Coming off of the end of 1931 discussions of how to spark building projects, the La Crosse Master Builders Association proposed cutting mechanics wages to reduce cost as a barrier. The industry must have been worried because just six months earlier they had more than 300 laborers on strike in 1931 as the debate over a five-day work week and whether wages should be reduced as a result. The 40-hour work week prevailed with wages slightly declining.
Exactly one year earlier, more than 300 men walked off job sites for ten days.
The strike of 1932 would also last ten days and end with carpenters taking a 20-percent pay reduction.
