1929: Stelco
increased its iron and steel capacity by 50 per cent.
1930s: The
Depression
1936: Local
1005 was formed at Stelco by the Steel Workers Organizing Committee.
1940s: Winning
a better deal
1945: With
the end of the Second World War, Hamilton's mills produced about half of
Canada's steel. A contract with the United Steelworkers was signed at Stelco
and Hugh Hilton became president. Under his leadership, as president until 1957
and chairman until 1966, Stelco tripled in size.
1946: The
1945 Stelco contract expired and with Hilton famously declaring he would oppose
the union “until my dying breath,” Local 1005 mounted its historic first
strike. Starting in July, it ran for 85 days. The union asked for a wage hike,
closed-shop agreement and automatic check-off of union dues. The real issue,
however, was a successful demand for recognition of the union. That victory set
the stage for a long history of winning improvements in wages and working
conditions.
I must say that I love this play. The history is so rich and it is absolutely amazing to learn about how the depression effected everyone. I have never really learned from this point of view, from the workers point of view, it is quite amazing. I am so excited for this play the playwright did an amazing job!
ReplyDeleteI cant wait to start working on this!
ReplyDeleteAs a history buff, the depression is one of the most exciting if but melancholy subjects to study. I thoroughly enjoy learning about anything that occurred during that time period and it goes without saying that I'm beyond excited to learn and recreate this play and give it proper justice. Everything that happened during the Depression was so monumental and inspiring because during that time you saw the true side of people and the things that they would or would not do to survive.
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