In 1935, the United Automobile Workers of America (UAW) was formed. The National Labor Relations Act, which guaranteed workers the right to organize unions, was approved by Congress that same year. The UAW helped improve working conditions and pay for workers in the automobile industry.
At first, the major automobile manufacturers refused to recognize the UAW. Workers refused to leave the plants until their demands were met, and work stopped. After a series of strikes, General Motors became the first manufacturer to accept the UAW in 1937. By 1941, all of the companies recognized the UAW and its efforts to help thousands of workers in Detroit and other cities.
