Today in Labor History Feb 18 The International Association of Fire Fighters was founded

[Omaha Steve]

February 18

One of the first American labor newspapers, The Man, is published in New York City. It cost one cent and, according to The History of American Journalism, “died an early death.” Another labor paper, N.Y. Daily Sentinel, had been launched four years earlier - 1834

Faced with 84 hour workweeks, 24 hour shifts and pay of 29 cents an hour, fire fighters form The International Association of Fire Fighters. Some individual locals had affiliated with the AFL beginning in 1903 - 1918

And this: February 18, 1918 - The International Association of Fire Fighters was founded, in part to protect the health and safety of its members. Fire fighting remains among the most dangerous occupations in the United States. For more on the IAFF, go to the union's website, www.iaff.org

Labor history found here: http://www.unionist.com/today-in-labor-history & here: http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?history_9_02_18_2011