Today in Labor History—February 15, 2012

1910 Photo of Some of the Strike Participants

February 15, 1910 – “The Uprising of the Twenty Thousand," International Ladies' Garment Workers Union Shirtwaist strike that began September 27 was declared officially over on this date by the ILGWU. By this date, 339 manufacturing firms had reached agreements with the union. 13 firms, including Triangle Shirtwaist Company did not settle. One of the demands of the demands had been for adequate fire escapes and for open doors to the streets for emergencies. In 1911, 146 girls and women were killed in the Triangle Shirtwaist fire. (From the Daily Bleed)

February 15, 1950 – The CIO expelled the Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers, the Food, Tobacco and Agricultural Workers, and the United Office and Professional Workers for “communist tendencies.” (From the Daily Bleed)

February 15, 2003 - 25 million people demonstrated against President George W. Bush’s plan to go to war in Iraq, making it the largest coordinated protest in history. Demonstrations took place in over 100 countries. (From workday Minnesota)