Today's Labor History

George Meany, plumber, founding AFL-CIO president, born in City Island, Bronx. Meany served as secretary-treasurer of the AFL from 1940 to 1952, succeeded as president of the AFL, and then continued as president of the AFL-CIO following the historic merger in 1955 until retiring in 1979 - 1894
photo: George Meany sculpture on display at AFL-CIO 
 
Homer Martin, early United Auto Workers leader, born in Marion, Ill. - 1902
 
Congress passes the National Apprenticeship Act, establishing a national advisory committee to research and draft regulations establishing minimum standards for apprenticeship programs. It was later amended to permit the Labor Department to issue regulations protecting the health, safety and general welfare of apprentices, and to encourage the use of contracts in their hiring and employment - 1937
 
National Agricultural Workers Union merges into Amalgamated Meat Cutters & ButcherWorkmen - 1960
 
Int’l Union of Wood, Wire & Metal Lathers merges with United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners - 1979

South African police opened fire on a large crowd of men who had walked out on strike (right) at the British-owned Lonmin platinum mine at Marikana, killing 34 workers. The miners – who earned roughly $400 a month – were on strike over wages. In contrast, Lonmin’s annual profits for shareholders in 2011 was $273 million, and its CEO was paid nearly $2 million a year - 2012
Compiled/edited by Union Communication Services and Today in Labor History

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