The Great San Francisco Snoozefest: Strike Turns Surprisingly Uneventful (Except for Those Two Guys)
Ah, San Francisco. City of sourdough, cable cars, and apparently, underwhelming riots. You might be picturing scenes from a Hollywood action movie – fists flying, tear gas raining down, angry mobs with pitchforks (or maybe sourdough starters, that'd be more San Francisco-y). But fear not, history buffs and fight fans, the 1934 San Francisco strike, while it did have its tense moments, wasn't exactly the rumble in the Bay some might expect.
 |
| How Many People Died In The San Francisco Strike That Became Violent |
Hold Your Horses (or Should We Say, Donkeys?)
So, what was this strike all about? Well, imagine you're a longshoreman in 1934. You work long hours on the docks for not-so-long pay. Sounds like a recipe for frustration, right? That's what the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) figured, and they weren't wrong. They called a strike, demanding better wages, shorter hours, and the ability to control who got hired (because apparently, everyone and their cousin wanted a dock job back then).
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
Things got a little hairy for a bit. There were clashes between strikers and scabs (non-union workers brought in to replace the strikers), and let's not forget the ever-present threat of police intervention, which wasn't exactly a picnic in the park.
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
Bloody Thursday: Not as Bloody as the Cioppino
Here's where things could have gotten messy. Tensions boiled over on a fateful day forever known as "Bloody Thursday." Two strikers, unfortunately, lost their lives in a confrontation with the police. This tragic event sparked outrage and led to a four-day general strike that shut down much of San Francisco.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
 |
But here's the surprising part: for a major citywide strike, the body count remained remarkably low. Maybe the fresh sea air had a calming effect, or perhaps everyone was too busy chowing down on delicious cioppino (a San Francisco seafood stew) to get too riled up.
Tip: Keep your attention on the main thread.
The strike ultimately did achieve some of the workers' goals, with negotiations leading to better wages and some concessions on hiring practices. So, while it wasn't exactly a walk in the park (or a stroll down Lombard Street), the San Francisco strike stands out for its relatively peaceful resolution, especially considering the historical context of often-violent labor disputes.
FAQ: How to Strike (Without Actually Striking Anyone)
Curious about how to channel your inner union organizer (minus the violence, of course)? We've got you covered:
- How to channel your inner negotiator: Practice your best "reasonable adult" voice. Think less shouting and more persuasive arguments.
- How to make a picket sign that gets noticed: Ditch the boring cardboard and grab some glitter! Make it eye-catching and memorable.
- How to stay energized during a strike: Pack some tasty snacks. Nobody negotiates well on an empty stomach.
- How to deal with strike stress: Take a walk along the beach (weather permitting) or do some yoga – San Francisco style, of course.
- How to celebrate a strike victory: Break out the sourdough bread and throw a potluck!
 |
