
On today’s show, auto worker Dorothy Stevens on her pioneering career at the Fisher Body plant in Lansing, MI. Also this week, Karen Nussbaum on Dolly Parton’s hit song and the Cool Things from the Meany Archives team digs into the AFL’s cornerstone.
Last week's show: (1/19): MLK: All Labor Has Dignity
January 27
New York City maids organize to improve working conditions – 1734
First meeting of the International Labor Organization (ILO) – 1920
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
January 28
American Miners’ Association formed - 1861
First U.S. unemployment compensation law enacted, in Wisconsin – 1932
- David Prosten; photo: League of Revolutionary Black Workers