Photograph was edited for publication purposes and has several light-colored spots. In February 1945, Herbert Sorrell lead a six-month strike that originated with a dispute between two unions, the CSU (Conference of Studio Unions) and the IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Moving Picture Machine Operators of the United States and Canada) over which one of them had union authority over seventy-seven set decorators. An independent arbitrator appointed by the War Labor Board found that the CSU had jurisdiction over the set decorators. When Hollywood producers refused to acknowledge that decision, the strike began. Around 10,000 CSU workers went on strike, picketing all of the studios. Many members of IATSE refused to cross the picket lines or do work normally filled by members of the CSU. The studios, however, had films already completed and were able to handle the strike better than the workers. By October, resources were running low and on October 5, 1945, picketers and replacement workers were involved in a bloody battle that became known as Hollywood Black Friday. Police and sheriffs from several departments were called in to handle the melee. Over 40 people were injured and property was destroyed. The strike was settled for a time. Another strike was called in September, 1946, after the studios replaced CSU workers and locked them out. After more fighting, the Screen Actors Guild voted to cross picket lines, a blow to the strikers. The CSU finally voted to permit impoverished members and supporters to cross the picket lines and return to work. These events led to the enactment of the Taft-Hartley Act, a federal bill that restricts the activities and power of labor unions. Photograph caption dated October 12, 1945 reads "It was quiet on the strike front at Universal studio today, with only a handful of pickets in the picket line taking up the chores of hundreds who disbanded yesterday. Deputy sheriffs are shown helping a car pass through the gates." A small group of picketers and police are gathered near a man in a car in Universal City. One man is holding a picket sign. A restaurant, several other buildings, and trees are in the background.
Type
image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;21 x 26 cm. Photographic prints
Conference of Studio Unions Universal Pictures (Firm) Strikes and lockouts--Motion picture industry--California--Universal City Motion picture studios--California--Universal City--Employees Motion picture industry--California--Universal City--Employees Labor unions--United States Police--California--Universal City Picketing--California--Universal City Streets--California--Universal City Trees--California--Universal City Restaurants--California--Universal City Automobiles--California--Universal City Signs and signboards--California--Universal City Electric lines--Poles and towers Men--California--Universal City Women--California--Universal City Lampposts--California--Universal City Universal City (Calif.) Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express photographs Herald-Examiner Collection photographs
If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.
Share your story
Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.
