The General Motors Sit-Down Strike

Starting December 30, 1936, this building was occupied for forty-four days by striking members of the United Auto Workers. Acting in concert with other plants that were closed or to be closed by sit-downs, the strikers sought recognition of the union as sole bargaining representative for all hourly-rated employees of General Motors Corporation. Court injunctions and threats of eviction by the Sheriff of Genesee County and the Flint Police Department did not sway them from that goal. An agreement reached in Detroit on February 11, 1937, changed relationships between the company and its employees. The settlement led to complete unionization of the auto industry in ensuing years and added stability for workers and company.

Burton, Michigan · United States