ludlow massacre april 20, 1914. united mine workers of america (umwa) organized 14-month coal strike...

Ludlow Massacre

April 20,

1914

United Mine Workers of America (UMWA)

Organized 14-month coal strike in Southern Colorado

Ludlow – 12 miles north of Trinidad, CO

Tent City set up by striking workers

Famous organizer “Mother” Jones encouraged miners

Seven Demands of UMWA Recognition of the union as bargaining agent An increase in tonnage rates (equivalent to a 10% wage

increase) Enforcement of the eight-hour work day law Payment for "dead work" (laying track, timbering, handling

impurities, etc.) Weight-checkmen elected by the workers (to keep company

weightmen honest) The right to use any store, and choose their boarding houses

and doctors Strict enforcement of Colorado's laws (such as mine safety rules,

abolition of scrip), and an end to the dreaded company guard system

Map of Area

Results of UMWA Strike

Guardsmen and Company Militia Confronted Miners’ leader, Louis Tikas, beginning April 20, 1914

Several Killed Two women, eleven children Four miners (including Tikas) Three company guards & one militiaman

UMWA ran out of money & called off strike Led to improved safety, working conditions, health

and recreation See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludlow_Massacre

for details