Event Details

The auto industry underwent an enormous upheaval with the introduction of auto assembly lines. The stress of keeping up with the line was too much for most of the workers, who were unable to work under the pressure. Walter Reuther, an early leader in the American Auto Workers union, led the effort to improve their working conditions, starting with sit-downs at GM and Chrysler, and finally at Ford. Reuther focused on worker benefits, guaranteed wages, paid holidays, and the elimination of racism in the industry. See if he really deserved to be known as “the most dangerous man in Detroit” during these years.