Today in labor history Jan 10 Mill collapses, trapping 900 workers, mostly Irish women, over 100 die

[Omaha Steve]

January 10

In what is described as the worst industrial disaster in state history, the Pemberton Mill in Lawrence, Mass., collapses, trapping 900 workers, mostly Irish women. More than 100 die, scores more injured in the collapse and ensuing fire. Too much machinery had been crammed into the building - 1860

Birthdate of Mary Kenney O’Sullivan, first AFL woman organizer. In 1880 she organized the Woman’s Bookbinder Union and in 1903 was a founder of the National Women’s Trade Union League - 1864

Wobblie organizer and singer Joe Hill allegedly kills two men during a grocery store hold-up in Utah. He ultimately hangs for the crime despite much dispute over whether he was framed - 1914


January 10, 1980 - George Meany, president of the AFL-CIO, died at age 85. A native of New York City, Meany followed in his father's footsteps and became a plumber. He was a union man from the start and rose through several labor posts, becoming president of the American Federation of Labor in 1952. He presided over the AFL's merger with the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1955.

[Captain Hilts]

1. Wow. I'd never heard of this one. Kinda like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. nt