Today in Labor History

January 10 - SOURCE: Union Communications Services, Inc.

In what is described as the worst industrial disaster in state history, the Pemberton Mill in Lawrence, Mass., collapses, trapping 900 workers, mostly Irish women. More than 100 die, scores more injured in the collapse and ensuing fire. Too much machinery had been crammed into the building - 1860

Wobbly organizer and singer Joe Hill allegedly kills two men during a grocery store hold-up in Utah. He ultimately is executed by firing squad (his last word was “Fire!”) for the crime despite much speculation that he was framed - 1914

Former AFL-CIO President George Meany dies at age 85. The one-time plumber led the labor federation from the time of the AFL and CIO merger in 1955 until shortly before his death - 1980

The Supreme Court lets stand implementation of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) despite the lack of an Environmental Impact Statement - 2004

Working Class Heroes

Today in #LaborHistory: Jan 10, 1914 -via- 'Rip and Ron'

Wobblie organizer and singer Joe Hill allegedly kills two men during a grocery store hold-up in Utah. He ultimately hangs for the crime despite much speculation that he was framed.

"The following is wholly from Gibbs M. Smith's Joe Hill-The Facts Re: Joe Hill's whereabouts during the murder of J.G. Morrison and its immediate investigation (all times are close approximations)." - from http://www.joehill.org/thecase.htm

"Merlin took cover behind some shelves, but Arling grabbed a revolver and returned fire, wounding one of the masked men. According to Merlin, the intruders “wheeled and fired at my brother three times.” Arling was killed instantly. John Morrison died later that night." - from http://www.workingclassheroes.me/?p=1822

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