Akron in Summit County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
1936 Akron Rubber Strike
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 8, 2011
1. 1936 Akron Rubber Strike Marker
Five Depression-era strikes against many of Akron's rubber companies culminated in a giant "sit-down" strike against Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, the industry's leader, in February and March of 1936. The fledgling United Rubber Workers (URW), created in September 1935, used the tactic of being at work but not working that had been pioneered by rank-and-file workers in a successful 1934 strike against the General Tire and Rubber Company. After a peaceful month-long strike, the URW won recognition from Goodyear and reached a settlement on March 22. The 1936 Akron Rubber Strike was one of the earliest successes for the Committee for Industrial Organization (CIO), sparking a wave of industrial organizing and similar strikes in 1936 and 1937. The "sit-down" strategy extended beyond the rubber industry and was instrumental in the founding of the industrial union movement in the United States.
Erected 2003 by The Ohio Bicentennial Commission, Tri-County Regional Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 32-77.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Labor Unions. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1936.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. GG9 (within shouting distance of this marker); Contributions Of Women To Akron's Rubber Industry (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Contributions Of African Americans To Akron's Rubber Industry (about 400 feet away); Creating Crossroads of Commerce (approx. 0.2 miles away); In Memory of Arthur Snell (approx. ¼ mile away); Summit County Vietnam Veterans Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Site of Sojourner Truth's Speech on Women's Rights (approx. ¼ mile away); United Rubber Workers International Union (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Akron.
Also see . . .
1. 1936 Akron Rubber Strike. (Submitted on June 20, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Sit Down Strikes. (Submitted on June 20, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 8, 2011
2. 1936 Akron Rubber Strike Marker
Looking east
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,478 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 20, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
