Below are portions of
a 40-ft mural in the now boarded-up USWA Local 616 union hall in
Clifton,
Arizona.
The mural, "American
Labor: Fortitude, Pride, Honor," was painted by David Tineo
and Tomas War Cloud (nee Bandaries) during the 1983-1986 strike
against Phelps Dodge.
The portions of the mural have been reproduced here by permission
of the USWA and the artists.
The poster is courtesy of Don Manning, USWA Local 890.
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The
man pulling the chain and the woman standing beside him symbolize
unity against Phelps Dodge and The Arizona State Troopers trying
to break the spirit of the families on strike. The three women holding
picket signs represent the women who courageously stood by the union.
Many were active members of the Morenci Miners Women's Auxiliary.
The three chain-wielding men portray strikers defending what was
rightfully theirs - the protections of a union contract, their jobs,
and a vibrant way of life. In the upper left hand corner a dove
flies above the smokestacks, symbolizing a time when workers and
their families will once again live in peace and prosperity. |
Cesar Chavez and the UFWA's flag represent
the farm worker support given to the copper strikers during the
1983-86 strike. Cesar Chavez was the first major leader to help
the strikers,
bringing a $10,000 donation and an eighteen-wheeler loaded with
food. The faceless man above Chavez personifies all those who provided
assistance during the strike. The man holds a box, representing
food, clothing, medicine, and funds; the hand reaching out symbolizes
the unions and individuals from across the nation giving aid to
the strikers. In contract to those offering help, the scabs, march
robotically into the devouring jaws of Phelps Dodge. The man below,
pulling one end of the chain with his left hand, has turned his
back on scabs and strikebreaking.
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