The Remington Rand Strike of 1936–1937 – Unveiling the Turbulent Labor Disputes
Labor disputes have played a pivotal role in shaping the history of industrialization and corporate operations. One notable event exemplifies this is the Remington Rand strike of 1936–1937. This labor strike proved a crucial turning point in the relationship between Remington Rand, Inc. and its employees. During this period, the Remington Rand company, known for its typewriters and office equipment, was confronted with tensions between management and labor. The strike was initiated by the Federal Union, affiliated with the American Federation of Labor (AFL), in response to the treatment of union workers employed at the Noiseless Typewriter Company, which Remington Rand had acquired in 1924. The acquisition resulted in retained autonomy for the Noiseless Typewriter Company, leading to dissatisfaction among union workers.
Remington Rand, Inc. traces its roots back to the early 19th century when Eliphalet Remington established a firearms manufacturing company. Over the years, the business expanded and diversified, evolving into the Remington Typewriter Company and eventually merging with the Rand Kardex Corporation in 1927. The resulting Remington Rand became a diversified conglomerate, manufacturing typewriters, and office equipment and even venturing into the emerging field of computers with the renowned UNIVAC line.
James Rand Jr., an influential figure within Remington Rand, took the step of firing union workers to break up the strike. The situation escalated when strikers resorted to pelting stones at the replacement workers and the machinery, prompting local police intervention. The strikers even threatened to close the plant altogether, intensifying the conflict. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) intervened in an attempt to mediate the dispute between the strikers and Remington Rand. However, the settlement attempts failed, with Remington Rand claiming that strikebreakers were spreading demoralizing rumors among the striking employees. Allegations arose that the company employed individuals posing as Remington Rand personnel to persuade employees to return to work.
After a protracted legal battle, the NLRB ruled in favor of the workers in 1937, ordering Remington Rand to cease interfering with employees’ unions and their right to organize. Nonetheless, the damage had been done. In the summer of 1940, the Middletown plant, which had been a focal point of the strike, closed permanently, leaving 1,200 employees without jobs, and strikebreakers had been managing the plant until its closure.
Navigating the Fallout: The Remington Rand Strike’s Far-Reaching Effects
The Remington Rand strike of 1936–1937 had far-reaching consequences for both the company and its employees. While the strike ultimately resulted in a legal victory for the workers, the closure of the Middletown plant brought significant job losses and economic hardships to the affected individuals and the surrounding community. For Remington Rand, the strike highlighted the importance of fair labor practices and the need to foster positive employee relations. The company’s handling of the strike became a cautionary tale, emphasizing the significance of respecting workers’ rights and promoting a harmonious working environment.
Resurrection and Transformation
Decades after its original incarnation, Remington Rand, Inc., resurfaced in 2022 as a re-formed corporation with a renewed focus on label production and office machines. The company, now wholly owned and operated by women, draws inspiration from its predecessor’s name and heritage. Under the leadership of the women owners, Remington Rand, Inc., has expanded its product line to include prime labels, thermal labels, sheet labels, inlaid labels, and pin feed labels. The corporation has ambitious plans to further diversify its offerings by venturing into thermal printers, inkjet printers, laser printers, and a line of label-affixing equipment.
The Remington Rand strike of 1936–1937 stands as a historic milestone in the relationship between labor and management, underscoring the importance of fair treatment and labor rights. The labor dispute, which unfolded amidst a backdrop of tension and strife, left a lasting impact on both the company and its employees. While the strike resulted in legal victories for the workers, it also left behind a legacy of job losses and economic hardships.
Today, the re-formed Remington Rand, Inc. carries the torch of the original company, driven by a commitment to innovation and quality label production. As a family-owned business led by women, it aims to build upon its heritage while embracing new horizons in the evolving landscape of business technology.