The Labor Movement in Hershey: The 1937 Strike and the Italian American Community

This year marks the 88th anniversary of one of the most significant events in Derry Township history, an event which made national headlines. Lou Paioletti’s fascinating and detailed research presentation, with newly added material, is filled with oral histories, photos, and unique personal stories.

History: On April 2, 1937, workers at the Hershey Chocolate Corporation, many who were Italian immigrants and who had recently formed a union, went on strike as a result of, among other factors, very low wages and poor and hostile working conditions. The sit-down strike, poorly coordinated and hastily executed, came to a halt on April 7, when company loyalists, farmers, and paid strikebreakers, orchestrated by the company, stormed the factory with weapons and brutally beat the workers, ejecting them from the plant while continuing to beat them as they walked through a gauntlet.

For more information - https://www.hersheyhistory.org/the-labor-movement-in-hershey-the-1937

Registration is not required. A donation to the museum is appreciated.
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