On this week’s Labor History Today podcast, People’s World reporter Al Neal reads his piece on “Silent streets: Life halts, but not for all workers”: (audio: Al Neal clip) We have to work, even if it's forced over time. People need to eat and I need to pay the bills. I'm just telling myself today and yesterday and probably tomorrow it'll get better and I'm happy to help out. In my way.”
And labor historian Joe McCartin talks about “Class and the Challenge of COVID-19.” (audio clip McCartin) Working class culture and workers movements have long carried within their DNA. The antidote to what now? Friends us, the Provence 19 pandemic reminds us of the timeless truth. Of the principal once popularized by the Nobel and Holy order of the Knights of labor, the largest workers' organization in 19th century America who taught an injury to one must be the concern of all.” That’s the Labor History Today podcast; just search for Union City Radio wherever you listen to podcasts. In today’s labor history, on this date in 1900, ground was broken on the first section of the New York City subway system, from City Hall to the Bronx. Today’s labor quote is by AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka, reacting to Senate Republicans’ $1.3 trillion dollar stimulus package to aid businesses reeling from the coronavirus pandemic. Richard Trumka, who said the proposal would face heavy opposition from unions because there’s no guarantee money would flow to workers, called it “an utter disgrace.” Union City Radio is supported by our friends at Union Plus, which stands up for union members and their families. At unionplus.org you’ll find useful links to coronavirus resources from the AFL-CIO, as well as Union Plus Hardship Help Benefits. Check it out at unionplus.org
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“The mood is uneasy. The streets are quiet and show their pain through the paint-chipped curbs, cracked sidewalks, and boarded alleyway doors—there’s no foot traffic. Crowds no longer gather to hide the city’s worn-down façade. Off in the distance, church bells ring. No one is listening. And soon it will be overtaken by the sounds of emergency vehicle sirens dashing off to care for troubled souls during troubled times.
This is a new reality. It’s the reality of life lived from a distance—at least six to 12 feet apart.” That’s how reporter Al Neal opens his March 19 report – “Silent streets: Life halts, but not for all workers” -- in the People’s World. He’s writing about St. Louis, but of course it could be anywhere. Or everywhere. We’ve got a link on our website, dclabor.org; it’s a good read. In today’s labor history, on this date in 1970, five days into the Post Office’s first mass work stoppage in 195 years, President Nixon declared a national emergency and ordered 30,000 troops to New York City to break the strike. The troops didn’t have a clue how to sort and deliver mail and a settlement came a few days later. Today’s labor quote is the motto of the Coalition of Labor Union Women founded on this date in 1974 in Chicago by some 3,000 delegates from 58 unions and other organization. The Coalition of Labor Union Women, which says “A woman’s place is in her union.” Union City Radio is supported by our friends at Union Plus, which stands up for union members and their families. At unionplus.org you’ll find useful links to coronavirus resources from the AFL-CIO, as well as Union Plus Hardship Help Benefits. Check it out at unionplus.org “The mood is uneasy. The streets are quiet and show their pain through the paint-chipped curbs, cracked sidewalks, and boarded alleyway doors—there’s no foot traffic. Crowds no longer gather to hide the city’s worn-down façade. Off in the distance, church bells ring. No one is listening. And soon it will be overtaken by the sounds of emergency vehicle sirens dashing off to care for troubled souls during troubled times.
This is a new reality. It’s the reality of life lived from a distance—at least six to 12 feet apart.” That’s how reporter Al Neal opens his March 19 report – “Silent streets: Life halts, but not for all workers” -- in the People’s World. He’s writing about St. Louis, but of course it could be anywhere. Or everywhere. We’ve got a link on our website, dclabor.org; it’s a good read. In today’s labor history, on this date in 1990, a 32-day lockout of major league baseball players ended with an agreement to raise the minimum league salary from $68,000 to $100,000 and to study revenue-sharing between owners and players. Today’s labor quote is by Mark Twain, a lifelong member of the International Typographical Union. On this date in 1886, Twain delivered a speech entitled "Knights of Labor--The New Dynasty," extolling the commitment by this early American labor federation to fair treatment of all workers, regardless of race or gender. Mark Twain, who said: “Who are the oppressors? The few: the King, the capitalist and a handful of other overseers and superintendents. Who are the oppressed? The many: the nations of the earth; the valuable personages; the workers; they that make the bread that the soft-handed and idle eat.” Union City Radio is supported by our friends at Union Plus, which stands up for union members and their families. At unionplus.org you’ll find useful links to coronavirus resources from the AFL-CIO, as well as Union Plus Hardship Help Benefits. Check it out at unionplus.org A lot happened this past week as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down businesses across the country, affecting millions of workers. Millions more are still working and coping with the threat of the coronavirus.
Here at Union City Radio we’ve been working hard to keep you up to date on the latest developments as well as the resources available if you’re furloughed or laid off. The labor movement has pushed hard at the local, state and national level to protect workers, and we’ve got a rundown of the latest legislative actions, including bans on evictions, expanding the definition of unemployment to include those who are temporarily unemployed due to this public health emergency, and more. That’s posted on our website at dclabor.org That’s also where you’ll find information about unemployment insurance DC, in both English and Spanish. We’ve also posted a guide to Resources To Help Survive the Economic Impact Of Coronavirus, which we’ll be updating as more information becomes available. That’s all at dclabor.org In today’s labor history, on this date in 1853, the American Labor Union was founded. A socialist labor organization whose membership was largely confined to Western states, the ALU later took part in the creation of the Industrial Workers of the World. Today’s labor quote is by Barney Frank, the American politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts from 1981 to 2013. Barney Frank, who said: “A year ago, we were being told, you have to deregulate more. Now, we are going to have to save capitalism from the capitalists.” Union City Radio is supported by our friends at Union Plus, which stands up for union members and their families. At unionplus.org you’ll find useful links to coronavirus resources from the AFL-CIO, as well as Union Plus Hardship Help Benefits. Check it out at unionplus.org |
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