Today in Labor History: Weekend Edition
September 29
A report by the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that the average weekly takehome pay of a factory worker with three dependents is now $94.87 – 1962
September 30
29 strike leaders are charged with treason — plotting “to incite insurrection, rebellion & war against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania” – for daring to strike the Carnegie Steel Co. in Homestead, Pa. Jurors refuse to convict them – 1892
70-year-old Mother Jones organizes the wives of striking miners in Arnot, Pa., to descend on the mine with brooms, mops and clanging pots and pans. They frighten away the mules and their scab drivers. The miners eventually won their strike – 1899
Railroad shopmen in 28 cities strike the Illinois Central Railroad and the Harriman lines for an 8 hour day, improved conditions and union recognition, but railroad officials obtain sweeping injunctions against them and rely on police and armed guards to protect strikebreakers – 1915
Black farmers meet in Elaine, Ark. to establish the Progressive Farmers and Householders Union to fight for better pay and higher cotton prices. They are shot at by a group of whites, and return the fire. News of the confrontation spread and a riot ensued, leaving at least 100, perhaps several hundred blacks dead and 67 indicted for inciting violence – 1919
Cesar Chavez, with Delores Huerta, co-founds the National Farm Workers Association, which later was to become the United Farm Workers of America – 1962
[The Fight in the Fields: “A necessary and important book.” The Los Angeles Times. “The book of record of the farmworker’s fight...Cesar Chavez was a great man who deserved a thoughtful, respectful book. He got one.” The San Jose Mercury News. In the UCS bookstore now.]
… click here for complete posting.
Cool Labor Site: Show Biz Glitz
The website of International Cinematographers Guild, IATSE Local 600. Show biz glitz with a union label, the site links to a huge number of members’ sites showing filmaker skills and artistry.
http://www.cameraguild.com/
Labor Video: NFL Players Celebrate Labor Day
National Football Players Assn. stars proudly boast of their union status. Click here to watch the video.
