Saturday, October 20, 2012

Today in Labor History—October 20


Emma Goldman mugshot, 1901, after being arrested for her "part" in the McKinley assassination

October 20, 1916 – Emma Goldman was arrested for distributing birth control information. (From the Daily Bleed)

October 20, 1926 – Labor organizer, anti-militarist and socialist Eugene Debs died on this date in 1926. Debs fought for the eight-hour workday, pensions, worker's compensation, sick leave, and social security. (From theDaily Bleed)

October 20, 1947 – HUAC launched its kangaroo court investigations into alleged Communist influence in Hollywood. (From the Daily Bleed)

October 20, 1980 -  Democracy In Action: As a presidential candidate, Ronald Reagan wrote a letter to PATCO President Robert Poli promising that if the union endorsed him, “I will take whatever steps are necessary to provide our air traffic controllers with the most modern equipment available and to adjust staff levels and work days so that they are commensurate with achieving a maximum degree of public safety.” The union naively endorsed Reagan and, within a few short months, President Reagan fired the air traffic controllers for engaging in an illegal walkout over staffing levels and working conditions. (From Workday Minnesota)

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