By EMMA GRACE
Ninety years ago, Teamsters in Minneapolis led a strike that would pave the way for industrial unionism and militant organizing throughout the world. The 1934 Teamster strike, along with the Toledo Autolite and San Francisco longshore strikes during the same year, are ardently studied by socialists today. They are strong examples of how to effectively organize workers and successfully fight back against the repressive forces of the capitalist class.
Minneapolis was one of the largest trucking cities, employing thousands of drivers. As a largely non-union city, the Great Depression hit especially hard for workers. But in May 1934, General Drivers Local 574, part of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, organized members into their union. When employers refused to recognize the union, a strike was called, and what proceeded was a violent fight between strikers and the police. After a month of bloodshed, a settlement was reached, and the union was finally recognized. The strikers put their lives on the line for better working conditions not only for themselves, but for workers everywhere.
Remember 1934, a group that commemorates the Teamsters’ Strike, is currently holding a variety of events in Minneapolis this summer for the 90th anniversary of the strike. The organization is made up of activists, union members, strike descendants, and artists, whose goal is “to promote equity, worker self-representation.” They also strive to relate the Teamster strike to today’s social struggles.
From June 3 through July 28, an art exhibition, 1934 & Now is on display at the Minneapolis Central Library. The exhibition contains works of art that relate directly to the strike or to social movements throughout history. Keith Christensen, a participating artist and main organizer of the exhibition, says, “Artists have a social role in the seeing and expression of truth. It is important for visual voices to share the feelings and ideas that point a way forward.”
Mike Alewitz, another participating artist, had a chance to meet and work with some of the strikers in the 1970s and ’80s. He stated, “One of the things that characterized the leadership of the 1934 strike was their internationalism.” Today, Alewitz said, they would no doubt take a strong stance against the genocide of Palestinians.
There will be film screenings on June 23 and July 26, along with a 90th Anniversary Picnic on July 27 to close out the events. You can find more info at rem34.ampmpls.com/90th