Four of the more than 1,100 men who went out on strike on Sept. 9, 1919. (Source: Tappen, G. Arthur. The officers and the men, the stations without and within of the Boston Police (1901))
On September 9, 1919, more than 1,100 members of the Boston Police Department went out on strike, seeking recognition for their trade union, fair wages and decent working conditions. It was the first ever strike by a public employees union in U.S. history. After a period of unrest, as well as state and national attention, the strikers were fired.
The goal of the 1919 Boston Police Strike Project is to uncover, document and preserve the stories of the men who were involved in this highly influential labor strike — a complex historical event that would have lasting effects in the City of Boston and across the country.
Learn more about the project and about how you can get involved.
