In honor of Labor Day, I’d like to give a shout out to Rosemary Feurer’s book, Radical Unionism in the Midwest: 1900-1950 (U of Illinois P, 2006). Feurer focuses in particular on the rise of labor unions in electrical factories – especially those in St. Louis, including Wellston’s Wagner plant.
Also worth checking out is Feurer’s online booklet, “The St. Louis Labor History Tour,” as well as her extensive collection of labor history links.
I’m proud to say I’m descended from folks who worked hard for their unions. Enjoy Labor Day, everyone, and remember those who paved the way for safe working conditions, a 40-hour work week, and a decent wage.
Above: Women work at the switch assembly in Wellston’s Wagner Plant.