Humanities and Arts
‘A Gallant Fight’: The UAW and the 1970 General Motors Strike
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Timothy J. Minchin
Abstract
On 15 September 1970, over 400,000 workers struck General Motors (GM), the biggest corporation in the world. It was a massive walkout, lasting sixty-seven days and affecting 145 GM plants in the US and Canada. GM lost more than $1 billion in profits, and the impact on the US economy was considerable. Despite the strike's size, it has been understudied. Fifty years later, this article provides a re-assessment of this landmark dispute, the first to use detailed archival records of the strike. Refuting claims that the strike lacked drama, I argue that this was a multifaceted – and compelling – story. Primary sources show that workers and union leaders were heavily invested in the battle, which reflected deep-seated local, national, and global issues. The United Automobile Workers (UAW) mobilized significant levels of national and international support, and won a range of concessions, including substantial wage and benefit increases and the ability for workers to retire after thirty years’ service. The strike was deeply infused by local issues and should not just be viewed through the lens of the national GM–UAW relationship. In a broader context, the strike is also important because it occurred at a time of rising global labour militancy, which scholars are increasingly recognizing. Its story contributes to a growing body of literature on the 1970s, a decade that witnessed important activism in many areas.
Key Questions
What was the 1970 General Motors (GM) strike, and why was it significant?
The 1970 GM strike was a massive labor action involving over 400,000 workers across 145 GM plants in the US and Canada. It lasted 67 days, cost GM over $1 billion in profits, and had a significant impact on the US economy. It is notable for its scale, duration, and the concessions won by workers.
Why has the 1970 GM strike been understudied?
Despite its size and impact, the strike has been understudied, possibly due to perceptions that it lacked drama or was overshadowed by other labor and social movements of the era. This article re-examines the strike using detailed archival records to highlight its complexity and significance.
What were the key outcomes of the strike for workers?
Workers won significant concessions, including substantial wage and benefit increases, improved working conditions, and the ability to retire after 30 years of service. These gains reflected the strength of the United Automobile Workers (UAW) and the solidarity of the workers.
How did the UAW mobilize support for the strike?
The UAW mobilized national and international support for the strike, leveraging its organizational strength and solidarity networks. This support was crucial in sustaining the strike and pressuring GM to negotiate.
What role did local issues play in the strike?
The strike was deeply influenced by local issues, reflecting the specific concerns and conditions of workers at different GM plants. This local dimension is often overlooked in narratives that focus solely on the national GM–UAW relationship.
How does the article refute claims that the strike lacked drama?
The article argues that the strike was multifaceted and compelling, involving intense negotiations, worker solidarity, and significant economic and social stakes. Archival records reveal the deep investment of workers and union leaders in the struggle.
What broader context does the strike fit into?
The strike occurred during a period of rising global labor militancy in the 1970s, a decade marked by significant activism in various areas. It contributes to a growing body of literature on labor struggles and social movements during this era.
How does the article contribute to understanding labor history?
The article provides a detailed re-assessment of the 1970 GM strike, highlighting its complexity, local dimensions, and broader significance. It challenges simplistic narratives and underscores the importance of archival research in labor history.
What were the economic impacts of the strike?
The strike had a considerable economic impact, costing GM over $1 billion in lost profits and disrupting production across its plants. It also highlighted the vulnerability of large corporations to organized labor actions.
Why is the 1970 GM strike relevant today?
The strike remains relevant as a case study in labor organizing, worker solidarity, and the power of collective action. It offers lessons for contemporary labor movements and highlights the ongoing struggles for workers' rights and fair wages.
