Today in Labor History

October 14  --  Union Communications Services, Inc.

Int’l Working People's Association founded in Pittsburgh, Pa. - 1883
 
The Seafarers Int’l Union (SIU) is founded as an AFL alternative to what was then the CIO’s National Maritime Union.  SIU is an umbrella organization of 12 autonomous unions of mariners, fishermen and boatmen working on U.S.-flagged vessels - 1938

Formal construction began today on what is expected to be a five-year, $3.9 billion replacement for the Tappan Zee Bridge over the Hudson River.  It's estimated the project would be employing 8,000 building trades workers over the span of the job - 2013



October 13

American Federation of Labor votes to boycott all German-made products as a protest against Nazi antagonism to organized labor within Germany - 1934
 
More than 1,100 office workers strike Columbia University in New York City. The mostly female and minority workers win union recognition and pay increases - 1985
 
National Basketball Association cancels regular season games for the first time in its 51-year history, during a player lockout.  Player salaries and pay caps are the primary issue.  The lockout lasts 204 days - 1998
 
Hundreds of San Jose Mercury News newspaper carriers end 4-day walkout with victory - 2000



October 12

Company guards kill at least eight miners who are attempting to stop scabs, Virden, Ill. Six guards are also killed, and 30 persons wounded - 1898
 
Fourteen miners killed, 22 wounded at Pana, Ill. - 1902
 
Some 2,000 workers demanding union recognition close down dress manufacturing, Los Angeles - 1933
 
More than one million Canadian workers demonstrate against wage controls - 1976