What significant labor action did the Congress of Industrial Organizations organize against General Motors?

What significant labor action did the Congress of Industrial Organizations organize against General Motors?

• A. Strike for better wages
• B. March for workers' rights
• C. Sit-down strike
• D. Boycott of products

Answer: (C)

The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) organized a significant sit-down strike against General Motors in the late 1930s, particularly in December 1936. This method of protest involved workers occupying their workplace rather than leaving the premises, effectively halting production without abandoning their positions. The sit-down strike aimed to secure better wages, improve working conditions, and push for the recognition of the United Auto Workers (UAW) as the bargaining representative for GM workers. This tactic was successful in drawing national attention to the labor movement and significantly advanced the cause for industrial unionism in the auto industry. While strikes for better wages and marches for workers' rights were common, the sit-down strike was a distinctive approach that demonstrated the power of solidarity among workers while directly challenging company policies. Other actions, such as boycotts, did not have the same immediate impact on the negotiating power during that period.

The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) organized a significant sit-down strike against General Motors in the late 1930s, particularly in December 1936. This method of protest involved workers occupying their workplace rather than leaving the premises, effectively halting production without abandoning their positions. The sit-down strike aimed to secure better wages, improve working conditions, and push for the recognition of the United Auto Workers (UAW) as the bargaining representative for GM workers.

This tactic was successful in drawing national attention to the labor movement and significantly advanced the cause for industrial unionism in the auto industry. While strikes for better wages and marches for workers' rights were common, the sit-down strike was a distinctive approach that demonstrated the power of solidarity among workers while directly challenging company policies. Other actions, such as boycotts, did not have the same immediate impact on the negotiating power during that period.