Introduction
Union busting is a range of activities undertaken to disrupt or prevent the formation of trade unions or their attempts to grow their membership in a workplace. Union busting tactics can refer to both legal and illegal activities and can range anywhere from subtle to violent. -Wikipedia
100 Years ago, 7000 striking Coalminers in the town of Blair, West Virginia, fought in the largest union uprising in US history. Though coal company operators heavily outweighed the miners on several fronts including the armed force front, weapons, and supplies, the miners were hell-bent on regaining their freedom and independence from the coal mine companies. Led by Bill Blizzard, Coal miners met at Marmet for a march on Logan to organize the southern coalfields for the United Miners Workers Association (UMWA). Arriving armed at Blair Mountain on foot and via trains, trucks, and automobiles, the coal miners were repelled by deputies and mine guards, under Sheriff Don Chafin, waiting in fortified positions. The five-day battle ended with the arrival of U.S. Army and Air Corps. UMWA organizing efforts in southern WV were halted until 1933.
Did you know?
The term "Redneck" came from the UMWA uprising through which the miners wore red bandanas around their neck.