Today in labor history March 07

[Omaha Steve]

March 07

6,000 shoemakers, joined by about 20,000 other workers, strike in Lynn, Mass. - 1860

1868 - The Knights of St. Crispin and a companion group of women workers called the Daughters of St. Crispin organized in 1868. Their goal was to try to regulate the use of machinery in the shoe industry, which threatened handcrafted work. Organizing by groups like the Crispins set the stage for the birth of the Boot and Shoe Workers' Union.

3,000 unemployed auto workers 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 - 1932

IWW founder and labor organizer Lucy Parsons dies - 1942

Musicians strike Broadway musicals and shows go dark when actors and stagehands honor picket lines. The strike was resolved after four days - 2003