Today in History: The 1946 New York City Tugboat Strike

By Y.M. Lowy

On this day, February 12, 1946, New York City was in the middle of a major tugboat strike that had started on February 4. Nearly 3,500 tugboat workers stopped working, bringing the busy harbor to a standstill. Since tugboats transported coal, fuel, and other important supplies, the strike caused serious shortages across the city.

To save fuel, Mayor William O’Dwyer ordered a citywide “brownout,” dimming streetlights and shutting off bright advertising signs. Buildings had to keep their heat below 60 degrees, and schools were closed and some even became shelters for people who had no heat at home. Non-essential businesses were also shut down.

The workers were fighting for better pay, shorter workweeks, paid vacations, and compensation for travel costs when working far from home. They had been struggling with low wages since World War II and wanted fair treatment.

After 10 days, on February 14, the strike ended when both sides agreed to let a panel of experts settle the dispute. The strike showed just how important tugboat workers were to keeping New York City running.