The Power of the Working Class The Power of the Working Class

The Power of the Working Class Labor's reaction to the Great
Depression of the 1930s

The depression which began in 1929 was a period of intense conflict
between social classes all over the world. In the U.S., mass
unemployment at first led to a mood of caution and fear among both
organized and unorganized workers. Employers tried to take advantage
of what they saw as weakness and launched campaigns of wage cuts, job
changes and speedups. In 1934, the simmering rage of working people
burst out in three mass strikes (in San Francisco, Minneapolis and
Toledo) which changed labor history.

Come to a PEACE AND FREEDOM PARTY DISCUSSION forum on these events and
what they may mean for us today. Short presentations, discussion,
socializing. At 3 pm, we will view a video on the Minneapolis general
strike.

Saturday, January 24, 2009, 2 - 5 pm
in the "Parlor" at Spud's Pizza, corner of Adeline & Alcatraz,
Berkeley
(One block from Ashby BART station. Wheelchair accessible at Adeline
door.)
Food and drink for sale in the next room and can be delivered to the
parlor. Think about coming early to order.

If you'd like reading on the subject, Bob Evans has made copies of the
introductory chapters from Art Preis' history of the CIO, _Labor's
Giant Step_, available. You can get a copy in advance by calling
Marsha at 510-845-7251 or e-mailing her at , or
you can pick it up at the meeting, or you can just come and hear and
discuss. There won't be a test.