MSU Extension 4-H Folkpatterns

Organized labor has a complicated history. Michigan is an important part of that history. Unions have represented workers in every job sector in Michigan – autoworkers, iron and copper miners in the Upper Peninsula, teachers, food processors, police officers and nurses. How do you think this has shaped the state? What stories are there to tell about union membership in Michigan?

Unions are often formed so employees can work together to negotiate for better conditions. These can be related to pay, work hours, safety conditions, health care, vacation time and many other issues. By working together, employees have a higher likelihood of getting what they desire from their employer.

In 1913, in Calumet – located in the Upper Peninsula – some Michigan copper miners went on strike to seek better working conditions. The striking miners held a party on Christmas Eve on the second floor of the Italian Hall. Someone yelled “fire” in the crowded room. In the rush to escape, 73 people (including 59 children) were killed. Woody Guthrie wrote a song about the incident, called “The 1913 Massacre.” Some witnesses testified that an anti-union person yelled “fire.” What are your thoughts on this part of Michigan’s union history? When looking at the past, how do you determine what is the truth?

In 1936-1937, workers at a General Motors Plant in Flint decided to go on strike. Workers occupied the plant so it could not be used by the company. The strike eventually resulted in workers getting a 5% wage increase and the ability to talk about organizing during lunch. In the year following the strike, United Auto Workers (UAW) union membership increased by over tenfold.

A collection of world-famous murals by Diego Rivera at the Detroit Institute of Arts are a commentary on labor and industry. Michigan State University has a collaboration between the Michigan Traditional Arts Program and the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations which focuses on workers' culture and the artistic traditions of workers called Our Daily Work, Our Daily Lives. An example of art representing workers’ culture is part of the MSU Museum’s collection. The painting is by Ralph Fasanella and was on display at the MSU Library in the fall of 2022 (top).

Another example of art related to unions is a statue by John Wasilewski, Sr. The figure is holding a button that says “I did it for Walter,” referring to Walter Reuther, who was the president of the UAW union between 1946 and 1970. This exhibit is also part of the Michigan Workers’ Culture Collection at the MSU Museum.

Want to learn more about the culture and history of organized labor? Michigan State University Extension encourages you to ask the following questions. When you engage in these discussions, try to let young people share their opinions first, before you bring in your own ideas. In addition, strive to make sure the many sides of the issue are considered.

• Are you or anyone you know part of a labor union? What is the name of that union? What kind of workers are a part of that union? Why are they part of the union? What benefits do they get from being in the union? What are the costs and responsibilities to be part of the union?
• Where do you get information on unions? Where did you first hear about unions?
• What is your opinion on unions? How did you come to that opinion? Who influenced your opinion on unions?
• How do you think the role of unions has changed over time?
• What are good reasons (if any) for a group of workers to go on strike? What are bad reasons for a group of workers to go on strike?
• Are there any groups of workers that should be prohibited from going on strike? Why do you think that?
• What are the reasons a worker might go on strike rather than just quit and look for another job?
• Do you think most business owners treat their workers fairly? Why do you think that?
• Do you think unions have driven jobs to other countries? What evidence do you have to support your opinion?
• Do you think workers should negotiate for better working conditions? Or should workers accept what their employer offers without question?
• Are you aware of any traditions related to unions? Do you know any songs or clothing connected to unions?
• Do you have any stories about working with unions?
• How have unions affected your life? Have they affected prices?

 Unions have a long history in Michigan. We hope you enjoy learning about how it has shaped our state.