Today in Labor History February 21st, 2024

 

Oakland Unified School District on Strike

Oregon passed the first legislation in the country to officially recognize the “workingman’s holiday” Labor Day. By 1894, 30 other states had adopted the holiday and on June of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September each year a federal holiday. – 1887

The Transportation-Communication Employees Union merged with the Brotherhood of Railway, Airline & Steamship Clerks, Freight Handlers, Express & Station Employees. – 1969

The United Farm Workers of America was granted a charter by the AFL-CIO. – 1972

2,000 plus teachers in the Oakland Unified School District went on strike. After 7 days on the picket line, they won their demands. An 11% pay increase over 4 years, a 3% bonus (to pay for their time on strike) smaller class sizes, more support staff and a five-month moratorium on school closures. – 2019