Nathan Merhige (third from left) of DMV-based Iron Workers Local 5 nabbed first place in the 2022 Outstanding Ironworkers Apprenticeship Competition, which wrapped up last Saturday. The event showcased the talent of the union’s apprentices as they prepare to take on big challenges at the jobsite. Patrick Coughlin (second from left) of Local 736 and Sawyer Sokoliwski (third from right) of Local 728 took second- and third-place prizes, respectively. Female apprentice Minna Long from Local 29 completed the column climbing portion of the competition in 17 seconds—beating out 99% of her male competitors. “Over the duration of the competition, great skill, dedication, hard work and sportsmanship like none other were displayed,” the Ironworkers said on Facebook. “We are proud to be the best of the best, and every competitor proved that true!” - Adapted from a report in the AFL-CIO Daily Brief Workers at the DC Starbucks P St NW location will be voting today on whether to unionize; you can watch the vote count here, starting at 4p.
Union members, progressives and others rallied in Washington DC on October 2, 2010, under the banner of One Nation Working Together, demand “good jobs, equal justice, and quality education for all.” Crowd estimates range from tens of thousands to 200,000.
This week’s Labor History Today podcast: Pueblo steelworkers’ historic strike. Last week’s show: It’s not working on the railroad.
September 30 29 strike leaders are charged with treason – plotting "to incite insurrection, rebellion & war against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" – for daring to strike the Carnegie Steel Co. in Homestead, Pa. Jurors refuse to convict them – 1892 October 1 Thousands of dairy farmers in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Iowa strike in demand of higher prices for their milk – 1935 October 2 Starbucks Workers Union baristas at an outlet in East Grand Rapids, Mich., organized by the Wobblies, win their grievances after the National Labor Relations Board cites the company for labor law violations, including threats against union activists – 2007 - David Prosten |