Best source for info on any 1958 GM strikes?

[Ian G.]

Hi,

I'm looking to order a reproduction tag for my 1110914 distributor and I'm wondering if anyone can point me to the best source to determine what (if any) strikes affected GM work days during late 1958. Specifically October or November - as my car probably rolled off the line in late December 1958. If anyone knows for sure good work days in November I'd very much appreciate it.

I have access to a 58 calendar of course

~ian

[John H.]

Re: Best source for info on any 1958 GM strikes?

Ian -

There was a National strike against GM that lasted the entire month of October, 1958.

[Ian G.]

Re: Best source for info on any 1958 GM strikes?

I read somewhere (Corvette black book?) that 223 1959 corvettes were produced in October 1958 though. Are you sure it was the entire month of October?

Thanks for your response!

[John H.]

Re: Best source for info on any 1958 GM strikes?

Ian -

The "Birthday Book" shows a little over 200 units (about 10 per day) produced in October, 1958, vs. the usual 900-1200 per month (about 50-60 per day) produced during normal operations in that era. If indeed those 200+ units were actually built in October, it's possible that supervisors built them at a reduced rate during that period, although that kind of thing really haired-off the union. I can't confirm it either way.

[Ian G.]

Re: Best source for info on any 1958 GM strikes?

understood. Thanks very much!

[Ian G.]

Re: Best source for info on any 1958 GM strikes?

one final question, any known work stoppages in September 1958, since the strike stopped most work for all of October?

[John H.]

Re: Best source for info on any 1958 GM strikes?

Nope. The National strike started on October 2nd.

[Ian G.]

Re: Best source for info on any 1958 GM strikes?

OK Thanks! FYI I found a website that said the GM Janesville plant was down from Oct 2 for 16 days. That would place the strike from oct 2 through Oct 23.