1917 Bloomington Streetcar Strike

The 1917 Bloomington Streetcar Strike was a labor dispute starting on May 28, 1917  when ATU Local 752 called a strike for union recognition, increased pay, and a shortened workday.

Facing a strike, Bloomington & Normal Street Railway & Light offered a 20¢ a day increase before the strike but refused to give union recognition, so the union struck. A month into the strike Mother Jones rallied for the cause.

It ended in July when the mayor of Bloomington, E.E. Jones, mediated contract talks between the workers and company from July 6 to 9. During this, Illinois National Guard had been stationed outside the courthouse where mediation was occurring and B&N’s power plant, equipped with machine gun emplacements.

An agreement was reached on July 9, 1917 in a victory for the union, winning recognition, reduced hours, and increased pay.