Here’s today’s labor history:
On this date in 1875, women weavers formed a union in Fall River, Massachusetts.
In 1920, John L. Lewis was elected president of the United Mine Workers. Fifteen years later he became a leader in the formation of what was to become the Congress of Industrial Organizations, or CIO.
In 1966, members of the Transport Workers Union and Amalgamated Transit Union working for the New York City transit system began a successful 12-day strike.
Today’s labor quote is by John L. Lewis:
I am an American, free born, with all the pride of my heritage. I love my country with its institutions and traditions. With Abraham Lincoln, I thank God that we have a country where men may strike. May the power of my government never be used to throttle or crush the efforts of the toilers to improve their material welfare and elevate the standard of their citizenship.