Pensacola streetcar operators' strike
Encyclopedia
A strike
of streetcar operators took place in Pensacola, Florida
from April 5 to May 13, 1908. It was staged by employees of the Pensacola Electric Company over a company rule requiring workers whom the company had suspended for whatever reason to report to the company's car barn thrice daily for a roll call. During the 39-day strike, open violence erupted in Pensacola's streets, resulting in at least one death, after which martial law
was declared and the state militia was sent to provide security to the company strikebreakers.
Strike action
Strike action, also called labour strike, on strike, greve , or simply strike, is a work stoppage caused by the mass refusal of employees to work. A strike usually takes place in response to employee grievances. Strikes became important during the industrial revolution, when mass labour became...
of streetcar operators took place in Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola is the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle and the county seat of Escambia County, Florida, United States of America. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 56,255 and as of 2009, the estimated population was 53,752...
from April 5 to May 13, 1908. It was staged by employees of the Pensacola Electric Company over a company rule requiring workers whom the company had suspended for whatever reason to report to the company's car barn thrice daily for a roll call. During the 39-day strike, open violence erupted in Pensacola's streets, resulting in at least one death, after which martial law
Martial law
Martial law is the imposition of military rule by military authorities over designated regions on an emergency basis— only temporary—when the civilian government or civilian authorities fail to function effectively , when there are extensive riots and protests, or when the disobedience of the law...
was declared and the state militia was sent to provide security to the company strikebreakers.