THE AUTO-LITE STRIKE OF 1934 The Electric Auto-Lite factory in Toledo, Ohio became a symbol in 1934, a release of workers' pent up exasperation, frustration and anger in attaining the right to be recognized and bargain as a union. Workers lived with fear and uncertainty as a few acted upon such beliefs and began holding basement meetings for those interested in joining the union. Their secretive meetings grew to open meetings of hundreds. Eventually the workers persistence paid off and joining with several other companies formed Local 18384. Although, management acknowledged Local 18384, the company did not recognize the Local as a bargaining agent for the workers. The actual strike of 1934 included not just Electric Auto-Lite but Spicer, Bingham & Logan Gear. Support by strikers from these other companies helped the strikers sustain their effort. The company continued to employ scabs, replacing those that joined the picket line. Picket lines rallied the strikers on; spirits were high, solidarity strong. The new hires began to experience guilt and fear in crossing the lines. Management went to court, acquiring an injunction that limited the pickets to 25 workers. Aroused, union members agreed to break the injunction, swarming the lines with large numbers. Arrests continued but the city & county were overwhelmed with the number of strikers arrested and they released them almost as soon as they were booked. Crowds of up to 6,000 rallied in front of Auto-Lite to hear speakers from the American Workers Party and the union leaders. The Sheriff's department attempted to control the crowd and was loaded with tear gas and arms, posted on top of buildings and in front of the plant. Someone tossed a steel bracket from a rooftop, hitting a female picketer and the crowd surged forward. Tear gas was fired into the crowd. News spread and created larger crowds. A full battle between the strikers and Ohio National Guard escalated. Hundreds of picketers and onlookers were injured, with two fatalities. The loyalty among workers at Auto-Lite was more powerful than a sense of obligation to company managers. The trust and faith of co-workers had spread throughout the plant and the organizing succeeded. The reinstatement of workers after the February strike provided the encouragement and strengthened personal bonds, helping bring the workers together. On June 4, the union ratified their agreement and were recognized Local18384 as the legitimate bargaining agent. In 1935 local 18384 evolved into Local 12. The Auto-Lite Plant closed in 1962. But the closing of the doors did not shut out the memories of tragedy and triumph of 1934.  The site has become a Toledo City Park, named "Union Memorial Park." Attached is an opportunity for YOU to memorialize and honor the memory of relatives, friends, a business or organization, union members or non and/or acquaintances of Auto-Lite by purchasing a paver/brick to be placed at the site, 1101 Champlain Street.  A park board has been appointed by Mayor Ford to oversee the future of the park. Plans are being made to hold a dedication of bricks and pavers, along with a presentation of a historical marker in spring of 2005.