Today in Labor History

Delano grapes workers strike

The bosses bent to the demands of striking Wobblies (members of the Industrial Workers of the World, IWW) in McKees Rock, Pennsylvania. They agreed to improved working conditions, a raise of 15% and an end to the “pool system” that gave foremen control over each worker’s pay. It was the Wobbly’s biggest victory to date. – 1909

Workers gave up their Labor Day weekend holidays to keep the munitions factories working to aid in the war effort. Most Labor Day parades were canceled in respect for members of the Armed Services. – 1942

Filipino American grape workers walked out on strike against Delano, California table and wine grape growers.CLICK TO TWEETThe strike was in protest of years of poor pay and working conditions. Latino farm workers soon joined the effort, and the strike and subsequent boycott lasted more that five years. In 1970, growers signed their first union contracts with the United Farm Workers union, which included better pay, benefits, and protections. – 1965

Some 2,600 Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) workers began what was to be a successful 6-day strike for higher pay and against a two-tier wage system. – 1997

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