Mine War Site ~ Superior No. 4

©2009 Greg Boozell

Former site of Superior Mine No. 4 in Wilsonville, IL. On May 21, 1937, 540 PMA miners called an underground sit-down strike.

The week-long strike was called to protect "share of time" provisions. The striking miners demanded the right to protect one another from the loss of jobs caused by mechanization. If full-time workers could share their hours, layoffs could be prevented and miners could at least earn sustenance wages.

Bill Campion, a member of the strike committee proclaimed, "We demand the right to share our poverty with our fellow workers."

From The National Archives

Image taken from 1937 federal court records at the National Archives in Chicago.

©2009 Greg Boozell

34 members of the Progressive Miners and 2 others were convicted of interfering with the U.S. mail and conspiracy to violate the Sherman Anti-Trust Act.

In These Times Highlights Mine War Project

Writing for the In These Times blog, Working, contributing editor Kari Lyderson was kind enough to highlight this project.



After you read the post, don't forget to check out Kari's latest book, Revolt On Goose Island. The book documents the successful struggle of UE members employed by Republic Windows and Doors to win a settlement from the company's creditor, Bank of America. The worker's strategic campaign included a factory occupation which garnered international public support.

Cherry Mine Centennial Commemoration

On November 13, 1909, a fire broke out at the Cherry Mine in northern Illinois. Of the 450 miners working underground, 259 men and boys succumbed to flames and smoke. The labor force was predominantly composed of immigrant workers. As with most industrial accidents, the Cherry Mine disaster was avoidable. The calamity inspired public outrage, resulting in a new workman's compensation law and stronger mine safety regulations.

259 people were killed in the Cherry mine disaster.

On November 14-15, the Village of Cherry will commemorate the disaster and the miners. A full weekend of ceremonies is planned, free and open to the public. Featured speakers and performers include UMWA Vice President Steve Earl, and singer and labor historian, Bucky Halker. Walking tours of the cemetery and mine site will also be conducted.

Here's a download link to a PDF flyer for the event.

Here's a short video on the disaster:

[ Download ]