Historical Events tagged with "labor"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

First Congress of Northern Rhodesian Labour Party

July 11th, 1941 83 years ago

The Northern Rhodesian Labour Party convened its inaugural congress in Nkana, marking a significant milestone in the political landscape of Northern Rhodesia. Delegates gathered to discuss party policies, strategies, and contribute to the labor movement. The congress served as a platform for various labor leaders and activists to rally support for workers' rights and address socio-economic challenges faced by the region's labor force.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Supreme Court Limits NLRB Authority in Strikes

February 27th, 1939 86 years ago

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) lacks the authority to compel employers to rehire workers who participated in sit-down strikes. This ruling arose from the case NLRB v. Fansteel Metallurgical Corp., where the Supreme Court assessed the legality of the sit-down strike tactic. The decision was pivotal, clarifying the boundaries of labor rights and the NLRB's enforcement capabilities.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

UAW and Ford Clash at River Rouge

May 26th, 1937 87 years ago

Walter Reuther and members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) confronted Ford Motor Company security guards at the River Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan, while distributing UAW literature to workers. This confrontation escalated into a physical conflict as UAW members sought to organize workers and gain support for unionization efforts against Ford's anti-union policies. The incident highlighted tensions between labor representatives and company security, emblematic of the broader struggle for workers' rights in the automotive industry during this period.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Collective Bargaining Agreement with U.S. Steel Signed

March 2nd, 1937 88 years ago

The Steel Workers Organizing Committee, representing steel workers, successfully signed a collective bargaining agreement with U.S. Steel. This landmark agreement marked a pivotal moment in labor relations, establishing essential rights for workers in the steel industry and leading to greater union organization across the sector. The agreement was visible in the changing landscape of labor rights in America.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

General Motors Recognizes United Auto Workers

February 11th, 1937 88 years ago

The Flint sit-down strike culminated in General Motors officially recognizing the United Auto Workers (UAW) as the bargaining representative for its workers. Initiated in late 1936, this labor action involved thousands of workers occupying the GM plant in Flint, Michigan, demanding better wages and working conditions. The strike was pivotal in the labor movement and changed labor relations in the automotive industry, as GM's recognition of UAW marked a significant victory for organized labor.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Flint Sit-Down Strike Occupies GM

December 30th, 1936 88 years ago

In a bold move, workers at General Motors in Flint, Michigan, began a sit-down strike, occupying the Fisher Body Plant. The strike aimed to demand better wages and working conditions while preventing the company from operating. It marked a pivotal moment in labor relations as the United Auto Workers union mobilized and garnered public support for workers' rights. The strike sparked broader movements for labor reform and union recognition.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

UAW Gains Independence from AFL

April 27th, 1936 88 years ago

The United Auto Workers (UAW) achieved autonomy from the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in a significant move for labor organization. This decision came at a time when the auto industry was rapidly expanding, and workers sought representation that addressed their specific needs. The UAW was founded to unify auto workers and advocate for better working conditions, wages, and benefits. This outcome represented a pivotal moment in labor history, showcasing the growing strength and influence of the UAW in the face of industrial challenges.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Police Ambush on On-to-Ottawa Trek Strikers

July 1st, 1935 89 years ago

In Regina, Saskatchewan, police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police clashed with strikers involved in the On-to-Ottawa Trek, an organized demonstration by unemployed workers seeking better conditions. The confrontation arose as authorities attempted to disperse the gathering, leading to violence and arrests. Protesters, numbering in the hundreds, were advocating for immediate employment and improved wages amid the ongoing Great Depression. The response from law enforcement escalated tensions, culminating in a chaotic scene as strikers resisted police action.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Police Clash with Striking Teamsters in Minneapolis

July 20th, 1934 90 years ago

During the Minneapolis Teamsters Strike, police opened fire on striking truck drivers, resulting in two fatalities and numerous injuries. Tensions escalated as union members protested for better labor conditions and rights. This violent confrontation reflected the ongoing labor unrest throughout the United States in the early 1930s, highlighting the struggle between workers and law enforcement.

Continue Reading