Today in Labor History—July 2

Denmark Vesey

July 2, 1822 – Denmark Vesey and 34 others were hanged for plotting a slave uprising in Boston. An estimated 9,000 were involved in the uprising, but only 67 were convicted of any offense. (From the Daily Bleed)

Union Poster from Homestead Strike

 July 2, 1892 – Carnegie Steel locked out workers at its Homestead, Pa. plant. (From the Daily Bleed)

Pinkertons surrendering

July 2, 1894 – The U.S. government obtained an injunction against striking Pullman workers. (From the Daily Bleed)

July 2, 1894 – Unionists fought with strikebreakers, Oondooroo Station, Queensland, Australia. (From the Daily Bleed)

July 2, 1897 – Bituminous coal miners began a 10-week strike. (From the Daily Bleed)

July 2, 1890 – Congress passed the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, which was intended to block business monopolies, but ended up being used effectively by employers against unions. (From Shmoop Labor History)

July 2, 1929 – Sandino left for México to seek aid for his Nicaraguan rebels. While in México during early 1920s, he participated in strikes led by the IWW. Inspired by the Wobblies, he returned to foment revolution in Nicaragua, adopting the IWW's black and red syndicalist colors. (From the Daily Bleed)

July 2, 1950 – NYC Teachers Union resigned from the NEA to protest a proposed ban on Communist teachers. (From the Daily Bleed)

July 2, 1986 – A two-day General Strike began in Chile to protest military rule. (From the Daily Bleed)

July 2, 1990 – A General Strike began in South Africa involving close to 3 million participants. (From the Daily Bleed)