Today in labor history May 19 It became known as the “Matewan Battle” 10 killed

[Omaha Steve]

May 19

Explosion in Coal Creek, Tenn. kills 184 miners - 1902


May 19, 1920 - Ten people were killed when coal company officials in Matewan, West Virginia, tried to remove striking union workers from coal company housing. The episode, which became known as the “Matewan Battle” is depicted in John Sayles’ film Matewan.

For more information on the Matewan battle
Go to http://matewanwv.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=37&Itemid=49 and http://www.mc.cc.md.us/Departments/hpolscrv/knowlandl.html

The Steel Workers Organizing Committee, formed by the Congress of Industrial Organizations, formally becomes the United Steelworkers of America - 1942

[geiger]

1. The Matewan movie to which you refer is one of the best films I have ever seen.

I recommend it for all union organizers.

[watrwefitinfor]

2. It's right at the top of my list of favorites, too.

I recommend it for EVERYONE. Fantastic movie.
Think I'll watch it again, today.

Wat

[gademocrat7]

3. A movie that I can identify with.

My paternal great grandfather and my maternal grandfather were miners in West Virginia. Both were immigrants who worked very hard at a thankless job.