An article by Cleveland Organization Committee I.U. No. 400 about an IWW strike at the Enameling Division of the Ohio Foundry Company in Cleveland. Originally appeared in the Industrial Worker (April 17, 1934)
Walkout 100 Per Cent Complete. Bosses Amazed at Solidarity of Workers Organized and Striking the I.W.W. Way. Strikers Holding Out for Original Demands.
CLEVELAND, Ohio. – The Metal and Machinery Workers Industrial Union No. 440 of the I.W.W. called a strike at twelve o’clock noon, Thursday, April 5, at the Enameling Division of the Ohio Foundry Co. This action was the result of the failure of the company to meet the union’s demands for 25 per cent to 30 per cent increase in wages, abolition of the piece-work and bonus system, and recognition of the I.W.W. Shop Committee.
The company held several conferences with the Strike Committee Friday and Saturday, offering full recognition of the Shop Committee and a 10 per cent increase in wages, but insisted on maintaining the piece-work system. The men, by unanimous vote, decided not to accept the peace terms.
The strike involves 175 workers and is 100 per cent effective. During the early days of the last week several meetings were held at the union hall and all details of the strike were carefully mapped out. Tuesday, April 3, a committee was elected to present demands to the company. Wednesday these demands were rejected, and Thursday at noon the day shift walked out of the shop, where the night shift, watches in hand, and with picket signs ready, were waiting to join them in forming the first picket line.
The pickets have split into five “shifts” of four hours each, and every man has to answer “roll call”, the picket captains being responsible for the men on their shift. An added incentive to being present for picket duty is found in the fact that a report of the picket captains is heard at the strike meetings at 1 P.M. daily, and those who shirk their duty are few indeed.
The local organization committee is mapping out an ambitious program for the cause of industrial unionism. “Red” Shannon of New York has been added to the speaking battery and factory gate meetings will soon be started. All in all, the coming warm months should see a healthy growth of the I.W.W.
Cleveland Organization Committee I.U. No. 400
Transcribed by Juan Conatz
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