With thousands of workers unemployed across our nation, threatening to strike was not an intelligent thing to do. In 1932, at the beginning of a road building project of paving a six mile stretch of road between the Gallatin and the Altamont city limits, it was estimated it would take approximately five weeks to complete the job. Several delays had been caused due to the lack of equipment and bad weather.

Truck owners and drivers for the McGlone Paving Co. had a “walk-out.” They demanded more money per mile. Upon encountering the boss about more pay, they were fired. A few hours later, a few of the men returned and wanted their jobs back. However, their request was turned down.

Some of the striking men had worked for the company several years and had never shown any dissatisfaction over wages. It was thought newly hired workers were behind the plan. New workers were soon hired in their place and work proceeded as usual.

— written, researched and presented by Wilbur Bush, Gallatin, MO