Today in Labor History—March 30

March 30, 1930: 30,000 unemployed marched in New York City. At the time, there was virtually no formal or institutional aid available for the unemployed or poor. Even the AFL did not support unemployment insurance, as it saw itself as the representative of skilled workers only, and could care less about the unskilled and factory workers. Another reason for the lack of government support for the unemployed was that working conditions were so terrible the ruling elite feared that workers would choose the dole over work if given the choice. In New York, police attacked the marchers.

March 30, 1970: United Farm Workers signed the first table grape contract with two growers.

(Sources: Workaday Minnesota, Daily Bleed).

Today in Labor History—February 14, 2012

Frederick Douglas Mural, Belfast

February 14, 1817 - Anti-slavery activist Frederick Douglass was born on this date. (From Workday Minnesota)

February 14, 1903 - President Theodore Roosevelt signed a law creating the Department of Commerce and Labor. (From Workday Minnesota)

February 14, 1903 – The Western Federation of Miners (WFM) went on strike for the 8-hour working day. (From the Daily Bleed)

February 14, 1903 -- US: Composer Abel Meeropol was born on this date in the Bronx, NY. Meeropol wrote the anti-lynching song “Strange Fruit,” was active in the defence of the Rosenbergs, and ended adopting their son after their execution. (From the Daily Bleed)

February 14, 1915 - 8,000 to 10,000 unemployed workers rallied at Gateway Park, Minneapolis, in sleet and slush. (From Workday Minnesota)

February 14, 1949 – Canadian asbestos workers began a six-month strike.

Today in Labor History—March 30

March 30, 1930: 30,000 unemployed marched in New York City. At the time, there was virtually no formal or institutional aid available for the unemployed or poor. Even the AFL did not support unemployment insurance, as it saw itself as the representative of skilled workers only, and could care less about the unskilled and factory workers. Another reason for the lack of government support for the unemployed was that working conditions were so terrible the ruling elite feared that workers would choose the dole over work if given the choice. In New York, police attacked the marchers.

March 30, 1970: United Farm Workers signed the first table grape contract with two growers.

(Sources: Workaday Minnesota, Daily Bleed).

Today in Labor History—February 14, 2012

Frederick Douglas Mural, Belfast

February 14, 1817 - Anti-slavery activist Frederick Douglass was born on this date. (From Workday Minnesota)

February 14, 1903 - President Theodore Roosevelt signed a law creating the Department of Commerce and Labor. (From Workday Minnesota)

February 14, 1903 – The Western Federation of Miners (WFM) went on strike for the 8-hour working day. (From the Daily Bleed)

February 14, 1903 -- US: Composer Abel Meeropol was born on this date in the Bronx, NY. Meeropol wrote the anti-lynching song “Strange Fruit,” was active in the defence of the Rosenbergs, and ended adopting their son after their execution. (From the Daily Bleed)

February 14, 1915 - 8,000 to 10,000 unemployed workers rallied at Gateway Park, Minneapolis, in sleet and slush. (From Workday Minnesota)

February 14, 1949 – Canadian asbestos workers began a six-month strike.

Today In Labor History: March 30

March 30, 1930: 30,000 unemployed marched in New York City. At the time, there was virtually no formal or institutional aid available for the unemployed or poor. Even the AFL did not support unemployment insurance, as it saw itself as the representative of skilled workers only, and could care less about the unskilled and factory workers. Another reason for the lack of government support for the unemployed was that working conditions were so terrible the ruling elite feared that workers would choose the dole over work if given the choice. In New York, police attacked the marchers.

March 30, 1970: United Farm Workers sign the first table grape contract with two growers.

(Sources: Workaday Minnesota, Daily Bleed).

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.