The longest nationwide GM strike in history began following the end of World War II, a time in which auto companies had slowed production on consumer vehicles and raised prices. In 1945, more than 320,000 workers went on strike for 113 days. It lasted until this day in 1946. UAW vice president Walter Reuther initially pushed for a 30% wage increase for workers, but only secured a 17.5% increase. Still, his agressiveness led to him becoming the union’s president.