Industrial workers faced long hours, low wages, and unsafe conditions in 1936 as the Steelworkers Organizing Committee reached out to Chicago's steelworkers. After a year of organizing, U.S. Steel agreed to recognize the union in 1937, but other, smaller steelmakers refused, and on May 26, the workers struck. On May 30, the union held a picnic in front of Republic Steel, at 117th and Avenue O, to support the strike. After a round of speeches, the strikers marched toward the steel mill. As they crossed the field, they were met by a line of Chicago policemen. When the day was over, 10 strikers were dead, and dozens more had been beaten by the police. more ›