Today in labor history Jan 25 UMW constitution prohibiting racial, religious and ethnic discriminati

[Omaha Steve]

January 25

Sojourner Truth addresses 1st Black Women’s Rights convention - 1851

The Sheet Metal Workers International Association (SMWIA) is founded as the Tin, Sheet Iron and Cornice Workers’ International Association - 1888



January 25, 1890 - The United Mine Workers Union was founded in Columbus, Ohio, and adopted a constitution prohibiting racial, religious and ethnic discrimination. R.F. Warren of Ohio became the first African-American elected to the union's Executive Board.

January 25, 1915 - The U.S. Supreme Court upheld "yellow dog" contracts, which forbid membership in labor unions. Yellow dog contracts remained legal until passage of the Norris-LaGuardia Act in 1932. At the turn of the century, the term "yellow dog" meant an inferior or worthless person or thing.

16,000 textile workers strike in Passaic, N.J. - 1926