| From the turn of the 20th century labor disputes
were prominent throughout the country. In Colorado several
mining strikes and subsequent violence occurred in
1903. Despite the 8 hour day law that
resulted from these strikes, the miners were not
satisfied that any real change had occurred in their
work conditions and in 1913 tensions again rose to a peak between the mine owners and the
miners. In September, 1913, striking coal miners in the
Trinidad area of southern Colorado demanded recognition
of their union, a 10% increase in wages, enforcement of
the eight-hour work law, health and safety regulations,
and the right to select their own living quarters,
eating houses and doctors. The mine operators, with the
Colorado Fuel and Iron Company acting as spokesman for
the group, attempted to open their properties with
non-union labor. The mine owners, including John
D. Rockefeller of CF & I, appealed to Governor Ammons
for
National Guard troop support. Troops were raised comprising of company mine guards, store
keepers, and others favorable to the mine owners. Miners formed tent colonies after being
evicted from the company-owned housing entrenching
themselves near the mines. After violence on both sides
occurred, the tent colony was attacked by the soldiers at
Ludlow Station, eighteen miles north of Trinidad, for
failing to remove themselves from company property. Five
miners and one militiaman were killed, along with two women
and eleven children who either suffocated or were burned
to death when their tents were caught on fire. The United Mine
Workers Union labeled it the "Ludlow Massacre." For the
next ten days, war ensued between the two groups.
Governor Ammons
asked President Wilson for help, who sent U.S. troops to
enforce a truce by disarming everyone in the area.
Negotiations proceeded and the strike officially ended
in December, 1914.
Two years later, the Democrats in Colorado had to
campaign under the challenge of trying to explain
away the uproar resulting from the Ludlow incident and
the violence in the coal fields. The Republicans
captured the Statehouse at the next election and the
coal mines never economically recovered. The new
governor, George A. Carlson aided in passing laws
designed to promote the cause of labor and prevent
strikes. The Industrial Commission of Colorado was
created to investigate the causes that lead to strikes.
It was also given regulatory power intended to improve
the conditions for labor, and was authorized to
arbitrate in cases of disputes between employers and
employees. These measures may have reduced the number of
strikes by requiring a thirty day cooling off period. A
Workmen's Compensation law also passed, providing
insurance for laborers against accidents or death. In
addition, John D. Rockefeller Jr., owner of Colorado
Fuel & Iron, made an
inquiry into the causes of the strike difficulties.
After investigating the matter, he evolved a policy
whereby a company union was set up to give the workers a
voice. While popular at the time it did little to
strengthen the miners' cause.
In addition to the documents found below we have
other records from the governor's office and National
Guard Adjutant General's Office illustrating both sides
of the conflict. These include "An Answer to The Report of the
Commanding General to the Governor" by the United Mine
Workers of America and other documents. Please
contact us if you
would like to conduct additional research. |