Laborers took to the streets yesterday after asbestos was found on a Fairfax worksite. Workers removing asbestos at the Massey Building demolition site discovered the dangerous substance outside the containment area and contacted the Laborers union, which notified local, state and federal agencies and organized yesterday’s noontime demonstration. Meanwhile, worried workers have either quit or are afraid they’ll get fired for speaking out or refusing to work in the contaminated area. For the latest area labor events, go to dclabor.org and click on Calendar. In today’s labor history, on this date in 1934, the Toledo Auto-Lite strike began in Ohio, with 6,000 workers demanding union recognition and higher pay. The strike is notable for a 5-day running battle in late May between the strikers and 1,300 members of the Ohio National Guard. Known as the "Battle of Toledo," the clash left two strikers dead and more than 200 injured. The 2-month strike, a win for the workers’ union, is regarded by many labor historians as one of the nation’s three most important strikes. Today’s labor quote is from the classic labor song “Which Side Are You On?” written by Florence Reece, who was active in coal strikes in Harlan County, Kentucky, born on this date in 1900. “Come all of you good workers, Good news to you I'll tell/Of how the good old union Has come in here to dwell/Which side are you on, Tell me, which side are you on?” Performed below by Natalie Merchant. Union City Radio is supported by our friends at Union Plus. If you’ve got Spring Break on your mind, fuel your getaway with a car rental discount. Union Plus gets you up to 25% off at Avis, Budget, Hertz and more. Visit unionplus.org/carrental.
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