[San Francisco Longshore Strike, silent, 1917]

This footage captures the powerful solidarity of San Francisco longshore workers during a strike, vividly portraying their organized march along the waterfront. Led by a drummer and a man carrying the American flag, workers carry placards demanding better conditions, union recognition, and justice for fellow workers like Dick Parker. The scene includes signs such as “Smash the Fink Hall,” “Workers Unite,” “We Demand a Closed Shop,” and “Down With Blue Book and All Company Unions.” Police on horseback oversee the marchers as 1920s cars drive by, underscoring the tension between the striking workers and law enforcement. The footage features scenes of deserted piers and idle ships, emphasizing the strike’s impact on commerce. Crowds gather around speakers, with tobacco smoke drifting from the crowd, as they listen intently to impassioned calls for unity and fair labor practices under the banners of the ILA (International Longshoremen’s Association). An expansive parade of longshoremen continues the demonstration, with further signs reading “All We Ask is a Living” and “We Demand Full Recognition of I.L.A.,” reflecting the workers’ resilience and collective determination for labor justice.

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