September 25, 1939

  • Steinway & Sons workers gather at the local public school No. 141, where they unanimously vote for joining the “United Piano Workers Union”, Local 102, United Furniture Workers of America, C.I.O”.
  • Frederick A. Vietor, offended by the workers’ choice to join the union, orders to cancel all Steinway & Sons-sponsored boat rides and picnics, personal loans to workers, benefit funds, free hospital beds, and Steinway Factory Orchestra lunchtime concerts: “Why are we doing it for these guys, and then they’re giving their loyalty to this outside organization?”