Polish American Women and Detroit’s 1938 Federal Screw Works Strike episode artwork

EPISODE · Dec 11, 2025 · 53 MIN

Polish American Women and Detroit’s 1938 Federal Screw Works Strike

from Tales from the Reuther Library

Dr. Martin Hershock recounts the violent three-day strike against General Motors supplier Federal Screw Works in 1938, when women from Detroit’s Polish community led the fight to preserve both their recently-recognized union and their neighborhood. Hershock is a Professor of History at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and author of the article, “Seems to Me You Have Plenty of Nerve”: Polish American Women, Detroit’s Federal Screw Works Strike of 1938, and the Fate of the UAW.” Related Resources: “Seems to Me You Have Plenty of Nerve”: Polish American Women, Detroit’s Federal Screw Works Strike of 1938, and the Fate of the UAW.” Related Collections: Peter H. Amann Papers (UP001229) Joe Brown Papers (LP000047) Stanley and Margaret Collingwood Nowak Papers (LP000003) UAW President’s Office: Walter P. Reuther Records (LR000261) Virtual Motor City / Detroit News Photograph Collection Episode Credits Interviewee: Martin Hershock Producers: Dan Golodner and Troy Eller English Music: Bart Bealmear

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Polish American Women and Detroit’s 1938 Federal Screw Works Strike

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This episode was published on December 11, 2025.

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Dr. Martin Hershock recounts the violent three-day strike against General Motors supplier Federal Screw Works in 1938, when women from Detroit’s Polish community led the fight to preserve both their recently-recognized union and their neighborhood....

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