Charlie’s Monday Markers ~ Episode 14: The McKees Rocks Strike of 1909

The 1909 strike at the Pressed Steel Car Company in McKees Rocks marked a major industrial rebellion by Eastern and Southern European immigrants. Two months of intense labor struggle demonstrated the immigrants’ fighting spirit and organizational abilities. The conflict came to a head with an all-out battle in front of the company gates on August 22, “Bloody Sunday” when at least 11 were killed. The strike ended with improved conditions, but a split between immigrant workers and skilled second-generation Americans undermined the victory until a USW contract was signed in 1940.