New Book Revisits the 1973 Ford Strike and Its Legacy in Migrant Labor Rights
A new book, 'The Strike Helped Me Build Strength as a Young Person', edited by Nihat Öztürk, Nuria Cafaro, Bernd Hüttner, and Florian Weis, explores the historic Ford strike of 1973 and its relevance to contemporary migrant labor struggles. Published by Die Buchmacherei in 2025, the 467-page hardcover book costs 22 euros.
The book begins with the Ford strike in Cologne, led by migrant workers demanding better conditions and an additional DM per hour. The event, marked by police brutality and harassment from foremen and German employees, is seen as the start of migrant self-empowerment and has been revisited in anti-racist contexts.
It explores the role of the works council and IG Metall during the strike, presenting diverse perspectives. The book also highlights successful strikes led by migrant women at Pierburg in Neuss and Hella in Lippstadt in the same year.
Fast forward to today, the Free Workers' Union (FAU) continues the tradition of these labor struggles. They focus on issues like unjust dismissals, poor working conditions, and sexual harassment, as seen in recent protests in Dresden's gastronomy sector and support for Cipresso Kiosk and Lieferando riders. The FAU emphasizes collective power, legal support, and solidarity with marginalized workers, drawing inspiration from historic anarcho-syndicalist figures.
The book, 'The Strike Helped Me Build Strength as a Young Person', connects historical migrant labor struggles to contemporary issues. It serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the ongoing relevance of these fights. Meanwhile, the FAU carries on the legacy of these struggles, advocating for workers' rights through grassroots organizing and direct action.
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