Union City Radio for Friday, January 27

The “Women Can Build” exhibition currently on view in the AFL-CIO lobby features original photographs and stories of women today who are building America’s buses and trains, as well as historic photographs of World War Two-era “Rosie the Riveter” manufacturing workers. 
The contemporary “Rosies” in the exhibit work for global transit equipment manufacturing companies in U.S. factories. 
The women were photographed by Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Deanne Fitzmaurice, employing the dramatic lighting, bold color and work tools used in the original “Rosie” photos while making striking contemporary photos. Her portraits elevate the everyday reality of labor and celebrate it. 
The exhibit – which is on view weekdays from 9 to 5 -- was curated by Fiona Gardner and is sponsored by Jobs to Move America and the AFL-CIO.

On today’s labor calendar, find out “Why the Federal Courts Matter to Workers” today at noon at the AFL-CIO. Bring your own lunch, free water and cookies will be provided. Complete details at dclabor.org, click on calendar. 

Here’s today's labor history:
On this date in 1734, New York City maids organized to improve working conditions. 

In 1920, the International Labor Organization met for the first time. 

In 2014, Pete Seeger died in New York at age 94. A musician and activist, he was a revered figure on the American left, persecuted during the McCarthy era for his support of progressive, labor and civil rights causes. A prolific songwriter, he is generally credited with popularizing the civil rights anthem “We Shall Overcome.” He actively participated in demonstrations until shortly before his death. 

And on this date in 2014, members of the Northwestern University football team announced they were seeking union recognition. The National Labor Relations Board later punted on the historic case, declining to assert jurisdiction and leaving unresolved the question of whether the student players are workers or not. 

Today’s labor quote is by Pete Seeger, who said “The key to the future of the world, is finding the optimistic stories and letting them be known.”