Dodge Revolutionary Union Movement facts for kids
The Dodge Revolutionary Union Movement (DRUM) was a group started by African-American workers in May 1968. They worked at the Chrysler Corporation's Dodge Main car factory in Detroit, Michigan. DRUM was formed because these workers felt they were not treated fairly. They wanted better working conditions and more leadership roles in their union.
Quick facts for kids
Dodge Revolutionary Movement
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| Abbreviation | DRUM |
| Founded | May 1968 |
| Headquarters | Detroit, Michigan |
| Ideology | Communism Civil Rights Trade Unionism Black Power |
Contents
Why Was DRUM Formed?
At the time, many workers at the Hamtramck plant (a part of the Dodge Main factory) were African-American. However, most of the union leaders and factory managers were older Polish-American workers. African-American workers felt they were not getting fair chances. Even though they were a big part of the car industry, they rarely became leaders in the United Auto Workers (UAW) union.
DRUM wanted to help black workers get better treatment. They aimed to get changes from both the Chrysler company and the UAW union.
Taking Action: The Wildcat Strike
On July 8, 1968, DRUM led a wildcat strike. This is a strike that happens without the official union's approval. About 4,000 workers joined the strike at the Hamtramck plant. It lasted for two and a half days. This strike stopped the production of 3,000 cars.
Later, DRUM tried to win leadership roles in the local union election. Even though they didn't win, their actions showed they were serious. They were ready to challenge the main union leaders.
How Did the Movement Grow?
The idea of a "Revolutionary Union Movement" spread to other car factories in Detroit.
- FRUM (Ford Revolutionary Union Movement) started at the Ford River Rouge Plant.
- ELRUM (Eldon Avenue Revolutionary Union Movement) began at the Chrysler Eldon Avenue plant.
These different groups then joined together. In June 1969, they formed a bigger organization called the League of Revolutionary Black Workers.
Challenges and Changes
As DRUM grew, its members had different ideas about its future. Some thought DRUM should work to improve the UAW from the inside. Others believed DRUM should become a new union entirely, replacing the UAW.
Eventually, the League of Revolutionary Black Workers split. Some members wanted to keep focusing on issues in the car industry. Others, led by General Baker, wanted to expand the group into a national political organization. This national group kept the name the League and DRUM.
By 1975, the plant-level DRUM organization had mostly stopped working. Many members had been fired from their jobs. Those who stayed often joined other groups that wanted to reform the union, like the United National Caucus.
