“Public interest has been subordinated to private interest, and when there is no clear distinction between them, it opens the door to endless opportunities for corruption.” - MacLean (right) is the author of Democracy in Chains (see Calendar at right) 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. An explosion in the Darr Mine in Westmoreland Co., Pa., kills 239 coal miners. Seventy-one of the dead share a common grave in Olive Branch Cemetery. December 1907 was the worst month in U.S. coal mining history, with more than 3,000 dead - 1907 A 47-day strike at Greyhound Bus Lines ends with members of the Amalgamated Transit Union accepting a new contract containing deep cuts in wages and benefits. Striker Ray Phillips died during the strike, run over on a picket line by a scab Greyhound trainee - 1983 Twenty-six men and one woman are killed in the Wilberg Coal Mine Disaster near Orangeville, Utah. The disaster has been termed the worst coal mine fire in the state’s history. Federal mine safety officials issued 34 safety citations after the disaster but had inspected the mine only days before and declared it safe - 1984 Compiled/edited by Union Communication Services .Contracted service workers at Dulles International Airport will today announce their decision to authorize hundreds of workers to walk off the job on strike if necessary, during the holiday season to demand that their employer, Huntleigh USA Corporation, participate in a fair recognition process that allows workers to exercise their legal right to join a union. This afternoon, Huntleigh workers and supporters will gather for a large rally to announce the strike vote results. SEIU 32BJ and supporters will picket to support Huntleigh airport workers at 2pm (see Calendar) at Dulles International Airport in the Chantilly Room by Door 1 Arrivals.
Continuing an annual tradition of fellowship and philanthropy, ATU Local 1764 members at the Fairfax Connector bus system have once again raised funds to buy presents and coats for needy children in the area. ATU Local 1764 Steward Mike Taylor reports that over $1500 was raised from ATU members, and management kicked in an extra $600, bringing in a total of over $2,100 to buy bicycles, toys, and coats for families who could not afford them. Additionally, ATU members volunteered for the annual “Stuff a Bus” event, where buses are parked at local grocery stores in a bid to replenish Fairfax County’s food banks before the holidays. - John Ertl |