Historical story

What was the McCormick strike about?

Labor conditions and union recognition: Workers at the McCormick factory faced poor working conditions, including excessive and grueling shifts. The striking workers sought improvements in terms of the length of the workday, health and safety conditions, and the recognition of their union. Union recognition would give the workers' representative body the right to collectively bargain over terms and conditions of their employment.

Management practices: Some McCormick workers resented preferential treatment given to management's sons, as such practices often entailed higher pay for some but more demanding job positions and responsibilities. Such resentment added another angle to the worker grievances leading to the strike.

Pay Issues: McCormick factory workers demanded higher wages as part of their list of grievances and bargaining points throughout the labor dispute.