Many people who were employed during the Great Depression grew increasingly dissatisfied with working conditions, and took action by forming labor unions. Although the General Strike of San Francisco took place from July 16 to 19, 1934, it had been brewing for months. In March, Harry Bridges led his International Longshoremen’s Association in a vote to strike for control of hiring halls, better pay, and better hours. The ILA strike officially began on May 9, 1934.
