Strikebreakers

Mary Eleanor O’Donnell reports on the conditions found among women strike-breakers in the stockyard plants of Chicago. She describes her experience working as a strike-breaker in the kitchen at Swift & Co.’s, noting the unsanitary environment and difficult working conditions. O’Donnell provides 15 facts she found from her investigation into the condition the strike-breakers housed in stock yard plants, including the violation of city laws, “the bringing of paupers and criminals to the city to fill the places of strikers,” the “distribution of impure, vile foodstuffs,” unsanitary conditions likely to spread disease, and the disregard of moral laws.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-08-19

Creator(s)

O'Donnell, Mary Eleanor, 1877-1913

An angry mob of strikers with clubs, guns, and bricks pursues a man labeled “Independent Labor” who has fallen near his wife and child in front of the statue of Justice. Justice is bound with red tape labeled “Politics.” Her scales and fasces lie on the ground next to her feet.

comments and context

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1902-10-01

The Supreme Court of the District of Columbia issues an injunction against the interference of printing work by the Columbia Typographical Union, No. 101. The union is striking in order to force employers to adopt an eight hour workday. Union members have been harassing employees who choose to continue working for the employers.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906

Creator(s)

Unknown

Philip C. Garrett encloses a copy of a letter he sent to Governor Stone. He recommends strict enforcement of the law and severe punishments for miners who are using intimidation to prevent the mines from opening.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-10-03

Creator(s)

Garrett, Philip C. (Philip Cresson), 1834-1905

Philip C. Garrett suggests that Governor Stone publicly proclaim that “no physical violence, abuse or intimidation will be allowed” by striking miners and will be “prevented and punished” by the State. He believes that stopping strikers from intimidating other workers will allow several of the anthracite mines to reopen.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-10-01

Creator(s)

Garrett, Philip C. (Philip Cresson), 1834-1905