Freedom Is Not Free
1944 Philadelphia Transit Strike
The price of freedom came as shock to many Americans. Young men, both black and white, enlisted into the military; at home things were still not satisfactory, however.
Philadelphia in 1944 was a booming city filled with different types of people and races. With such diversity came social issues, and blacks often found themselves speaking out against the “old ways” of life. As a way to retaliate against the transportation system in Philly, blacks went on strike demanding better pay. President Roosevelt responded with passing the Fair Employment Practices Commission, forcing employers to treat all their workers equally. Several blacks were upgraded to motormen, yet their white peers were the only one’s who could train them. White workers responded by saying they were "sick" and refused to come into work, which shut the operation down for five days. Soon after, U.S. soldiers forced the system to re-open, with black motormen.
This strike was considered a victory in racial integration.
Philadelphia in 1944 was a booming city filled with different types of people and races. With such diversity came social issues, and blacks often found themselves speaking out against the “old ways” of life. As a way to retaliate against the transportation system in Philly, blacks went on strike demanding better pay. President Roosevelt responded with passing the Fair Employment Practices Commission, forcing employers to treat all their workers equally. Several blacks were upgraded to motormen, yet their white peers were the only one’s who could train them. White workers responded by saying they were "sick" and refused to come into work, which shut the operation down for five days. Soon after, U.S. soldiers forced the system to re-open, with black motormen.
This strike was considered a victory in racial integration.