Labor History in 2:00

January 28 - The Rebel Girl

"The only people whose names are recorded in history are those who did something. The peaceful and indifferent are forgotten; they never know the fighting joy of living." Those words were spoken in Seattle by Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, today in labor history, January 28,1917.  Flynn certainly embraced the “fighting joy of living,” as a leader in the Industrial Workers of the World.  She became a full time organizer for the IWW in 1907. 

January 27 - Samuel Gompers and the Rise of Craft Unionism

Today in labor history, January 27, 1850, renowned labor leader Samuel Gompers was born to a Jewish family in London, England. His family immigrated to the United States in 1863, where Gompers learned the cigar-making trade from his father. 

January 26 - the Amalgamated Meat Cutters is Founded

Today in labor history, January 26, 1897 saw the charter of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters Union, formed out the merger of seven other unions. 

January 25 - Oh, Mr. Block

After an election, have you ever found yourself scratching your head, wondering why it seems that working people vote for candidates that do not represent their interests?  Well, that feeling is nothing new.  Back in 1912, Ernest Riebe of the Industrial Workers of the World created a comic strip character, Mr. Block.  

January 24 - A Minimum Level of Dignity

Today in labor history, January 24, 1950 the minimum wage in the United States was raised to 75 cents an hour.  This move nearly doubled the minimum wage, from the previous level of 40 cents.  22 million people were eligible for this wage increase.  In his statement on the change President Harry Truman declared, “It is a measure dictated by social justice. It adds to our economic strength. It is founded on the belief that full human dignity requires at least a minimum level of economic sufficiency and security.”

January 23 - Remembering Nikolaus Gross

On this date in 1945 Nikolaus Gross was hung in a Berlin prison.  Hear why.

January 22 - The UMWA is Founded

On this day in labor history, the year was 1890 Miners from a number of smaller miner unions gathered in Columbus Ohio to consolidate their ranks and form the United Mine Workers of America.

January 21 - Steel Workers Join the ‘46 Strike Wave

On this day in labor history, the year was 1946.  US steel workers staged the greatest walkout in the history of the Steel industry.

Nearly 750,000 strikers shut down more than 1,200 steel plants in 30 states. 

January 20 - The Chicago Crib Fire of 1909

Today in labor history, January 20, 1909, marked one of deadliest workplace disasters in Chicago history.  It took place a little over a mile off-shore near 71^st Street, on Lake Michigan. A group of predominantly Irish laborers were working on a tunnel to bring fresh water to the city’s growing south side.  

January 19 - Filipino Workers Lead Multi-Ethnic Strike Against Hawaiian Planters

On This Day in Labor History, the year was 1920. That was the day 3,000 members of the Filipino Labor Union went on strike against the Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Association on the island of Oahu. Plantation Bosses intentionally recruited Filipino workers, in an effort to weaken the Japanese labor force on the island. The bosses pitted one group as strikebreakers against the other.