Ladies Auxiliary of Local 890
Mine Mill & Smelter
After eight failed negotiating sessions and the expiration of their labor contract, Mexican-American workers at nearby Empire Zinc mine struck for wage and benefit equality. When an injunction prohibited union members from picketing, the women - wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters - took their places on the line.
(back of marker):
The "striking" women persevered despite life threatening situations, violence, incarceration and tension at home. Their determination made national news and resulted in the popular documentary film, Salt of the Earth. These courageous women not only survived in solidarity until the strike ended, but they commanded recognition as well as respect.
Marker is on New Mexico Route 152 at milepost 2.3, 2.3 miles east of U.S. 180, on the right when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
