Today in Labor History: March 05
British soldiers, quartered in the homes of colonists, took the jobs of working people when jobs were scarce. On this date, grievances of ropemakers against the soldiers led to a fight. Soldiers shot down Crispus Attucks, a black colonist, then others, in what became known as the Boston Massacre. Attucks is considered the first casualty in the American Revolution – 1770
Also on this date: United Shoe Workers of America merge with Amalgamated Clothing & Textile Workers Union… click here for complete postings.
Labor Quiz: Women Welcome
Which was the first trade union to admit women into membership? The International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union, the Cigar Makers International Union, or the International Typographical Union? Click here and you could be this week’s winner!
Last Week’s Quiz: AFL founder Sam Gompers was the first labor leader honored on a postage stamp, a 3-center issued on January 27, 1950. Congrats to Walter Dix of IAFF in Fort Lauderdale, FL, this week’s winner, chosen at random from those answering correctly; Walter’s prize is on the way!
Labor Quote: Van Halen’s Union Shout-Out
“Uncle Danny had a coal tattoo,
he fought for the union, some of us still do.
On my shoulder is the number of the chapter he was in.
That number is forever like the struggle here to win.”
– A union shout-out from David Lee Roth and the legendary rock band Van Halen, on their first studio album in 14 years. The lines are from the album’s first hit single, “Tattoo.” Watch and listen to Roth talking about tattoos and the lyric. Click here to watch the video, begin at 4:17.
