Mike Matejka

Grassroots Democracy: Illinois Labor Journeys

Illinois was critical to workers’ finding their democratic voice through forming labor organizations. From Chicago’s Haymarket Square to southern Illinois coal mines, workers struggled to build unions, create safe work environments, and find a community voice through their united efforts. In building these organizations, workers often faced state repression and learned how to organize across ethnic, racial, and gender lines.

Workers like the Ottawa, Illinois, Radium Girls fearlessly stood up after their occupational exposure doomed them, helping create legislation to protect all workers. The eight-hour day, safety, and equal representation were critical to these efforts. The Pullman workers’ struggle against a company town launched the nation’s largest industrial strike. Women workers found their own voice and often built alliances with middle-class women to ensure their rights. The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters faced discriminatory unions and built their own organization over a 12-year struggle to ensure representation.

Democracy is not just elections; it is “small d” democracy, too—workers finding their voice through organization and becoming critical community participants and workplace advocates.

This presentation aligns with the Illinois America 250 Commission's theme “We the People.” This theme invites us to explore ideas of who has been included and who has been left out of the nation’s promise, as well as how people from all backgrounds have shaped and reshaped what it means to be part of “the people.” The Illinois America 250 Commission's goals are to uplift local stories, places, and programs; build pride; and showcase how Illinois brings the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life.

Audience Recommendations

This presentation will appeal to a general audience including middle school students to adults of all ages, retirees, labor union members, and community organizations.

Program Logistics

This presentation takes approximately 45 – 60 minutes, including a Q&A. Visuals are presented via PowerPoint. The host should provide a projector and a screen. Any audio or video recording must be discussed with and approved in writing by Mike Matejka prior to the presentation.