Today in Labor History

December 04  --  SOURCE: Union Communications Services, Inc.

President Roosevelt announces the end of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), concluding the four-year run of one of the American government's most ambitious public works programs. It helped create jobs for roughly 8.5 million people during the Great Depression and left a legacy of highways and public buildings, among other public gains - 1943

(Kings in Disguise: A Graphic Novel is an award-winning tale, set in the height of the Great Depression, received rave reviews long before graphic novels became the phenomenon they are today. Hailed as one of the top 100 comics of all time by The Comics Journal, Kings in Disguise now reemerges as a classic.)
UAW President Walter Reuther elected president of the Congress of Industrial Organizations - 1951

Cesar Chavez jailed for 20 days for refusing to end United Farm Workers' grape boycott - 1970

Working Class Heroes

Today in #LaborHistory: Dec 4, 1867 -via- 'Rip and Ron'

Oliver Kelley founded 'The Order of Patrons of Husbandry', better known as the Grange. Originally an organization of farmers, they were natural allies of Labor in the struggles of workers; they became a formidable political force.

"Here, sitting around a plain wooden table, a small group of seven earnest men, planned what was destined to become a vital force in preserving and expanding American democracy." - from http://baysidegrange.org/patronsofhusbandry

"The Grange smartly recognized the importance of including women, who often proved to be the organization's most dedicated members." - from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/oliver-kelley-organizes-the-grange