"HELP THE STRIKING MINERS BEAT THE STEEL TRUST" RARE 1916 IWW LABOR BUTTON.
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Winning Bid:
$1,442.08
(Includes 18% Buyer's Premium)
Bidding Ended:
Tuesday, June 29, 2021 9:00:00 PM (20 Minute Clock Begins At Tuesday, June 29, 2021 9:00:00 PM)
Item Description
1.25" w/"Western Badge & Nov. Co. Saint Paul, Minn." back paper. Powerful illustration of a large hand w/cuff labeled "Profit" grasping a struggling miner. Light surface wear only in reflected light. Exc. The 1916 strike occurred in Minnesota's Mesabi Iron Range beginning June 2 at St. James Mine and spreading throughout the region within a week. The Oliver Mining Co., an extension of US Steel, refused the demands of an 8 hour day, higher wages and workplace reforms. The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) directed by "Big Bill" Haywood, sent top organizers including Elizabeth Gurley Flynn to help organize the strike. Violence frequently erupted between strikers, local police and the 1,000+ armed guards brought in by Oliver Mining Co. By Sept. 17 the strike ended without laborers being afforded the opportunity to negotiate w/officials. In the months that followed strikers demands were mostly met w/Oilver Mining Co. reforming their pay structure, raising wages and implementing the 8 hour day. An important and rare labor button that is only the fourth we've encountered in our 54 years.
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