How The Strike Changed Hawaii
Lauren Padilla
Period 6
9.28.11
Revolution, Reaction, Reform, and the Great Sugar Strike of 1946
!
The plantation workers in 1946 triumphed over the barriers created by racism,
limited education, unequal access to the legal system, and almost feudal social control.
Their legacy is clearly visible in the reform they fought for, for higher wages, better working conditions, and equality(“1946 The Great Hawaii Sugar Strike” ). The reform in
Hawaiiʼs plantation system, which is seen in Hawaiiʼs workforce today, was cause by the social, political and economical revolution that was the great sugar strike of 1946.
!
“It was a complete, feudal despotism. Benevolent, I think on the whole, but
nevertheless, it was run as a despotism.” (“1946 The Great Hawaii Sugar Strike” )
These are the words Walker uses to describe the plantation. The strike was a final reaction to all the pent up frustrations of the workers regarding working conditions, unfair management, racial segregation and the despotic nature of the plantation system.
Before the strike, quality of housing, medical care, and wages depended on each individual plantation and even the race of the worker (“1946 The Great Hawaii Sugar
Strike” Pg 2). For example, during WWII, many military personnel were brought to
Hawaii, and were then payed more than locals with the same job (“1946 The Great
Hawaii Sugar Strike” ). The plantations even strategically sectionalized the workersʼ houses by ethnicity to prevent uprisings. They payed different nationalities at different wage rates to sow disunity and jealousy between the races. Distrust between ethnic
groups and segregated camps were not uncommon (“Labor Organizing”, 2 ). Hall said,
“People on the other side of the bargaining table have told me that Filipinos are a bunch of animals and donʼt need good housing,”. The plantation was run by bribes and favors.
If you offered something, you were favored by the management. If not, you were
Period 6
9.28.11
Revolution, Reaction, Reform, and the Great Sugar Strike of 1946
!
The plantation workers in 1946 triumphed over the barriers created by racism,
limited education, unequal access to the legal system, and almost feudal social control.
Their legacy is clearly visible in the reform they fought for, for higher wages, better working conditions, and equality(“1946 The Great Hawaii Sugar Strike” ). The reform in
Hawaiiʼs plantation system, which is seen in Hawaiiʼs workforce today, was cause by the social, political and economical revolution that was the great sugar strike of 1946.
!
“It was a complete, feudal despotism. Benevolent, I think on the whole, but
nevertheless, it was run as a despotism.” (“1946 The Great Hawaii Sugar Strike” )
These are the words Walker uses to describe the plantation. The strike was a final reaction to all the pent up frustrations of the workers regarding working conditions, unfair management, racial segregation and the despotic nature of the plantation system.
Before the strike, quality of housing, medical care, and wages depended on each individual plantation and even the race of the worker (“1946 The Great Hawaii Sugar
Strike” Pg 2). For example, during WWII, many military personnel were brought to
Hawaii, and were then payed more than locals with the same job (“1946 The Great
Hawaii Sugar Strike” ). The plantations even strategically sectionalized the workersʼ houses by ethnicity to prevent uprisings. They payed different nationalities at different wage rates to sow disunity and jealousy between the races. Distrust between ethnic
groups and segregated camps were not uncommon (“Labor Organizing”, 2 ). Hall said,
“People on the other side of the bargaining table have told me that Filipinos are a bunch of animals and donʼt need good housing,”. The plantation was run by bribes and favors.
If you offered something, you were favored by the management. If not, you were