This edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, featured Lauren Braun-Strumfels, an Associate Professor of History at Cedar Crest College, who discussed her research on Italian immigration and its influence on U.S. labor history.
Braun-Strumfels explained that Italian migration to the U.S. peaked in the early 20th century, driven by economic hardship and political suppression in Italy. She said many Italians were recruited to work in industrial jobs, construction, mining and agriculture, while some were brought to the American South to work on cotton plantations and as truck farmers, often under exploitative conditions. This facilitated migration scheme, orchestrated by landowners and Italian diplomats, aimed to address labor shortages while attempting to control the mobility of working-class people, noted Braun-Strumfels.
The professor then highlighted the significant role of railroads in shaping immigration policy and labor practices. Railroad magnates used their economic and political power to recruit Italian workers and sell excess land along rail lines. Braun-Strumfels uncovered evidence of secret dealings between railroad executives and labor agents, revealing the extent of their influence on immigration and labor policies. This research, she said, sheds light on the complex relationships between capital, labor and immigration in shaping American society.
Braun-Strumfels also discussed the challenges Italian workers faced in organizing and advocating for their rights. She explained that despite facing discrimination and exploitation, many Italians became involved in labor unions and radical political movements. They played crucial roles in organizations like the United Mine Workers, the International Ladies Garment Workers Union and were instrumental in major labor actions such as the Patterson Silk strike. These efforts contributed to the broader struggle for workers' rights and helped shape the American labor movement, she added.
Listen to the full episode to gain deeper insights into the complex history of Italian immigration and its lasting impact on U.S. labor policies and practices.
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