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First ever sit-down strike wins wage gains.

1937

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For 44 days beginning in late 1936, thousands of members of the United Auto Workers in Flint, Michigan sit down and refuse to work.

In this first recorded sit-down strike, the workers occupy the plant so that new workers cannot be brought in. The plant management tries physical force, turning the heat down and filling the plant with tear gas, but the strikers remain in place. The strike spreads to 17 General Motors plants. President Roosevelt intervenes, demanding that General Motors negotiate with the workers. Wages are raised and the success of the strike expands union membership around the country.