The Flint Sit-Down Strike

The Flint Sit-Down Strike was a pivotal labor protest that took place in Flint, Michigan, from December 1936 to February 1937. Workers at General Motors (GM) occupied the factory, refusing to leave their jobs while demanding better working conditions, higher wages, and the right to unionize. This tactic effectively halted production, forcing GM to negotiate. The strike was significant because it led to the recognition of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union and improved labor rights in the automotive industry, influencing labor movements across the United States and contributing to broader social change during the Great Depression.