Today in Labor History: September 20
Upton Sinclair, socialist and author of “The Jungle”—published on this day in 1906—born in Baltimore, MD – 1878
According to folklorist John Garst, steel-drivin’ man John Henry, born a slave, outperformed a steam hammer on this date at the Coosa Mountain Tunnel or the Oak Mountain Tunnel of the Columbus and Western Railway (now part of the Norfolk Southern) near Leeds, Ala. Other researchers place the contest near Talcott, W. Va. – 1887
International Hod Carriers, Building & Common Laborers Union of America changes name to Laborers’ International Union – 1965
… click here for complete posting.
Labor Book: Framed! Labor and the Corporate Media
Most any unionist who’s ever been forced to walk a picket line has first-hand knowledge of how the real issues in their strike are buried — if ever really discussed at all — in the media’s coverage. In Framed! Labor and the Corporate Media, a professor of communication studies documents the media bias against labor in a shocking and compelling way.
Labor Humor: Forget the Machines
An American manufacturer is showing his machine factory to a potential customer from China. At noon, when the lunch whistle blows, two thousand men and women immediately stop work and leave the building. “Your workers, they’re escaping!” cries the Chinese visitor. “You’ve got to stop them.” “Don’t worry, they’ll be back,” says the American. And indeed, at exactly one o’clock the whistle blows again, and all the workers return to the factory. When the tour is over, the manufacturer turns to his guest and says, “Well, now, which of these machines would you like to order?” “Forget the machines,” says the visitor…click here for the punchline.
