Today in Labor History September 8, 1909: The bosses bent to the demands of striking Wobblies (Industrial Workers of the World, IWW) in McKees Rock, Pa. They agreed to improved working conditions, a raise of 15% and an end to the “pool system” that gave foremen control over each worker’s pay. It was the Wobbly’s biggest victory to date. The strike started on July 13. The bosses tried to bring in hundreds of scabs, but the strikers shot at the boats, forcing many of them to turn back. Others quietly snuck in by rail. However, many scabs quit or formed their own union after suffering abuses by the bosses, including being held in boxcars against their will and served rotten food. On Sunday, August 22, a shootout occurred between strikers and police and private thugs. 12-26 people died, including 2 state troopers. One of the leaders of the strike was IWW cofounder William Trautman. He later wrote a novel based on the strike called “Riot.” Joe Etter and Big Bill Haywood also helped lead the strike.
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