Today in Labor History—January 27

January 27, 1850 – Samuel Gompers, president and founder of the American Federation of Labor was born on this date in London.  (From TWU and Workday Minnesota)

January 27, 1891 – A mine explosion in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania killed over 100 workers. (From the Daily Bleed)

January 27, 1920 – Kansas mine workers went on strike against compulsory arbitration. (From the Daily Bleed)

January 27, 1969 – A group of African-American auto workers in Detroit who were known as the Eldon Avenue Axle Plant Revolutionary Union Movement led a wildcat strike against racism poor working conditions. (From the Daily Bleed)

January 27, 1986 – Hormel workers were locked out for honoring an Ottumwa, Iowa picket line. (From the Daily Bleed)