Today In Labor History
Today in Labor History: January 09
The administration of George W. Bush declares federal airport security screeners will not be allowed to unionize so as not to “complicate” the war on terrorism. The decision was challenged and eventually overturned after Bush left office - 2003
Also on this date: “Industry’s failure to deal with unions” blamed for labor strife in war industries…Eighty thousand Chicago construction workers strike…Southern Tenant Farmers’ Union leads Missouri Highway sit-down of 1,700 families…Former Hawaii Territorial Gov. Ingram Steinbeck opposes statehood for Hawaii, saying left wing unions have an “economic stranglehold” on the islands… click here for complete postings
and graphics.
Labor Quote: Why the GOP Wants “Right-to-Work”
“It’s a political attack on what the Republicans see as one of their main opponents — organized labor. They want to weaken unions to help assure continued Republican majorities.”
— Steelworker’s Dist. 7 director Jim Robinson, quoted in the New York Times on GOP efforts to make Indiana a “Right-to-Work” state, where union contracts are prohibited from requiring employees to pay any dues or other fees to the union, even while they benefit from union-negotiated wages and benefits.
Labor Quiz: Fannie Sellins
How did Fannie Sellins, a union organizer of garment workers and miners, die? Did she commit suicide, die of old age or was she murdered? Click here to vote and you could be next week’s winner!
