Labor history Oct 27 National Negro Labor Council is formed, NYC subway opens 100 workers died

[Omaha Steve]

October 27

The New York City subway, the first rapid-transit system in America, opens. More than 100 workers died during the construction of the first 13 miles of tunnels and track - 1904

The National Negro Labor Council is formed in Cincinnati to unite black workers in the struggle for full economic, political and social equality. The group was to function for five years before disbanding, having forced many AFL and CIO unions to adopt non-discrimination policies - 1951


A. Philip Randolph: A Biographical Portrait is a fascinating biography of great American hero A. Philip Randolph, the most famous African American labor leader of his time. Throughout his career, Randolph used his power and reputation to push for equal rights and pay for African Americans. His persistence during World War II helped pressure President Roosevelt to establish fair employment practices in the defense industries and federal agencies. Later, his intensive lobbying was instrumental in President Truman’s decision to desegregate the armed forces. Read this book and you will be grateful for this remarkable man in our midst. In the UCS bookstore now.

Labor history found here: http://www.unionist.com/big-labor/today-in-labor-history