Today in Labor History—January 29

January 29, 1834 – Chesapeake and Ohio Canal workers rioted on this date, prompting President Jackson to send in troops, the first time American troops were used to suppress a domestic labor dispute. Workers were rebelling because of terrible working conditions and low pay. The canal project had been designed by George Washington and was intended to facilitate transportation of goods from the Chesapeake Bay to the Ohio River Valley. Construction teams were made up mostly of Irish, German, Dutch and black workers who toiled long hours for low wages in dangerous conditions. The use of federal troops set a dangerous precedent that gave business leaders the confidence that they could count on the federal government to quash labor unrest in the future. (From the Daily Bleed and History.com

January 29, 1889 – 6,000 railway workers struck in to demand union recognition and an end to 18-hour workdays. Police and militia busted the strike. (From TWU)

January 29, 1932 - The first state unemployment insurance law was enacted in Wisconsin. (From Workday Minnesota)

January 29, 1936 – Rubber workers engaged in a sit-down strike in Akron, Ohio, helping to establish the United Rubber Workers as a national union. (From Workday Minnesota)

Today in Labor History—January 29

January 29, 1834 – Chesapeake and Ohio Canal workers rioted on this date, prompting President Jackson to send in troops, the first time American troops were used to suppress a domestic labor dispute. Workers were rebelling because of terrible working conditions and low pay. The canal project had been designed by George Washington and was intended to facilitate transportation of goods from the Chesapeake Bay to the Ohio River Valley. Construction teams were made up mostly of Irish, German, Dutch and black workers who toiled long hours for low wages in dangerous conditions. The use of federal troops set a dangerous precedent that gave business leaders the confidence that they could count on the federal government to quash labor unrest in the future. (From the Daily Bleed and History.com

January 29, 1889 – 6,000 railway workers struck in to demand union recognition and an end to 18-hour workdays. Police and militia busted the strike. (From TWU)

January 29, 1932 - The first state unemployment insurance law was enacted in Wisconsin. (From Workday Minnesota)

January 29, 1936 – Rubber workers engaged in a sit-down strike in Akron, Ohio, helping to establish the United Rubber Workers as a national union. (From Workday Minnesota)

Michigan: Crush the Unions and the Unemployed!

Michigan Worker? (Image by AlexStaubo)

Michigan has become the first state in the U.S. to cut unemployment benefits below the 26-week standard set by the federal government. Starting in January, 2012, unemployed workers will only be able to collect benefits for 20 weeks, according to the WSWS. With 44% of unemployed workers out of work for more than six months, and the average unemployed worker requiring nine months to find a new job, this move is a vicious attack on working people.

Michigan has had an unemployment rate of more than 10% for over two years now and the situation is not likely to improve any time soon. Consequently, they will likely see dramatic increases in homelessness and hunger. Many unemployed workers will be forced to accept dangerous, mind numbing, or abusive working conditions for low wages just to be able to stay in their homes. Those lucky enough to have union jobs will start to feel increasing pressure to accept more cuts to their pay and benefits or risk losing their jobs to the increasingly desperate long-term unemployed. Those who choose to go on strike will find a ready army of scab strike breakers willing to cross the picket line for a chance to earn some money.

Yet again, the unions, by their refusal to take a militant stance, are contributing to their own demise.