Workers’ wives celebrate end of CIO strike of Caterpillar Tractor Company
East Peoria, Illinois, April 9, 1937

When the historic UAW sit-down strike in Flint, Michigan, ended after a month and a half on February 11, 1937, it unleashed a wave of strikes and organizing across the country. In East Peoria, 11,500 workers went on strike on April 7, demanding recognition of the CIO at the Caterpillar Tractor Company. Workers occupied the plant while others picketed outside. Two days later, management recognized the union and the strike was over.