Today in Labor History Jan 27 Samuel Gompers born, Mine explosion more than 100 dead, more

[Omaha Steve]

January 27

New York City maids organize to improve working conditions – 1734


January 27, 1850 - Samuel Gompers, the first president of the American Federation of Labor, was born in London, England. He emigrated to the United States as a youth. A cigarmaker by trade, Gompers received some of the education that shaped his approach to unionism through his work on the shop floor, including being a "reader" to other cigarmakers as they worked.

Mine explosion in Mount Pleasant, Penn. leaves more than 100 dead – 1891

First meeting of the International Labor Organization (ILO) – 1920

Kansas miners strike against compulsory arbitration - 1920

A 3-cent postage stamp is issued, honoring AFL founder Samuel Gompers - 1950

A group of Detroit African-American auto workers known as the Eldon Avenue Axle Plant Revolutionary Union Movement leads a wildcat strike against racism and bad working conditions. They are critical of both automakers and the UAW, condemning the seniority system and grievance procedures as racist - 1969

Labor history found here: http://www.unionist.com/today-in-labor-history & here: http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?history_9_01_27_2011