Today in Labor History January 13th, 2025

 

On January 13 in 1869 over 200 black delegates met in Washington D.C. to form the National Labor Union. The word “colored” was added by the establishment press of the time and the organization became known as the “Colored National Labor Union.” The group was head by Isaac Meyers - 1869

The original Tompkins Square Riot. As unemployed workers demonstrated in New York's Tompkins Square Park, a detachment of mounted police charged into the crowd, beating men, women and children with billy clubs. Declared Abram Duryee, the Commissioner of Police: "It was the most glorious sight I ever saw..." - 1874

A textile workers strike took place in Enschede, Netherlands, and lasted until June 1 - 1902

A group of female shirtwaist workers in New York went on strike to protest low wages, long hours, and discrimination against union loyalists - 1909

Latino citrus workers strike in Covina, Calif. - 1919
 
(Exact date uncertain) As the nation debates a constitutional amendment to rein in the widespread practice of brutally overworking children in factories and fields, U.S. District Judge G.W. McClintic expresses concern, instead, about child idleness - 1924