Today in Labor History: September 18
The Teamsters for a Democratic Union (TDU) is formally founded at an Ohio convention, during a period of serious corruption in the union. Two years earlier at an IBT convention in Las Vegas a union reform leader who (unsuccessfully) called for direct election of officers and a limit on officers’ salaries had been beaten by thugs – 1978
Nine strikebreakers are killed in an explosion at Giant (gold) Mine near Yellowknife, in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Miner Roger Warren confessed that he planted the explosives that caused the deaths. He recanted the confession but later confessed once again – 1992
A 20-month illegal lockout of 2,900 Steelworkers members at Kaiser Aluminum plants in three states ends when an arbitrator orders a new contract. Kaiser was forced to fire scabs and fork over tens of millions of dollars in back pay to union members – 1999
One week after the September 11, 2001 attacks, anthrax spores are mailed by an unknown party to several news media offices and two U.S. Senators. Five people exposed to the spores died, including two workers at Washington, D.C.’s USPS Brentwood facility: Thomas Morris Jr. and Joseph Curseen – 2001
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Labor News: Chicago Teachers Strike for Respect, Better Schools
More than 26,000 Chicago teachers and support staff hit the picket lines on September 10 in the first strike by the Chicago Teachers Union in 25 years. The AFL-CIO and many major unions quickly rallied to the teachers’ side in what’s being seen as a major political test for teachers, public sector workers and unions. From the UCS Labor News Serivce, perfect for union communicators who need a few more good articles or pieces of art to fill out their newsletter, website, or other communication vehicles, or who are looking for a regular, timely, reliable selection of items with a national or a feature flair.
Labor Cartoon: Corporate “Diversity”
From the UCS Labor Graphics Service: eight to ten top-quality, union-oriented art and graphics tools every week, delivered via email.
