[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 29, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2466-S2467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LUDLOW MASSACRE 100TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam President, I wish to commemorate 
the 100th anniversary of the Ludlow Massacre. On April 20, 1914, 20 
southern Coloradan men, women and children tragically lost their lives 
in one of the most dramatic confrontations for workers' rights in the 
United States. As we reflect on this tragedy, let us remember these 
brave Coloradans whose courageousness prompted lasting changes in 
national labor relations.
  The families of Ludlow 100 years ago aren't that different from 
Coloradans today. They, too, came to Colorado in search of opportunity 
and a better life. But unlike today's Coloradans, these miners worked 
prolonged days in unsafe working conditions, had few protections or 
avenues for airing grievances, and spent much of their income to pay 
mine operators for inflated rent

[[Page S2467]]

and supplies. Ludlow miners, representing a cross-section of early 20th 
century America, stood together as one to fight for fair wages, safer 
working conditions, the right to live and shop where they wanted, an 8-
hour workday, and dignity in the workplace. In doing so, some of these 
men, women, and children paid dearly with their lives.
  After major coal companies rejected the demands of the miners and 
evicted Ludlow residents from their company homes for striking, a tent 
community arose outside of Ludlow. This camp is where months of 
escalation would reach its dramatic and tragic conclusion. On April 20, 
1914, a gun battle erupted between miners and National Guardsmen acting 
alongside the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company security personnel. Over 
20 individuals lost their lives in this fight, including 11 children 
and 2 women trapped beneath a burning tent in a pit meant to serve as 
refuge. The public outrage over the Ludlow Massacre, as it came to be 
known, was intense and deep.
  A century after this historic event, we remember those who lost their 
lives and honor the courage of the Coloradans who stood up for their 
rights. Because of their bravery, mining towns began to enact reforms 
that banned child labor, improved worker safety, and protected 
unionized workers from discrimination. Legislation in 1933 enabled 
unionization throughout Colorado's coalfields, protecting mine workers 
who continue contributing to our State's economy. The Ludlow Massacre 
was also a watershed moment that ushered in a national shift in labor 
relations, including the passage of the National Labor Relations Act, 
which protects workers' most basic rights.
  During the 100th anniversary of the Ludlow Massacre, we recognize our 
appreciation for the progress of American labor relations in exchange 
for the ultimate sacrifices of these Coloradans and many other American 
workers.
  Thank you for joining me in remembrance and reflection of this 
important day.

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