White Shirt Day

White Shirt Day is a celebration held on February 11 every year. Every strike in history can have some impact, and so does today. Those who have sat down to achieve their rights should always be remembered and appreciated because without their support, nothing would have been possible. Those who know the United Auto Workers union (UAW) know what this day is. White Shirt Day is one of the Days of Remembrance honoring the men and women who participated in the strike held at General Motors in 1937.

History of White Shirt Day

White Shirt Day may sound like another worker's holiday, however, it actually marks a pivotal moment in history.

During the 1930s, during the Great Depression, union groups began to emerge as a way to protect workers from unfair treatment. They fought to develop insurance, payroll, health and safety regulations. The United Auto Workers union existed only since 1935 during that time and helped bring the auto workers together.

Such organization, however, was a dangerous time, as General Motors, a remarkably successful company of its time, controlled almost the politics of the Flint, Michigan, area, only maintain spies to retain their workers. Many of the conditions in those days were terrible for those workers, often resulting in death.

The UAW, which is kept secret, held a protest at Cleveland's Fisher Body factory, where workers remained inside the plant but did not work, kept people outside the plant and refused to leave the facility. The Flint renunciation strike was conducted as a way to rebel against harsh conditions, and it was the union that helped form civil systems to maintain order in the factory.

White Shirt Day was inspired by the idea that the rebels had, that their shirts should be kept as clean as their bosses. Thus, White Shirt Day remembers this pivotal moment in history, as it helped inspire the defense of auto workers and helped form the powerful unions that are today.

How to Celebrate White Shirt Day

Let celebrate White Shirt Day by wearing a white shirt or blouse. Wear a white shirt wherever you go, from the office to shopping. Show your love, honor, appreciation and recognition to those who took part in the strike. You can learn more about the history of the General Motors employees' strike on this very special Day. Find out how many struggles they had to endure to get their rights. Share all this information with those around you and ask them to participate in the celebration. Don't forget to post photos of your white shirt on social media using the hashtag #WhiteShirtDay.