Today in Labor History—August 13

August 13, 1889 – London Dock Workers', led by Ben Tillett and John Burns, launched a strike. (From the Daily Bleed)

August 13, 1917 – A General Strike began in Spain. (From the Daily Bleed)

Portrait of Carlos Cortez by Miguel Cortez

 August 13, 1923— Carlos Cortez, Chicano Wobbly, artist and activist was born. He spent two years in prison for refusing to fight in World War II. (From the Daily Bleed)

August 13, 1936 - John Frey, president of the Metal Trades Department of the American Federation of Labor, told the House Un-American Activities Committee that the Committee for Industrial Organization (CIO), was dominated by Communists. His testimony was the beginning of a government-sponsored blacklist and the use of "red scares" to destroy militancy and discredit leaders of the labor movement. (From Workday Minnesota)