Today in labor history Feb 6 Seattle -- the first complete general strike in U.S. history!

[Omaha Steve]

February 06

Ironworkers from six cities meet in Pittsburgh to form the International Association of Bridge and Structural Iron Workers of America. Their pay in Pittsburgh at the time: $2.75 for a nine-hour day – 1896

Philadelphia shirtwaist makers voted to accept arbitration offer and end walkout as Triangle Shirtwaist strike winds down. One year later 146 workers, mostly young girls aged 13 to 23, were to die in a devastating fire at the New York City sweatshop - 1910


February 6, 1919 - A general strike began in Seattle -- the first complete general strike in U.S. history. The city's 10,000 Japanese immigrants participated in the walkout, as did longshoremen, trolley operators, even bartenders. Read more about it at http://www.lib.washington.edu/exhibits/Strikes!/exh.html