Today in Labor History—September 1

September 1, 1880 – The utopian communistic Oneida Community ended after 32 years. (From the Daily Bleed)

September 1, 1903 – 30,000 working women from 26 trades marched in Chicago’s Labor Day parade. (From the Daily Bleed)

Walter Reuther (2nd from right) during 1963 March on Washington (from National Archives)

 September 1, 1907 - Walter Reuther was born. Reuther was president of the United Auto Workers from 1946 until his death in 1970 under suspicious circumstances. He was also president of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) prior to its merger with the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Reuther was a supporter of political action and said that “There’s a direct relationship between the breadbox and the ballot box, and what the union fights for and wins at the bargaining table can be taken away in the legislative halls.” (From Workday Minnesota)

September 1, 1934 -- A strike began in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, as part of a national movement to obtain a minimum wage for textile workers. The strike lasted until September 23, and involved more than 420,000 workers, with three of them being killed in the actions. (From the Daily Bleed)

September 1, 1987 – During a nonviolent protest at Concord Naval Weapons Station, formerly Port Chicago (see Port Chicago Mutiny), a Navy munitions train ran over anti-war protester Brian Willson. Willson lost both legs in the incident, but continued to be an active leader in the anti-military movement. The following day, activists dismantled the train tracks in protest. Wilson was later sued by civilian members of the train crew for the "humiliation, embarrassment & emotional distress" the incident caused them. (From the Daily Bleed)