Boston Police Strike 1919

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Dylan Jann 9/12/12 Boston Police Department Strike 1919 In 1919 the Boston Police department went on strike. This was for a number of reasons. The BPD's salary hadn't changed in 60 years. In the 1860s they were able to support their families on this income, but with inflation it would be nearly impossible in 1919. They also, had to pay for uniforms, themselves, out of pocket. Another reason the police went on strike was that they tried to negotiate with the government, but nothing good came of it. With these factors, the tension mounted further and further, leaving the Boston Police Department with no other option but strike. If I was a Bostonian during this time I would and wouldn't have supported the BPD strike. It all depends on your perspective. If i was a police officer, or if I personally knew a police officer, I would have supported them. It was very unfair that the police department had to buy their own uniforms and, after talking with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the government, could not get their salaries raised. Although it was unfair for the officers, if I was just a common person, I would not have supported the strike, because the police force is vital. If the police went on strike there would be no one to keep order, resulting in chaos. Each side was justified in different ways. The police had there reasons to go on strike, but i believe the government was more justified in their actions. The government had to step in when the police went on strike. If they did not step in there would be no one there to enforce the laws and there would have been out of control riots in the streets. Although it may have been severe, their actions were justified. The ends justified the means. If was the police commissioner I would have re-hired the officers that went on strike, but it would be a difficult decision. One
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