Saturday, December 5, 2015

On This Date in Minnesota History: December 5

December 5, 1921 – A nationwide strike between meatpacker union members and their employers over a plan to reduce wages began today at 6:00 a.m.

Striking South St. Paul packing plant employees attacked a train-load of strikebreakers at 10 a.m. today, breaking windows in the train and preventing packing plant officers from unloading them.

The pickets clashed with packing plant employees, who tried to go to work early this morning. Fist fighting marked the opening. Packer employees’ union officers denied responsibility for the clash. Union men claimed a 100 percent strike of their 3,700 employees.

Only about 20 percent of the working force of Swift & Co. plant got through the picketing crowds and most of the Armour & Co. plant workers were barred admittance.



Swift's & McCormack's Packing Plant, South Saint Paul Minn., 1911* 

The Bemidji Daily Pioneer; December 05, 1921; p. 1.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “Fighting on Picket Line Marks Strike in South St. Paul. State to Send Militia Only if Sheriff’s Force is Overwhelmed.”; Dec. 6, 1921; pp. 1 & 11.

South St. Paul Daily Reporter; “More Men Out Here Than at Other Points. Packing Strike Starts with Only a Handful Out at Chicago. Blockade Streets Here. Many Plant Workers Unable to Get Through Picket Lines Return to Homes—Police to Keep Way Clear Early in Day”; Dec. 5, 1921; p. 1.

The Sydney Herald; “Meatpackers Strike. Serious Disturbances.”; Sidney, Australia; Dec. 9, 1921;
p. 9.

*http://www.lakesnwoods.com/images/SouthS39.jpg
               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including:
census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MHS records.  Both short searches and family history reports.

Website: 
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