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. Powered by children seven to 12 years old working dawn to dusk, Samuel Slater’s thread-spinning factory goes into production in Pawtucket, R.I., launching the Industrial Revolution in America. By 1830, 55 percent of the mill workers in the state were youngsters, many working for less than $1 per week - 1790 Supreme Court rules that picketing is unconstitutional. - 1921 Compiled/edited by Union Communication Services Santa's going on strike but not against the kids looking forward to Christmas. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon's bad behavior has earned him a top spot on Santa's "naughty" list. Making Change at Walmart is demanding that the company bring back holiday pay for its workers and starting today Santa will go on strike in 13 cities across 11 states, with a big noontime rally (see Calendar) at the Georgia Ave Walmart in DC to say "Santa's on Strike"! Sign the petition to bring back holiday pay for Walmart workers. "Together we can save Christmas for workers and families across the nation," says Making Change at Walmart. If you’re looking for year-end tax deductions, consider a donation to the Community Services Agency. "CSA puts donation dollars to work helping working families experiencing a temporary crisis -- such as evictions, no heat, no food -- to avoid disaster,” says Assistant Executive Director Sonte DuCote. Contributions are 100% deductible as a charitable contribution for those who itemize. "Lots of folks are in desperate need of help this season,” adds DuCote. “Every dollar makes a difference!" Click here for secure on-line donations, or mail a check to CSA at 815 16th Street NW, 3rd Floor North, Washington, DC 20006. photo: AFL-CIO staffers Mack Harrell and Kristin Cockerille with food collected for CSA’s Holiday Basket Project; photo by Kathleen McKirchy “You have been having our rights so long, that you think, like a slave-holder, that you own us. I know that it is hard for one who has held the reins for so long to give up; it cuts like a knife. It will feel all the better when it closes up again.
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