"Do I believe in arbitration? I do. But not in arbitration between the lion and the lamb, in which the lamb is in the morning found inside the lion."
Gompers was first president of the AFL (see Today's Labor History) Click here to check out this week's Today in Labor History, a new podcast produced by Union City Radio and the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor. Be a part of the podcast by calling in, just pick an event from this list and leave a voicemail.
January 26 In what could be considered the first workers’ compensation agreement in America, pirate Henry Morgan pledges his underlings 600 pieces of eight or six slaves to compensate for a lost arm or leg. Also part of the pirate’s code, reports Roger Newell: shares of the booty were equal regardless of race or sex, and shipboard decisions were made collectively - 1695 Samuel Gompers, first AFL president, born in London, England. He emigrated to the U.S. as a youth - 1850 The Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North America is chartered by the American Federation of Labor to organize "every wage earner from the man who takes the bullock at the house until it goes into the hands of the consumer." - 1897 Workers win a two-day sit-down strike at the Brooklyn electric plant that powers the city's entire subway system - 1937 A handful of American companies announce nearly 60,000 layoffs today, as the recession that began during the George W. Bush presidency charges full-tilt toward what became known as the Great Recession - 2009 January 27 New York City maids organize to improve working conditions - 1734 Mine explosion in Mount Pleasant, Pa., leaves more than 100 dead - 1891 First meeting of the Int’l Labor Organization (ILO) - 1920 Kansas miners strike against compulsory arbitration - 1920 A 3¢ postage stamp is issued, honoring AFL founder Samuel Gompers - 1950 (There is Power in a Union: The Epic Story of Labor in America is the sympathetic, thoughtful and highly readable history of the American labor movement traces unionism from the textile mills of Lowell, Massachusetts in the 1820s to organized labor’s decline in the 1980s and struggle for survival and growth today.) A group of Detroit African-American auto workers known as the Eldon Avenue Axle Plant Revolutionary Union Movement leads a wildcat strike against racism and bad working conditions. They are critical of both automakers and the UAW, condemning the seniority system and grievance procedures as racist – 1969 Pete Seeger dies in New York at age 94. A musician and activist, he was a revered figure on the American left, persecuted during the McCarthy era for his support of progressive, labor and civil rights causes. A prolific songwriter, he is generally credited with popularizing the civil rights anthem “We Shall Overcome.” He actively participated in demonstrations until shortly before his death – 2014 Members of the Northwestern University football team announce they are seeking union recognition. A majority signed cards, later delivered to the National Labor Relations Board office in Chicago, asking for representation by the College Athletes Players Association - 2014 January 28 American Miners’ Association formed - 1861 First U.S. unemployment compensation law enacted, in Wisconsin - 1932 Compiled/edited by Union Communication Services The Metro Washington Council AFL-CIO announced its endorsement today of Marc Elrich for Montgomery County Executive, citing “his long history of fighting for better education, jobs, and opportunities for Montgomery County residents.” The early endorsement “makes clear that on the question of vision and direction for Montgomery County, not only does the labor movement agree with Marc and his vision, but we will mobilize our members and make the case to voters that he is the best candidate to move Montgomery County forward,” said Metro Council president Jackie Jeter, who also heads up ATU Local 689. “Marc is a strong, smart, and independent voice for safety and justice, and we believe he will represent the interests of all people who call Montgomery County home with integrity and compassion,” added Gino Renne, first vice-president of the Metro Council and president of the Montgomery County Government Employees Union (UFCW 1994/MCGEO). “Unions play a central role in reducing inequality, which is a top priority for me,” Elrich said. “I look forward to partnering with Metro Council affiliates as your next County Executive to further advance economic justice and racial equity, improve services, and ensure that we can meet the challenges we face as a county.” Click here for the Metro Council's complete announcement. Union members and allies rallied in Richmond yesterday to push for worker-related issues including an increase in the state’s minimum wage. “I have coworkers who can’t afford to get by no matter how many hours they work,” said Dominic, a Kroger worker. “It’s time to raise the minimum wage.” Elected officials as well as activists from CASA joined members of unions, including UFCW 400, 32BJ SEIU, and LiUNA. In addition to a $15 minimum wage, workers lobbied for drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants and an expansion of Medicaid. “We will not stop fighting until every Virginian has the healthcare they need,” said SEIU 512 President David Broder. Earlier this month Democrats in the General Assembly touted Medicaid expansion as a top joint legislative priority. photo credit: UFCW 400 |