Title supplied by cataloger. 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. A view from above shows a large crowd of picketers walking in the street. The group is close to the curb with some people carrying picket signs. Signs read "Jurisdictional? Baloney! Says U.S. Govt.," and "U.S. Govt. exposes producer-IATSE tie-up!" The words "UCLA" can be seen on one of the signs. On the opposite side of the street is another, smaller group and several restaurants, Lou and Macs, Angelo's Cafe, and the Ideal Cafe. Cars are being driven down the street and others are parked on both sides. A police officer watches the crowd. Other buildings and trees can be seen in the distance. Warner Brothers studios are located in Burbank, California. Photograph dated October 21, 1945.
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Image
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1 photographic print :b&w ;26 x 21 cm. Photographic prints
Conference of Studio Unions University of California, Los Angeles--Students Los Angeles City College--Students Warner Bros Ben-Hur Products, Inc Strikes and lockouts--Motion picture industry--California--Burbank (Los Angeles County) Motion picture studios--California--Burbank (Los Angeles County)--Employees Motion picture industry--California--Burbank (Los Angeles County)--Employees Police--California--Burbank (Los Angeles County) Crowds--California--Burbank (Los Angeles County) College students--Political activity--California--Burbank (Los Angeles County) College students--California--Burbank (Los Angeles County) Community college students--California--Burbank (Los Angeles County) Community college students--Political activity--California--Burbank (Los Angeles County) Signs and signboards--California--Burbank (Los Angeles County) Picketing--California--Burbank (Los Angeles County) Labor unions--United States Automobiles--California--Burbank (Los Angeles County) Electric lines--Poles and towers Streets--California--Burbank (Los Angeles County) Men--California--Burbank (Los Angeles County) Women--California--Burbank (Los Angeles County) Burbank (Los Angeles County, Calif.) Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express photographs Herald-Examiner Collection photographs
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