Strike - the only solution for the metal workers of Javornik and Jesenice in 1935

Abstract

The influence of the Great Depression could still be felt in Slovenia in the mid-1930s. In the time of the great strike of the metal workers of Javornik and Jesenice, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia was still economically and politically unstable The most important branch of the economy was still agriculture. The owners of the industrial enterprises, who were mainly foreigners, attempted to improve the conditions in the industry by increasing production, sacking numerous workers, decreasing workers' wages, and violating several other provisions of the collective agreement. The 1935 strike of the metal workers was only one of numerous strikes reflecting the malcontent of the working class and their struggle for better working conditions Trade union organizers and professional organisations were the most important bodies which made efforts to regain the workers' rights and improve the conditions that were prevalent before the strike. The ironworks in Jesenice and Javornik were an important industrial centre in the 20th century. The majority of the population there were workers, which created an even more resounding response to the call to strike, as the ma|only of people were like-minded. The success of the strike depended on many factors, and to a great extent also on the company leadership. Regardless of its outcome, it was nonetheless a moment in time in which, through sheer determination and the will to fight for its rights, the working class proved to be an important factor in the history of mankind.