate a historic sit-in, where they occupied the Flint factory and demanded a seat at the bargaining table with GM. On February 11th, 1937, the tumultuous two month sit-in came to a close. For the first time, General Motors agreed to recognize the United Autoworkers Union as the official bargaining representative of all GM employees, securing pay ...
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President Dennis Williams speaks at White Shirt Day event at UAW Local 599 in Flint and draws parallels between what happened then and what is going on today. “When labor grows, our nation grows…. Stay focused. Be brave. More than anything, live in solidarity!”
It’s been 80 years since the Flint Sit-Downers’ victory. The Flint Sit-Down Strike was called the strike heard around the world because it was more than a strike. It started a mass movement for change in this country. What was at stake for them 80 years ago? Everything. The laws were stacked against them. They risked their lives to gain respect and dignity. The success of the Flint Sit-Downers showed the country — and most importantly, it showed other workers that they deserved to have a seat at the bargaining table with the boss as EQUALS. There are many lessons ...
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February 11 is White Shirt Day. Show solidarity for all workers by wearing a white shirt.