Women working tirelessly in a pecan shelling factory, commemorating their fight for labor rights.
San Antonio takes a moment to celebrate the 87th anniversary of the historic pecan shellers’ strike led by Emma Tenayuca. This significant event began on February 25, 1938, and showcased the strength of labor rights movements among marginalized communities. Tenayuca’s leadership and the determination of the 12,000 predominantly Hispanic women involved resulted in better wages and working conditions. Today’s commemorative events remind us of the sacrifices made for justice and equality in the workplace.
San Antonio is buzzing with activity this week as the city commemorates an important historical event: the 87th anniversary of the historic pecan shellers’ strike led by the remarkable Emma Tenayuca. The strike, which began on February 25, 1938, at the Southern Pecan Shelling Company, marked a significant moment in the fight for labor rights, particularly among marginalized communities.
Can you imagine working for just a few pennies a pound, shelling pecans day in and day out? This was the reality for approximately 12,000 predominantly Hispanic women at the time. They put in their hours, often exceeding ten hours a day, seven days a week, just to earn a meager $2 to $3 weekly! As the women gathered together in their efforts, this strike turned out to be the largest in San Antonio’s history, showing the strength of community in the face of adversity.
The conditions in their workplaces did not help either. With poorly ventilated spaces and a lack of plumbing, health issues plagued workers, leading to a tuberculosis rate that was nearly three times the national average. It was no wonder these hardworking women decided it was time to take a stand.
At only 21 years old, Emma Tenayuca emerged as the elected leader of the striking workers. Her journey into labor activism began early; you could say it was in her blood. Participating in her first strike at the tender age of 16 at the H.W. Finck Cigar Company, she was no stranger to fighting for workers’ rights. Under her leadership, the strike lasted for three long months, capturing statewide attention and igniting conversations about labor rights and fair pay.
Through persistence and unity, the striking workers succeeded in achieving arbitration that resulted in higher wages. They also gained official recognition for the International Pecan Shellers Union No. 172. Not long after, the Fair Labor Relations Act was passed on October 24, 1938, establishing a new minimum wage of 25 cents per hour. These changes represented a tangible victory for all the women and their families who had bravely come together for their rights.
However, the story doesn’t end there. By 1941, automation led to the closure of many pecan shelling companies, resulting in thousands of workers losing their jobs. Even after the strike, Tenayuca faced considerable challenges in finding employment due to her activism. She eventually moved away from San Antonio but returned years later to work as a teacher, dedicating her life to education and advocacy until her passing in 1999.
Fast forward to today, and a section of E. Cevallos St. has been officially designated as Emma Tenayuca Memorial Way in honor of her unwavering contributions to labor rights and recognition of Mexican American workers. The anniversary event serves as a poignant reminder for all, especially educators and labor advocates, about the importance of remembering and preserving her incredible legacy.
As San Antonio pauses to remember this significant chapter in its history, it’s clear that the spirit of solidarity and the fight for dignity continues to inspire current and future generations. The sacrifices made by Tenayuca and the thousands of women who marched for change have paved the way for better working conditions and respect for all workers. This anniversary celebration is not just about remembering the past but also a call to action to ensure that the struggles for justice and equality continue.
In the heart of San Antonio, the legacy of the pecan shellers’ strike remains alive and well, teaching us invaluable lessons on the power of collective action. Here’s to many more years of honoring their memory!
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