News: The National Transportation Safety Board has invited two representatives from ATU Local 689 to participate in the investigation into last week’s incident and fatality at L’Enfant Plaza. Local 689 Assistant Business Agent for Safety Jim Madaras and Local 689 Assistant Business Agent for Rail Operations Marlene Flemmings-McCann will be working with WMATA leadership and the NTSB on a full investigation of the cause of the incident. The union “sends our heartfelt condolences to the passenger who passed away,” said Local 689 President Jackie Jeter. “We also wish a speedy recovery to all those who were injured in that fire.” Local 689 “is committed to safe and reliable transportation for all Metro riders and employees,” Jeter added.
Here’s today’s labor history:
On this date in 1909, a fire broke out during construction of a water tunnel for the city of Chicago, burning the wooden dormitory housing the tunnel workers. While 46 survived the fire by jumping into the frigid lake and climbing onto ice floes, approximately 60 men died, 29 burned beyond recognition and the others drowned.
In 1920, the American Civil Liberties Union was founded.
On this date in 1934, the Nazis adopted the “Act on the Regulation of National Labor,” replacing independently negotiated collective agreements.
In 1961, Mickey Mantle signed a new contract with the New York Yankees making him the highest paid player in baseball: $75,000 for the entire 1961 season.
Today’s labor quote is by baseball player Curt Flood:
“Baseball as you know it now and as I knew it then was two different things. It was just pitiful. We had no association, we were making no money, and every time we went into the bosses office, we had to kind of crawl in and beg for a few dollars more. You have to understand that to know why someone would do what I did.”
Curt Flood was a St Louis Cardinals centerfielder whose challenge of baseball’s reserve clause in 1969 helped lead to the labor liberation of professional athletes.
Here’s today’s labor history:
On this date in 1909, a fire broke out during construction of a water tunnel for the city of Chicago, burning the wooden dormitory housing the tunnel workers. While 46 survived the fire by jumping into the frigid lake and climbing onto ice floes, approximately 60 men died, 29 burned beyond recognition and the others drowned.
In 1920, the American Civil Liberties Union was founded.
On this date in 1934, the Nazis adopted the “Act on the Regulation of National Labor,” replacing independently negotiated collective agreements.
In 1961, Mickey Mantle signed a new contract with the New York Yankees making him the highest paid player in baseball: $75,000 for the entire 1961 season.
Today’s labor quote is by baseball player Curt Flood:
“Baseball as you know it now and as I knew it then was two different things. It was just pitiful. We had no association, we were making no money, and every time we went into the bosses office, we had to kind of crawl in and beg for a few dollars more. You have to understand that to know why someone would do what I did.”
Curt Flood was a St Louis Cardinals centerfielder whose challenge of baseball’s reserve clause in 1969 helped lead to the labor liberation of professional athletes.
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