Today in Labor History Nov 13 Karen Silkwood was killed, 259 miners died, Miners strike is crushed!

[Omaha Steve]

November 13

259 miners died in the underground Cherry Mine fire. As a result of the disaster, Illinois established stricter safety regulations and in 1911, the basis for the state’s Workers Compensation Act was passed - 1909

A Western Federation of Miners strike is crushed by the militia in Butte, Mont. - 1914

The Holland Tunnel opens, running under the Hudson River for 1.6 miles and connecting the island of Manhattan in New York City with Jersey City, NJ. Thirteen workers died over its seven-year-long construction - 1927

GM workers’ post-war strike for higher wages closes 96 plants - 1945

November 13, 1974 - Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers union activist Karen Silkwood was killed during investigation of a Kerr-McGee nuclear plant in Oklahoma. Her car went off the road when she was on her way to deliver documents to a New York Times reporter.

Labor history found here: http://www.unionist.com/today-in-labor-history & here: http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?history_9_11_13_2009

[valleywine]

1. We so forget the brave ones who fought the good fight. Thanks.

[Omaha Steve]

2. Welcome to the DU & the Labor Forum

I hope you stop by often

OS

[valleywine]

4. I will. I have done some historical readings on the early

reform efforts in the US--mostly child and health related issues.

[AndyA]

3. Re: Karen Silkwood...

It's important to note that when she was found, authorities said it was a one car accident and strangely those documents she had with her vanished into thin air. The car was still intact, no papers blowing around anywhere, etc.

Most believe she was murdered in order to prevent the evidence she had from being revealed. Some believe copies of those documents still exist in the hands of a trusted friend. Why they've never been exposed is anyone's guess, but I'd imagine they will at some point.

Thank goodness there's no limit to prosecuting murder.

[niyad]

5. don't forget, also, that the section of road where the "accident" took place was repaved almost

immediately.

[niyad]

6. thank you, as always. had forgotten friday was the anniversary of karen's death, which

we all know wasn't an accident.

[dcsmart]

7. K & R