I have lived all of my 31 years of life in Pueblo Colorado, or as we so affectionately call it “Steel City.” Pueblo got its nickname because for many years, we were the home of Steel production in the Southwest! CF&I Steel Mill was a household name in Pueblo, and I remember for much of my childhood watching my grandfather leave for work and return from “the mill.” Being a young child I didn’t know what that meant. It wasn’t until I grew older and became a leader in the labor movement in Pueblo that the light bulb went off and I realized, “hey, my grandpa was a steelworker.” Most people my age in Pueblo have that connection. We had parents, uncles, aunts, grandparents who worked at the Steel Mill. We remember our families going on strike, or as we term it “the seven year strike.” I remember my godfather getting a settlement from the Mill, but didn’t connect the dots until much later. In addition to that rich labor history I was surrounded with, I never knew about Ludlow. Ludlow was a coal mining community about 70 some odd miles from my home town. Please allow me to back up a little bit: I have held a job since I was 15 years old, and in that entire time, I have enjoyed my “fringe benefits” I thought my employer so graciously bestowed upon me. I have enjoyed the 40 hour work week, weekends off (sometimes), minimum wage, overtime pay, health care, and as a small child, I wasn’t forced into labor! After enjoying all of those benefits without question I started reading about labor history.
During my research and reading I came across something called the Ludlow Massacre. On April 20, 1914 between 19-25 people (mostly women and children) died violently during the strike of the coal miners. Why were the miners striking? For all of those benefits I had been receiving my whole life! They died for me! They died for safe working conditions, fair wages, and the 40 hour work week! This past April was my first year attending the memorial in Ludlow Colorado. I went down into the shelter (which is now paved) where the women and children suffocated when their camp was lit on fire during the strike. I stood in that shelter and wept. I touched the walls, and soaked in the ambiance of my surroundings. When I emerged, I felt a strange peace, and an ignited passion inside of me. I will NEVER forget my experience in that shelter. As I sit and write this now I am brought to tears.
What did I learn you ask? I learned that nothing is free! I learned that so many people have paid the ultimate price for my “fringe benefits” and rights in the work place. Most importantly I learned the fight lives on in me, as a young worker and Next Waver! I need to teach my brothers and sisters about the fight, our history, and the future of our movement. I need to get them involved so history doesn’t repeat itself, because we are stronger together. This year I was asked to sit on the planning committee for the 100th anniversary of the Ludlow Massacre. I am honored and humbled to be a part of it. I am honored to carry on the legacy of so many before me; and I am sure there will be many more tears to come through planning and education. As young workers, young unionists and activists, we must never forget the struggle and the sacrifice of those who came before us in the labor movement. We must also never forget that the struggle and the fight continues.
No comments:
Post a Comment