April 1, 1933
by Timothy Page
In the early 20th century, Barre, gained the reputation of being the “Granite Capital of the World” due to its thriving granite industry. However, beneath the polished monuments and granite facades, the stoneworkers endured harsh conditions and received meager wages. The year 1933 marked a significant moment for Barre as the stoneworkers, led by the Granite Cutters’ Association, initiated a strike that would have lasting effects on the labor landscape of the region. This article explores the Barre Vermont Stoneworkers’ Strike of 1933, shedding light on its key events, motives, and enduring impacts.
Barre, Vermont, emerged as a granite production hub in the late 19th century, attracting immigrants from various parts of Europe, particularly Italy and Scotland. The stoneworkers, mainly of Italian descent, faced grueling working conditions, long hours, and low wages, leading to eleven strikes according to the Barre Granite Association, all prior to 1933. While the workers had been discontented for years, it was the economic hardships brought about by the Great Depression that served as the catalyst for the 1933 strike. Due to lack of capital due the Depression, the granite-industry employers had to cut wages to stay afloat, according to the Vermont Granite Museum some as low as 30 cents per hour (worth $7.02 as of date of writing). This was deemed insufficient for simply getting by in the workers’ eyes, setting the stage for radical action.
On March 10, 1933, the Granite Cutters’ Association, headed by union president Rocco “Rocky” Sartorelli, called for a strike, demanding improved wages, reduced working hours, and better safety standards. Sartorelli, a charismatic leader, rallied the stoneworkers and gained widespread support within the community. The strike quickly gained momentum as approximately 4,000 workers from over 50 granite sheds laid down their tools, bringing granite production in Barre to a standstill.
Caught off guard by the scale of the strike, the granite companies responded with hostility. They hired replacement workers and sought to intimidate the strikers through violence and coercion. Vandalism and clashes between the workers and company-hired guards became commonplace. Despite these challenges, the stoneworkers remained steadfast in their demands and maintained a strong picket line.
On April 1, Quarry Workers Union and Stonecutters Union workers from six out of the seven companies in Barre, Vermont, initiated a strike. During discussions with Washington County Sheriff Henry G. Lawson, union leaders requested the ability to police themselves while picketing, aiming to maintain peace through democratic processes. However, the sheriff declined their request and instead stationed a small group of deputies near the picket line. Unfortunately, some citizens who opposed the disruption attacked the protestors, leading to an armed response from certain union members.
Approximately one week later, on April 9, Governor Stanley C. Wilson ordered 150 deputies to Barre to put an end to the strike. Despite this action, the local community remained supportive and provided essential supplies, including food, to those on the picket line. Meanwhile, a federal labor committee worked towards finding a resolution between the companies and the unionists.
On April 29, the Barre granite companies proposed the same contract that the union had initially rejected. The Quarry Workers Union rejected it once again, while the Stonecutters Union accepted the agreement, indicating a potential breakthrough in the strike on May 5. However, on May 8, the Vermont National Guard was ordered to intervene, despite the wishes to the contrary of Barre’s Mayor, William W. LaPoint (1932-1934), dealing what seemed to be a final blow and causing many strikers to retreat. Despite community protest efforts from the farmers, churchmen, the ACLU, the Vermont Federation of Labor, and a committee of Barre businessmen, most quarries resumed operations within the following days.
Ultimately, the strike concluded on June 1, with the strikers agreeing to return to work at pre-strike wages, at least until a deal could be brokered. Court cases against arrested strikers continued until August.
Vermont Historical Society photo
The Barre Vermont Stoneworkers’ strike garnered significant support from the local community. Although the families of the strikers faced dire circumstances and financial hardship, the community rallied behind them. This solidarity extended beyond Barre, as labor organizations sympathetic to the cause provided financial aid and sent representatives to demonstrate their support.
After months of struggle and negotiations, a settlement was reached in August 1933. The agreement included wage increases, reduced working hours, and some improvements in safety conditions. While the stoneworkers did not achieve all of their demands, the strike marked a significant turning point in labor relations in Barre. It showcased the collective power of workers and paved the way for improved working conditions and fairer treatment in the granite industry.
The Barre Vermont Stoneworkers’ strike left a lasting legacy. It inspired workers in other industries to organize and demand their rights, leading to the establishment of stronger labor unions in the region. The strike also drew attention to the plight of workers nationwide, contributing to the broader labor movement and the enactment of labor reforms in the years that followed.
The Barre Vermont Stoneworkers’ Strike of 1933 remains a pivotal event in the history of labor rights, not just for Barre but also within the broader context of the American labor movement.
For further reading:
https://libcom.org/article/1933-barre-granite-workers-strike
https://vermonthistory.org/freedom-and-unity-labor-unrest
https://vtdigger.org/2017/01/06/greg-guma-class-struggle-early-20th-century-barre/
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Categories: History, Uncategorized
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