Today in Labor History September 13th, 2024

 

Attica Prison Riot

The Post Office Department ordered 25,000 railway mail clerks to shoot to kill any bandits attempting to rob the mail. – 1926

Three workers died during a strike in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, fighting for a minimum wage for textile workers. Over the course of September, more than 420,000 workers joined the strike. – 1934

One thousand National Guardsmen, State Troopers, and local police stormed Attica Prison in New York, after a breakdown in negotiations between officials and prisoners.

Governor Rockefeller ordered the attack after a four-day revolt at the prison. Prisoners were demanding political rights and better living conditions. The assault wounded 89 and resulted in the deaths of 34 inmates and nine AFSCME guards who were hostages. – 1971