Local 22: Civil Rights Unionism in Winston-Salem

Panel Introduction

White supremacy in the early 20^th century denied many Black workers access to employment. Whether caused by business owners outright refusing to hire black workers or more indirectly by many universities refusing to admit Black students, many African Americans had to take jobs that were unpleasant, dangerous, and paid poorly. This led to comparatively more Black workers in industries like coal mining, tobacco processing, and railroad construction. Black people working under these conditions created labor organizing that addressed the unique hardships produced by the racist society they lived in.

As unions began to gain more power and become more prevalent during and after World War II, organizing to counter white supremacy became more popular. This “Civil Rights unionism” as it would come to be known was concerned with both political equality and better working conditions. In North Carolina, it was primarily agricultural workers in the tobacco industry who pursued liberation in this manner. This angered their bosses and the police, who would violently oppose them.

White supremacy still pervades American workplaces; Black workers are paid less and fired more often than White workers. Organized labor provides tools to counter such discrimination. Unions can also fight for civil rights outside the workplace. In 2020 for example, over 60 unions helped organize a national walk out protesting police brutality. Organized labor allows marginalized groups to take power into their own hands and protect themselves as workers.