"I was there when we brought the Union in. The first-time contract they won for us was unbelievable. It changed the quality of my life. I am now a Shop Steward and enjoy working with my Union and looking after my fellow workers. "
The Minneapolis strike of 1934 is widely seen as a pivotal moment for the Teamsters and for the labor movement. The union also grew in stature, proving to be a powerful force in the labor movement. The outcome of the strike also led to the enactment of legislation acknowledging the rights of workers to organize and bargain, including the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act.“
The Minneapolis Strike was truly a turning point for labor, bringing recognition to the union and dignity to workers. But history has a way of repeating itself,” said Joe Dwyer, Assistant Trustee of Local 120. “If we take the 1934 strikers’ victories for granted and forget their struggles, we will likely have to fight their battles all over again. The struggles workers face today are not so different from those dark days 80 years ago.”
“This event made me look differently at how we got our union rights even after more than 40 years as a Teamster,” said Bill Moore, Trustee for Minnesota’s Local 120. “If viewing the pictures from the strike and the event commemorating it does not change your heart and your commitment to your union, you need to pinch yourself to make sure you are awake."
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