Reuben G. Soderstrom: Difference between revisions

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Soderstrom soon earned a reputation as organized labor’s strongest advocate in the Illinois House. He authored and shepherded a series of pro-labor bills through the legislature, including the Injunction Limitation Act (1925),<ref>{{Cite news|url=|title=Streator Honors Soderstrom|last=|first=|date=July 25, 1925|work=Illinois State Federation of Labor Weekly News Letter|access-date=}}</ref> the Anti-"Yellow Dog" Contract Act (1933),<ref>{{Cite news|url=|title=Corporate Tax Bill is all but Killed by House|last=|first=|date=June 30, 1933|work=The Chicago Tribune|access-date=}}</ref> the One Day Rest in Seven Act (1935),<ref>{{Cite news|url=|title=Horner Vetoes Teachers' Bill|last=|first=|date=July 9, 1935|work=The Decatur Daily Review|access-date=}}</ref> and the Old Age Pension Act (1935).<ref>{{Cite news|url=|title=Illinois Belatedly Aids Aged|last=Douglas|first=Paul|date=June 25, 1935|work=The Decatur Herald|access-date=}}</ref> He increased education funding, and helped found the University of Illinois Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations, known today as the [https://ler.illinois.edu/ Illinois School of Labor and Employment Relations].<ref>{{Cite book|url=|title=Forty Gavels: The Life of Reuben Soderstrom and the Illinois AFL-CIO|last=Soderstrom|first=Carl|last2=Soderstrom|first2=Robert|last3=Stevens|first3=Chris|last4=Burt|first4=Andrew|publisher=CWS Publishing|year=2018|isbn=978-0998257532|volume=2|___location=Peoria, IL|pages=42}}</ref> He also secured favorable amendments to the workmen’s compensation, occupational disease, and pension laws.

In 1923, he led the campaign in Streator against the National Association of Manufacturers' anti-labor “[[American Plan (union negotiations)|American Plan]].” The historically organized city became a central front in the NAM's bid to end unions in America, with Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) chief J.M. Glenn leading the charge. Under his direction, the LaSalle County Sheriff flooded the streets with deputized IMA-funded armed "patrols." While ostensibly charged with keeping the peace, these "imported thugs" were accused of intimidating striking workers and breaking up peaceful demonstrations by force. When Soderstrom and his fellow Labor Council members protested, they were issued injunctions and charged with conspiracy. <ref>{{Cite book|url=http://www.fortygavels.com/|title=Forty Gavels: The Life of Reuben Soderstrom and the Illinois AFL-CIO|last=Soderstrom|first=Carl|last2=Soderstrom|first2=Robert|last3=Stevens|first3=Chris|last4=Burt|first4=Andrew|publisher=CWS Publishing|year=2018|isbn=978-0998257532|volume=1|___location=Peoria, IL|pages=165-167}}</ref> While the sanctions and threat of prison were severe, Soderstrom's resistance earned him statewide and and national attention. During this course of events he was introduced to American Federation of Labor leader [[Samuel Gompers]], who encouraged him to persevere, counseling him “Young man, you know you can climb the highest mountain if you’ve got the patience to do it one step at a time."<ref>Soderstrom, Reuben. [http://www.reubengsoderstromfoundation.com/downloads/Reuben_Interview.pdf Interview by Milton Derber.] Transcript, May 23, 1958. University of Illinois Archives. p.13.</ref>

In 1936, Soderstrom threw his full support behind President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt|Franklin D. Roosevelt.]] When polling showed FDR losing Illinois to challenger Alfred Landon 52% to 48%, he helped organize an unprecedented rally at the [[Chicago Stadium]] for the President, later dubbed the “Meeting at the Madhouse.”<ref>{{Cite news|url=|title=Roosevelt Address Tonight Last Opportunity to Swing Illinois' 29 Votes Into Line|last=Storm|first=Frederick|date=October 14, 1936|work=Oakland Tribune|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=|title=Roosevelt Given Tumultuous Reception by Chicago Crowd|last=Storm|first=Frederick|date=October 15, 1936|work=Marshall Evening Chronicle|access-date=}}</ref> While Roosevelt won Illinois, Soderstrom lost his re-election—a defeat generally attributed to his support for the Democratic President.<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://www.fortygavels.com/|title=Forty Gavels: The Life of Reuben Soderstrom and the Illinois AFL-CIO|last=Soderstrom|first=Carl|last2=Soderstrom|first2=Robert|last3=Stevens|first3=Chris|last4=Burt|first4=Andrew|publisher=CWS Publishing|year=2018|isbn=978-0998257532|volume=2|___location=Peoria, IL|pages=116}}</ref> Though no longer a state representative, Soderstrom continued to serve as President of the ISFL and Illinois AFL-CIO.