Today in Labor History: Weekend Edition
March 6—Joe Hill’s song “There is Power in a Union” appears in Little Red Song Book, published by the Wobblies – 1913
(The Man Who Never Died: The Life, Times and Legacy of Joe Hill, American Labor Icon: In 1914, Joe Hill was convicted of murder in Utah and sentenced to death by firing squad,
igniting international controversy. Many believed Hill was innocent, condemned for his association with the Industrial Workers of the World—the radical Wobblies. Following an intensive investigation, author William M. Adler gives us a full-scale biography of Joe Hill, and presents never before published documentary evidence that comes as close as one can to definitively exonerating him.)
March 7—Three thousand unemployed auto workers, led by the Communist Party of America, braved the cold in Dearborn, Mich., to demand jobs and relief from Henry Ford. The marchers got too close to the gate and were gassed. After re-grouping, they were sprayed with water and shot at. Four men died immediately; 60 were wounded – 1932
March 8—Thousands of New York needle trades workers demonstrate for higher wages, shorter workday, and end to child labor. The demonstration became the basis for International Women’s Day – 1908
—Click here for the full week of labor history.
Labor Video: Ever Heard of “Right-to-Work”?
So what happens when states pass “right-to-work” laws? While this video was made specifically about Missouri, it’s something that should be seen in every state in the country where so-called “right-to-work” laws currently exist or are being considered at the ballot box. Click here to watch the video.