Meaning: This quote is attributed to John L. Lewis, a prominent labor leader in the United States during the first half of the 20th century. Lewis was the president of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) and later became a founding member and president of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), a federation of industrial unions that played a significant role in the labor movement.

The quote reflects the tumultuous and often violent labor struggles that characterized the early days of industrial unionism in the United States. It highlights the sacrifices made by workers in the steel industry who fought fiercely for their rights, homes, and families. The reference to "blood and gas" conjures up images of the brutal and often deadly confrontations between labor and management that were a defining feature of the labor movement during this period.

At the same time, the quote also acknowledges the broader progress being made by the labor movement, particularly through the efforts of the CIO. The CIO was at the forefront of organizing industrial workers, including those in the steel industry, and played a crucial role in securing better working conditions, higher wages, and improved benefits for its members. The phrase "intelligent and permanent progress" suggests a strategic and sustainable approach to advancing the interests of labor, indicating that the gains being made were not merely temporary victories but rather significant and lasting advancements for workers.

The context in which this quote was delivered is important for understanding its significance. During the 1930s and 1940s, the labor movement in the United States experienced a period of intense organizing and activism, driven in part by the economic hardships of the Great Depression and the growing influence of socialist and communist ideas. The CIO, under the leadership of figures like John L. Lewis, played a central role in this period of labor upheaval, challenging the power of corporate interests and advocating for the rights of industrial workers.

In this quote, John L. Lewis is not only recognizing the hardships endured by workers in the steel industry but also emphasizing the broader context of progress and advancement within the labor movement. His words serve as a reminder of the courage and determination of workers who fought for their rights, as well as a tribute to the collective efforts of the labor movement in achieving meaningful and lasting change.

Overall, the quote captures the complex and often tumultuous nature of the labor struggles of the time, while also highlighting the resilience and progress of the labor movement as a whole. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who fought for better conditions and rights for workers, and the ongoing importance of organized labor in advocating for social and economic justice.

In summary, John L. Lewis's quote reflects the dual realities of struggle and progress within the labor movement, acknowledging the sacrifices made by workers while also celebrating the advancements and achievements of the broader labor movement, particularly through the efforts of the CIO.