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Classification 57: War Labor Dispute Act (Obsolete)

This classification was established prior to 1924 to cover investigations of strikes. In November 1943, the Bureau's Executive Conference determined that this classification should cover investigations of violations of the War Labor Dispute Act, also called the Smith-Connolly Anti-Strike Law. Bureau Bulletin 38, in August 1943, authorized agents to develop "discreet informant coverage," and requested all Field Offices to advise Headquarters of all information concerning lockouts, strikes, slowdowns, or other work stoppages. Primary importance was attached to government-controlled plants and to evidence of subversive activity or strikes affecting particularly vital facilities. The Bureau's considerable involvement in the coal miners' strike in 1944 is documented by case files in this classification. Bureau bulletin #1 (series 1946) noted that with the cessation of hostilities and return of industry to private ownership, investigations in this class should emphasize labor unrest of possible communist origin.

Classification 57 was declared obsolete in 1951.

NARA holdings for Classification 57: War Labor Dispute Act

The following records under Classification 57: War Labor Dispute Act are not yet described in NARA's online catalog. Please contact NARA's Special Access Program at specialaccess_FOIA@nara.gov with your reference request.

Record GroupFinding Aid EntrySeries Title
65UD WX 1534Classification 57 - Headquarters and Field Office Case Files
65UD UP 13Classification 57 - Headquarters Case Files and Index, 1924-1951

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